Petoskey Area Media Kit

MEDIA KIT PETOSKEY AREA

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The Petoskey Area is a destination that’s always in season!

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ocated in the northwest corner of Michigan’s Lower Peninsula along the shores of Lake Michigan’s Little Traverse Bay, the Petoskey Area is an eclectic collection of communities including Petoskey, Harbor Springs, Boyne City & Boyne Falls, Bay Harbor, Alanson and Bay View.

Together, they blend charming downtowns, waterfront beauty, historic character, outdoor adventure and relaxed luxury across every season. It’s a place unlike anywhere else in Michigan, with magical moments and unexpected delights tucked around every corner; one of our great state’s only true four-season destinations.

In the Petoskey Area, it’s kinda hard not to see things differently. Come see for yourself - it’s kinda unreal.

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Media Contacts JIM POWELL Executive Director 231.348.2755 Jim@PetoskeyArea.com SARAH WIESE Marketing & Communications Director 231.348.2755 Sarah@PetoskeyArea.com

About the Petoskey Area Visitors Bureau The Petoskey Area Visitors Bureau (PAVB) is the convention & visitors bureau destination marketing organization for the communities of Petoskey, Harbor Springs, Boyne City & Boyne Falls, Bay Harbor, Alanson and Bay View.

WEBSITE PetoskeyArea.com SOCIAL MEDIA Stay connected with us using #PetoskeyArea

PETOSKEY AREA

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PETOSKEY AREA

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seasons of fun

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Beaches

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Wineries

3 State Parks 17

Golf Courses

6 Distilleries

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Parks

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Seasons

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Downtown Districts

Area Lakes, Rivers & Harbors

Miles 470of Trails

31 Lodging Properties

45 Trail

10 Breweries

Systems

3 Ski

Resorts

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Community Events

OUR COMMUNITIES

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ach community in the Petoskey Area brings its own character to this collection of waterfront towns. Together, they create one of the most distinctive destinations in Northern Michigan.

Petoskey Located on the picturesque shores of Lake Michigan’s Little Traverse Bay, Petoskey’s year-round vibrancy, thriving arts & culture and dining scenes, Historic Gaslight Shopping District, and storied history of hospitality make it the heart of the region.

Bay Harbor Nestled along five miles of Lake Michigan shoreline, you’ll find the upscale waterfront village of Bay Harbor with some of the area’s most unparalleled amenities, including luxury accommodations, world-class golf, curated dining experiences, and boutique shopping.

OUR COMMUNITIES

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Harbor Springs Tucked along the north side of Lake Michigan’s Little Traverse Bay is the vibrant resort community of Harbor Springs, boasting locally owned boutiques and restaurants, numerous public parks and beaches, and two of Michigan’s best ski areas – The Highlands and Nub’s Nob.

Bay View

Boyne Falls

Bay View is a National Historic Landmark and famed Chautauqua-style community.

Just north of downtown Petoskey, there are 400+ elegant Victorian cottages, homes, and buildings as part of the Bay View Association.

While all cottages are privately-owned, two historic hotels allow guests to stay in the heart of Bay View year-round. A vibrant programming schedule is available in the summer months.

Just 10 minutes from Boyne City is the quaint village of Boyne Falls, a tranquil setting for fly fishing and kayaking along the Boyne River and the home of Boyne Mountain Resort, where guests can enjoy SkyBridge Michigan, skiing and snowboarding, mountain biking and golf.

Boyne City Wrapped around the north arm of Lake Charlevoix (Michigan’s 3rd largest inland lake), you’ll find the charming town of Boyne City—home to some of the best hiking and biking in the Petoskey Area, some of the most unique community events, and one of Northern Michigan’s best year-round farmers markets.

Alanson Alanson lies just northeast of Petoskey on the banks of the Crooked River—a major link in the 38-mile Inland Waterway that connects several inland lakes and rivers to Lake Huron and welcomes adventure seekers to enjoy quick access to endless outdoor activities.

Please reach out for additional details on each community in the Petoskey Area or visit PetoskeyArea.com.

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GETTING HERE & GETTING AROUND AIRPORTS Pellston Regional Airport (PLN) is approximately 25 miles from the Petoskey Area, making it the closest airport to the region. It is serviced by Delta and United Airlines with daily flights to and from Detroit and Chicago. United Airlines’ direct Chicago flight is only available during the summer months.

Cherry Capital Airport (TVC) in Traverse City is approximately 70 miles - about a 2-hour drive - from the Petoskey Area, with multiple flight carriers to many major metros.

The drive from Traverse City is a beautiful route along the Lake Michigan shoreline.

DRIVE DISTANCES

TRANSPORTATION

Saginaw

170 miles

Grand Rapids

185 miles

Lansing

215 miles

Detroit

270 miles

Toledo

310 miles

Chicago

360 miles

Cleveland

425 miles

Indianapolis

465 miles

Please note that ride share services like Uber and Lyft are very limited in Northern Michigan depending on the season, so plan to use a rental car if you are flying in. Rental car service are offered at both Pellston and Traverse City.

And while public transportation is minimal in the Petoskey Area, there are various taxis and shuttle companies available.

On select dates from June to August, the downtown Petoskey Trolley offers a free, fixed-route service around town. This is a great way to get a lay of the land without your vehicle.

The PAVB team is available to give recommendations for transportation during your visit - please contact directly.

T R A N S P O RTAT I O N LO G I S T I C S

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WHAT IS A

Petoskey Stone?

Hexagonaria percarinata, commonly known as a Petoskey Stone, is a fascinating fossil with a unique appearance and compelling history. Dating back 350 million years, these stones are the fossilized remains of ancient coral polyps.

Their distinctive features include tightly packed, six-sided corallites, each with a dark center, or “eye” surrounded by thin radiating lines.

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he stone’s name has its roots in Native American history. In 1787, a French fur trader and his Ottawa wife named their son Pet-O-Sega, meaning “Rays of the Rising Sun” in the Ottawa language. Pet-O-Sega became a successful businessman, landowner, and wellrespected Ottawa Chief. In 1873, a small settlement on the nearby Bear River was named Petoskey in his honor, cementing the connection between the man, stone, and town.

As Petoskey developed into a popular Victorian-era tourist destination, these unique fossils became sought-after souvenirs. The pattern within each cell of the Petoskey Stone resembles the “rays of the rising sun,” creating a romantic link to the area’s origins and its namesake.

Plus, “I’m bringing you a Petoskey Stone” was much more endearing than “Wait until you see the hexagonaria percarinata I got you.”

In June of 1965, the Petoskey Stone was named Michigan’s official State Stone, and Miss Ella Jane Petoskey, the only living grandchild of Chief Petoskey, attended the formal signing.

As visitors explore the shores and landscapes of Northern Michigan, we encourage all to keep an eye out for these natural treasures that embody both beauty and history.

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YOUR 4-SEASON DESTINATION

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ne of Michigan’s greatest joys is the beauty of our changing seasons. From warm summer days and snowy winter nights to crisp fall air and the freshness of spring, every season brings a new way to enjoy, experience, and embrace the Petoskey Area.

Note: all temperatures are listed in Fahrenheit.

Summer

Fall

Summer is peak season in the Petoskey Area from mid-June to late August—and it’s easy to see why.

As summer melts into Fall, crisp air, vibrant colors, and seasonal flavors reign supreme during the months of September and October. Peak foliage is typically the second week of October, weather dependent, though you can easily track fall color progression with the Petoskey Area Live Webcam.

Biking

Beaches

Fishing

Outdoor Concerts

Golfing

Fall Color Drives Boating

Hiking

Winery Fall Events Tours

SkyBridge Michigan

Farm Fun & Markets

Events & Festivals

WEATHER

WEATHER

Summertime in the Petoskey Area is highlighted by long warm days and cooler nights. Savor those refreshing breezes off the lake!

Fall is a favorite season in the Petoskey Area—the air becomes crisp yet not frigid. Perfect for pumpkin picking and fall fun!

LOW TEMP in the 50s

HIGH TEMP mid to low 80s

LOW TEMP in the 40s

HIGH TEMP upper 50s

FOUR SEASONS

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Note: all temperatures are listed in Fahrenheit.

Winter

Spring

When the leaves fall, temperatures drop and November’s gales blow, Winter settles in with the first fall of snow and generally stretches from mid-November to late March. But, the Petoskey Area knows the right way to Winter, embracing the cold, the snow and of course, the après ski.

And like a breath of fresh air, Spring comes in—sometimes like a lion, sometimes like a lamb—but always with the promising excitement of a new season ahead. It’s a time for firsts - be it your first hike of the year, first round of golf or first sip of a new wine.

Downhill Skiing Light Displays Ice Skating & Snowboarding

Spa Days

Holiday & Winter Events

Cross Country Skiing

Golfing

Trillium Peeping

Petoskey Stone Hunting

Greet Baby Animals

Snowshoeing

WEATHER

WEATHER

With an average of 120-140” of natural snowfall, the Petoskey Area gets quite a bit of lake effect snow and give or take a few weeks, winter typically goes from mid-November to mid March.

Spring weather in Northern Michigan can be fickle, so it’s best to come prepared and bring layers. March and April are cooler, while May and June slowly warm up.

LOW TEMP low teens

Morel Mushroom Hunting

HIGH TEMP mid to high 20s

LOW TEMP upper 20s to low 40s

HIGH TEMP 40s to mid-60s

FOUR SEASONS

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AREA ATTRACTIONS & ACTIVITIES PETOSKEY AREA WATERFRONTS

ERNEST HEMINGWAY

Lake Charlevoix // Anchored by Boyne City in its north arm, Lake Charlevoix is Michigan’s 3rd largest inland lake.

The American novelist, short story writer, and journalist, Ernest Hemingway spent his boyhood summers in the Petoskey Area and it was here that his love of writing blossomed and where he set many of his short stories—specifically The Nick Adams Stories and Torrents of Spring. The Michigan Hemingway Society has developed a walking tour around downtown Petoskey that routes visitors through Hemingway’s footsteps.

Little Traverse Bay // Little Traverse Bay, part of Lake Michigan, is the centerpiece of the Petoskey Area, bordered by the lakefront communities of Petoskey, Harbor Springs, Bay Harbor, and Bay View. Each town has its own marina and harbor, making the Bay a hub for boating and recreation.

Inland Waterway // Beginning in Crooked Lake, the Inland Waterway is a 38-mile water trail that runs through the Crooked River, Burt Lake, Indian River, Mullett Lake, Cheboygan River, and finally out to Lake Huron.

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ARTS & MUSIC

HISTORY IN THE PETOSKEY AREA

Some of Northern Michigan’s premier venues are located in the Petoskey Area, showcasing performing arts, live music, film, and art throughout the year.

— Great Lakes Center for the Arts | Bay Harbor — Crooked Tree Arts Center | Petoskey — Young Americans Dinner Theatre | Harbor Springs — Freshwater Art Gallery & Concert Venue | Boyne City — Odawa Casino | Petoskey

Hit the links at one of 17 impeccable golf courses in the Petoskey Area, the heart of America’s Summer Golf Capital.

This region is home to a captivating historical story and many area museums and cultural institutions dedicated to the preservation of these stories.

— Harbor Springs History Museum — Ephraim Shay Works Museum | Harbor Springs — Little Traverse History Museum | Petoskey — Boyne City Historic Walking Tour — Andrew J. Blackbird Native History Musuem | Harbor Springs

KILWINS CHOCOLATE KITCHEN Did you know that the nationally-recognized brand Kilwins got its start in Petoskey? The flagship store offers a guided tour of their extensive chocolate-making process.

A R E A AT T R AC T I O N S & AC T I V I T I E S

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LAVENDER HILL FARM Revel in the sight, scent and taste of lavender at Lavender Hill Farm in Boyne City, Michigan’s largest lavender farm.

LITTLE TRAVERSE WHEELWAY Expertly maintained by the Top of Michigan Trails Council, the Little Traverse Wheelway is approximately 26 miles of paved trail. Much of this scenic trail runs along the Lake Michigan shoreline from Charlevoix to Harbor Springs, passing through Bay Harbor, Petoskey, and Bay View along the way.

NORTH COUNTRY TRAIL 90+ miles of North Country National Scenic Trail (NCNST) wind through Charlevoix and Emmet Counties and Petoskey is a designated NCT Trail Town.

ODAWA CASINO Try your luck at Odawa Casino in Petoskey, home to 1,000+ slot machines, dozens of Las Vegas-style table games, live music performances, and three dining outlets on-site. Please note that Odawa Casino is a smoke-free gaming experience.

POND HILL FARM Pond Hill Farm is a family-friendly farm located about 5 miles north of Harbor Springs on M-119. More than just a market, Pond Hill is also a winery, brewery, and café with a great selection of wine, beer, and ciders to savor

their Biergarten. Kids and adults alike enjoy their seasonal farm activities including pumpkin patch, an apple cannon, corn maze, trout pond, farm animals, hiking trails, and sledding hill.

SHOP QUAINT DOWNTOWNS & AREA FARMERS MARKETS Petoskey, Harbor Springs, Bay Harbor, and Boyne City are all known for charming downtown areas with local shops perfect for perusing. From May to October, Petoskey and Harbor Springs host weekly farmers markets while Boyne City’s farmers market can be frequented year-round.

TUNNEL OF TREES SCENIC DRIVE The Tunnel of Trees is a 20-mile scenic drive from Harbor Springs to Cross Village and while most popular during the fall months, can be enjoyed any time of year. The winding, narrow road follows the Lake Michigan shoreline from atop scenic bluffs, and the name “Tunnel of Trees” comes from the canopy of trees that cover or nearly cover the road for much of the journey.

PETOSKEY WINE REGION There are 15 local wineries in the Petoskey Wine Region part of the Tip of the Mitt American Viticultural Area (AVA) with a special kind of cold, hardy grape varieties that give us tasty Marquette, Petite Pearl, Frontenac Noir, Riesling, and Cayuga varietals.

Local ride services are available as well.

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SKYBRIDGE MICHIGAN SkyBridge Michigan at Boyne Mountain Resort in Boyne Falls is the world’s longest timber-towered suspension bridge, and continues to be one of the Petoskey Area’s premier attractions for visitors since its opening in 2022. Open year-round, SkyBridge is a pedestrian bridge suspended 100+ feet in the air at the summit of Boyne Mountain with unparalleled views of the Boyne Valley.

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HEADLANDS INTERNATIONAL DARK SKY PARK Located approximately 50 miles north of the Petoskey Area in Mackinaw City, Headlands International Dark Sky Park is one of hundreds of parks dedicated to keep light pollution to a minimum. The park is open 24/7, 365 days a year.

SKIING & SNOWBOARDING —

oyne Mountain Resort brings beginners to experts the thrill B of 65 downhill runs on some of Michigan’s steepest slopes, spread out across 415 skiable acres services by 10 chairlifts. The resort boasts innovative lift technology, with two high-speed chairlifts, D8, the Midwest’s first eight-seater, and the six-place Mountain Express.

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he Highlands at Harbor Springs boast long traditions of T skiing and snowboarding including the greatest vertical in lower Michigan at 552 feet. Two lifts opened in the past two years— Interconnect (opened December 2024) with a focus on smooth and speedy transport and Camelot 6 (opened December 2023) has become the fastest lift in the Midwest and features weatherproof warming bubbles.

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Nub’s Nob is a family-owned ski hill with 53 downhill runs on three peaks. Best known for their snowmaking, Nub’s employs one of the most highly decorated snowmaking and grooming crews in the Midwest—also known as snowfarmers.

MORE WINTER ACTIVITIES The fun doesn’t stop when you take a break from the slopes, and there are plenty of winter activities even if you don’t ski at all.

At places like the Petoskey Winter Sports Park, Avalanche Mountain Preserve in Boyne City, and other natural areas in the region, you can try your hand at: — Nordic Skiing — Snowshoeing — Fat Tire Biking — Winter Hiking — Winter River Rafting A R E A AT T R AC T I O N S & AC T I V I T I E S

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AREA HISTORY NATIVE AMERICAN HISTORY & CULTURE // LITTLE TRAVERSE BAY BANDS OF ODAWA INDIANS The Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians (LTBB), traditionally known as Waganakising Odawak, is a federally recognized tribe whose homelands are the upper Great Lakes and heart is Waganakising, presentday Emmet County. They have lived in this region for thousands of years, with a deep cultural connection to the lakes as people fished, traveled and utilized the water in numerous cultural practices. In 1615, first contact with the French marked the beginning of major disruptions from European contact.

Over the next 150 years, the Odawa would fight to remain in their homeland through conflicts like the Iroquois Wars, Pontiac’s War, the American Revolutionary War, and the War of 1812. Despite the 1830 Indian Removal Act, the Odawa negotiated two key treaties to remain in Michigan: the Treaty of Washington, D.C. in 1836 and Treaty of Detroit in 1855. However, they still faced U.S. assimilation policies aimed at dismantling their traditional ways of life.

By 1920, Emmet County held the state’s largest native population, with Odawa communities in Bay Shore, Harbor Springs, Cross Village, and Petoskey. Many Odawa would go on to fight in World Wars I and II, as well as Korea. In 1948, the Northern Michigan Ottawa Association (NMOA) was formed to seek federal payments, defend fishing and cultural rights, and acted as a de facto tribal government for over three decades.

After decades of advocacy and legal efforts following clashes with the state and non-native fishermen, the tribe secured federal reaffirmation through legislation signed by President Clinton in 1994. Today, the LTBB is a federally recognized tribe that serves its citizens, works with other governments, and continues living on the lands of their ancestors.

Please note: This information shared was provided by the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians. For more information about the tribe, visit their website directly: ltbbodawa-nsn.gov.

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HISTORY OF PETOSKEY AS A TOURIST DESTINATION The Petoskey Area first became a tourist destination in the late 1800’s as resort communities like Harbor Point, Wequetonsing, and Bay View Association began to form, in conjunction with the arrival of the railroad in 1873. Visitors came from throughout the Midwest on trains and steamships to escape the summer heat of sweltering cities or to seek hay fever relief in the cool, clean air that came off Lake Michigan. By 1900, there were 14 hotels in Petoskey that could accommodate up to 2,000 guests on any given night.

The ski industry emerged when Everett Kircher bought land in 1947 to build the area’s first ski resort, now known as Boyne Mountain Resort in Boyne Falls.

Boyne Resorts later expanded to add The Highlands near Harbor Springs as well. Nub’s Nob Ski Area opened in 1958, also near Harbor Springs, and these three ski hills boast some of the Midwest’s best skiing.

Today, the Petoskey Area continues to remain a popular year-round destination visited by people from all over Michigan, the United States and the world to experience the region’s water fun, unique events, ski hills, dining and shopping scene, and thriving arts and culture.

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PHOTO & VIDEO REQUESTS

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he Petoskey Area Visitors Bureau maintains a digital asset library highlighting the seasons, activities, and attractions of the Petoskey Area. In select editorial, promotional, or journalistic contexts, these assets may be provided free of charge. However, the Bureau retains full copyright ownership and must approve any specific use of the images.

Please fill out this Image Request Form to request photos for purposes that promote the Petoskey Area.

PHOTO & VIDEO REQUESTS

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PETOSKEY AREA VISITORS BUREAU 401 E. Mitchell St. Petoskey, MI 49770 231.348.2755 info@PetoskeyArea.com PetoskeyArea.com ©2026 Petoskey Area Visitors Bureau PETOSKEY AREA

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