Northern Michigan is the classic Michigan getaway: Lake Michigan beaches, orchard-lined peninsulas, harbor towns and some of the best scenic drives in the Midwest. It has no official borders, but most travelers use the name for the top of the Lower Peninsula’s “mitten,” from the Traverse City area north to the Straits of Mackinac.
Use this page to see what each part of the region offers, then follow the links to our in-depth guides.
Top Destinations in Northern Michigan
Traverse City
The region’s hub, set on Grand Traverse Bay and known as the “Cherry Capital of the World.” It offers wineries, beaches, a walkable downtown and the National Cherry Festival each July. It’s also the easiest base for exploring the rest of the area. Traverse City travel guide →
Leelanau Peninsula
The “little finger” of the Lower Peninsula’s mitten has vineyards, lakeside villages like Leland and Northport, quiet beaches and a lighthouse near its tip.
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
Bluffs rise as high as 450 feet above Lake Michigan here, and the park has beaches, hiking trails and a scenic drive. It’s about an hour or less from Traverse City.
Petoskey and Harbor Springs
These two Little Traverse Bay towns are known for shops, restaurants and beaches. Petoskey is also the place to hunt for the Petoskey stone, Michigan’s official state stone, which is fossilized coral. Harbor Springs is the starting point for the Tunnel of Trees.
The Tunnel of Trees (M-119)
A narrow Lake Michigan shoreline road designated a Scenic Heritage Route, running roughly 20 miles north from Harbor Springs through Good Hart to Cross Village. It’s at its best in fall, though the road is worth driving in any season. Go slowly, because the road is narrow and winding.
Mackinaw City and Mackinac Island
Mackinaw City, at the northern tip of the Lower Peninsula, is the gateway to the Mackinac Bridge and to ferries for Mackinac Island, where motor vehicles have been banned since the late 1890s. Near the city, Headlands International Dark Sky Park is a free place for stargazing.
Best Things to Do in Northern Michigan
- Climb the dunes and walk the beaches at Sleeping Bear Dunes
- Tour the wine regions around Traverse City and on the Leelanau Peninsula
- Drive the Tunnel of Trees in fall
- Hunt for Petoskey stones on the Little Traverse Bay shore
- Take the ferry to Mackinac Island and ride a bike around the island
- Stargaze at Headlands International Dark Sky Park
When to Visit Northern Michigan
- Summer: Beach season, festivals and the busiest crowds. Book early.
- Fall: Color, harvest season and the best time for the Tunnel of Trees.
- Winter: Skiing, snowshoeing and quiet small-town charm.
- Spring: Fewer crowds and lower prices, but some seasonal attractions are still closed.
How to Get Around
You’ll want a car in most of Northern Michigan. Traverse City’s Cherry Capital Airport is the region’s main airport, and the area is also an easy drive from Grand Rapids, Detroit and Chicago. Mackinac Island is the exception once you arrive, since cars are banned there.
Northern Michigan FAQ
What is Northern Michigan known for? Lake Michigan beaches, Sleeping Bear Dunes, cherries and wine around Traverse City, scenic drives like the Tunnel of Trees, and Mackinac Island.
What are the best towns in Northern Michigan? Traverse City, Leland, Petoskey, Harbor Springs and Mackinaw City are popular starting points.
How many days do you need in Northern Michigan? Three to four days covers Traverse City, Leelanau and Sleeping Bear. Add two more for Petoskey, Harbor Springs and Mackinac Island.
When is the best time to visit Northern Michigan? Summer for beaches and water, fall for color and drives.