Mackinaw City, located at the tip of Michigan’s Lower Peninsula, offers a stunning view of Lake Huron and the Mackinac Bridge. Some of our favorite things to do in Mackinaw include touring Fort Mackinac, window shopping, and watching the sun set over the Straits of Mackinac. For more information, visit

https://mackinawcity.com/things-to-do/

Only a 15 minute ferry ride from Mackinaw City, Mackinac Island is car-free and transportation consists of bicycles, horse-drawn carriages, or can easily be covered on foot. Filled with stores, restaurants, and hiking, Mackinac Island is a great place for families. For more things to do on Mackinac, visit https://www.mackinacisland.org/do/.

Located close to the above locations, Headlands International is a great spot to check out as you end your night. When night falls and Michigan’s breathtaking views fade into the darkness, the skyscape opens to one of the greatest star shows in the continental United States. Michigan, and the Upper Peninsula in particular, offers perfect stargazing conditions because the Great Lakes surround the state in near total darkness. The result is an unrivaled viewing experience. Alliefair and I went early on when we were dating, and we saw some amazing meteor showers and the best views I’ve personally seen of stars. They often will have large telescopes that you can take your turn at while guides point out constellations.

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is located about 2 hours from the Otsego Resort and costs $25.00 per car to enter. The hike is roughly 4 miles round-trip; make sure to wear your bathing suit to cool off in Lake Michigan before turning back around!

Sleeping Bear Dunes gets its name from one dune in particular—the Mother Bear. Perched along the edge of the large dune that towers about Lake Michigan, this dune, at one time, resembled a sleeping bear. The Ashininaabek used the Mother Bear as a landmark and tell a story about how she came to be there.

Located about 50 minutes from the Otsego Resort, this farm grows over 30 varieties of lavender. We suggest stopping by on your way to or from Harbor Springs, Petoskey, or Boyne City. For more information, visit https://lavenderhillfarm.com/

Located about 30 minutes from the Otsego Resort, the AuSable River is perfect for families and beginners.

Located about 30 minutes from the Otsego Resort, the the SkyBridge is the world's longest timber-towered suspension bridge. Tickets are $25 online and $30 at the window.

Some of our favorite towns to shop:

Petoskey (50 minutes NW)

Boyne City (40 minutes NW)

Charlevoix (1 hour NW)

Harbor Springs (1 hour NW)

Traverse City (1 hour and 15 minutes SW)

1. Otsego Resort

2. Sleeping Bear Dunes

3. Traverse City

4. Charlevoix

5. Lavender Farm

6. Boyne City

7. SkyBridge

8. Petoskey

9. Harbor Springs

10. Mackinaw City

11. Mackinac Island

12. AuSable River