The Petoskey Area is a Michigan treasure nestled on the Little Traverse Bay of Lake Michigan. If you’re looking to plan a summer trip to the upper midwest, it’s the perfect time of year to head to the Petoskey Area and enjoy some outdoor adventures with your family. If your travel group varies in age like ours usually does, with kids family members ranging in age from 8 to 70+, here are a few things that should prove fun for the whole gang.
Biking
Petoskey Area offers lots of places to bike! If you want to take it easy for the youngest and oldest sets, try a calm trail around one of the area lakes. If you’re feeling a bit more adventurous, head to Boyne Mountain Bike Trails. A chairlift can take you AND your bike to the top of the mountain. It’s then your choice to get back down via either a paved trail system or else rugged mountain trails. If you stay at Elvyn Lea Lodge, you can ride your bike through their 44 wooded acres with trails.
Visit a Lavender Farm
Lavender Hill Farm, in Boyne City, is the largest commercial lavender farm in Michigan. Your family can take a tour of the fields, stroll through a lavender labyrinth or cut your own bouquet. You can also do a bit of relaxing while diving into some delicious treats like local hand crafted ice cream, lavender ice tea or chocolate truffles.
Hit the Beach
Beaches are abundant in the Petoskey Area! Plan a simple picnic and hang out at a small beach such as Peninsula Beach a short walk from downtown Boyne City (they have a playground too) or visit the sandy beach at Petoskey State Park, which also has a concession stand during the summer (with limited hours). You can also rent a kayak or paddleboard.
Saddle Up
The beautiful landscapes of the Petoskey Area make it perfect for horseback riding! There are several local companies ready to take you out on trail rides over wooded trails that lead to some beautiful views. If you don’t want to get on a horse yourself, you can watch a polo match at Bliss Polo Club!
Ride the Trolley
You can see the sights of Petoskey from an old-time trolley in downtown Petoskey. During the summer (mid-June to Labor Day) it runs from noon until 9pm on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. There is no charge to ride!
For many more ideas for family travel adventures, visit PetoskeyArea.com.
About Chrysa
We were in fact planning a weekend trip up that way in June. Adding this to our list of places to possibly visit!
I’ve been to Michigan but never up that way. I might have to consider it though, my mom would LOVE that Lavender farm and I’m interested in the biking trails.
Petoskey sounds like a great place to visit. I would go there just to find the rocks I’ve heard so much about there.
These seem like such fun weekend activities, great family fun. I would love to be able to go horseback riding… being in the city this is not something I get to do often.
I want to visit the lavender farm. Only problem is it’s 1,000 miles away from me.
Sounds like a wonderful place to take the family. Horse back riding sounds like fun.
This looks like such a beautiful place!
WOW, can you believe I live right here in Michigan and have never visited the Petoskey Area! I think since the kids will be out of school soon we will make a summer trip to Petoskey, thanks so much for posting this!
Wow this is everything we love to do! And I have always wanted to visit a lavender farm, I had no idea there are some in Michigan!