Day Trips in Northern Michigan

Trout Creek’s central location is very convenient to several day trip possibilities. Check out some of these when you visit!

Antiquing adventures

Did you know that there are several wonderful antique shops in the Petoskey – Harbor Springs Area?

The Village of Pellston has a bunch right next to each other and they all offer so many beautiful, cared for antiques. From clocks, furniture, glassware, jewelry and so much more.

Visit Pellston, Then and Now Antique and Consignment House in Petoskey, Joie De vie on M-119 to name a few.

Big Bear adventures

Kayak, Raft or Tube down the Sturgeon river, the fastest river in michigan’s lower michigan. The Kayak trip is 1.5 hour while the rafting trip is 2.5 hours, both using the same route. Big Bear makes it very easy with parking and taking you and your group to the starting point. For all of the info, please visit their website.

Boyne Mountain’s SkyBridge

The new Boyne Mountain SkyBridge is an experience for the whole family. This latest local destination is the world’s largest timber-towered suspension bridge and is 1200 feet long and 118 feet high. The views all year long are amazing and definitely a great photo opportunity.

The Drive From Trout Creek Is 40 minutes. 

HEadlands International Dark Sky Park

In early May 2011, Emmet County was awarded International Dark Sky Park designation for the Headlands property — just the sixth such park in the United States and the ninth in the world at the time. Now there are over 40 dark sky parks worldwide. The Headlands is located just 31 miles north of Trout Creek and well worth the drive. 

The park is open year round 24/7. For more information about the park and the many wonderful programs that they offer please visit their website

Inland Waterway

This 38 mile waterway has been called “one of the most beautiful small boat trips in the country”.

Families will enjoy a day of fun on the water among lakes, rivers & wildlife. Considered federal waters, the Inland Waterway connects Crooked Lake, Burt Lake and Mullet Lake by a series of rivers all the way out to Lake Huron.

Ski boats, pontoons & jet skis are all available for rental at the Windjammer Marina on Crooked Lake.

Kilwins Candy Factory

Have you ever toured a candy factory? It is fun and interesting at the same time. Kilwins Chocolate Kitchen is located in Petoskey, just 15 minutes from Trout Creek. Take your tour and watch how chocolate candy is made. After the free guided tour you are sure to enjoy their free samples!

What are your favorite things in the area to do? “The chocolate tour!”, Asher, June 2018

Lavender Hill Farm

Located In Boyne City, A Nice Drive From Trout Creek, Lavender Hill Farm Is Gorgeous And Offers Music Events, The Sight, Scent And Taste Of Lavender. This Is The Largest Lavender Farm In Michigan And Are Home To 30 Varieties Of Lavender, A Restored Century Owned Barn And Italian Honey Bees.

Check It Out For Yourself When You Visit Us Next 🙂

Photo Credit – Ashley Nestell

Little Traverse Wheelway

The Little Traverse Wheelway offers 26 miles of paved trailway along the shores of Little Traverse Bay with beautiful views, picnic areas along the way and it is only open for non-motorized use. Hikers, cyclists, runners, walkers and inline skaters are welcome to share this quiet trail year round. Ask for a map of the Wheelway at our front desk. You will love your day exploring the bay, Petoskey, Harbor Springs and Charlevoix. For bike rentals, including fat tire bikes, Latitude 45 in Petoskey will set you up! This video is courtesy of the Petoskey Area Visitors Bureau.

Mackinac Bridge

A definite “must see” is the Mackinac Bridge. This beautiful 5 mile bridge connects Michigan’s Lower Peninsula to it’s Upper Peninsula over the Straits of Mackinac. Other than by boat or plane, this is the only other way to reach the U.P.

Since there are so many fun day trips & things to explore along the way, you will not want to miss a trip over this bridge.

Mackinac island

Plan to spend a full day on Mackinac Island. Ride the Shepler’s Ferry from Mackinaw City and prepare to take a trip “Somewhere in Time.”  This gem is a perfect day trip that you will never forget.

Explore the history and the views around the island on bikes or foot. Bike rentals are available. A horse-drawn carriage tour is a great option too.

oden state fish hatchery

The Oden State Fish Hatchery is a short 10 minute drive from Trout Creek. The Hatchery is not only educational but fun for adults and children alike.

The original Fish Hatchery was established in 1921. This complex is one of the most advanced fish culture facilities of its kind.

Feed and view fish at the trout pond, enjoy new interpretive exhibits and interactive displays. See fish through a below ground glass Stream Viewing Chamber in a restored cold water trout stream. Definitely worth the trip!

Pond Hill Farm

Pond Hill Farm is open year round. Relax with a drink while the kids play! Kids will have fun on the teepee climbing wall, slide and swings.  

Seasonal events, brewery and winery are all what make Pond Hill a special place.

This really great day trip is just 10 minutes from Trout Creek.

Soo Locks Boat Tours

The St. Mary’s River Is The Only Water Connection Between Lake Superior And The Great Lakes. However, There Is A Section Of The River Known As The St. Mary’s Rapids Where The Water Falls 21 Feet From The Level Of Lake Superior To The Level Of The Lower Lakes. It Became Necessary For The Construction Of The Sault Locks In Sault Ste. Marie.

The Drive From Trout Creek Is About 1.5 Hours. Not Only Will You Get To Experience The Locks But You Will Also Be Traveling Over The Mackinaw Bridge Into Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.

Tahquamenon Falls State Park

Tahquamenon is the second largest State Park in Michigan offering over 38,000 acres. This wilderness area is preserved in it’s natural beauty with few public roads. The Upper and Lower Falls are two of the most beautiful in Michigan and one of the largest waterfalls east of the Mississippi River. Besides enjoying the falls, the area offers 40 miles of hiking/cross country skiing trails and 13 inland lakes.

Located in the Upper Peninsula near Paradise, this is a 2 hour and 45 minute trip from Trout Creek….definitely worth the drive!

Tunnel of Trees

The Tunnel of Trees is one of the most famous stretches of scenic highway in America. Nothing will top a bike ride or car trip through the Tunnel of Trees in the fall. Summer is a beautiful time of year to experience this 20 mile trek which includes 137 curves. This famous fall color tour is something to experience for sure.

Travel from Harbor Springs to Good Hart (do not forget to stop at the Good Hart General Store for their chicken pot pie and other snacks) to Legs Inn in Cross Village (where you will definitely want to stop for lunch or dinner).