In like a lion, out like a lamb. Winter is done and though the lion tried to rear its head a bit in the final days of the season, it’s over. Our awesome resorts plan to keep skiers and riders happy right up until April 2, but now snow guns are silent and we’ve shed the winter coats and boots in favor of fleece and tennis shoes.

So now what? I hope you’re anxious to safely travel to the Petoskey Area. If so, here’s my top six list of fun things to do in Spring.

# 1   Zipline Adventure Tour

As a kid, I loved to watch the trapeze performers at the circus, and the Zipline Adventure Tour at Boyne Mountain reminds me of that rush. Obviously, it’s much safer since you’re strapped in while riding, but this is all the fun and excitement of flying through the air at up to 25 miles per hour and 50 feet above the ground. Open weekends in April, this is for adrenaline junkies weighing at least 60 pounds and not more than 275 pounds for safety reasons. Save money and book early!

# 2  Crooked Tree Arts Center

This cultural hub in Downtown Petoskey is a perfect example of what big things can happen in a small town. There are always interesting exhibits – at times including nationally known artists, and the building itself is a work of art with Victorian architecture and stained-glass windows. Rotating exhibits will keep you coming back year after year. For their current exhibitions CLICK HERE.

# 3  Petoskey Stone Hunting

It’s fun, it’s free and anyone can do it! April is a particularly good time to look for the fossilized bits of coral as winter storms toss them around and scatter them along the water’s edge. This time of the year, I suggest you bring an extra pair of shoes and socks. If you’re like me, that one stone you see – ju-u-ust out of reach, will have your feet wet before you know it. Of course, if you get the prized stone – Michigan’s state stone, in fact, you won’t care about the cold and damp (especially if you have more dry footwear).

# 4  Avalanche Preserve

One of my favorite hiking trails is Avalanche Preserve in Boyne City which offers a gorgeous view of dazzling Lake Charlevoix. Avalanche Mountain Preserve gives you the option of climbing 462 stairs up one side of the hill or huffing and puffing your way up a trail on the other side. Well, I huff and puff – maybe you’d just jog up without breaking a sweat! Once at the top, have a seat and soak up the sun and the scenery for a while. Avalanche is also a hot spot for mountain bikers and disc golf players.

# 5  Bicycling

With a multitude of trails in the Petoskey Area, you don’t have to go too far from wherever you may be staying to find a biking route. Travel between Harbor Springs and Petoskey (and beyond) on the Little Traverse Wheelway; ride from Petoskey to Alanson and on into Mackinaw City on the Northwestern State Trail; or head out of Boyne City on one of two different routes. An added bonus are some of the terrific places to stop along most of these routes.

# 6  Harbor Springs Lyric Theatre

backlit building sign reading 'Lyric'

Image Courtesy of the Lyric Theater

This is Michigan. I’d be lying if I said the weather is always conducive to being outside in April. When it’s not, check out this cute little theatre in the heart of downtown Harbor Springs. Just order tickets online and take in a movie with some of the best theater popcorn around and now mini Tom’s Mom’s Cookies too.

If you’re not a winter person, you may just be chomping at the bit to travel. Our hotels, inns and condos, restaurants, and communities are all doing their best to ensure you have a good time. We welcome you to the area with lodging specials to save on your stay.

About the author

Diane Dakins is passionate about all the lakeside communities that comprise the Petoskey Area of northern Michigan: Petoskey, Harbor Springs, Bay Harbor and Boyne City. As assistant director of the Petoskey Area Visitors Bureau, she has “been there – seen that” when it comes to virtually every area attraction. Her blogs give potential visitors the scoop on planning a northern Michigan vacation.