Northern Lower Peninsula

Travel Guide

Photo provided by Pure Michigan/Rob Strong
Photo provided by Pure Michigan
Photo provided by Pure Michigan
Photo provided by Pure Michigan
Photo provided by Pure Michigan

Embrace the great outdoors in this beautiful part of Michigan, where beaches, forests, vineyards and cities offer year-round attractions.

Bordered by two of the great lakes, the Northern Lower Peninsula has glorious scenery everywhere you look. Swim in summer, ski in winter and experience the welcoming local culture in any season.

Arrive in this region by crossing the Straits of Mackinac by car. This stretch of water where Lake Huron meets Lake Michigan provides plenty of great photo opportunities. Enjoy the views while driving over Mackinac Bridge, which is an incredible 5 miles (8 kilometers) long. Check out the pretty Round Island Lighthouse and watch for passing ships.

Spend more time admiring these beautiful straits by staying on Mackinac Island. This stunning resort town offers a great blend of culture and outdoor activities. Swim in the blue waters of the lake, see a genuine cannon being fired at Fort Mackinac or visit the local museums. Make a trip to the Grand Hotel to see a slice of this island’s history. This impressive establishment opened in 1887 and features one of the world’s largest front porches.

Back on the mainland, stroll through the quaint center of Mackinaw City and enjoy a bit of old-world charm. Shop for souvenirs, eat fresh fish or simply enjoy the atmosphere. Drive to the Historic Mill Creek Discovery Park and experience an afternoon of family fun. See historic reenactments of a working lumber mill, visit an old workshop and glide through the treetops on a zip-line adventure.

Visit Traverse City for even more activities. Dine al fresco in warm summer at one of the fantastic local restaurants and sunbathe on the beach at Clinch Park. Hike at the nearby Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore or ski in winter on snow-covered slopes.

Enjoy a relaxed pace in the city of Alpena. Spend slow summer days perusing museums and having tastings at nearby wineries. Bring the kids to Island Park & Wildlife Sanctuary, cycle along the scenic Alpena Bi-path or cruise the open water on a boat tour.

The Northern Lower Peninsula has enough variety for a great vacation.

Where to stay in Northern Lower Peninsula

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Lake Manuka

When in Lake Manuka, you can plan a visit to Otsego Lake State Park and Otsego County Sportsplex, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Lake Manuka
Traverse City which includes ballooning

Downtown Traverse City

If you're spending some time in Downtown Traverse City, Clinch Park Beach and Clinch Park are top sights worth seeing.

Downtown Traverse City
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Slabtown

If you're spending some time in Slabtown, Lake Michigan and Grand Traverse Bay are top sights worth seeing.

Slabtown
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Harrisonville

While visiting Harrisonville, you might make a stop by sights like Lake Huron and Mackinac Island State Park.

Harrisonville
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Downtown Mackinac Island

While visiting Downtown Mackinac Island, you might make a stop by sights like Lake Huron and Haunted Theatre.

Downtown Mackinac Island
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Indian Woods

If you're spending some time in Indian Woods, Front Street and Grand Traverse Bay are top sights worth seeing.

Indian Woods
Hamilton Inn Select Beachfront Mackinaw City

Hamilton Inn Select Beachfront Mackinaw City

3 out of 5
701 S Huron Avenue, Mackinaw City, MI
Stay at this 3-star beach hotel in Mackinaw City. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our ...
7.8/10 Good! (2,127 reviews)
"Very nice, comfortable, and friendly staff."

Reviewed on Jul 31, 2025

Hamilton Inn Select Beachfront Mackinaw City
Cedar Hill Lodge

Cedar Hill Lodge

2.5 out of 5
680 West US2, St Ignace, MI
Stay at this motel in St Ignace. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
7.8/10 Good! (481 reviews)
"We enjoyed the pool and the firepits. The location was nice. The cost was WAY too much for the condition of the place."

Reviewed on Aug 2, 2025

Cedar Hill Lodge
Delamar Traverse City

Delamar Traverse City

4 out of 5
615 E Front Street, Traverse City, MI
Stay at this 4-star beach hotel in Traverse City. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,033 reviews)
"The artisan restaurant was wonderful! Bed and pillows were great!"

Reviewed on Jul 30, 2025

Delamar Traverse City
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Kasa Gold Coast Inn Traverse City

Kasa Gold Coast Inn Traverse City

3 out of 5
4612 US-31, Traverse City, MI
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly aparthotel in Traverse City. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a business center. Popular attractions Front Street and ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (100 reviews)
Great hotel!
"This hotel was extremely clean and comfortable. The virtual check-in was super easy & convenient. Great choice for staying in Traverse City."

Reviewed on Jul 28, 2025

Kasa Gold Coast Inn Traverse City
Pinestead Reef Resort

Pinestead Reef Resort

4 out of 5
1265 N US Highway 31 N, Traverse City, MI
Stay at this 4-star beach apartment in Traverse City. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a private beach. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (548 reviews)
"Very nice Very good"

Reviewed on Jul 13, 2025

Pinestead Reef Resort
Kasa 539 Bay Street Traverse City

Kasa 539 Bay Street Traverse City

4 out of 5
539 Bay St, Traverse City, MI
Stay at this 4-star condo in Traverse City. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and balconies or patios. Popular attractions Front Street and West End Beach are located ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (29 reviews)
"Property is very well located and utensils great! Couple of suggestions: put a blackout curtain on the master bedroom will help mainly in the Summer and do a deeper floor cleanup between rentals! Nothing worrying but an opportunity! Overall I recommend it and will come back in the future!"

Reviewed on Jul 16, 2025

Kasa 539 Bay Street Traverse City
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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