Empire Hotels

Top reasons to visit Empire

• Stunning Empire Bluff Trail: Experience breathtaking views and invigorating hikes along the scenic Empire Bluff Trail.
• Outdoor Adventures: Engage in exhilarating skiing and surf clinics, perfect for adventure enthusiasts.
• Charming Beaches: Relax on idyllic beaches, ideal for sunbathing and picnics with family or friends.
• Natural Wonders: Explore nearby national and state parks, showcasing the region's stunning landscapes.
• Welcoming Accommodation: Choose from a variety of motels and unique agritourism properties for a delightful stay.

Find great hotels in and around Empire

Discover the charm of Empire, Michigan, where a variety of accommodation options await, from welcoming motels to unique agritourism properties. Perfect for families and adventure-seekers alike, the region offers a delightful beach vacation experience. Whether you’re seeking the best Empire hotels or specific insights such as reviews and amenities, you’ll find everything you need for a memorable stay in this picturesque lakeside town.

• Empire Lakeshore Inn: Embrace a delightful beach vacation experience at Empire Lakeshore Inn, a charming motel nestled right in the heart of Empire. This property is perfect for families seeking fun and relaxation, offering direct access to the stunning beach. With a focus on family-friendly amenities, guests can enjoy nearby sledding and essential services like a first aid kit. The inn’s inviting atmosphere and proximity to the water make it an ideal spot for families looking to create lasting memories.
• Harbor Lights Resort: Located a mere 24.1km from Empire, Harbor Lights Resort invites guests to unwind and soak in the coastal charm. This hotel is designed for those who crave a beach getaway, boasting direct access to the sandy shores. The serene setting, combined with a range of comfortable accommodations, ensures that visitors can fully immerse themselves in the beauty of the surrounding landscape. Perfect for couples or families, this resort offers a tranquil retreat where relaxation is the main agenda.
• Hotel Frankfort & Restaurant: Situated 24.1km from Empire, Hotel Frankfort & Restaurant is a well-rated 3-star hotel that combines comfort with culinary delights. Guests can indulge in a variety of dining options, including a bar and restaurant, making it a wonderful choice for food lovers. The hotel also provides entertainment facilities such as televisions, flatscreen TVs, and cable TV for those leisurely evenings. With its inviting atmosphere and convenient amenities, this hotel is ideal for travellers looking to explore Frankfort while enjoying a pleasant stay.

Where to stay near Empire

Empire, Michigan, offers a picturesque escape for those seeking scenic beauty and outdoor adventures. Just a stone's throw away, you'll find idyllic picnic areas and charming beaches perfect for relaxation. Stroll through the friendly neighbourhoods and experience the warm atmosphere, ideal for family outings or romantic getaways. With its unique blend of adventure and tranquility, Empire promises memorable excursions that will leave you enchanted.

• Glen Arbor: Nestled a mere 11.3km from Empire, Glen Arbor is a charming city renowned for its stunning scenery and outdoor experiences. This picturesque locale attracts visitors primarily from June to August, offering a romantic atmosphere perfect for couples. Outdoor enthusiasts will revel in the nearby recreational areas, ski resorts, and the breathtaking national park. With its pristine lakes and lush landscapes, Glen Arbor is a haven for nature lovers seeking both tranquillity and adventure.
• Maple City: Located 16.1km from Empire, Maple City offers a delightful blend of scenic beauty and outdoor adventure, making it a moderately seasonal destination. Peak tourist seasons occur from June to August, drawing visitors eager to explore the region's recreational areas and ski resorts. The charm of Maple City is enhanced by its proximity to stunning lakes and national parks, providing ample opportunities for hiking, skiing, and enjoying the great outdoors. Whether you're seeking a thrilling adventure or a peaceful retreat, Maple City has something for everyone.
• Honor: Just 16.1km away from Empire, Honor is a quaint city that captivates visitors with its beautiful scenery and adventurous spirit. The peak travel months fall between June to July and October, attracting those who appreciate outdoor activities. With easy access to ski resorts and recreational areas, Honor is an excellent spot for thrill-seekers and nature enthusiasts alike. Surrounded by picturesque lakes and national parks, this charming city invites exploration and relaxation in a stunning natural setting.

Things to do near Empire

Empire, Michigan, offers a picturesque setting perfect for outdoor adventures. Visitors can explore the stunning Empire Bluff Trail, engage in exhilarating skiing at local resorts, and participate in surf clinics for an unforgettable experience. The area is ideal for a memorable stay, providing a blend of natural beauty and recreational activities that cater to all adventure seekers.

Shopping

Empire offers charming local shops for unique gifts and souvenirs. If you're up for a drive, the Village at Grand Traverse Commons and Grand Traverse Mall, both 33.8km away, provide a variety of entertainment, dining, and shopping options for a delightful day out.

Recreation

At Crystal Lake Golf Club, enjoy a round of golf amid picturesque scenery, perfect for sports enthusiasts. For a serene retreat, Almira Township Park offers peaceful trails and opportunities for relaxation in nature. Mistwood Golf Course provides another excellent golfing experience surrounded by stunning landscapes.

Adventure

Explore the Empire Bluff Trail, a scenic hiking path located 1.3km from Empire, offering stunning views of Lake Michigan. For winter fun, head to Crystal Mountain, a ski resort 32.2km away, perfect for skiing adventures. Families can enjoy the Great Wolf Lodge Water Park, situated 33.8km from Empire.

Nightlife

Experience the charming nightlife of Empire by visiting the Old Town Playhouse, a delightful theatre located 35.4km away. Enjoy a captivating performance that embodies romance and culture, making for a perfect evening filled with entertainment and local flair.

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Empire

For a budget-friendly trip to Empire, Michigan, visit during the cheaper months of January to March, and aim to book your hotel about a month in advance for the best rates. Tuesdays typically offer the lowest prices for stays, while Fridays are the most expensive. Consider using Expedia's search tool to filter by budget and hotel type, and look out for last-minute deals. Combining your hotel booking with flights and activities through an Expedia package can also lead to significant savings. Enjoy free local attractions and explore the area using public transport to keep costs down.

• The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The hotel pricing in Empire is moderately seasonal. The cheapest months to stay in Empire are January to March, where the prices are moderately lower. This is in comparison to June to August, where prices are moderately higher.
• The best time to book a hotel: Booking a hotel in Empire about 1 month out from when you are planning to stay is usually when prices are lowest. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals for hotels, look out for the green banner below the price, as this indicates a cheaper deal.
• The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay in Empire is Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay in Empire is Friday.
• Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia's search tool enables you to specify your budget, desired location, and other preferences. You can sort your search results to display prices from lowest to highest, ensuring you see the most affordable hotels first. Additionally, you have the option to narrow down your choices by hotel type; for instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels that you can book.
• Consider bundling your trip: You can potentially save money by combining your Empire hotel reservation with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.

Find the best attractions in and around Empire

Empire, Michigan, is a delightful destination for those seeking scenic beauty and outdoor adventures. With its stunning lakes, the nearby national and state parks, and a charming maritime museum, visitors can indulge in a variety of activities. Whether you're after a beach experience or exploring the wonders of nature, Empire offers an array of attractions to satisfy your adventurous spirit and love for picturesque landscapes.

• Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore: This stunning national park, located 6.4km from Empire, showcases breathtaking landscapes of towering dunes, lush forests, and pristine beaches. Adventure seekers can enjoy hiking, photography, and even canoeing in the scenic waters, all while soaking in the natural beauty of the area.
• Little Glen Lake: Nestled within Empire, this picturesque lake offers a romantic escape with its sandy beaches and tranquil waters. Ideal for sunbathing, swimming, or leisurely picnics, Little Glen Lake provides a perfect setting for couples and families alike to unwind and enjoy the outdoors.
• Philip A. Hart Visitor Center: Situated in Empire, this family-friendly visitor centre serves as an excellent starting point for exploring the region. Featuring informative exhibits and knowledgeable staff, visitors can learn about local wildlife and discover outdoor activities to enhance their adventure.

Best time to go to Empire

The best time to visit Empire can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature in Empire falls in August, when visitor numbers are high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. The coolest average temperature in Empire falls in February, visitor numbers are average and weather is very cloudy with no rain.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Occupancy	Pricing
January	23.4°F (-4.8°C)	No Rain	Very Cloudy	Low	Moderately Low
February	22.3°F (-5.4°C)	No Rain	Very Cloudy	Average	Moderately Low
March	30.9°F (-0.6°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Moderately Low
April	40.3°F (4.6°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
May	52.0°F (11.1°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
June	61.0°F (16.1°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	High	Moderately High
July	67.5°F (19.7°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	High	Moderately High
August	67.6°F (19.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	High	Moderately High
September	61.5°F (16.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
October	50.2°F (10.1°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
November	39.0°F (3.9°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Low	Average
December	30.2°F (-1.0°C)	Light Rain	Very Cloudy	Low	Average

The nearest major airports for your trip to Empire

When visiting Empire, Michigan, you can conveniently fly into two major airports. Traverse City, MI (TVC-Cherry Capital) is located 38.6km away and offers several hotel options such as the Grand Traverse Resort And Spa, a 3.5-star resort 8.0km from the airport, and Hotel Indigo Traverse City, also 3.5 stars, situated 4.8km away. Additionally, Cambria Hotel Traverse City, 3.2km from TVC, provides easy access. Alternatively, Manistee, MI (MBL-Manistee County-Blacker) is about 61.2km from Empire, with nearby hotels including Microtel Inn & Suites, just 3.2km from the airport, and Baymont by Wyndham, 6.4km away, both facilitating convenient airport access.