Media Kit
Located in the Northwest corner of Michigan’s Lower peninsula, you’ll find our eclectic collection of communities —Petoskey, Harbor Springs, Boyne City, Bay Harbor, Boyne Falls, Alanson, and Bay View.
Thank you for considering coverage of our incredible area. This media kit features some of our favorite activities, attractions, and key stats about the Petoskey Area to support your research and storytelling. If you have additional questions, need more information, or would like to arrange an interview, please contact us directly— we are happy to help. WEBSITE
Media Contacts
JIM
231.348.2755
jim@petoskeyarea.com
231.348.2755
sarah@petoskeyarea.com
SOCIAL MEDIA
Stay connected with us using #PetoskeyArea
Photo & Video Requests
The 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.
Our Communities
Each community in the Petoskey Area brings a unique personality to our mosaic of towns. Learn about how each works together to create this beautiful corner of Michigan’s Northwestern Lower Peninsula.
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.
Bay View
Bay View is a National Historic Landmark and famed Chautauqua-style community just north of downtown Petoskey with 500 elegant Victorian cottages, homes, and buildings as part of the Bay View Association. While all cottages are privately -owned residences, two historic hotels allow guests to stay in the heart of Bay View year-round to enjoy the vibrant arts, cultural, educational, and spiritual programming that has distinguished them for over a century.
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—a place 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.
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.
Boyne Falls
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 skiing and snowboarding, mountain biking and golf.
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 to Lake Huron - and welcomes adventure seekers to enjoy quick access to endless outdoor activities.
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.
Cherry Capital Airport (TVC) in Traverse City is approximately 70 miles 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
SKIP THE TRAFFIC!
If you’re looking to get a lay of the land without sitting in your vehicle, look no further than the Petoskey Trolley. This free, fixed-route service takes you around downtown Petoskey, on select dates from June to August.
Looking for another way to avoid traffic?
Skip the roads altogether! The Little Traverse Bay Ferry Company’s Miss Lauren is an open-air water taxi transportation service that routes between Petoskey, Harbor Springs, and Bay Harbor on a fixed schedule.
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.
The 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 well-respected 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.
Your 4-Season Destination
One 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.
Summer
Summer is peak season in the Petoskey Area from mid-June to late August—and it’s easy to see why.
Fall
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 PAVB Live Webcam.
WEATHER
Summertime in the Petoskey Area is highlighted by long warm days and cooler nights. Savor those refreshing breezes off the lake!
LOW TEMP HIGH TEMP in the 50s mid to upper 70s
WEATHER
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 HIGH TEMP in the 40s upper 50s
Winter
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.
Spring
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 of firsts, be it your first hike of the year, first round of golf, first sip of a new wine, and more.
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.
LOW TEMP HIGH TEMP low teens mid to high 20s
WEATHER
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 HIGH TEMP upper 20s to low 40s 40s to mid-60s
Golfing Trillium Petoskey Stone Greet Baby Morel Mushroom Peeping Hunting Animals Hunting
Downhill Skiing Light Displays Ice Skating Holiday & Winter Cross Country & Snowboarding Events Skiing
Spa Days Snowshoeing Shopping
Area Attractions & Activities
PETOSKEY AREA WATER ACTIVITIES
Lake Michigan’s 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.
Lake Charlevoix // Anchored by Boyne City in its north arm, Lake Charlevoix is Michigan’s 3rd largest inland lake.
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.
ARTS & MUSIC
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 at The Highlands | Harbor Springs
— Freshwater Art Gallery & Concert Venue | Boyne City
— Odawa Casino | Petoskey
ERNEST HEMINGWAY
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.
17 AREA GOLF COURSES
Hit the links at one of 17 impeccable golf courses in the Petoskey Area, the heart of America’s Summer Golf Capital.
HISTORY IN THE PETOSKEY AREA
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 self-guided tour of their extensive chocolate-making process.
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 yearround.
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.
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.
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
• Boyne Mountain Resort brings beginners to experts the thrill 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.
• The Highlands at Harbor Springs boast long traditions of 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.
• 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
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, present-day 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,
Please note: the information shared below was provided by the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians. For more information about the tribe, visit their website directly: ltbbodawa-nsn.gov.
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 reaffirma-
tion 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.
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 non-air conditioned 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, dining and shopping scene, and thriving arts and culture.
The Petoskey Area Visitors Bureau (PAVB) is a convention & visitors bureau destination marketing organization for the communities of Petoskey, Harbor Springs, Boyne City, Bay Harbor, Boyne Falls, Alanson, and Bay View. To learn more about the Petoskey Area, find additional media information, or to start planning a trip, visit PetoskeyArea.com.
