20 Attractions to Explore Near Bear River Valley Recreation Area

The Little Traverse Historical Museum, is a great destination for history buffs. With its extensive collections, the museum offers detailed insights into life in the area over hundreds of years. Visitors can view interesting photographs, artifacts, and documents related to Indigenous people and early settlers. The museum also tells visitors about the region's growing maritime industry with a wealth of interactive displays depicting commercial fishing and lumber production.

Bayfront Park is a must-see attraction for those visiting the area. This stunning park is located on the shores of Little Traverse Bay and offers a wide variety of activities for tourists. Visitors can take a walk along the waterfront or take part in fishing and other outdoor sports such as kayaking, canoeing and sailing. There are also two boat launches in the park that allow visitors to explore the waters around them. Visitors may also want to check out some of the local history exhibits.

The Little Traverse Lighthouse is a remarkable beacon of Michigan's maritime history. Located in Emmet County on the shores of Lake Michigan, it was originally built in 1867 and has been a treasured landmark ever since. This unique structure still stands tall as a testament to traditional lighthouse-keeping craftsmanship and skill. Standing at 65 feet tall, its light can be seen some 23 miles away, making it an essential navigational tool for local ships and boats.

Petoskey State Park, is an outdoor enthusiasts dream. With a stunning lakeside vista along Lake Michigan, the park provides miles of shoreline trails perfect for hiking and biking during the temperate seasons. Picnic tables are available for groups and families to bathe in the sun’s rays and breathe in the fresh air provided by acres of woodlands and hillsides. From winter cross-country skiing across snow-covered fields to camping around beautifully landscaped grounds.

The Andrew J Blackbird Museum is a fascinating tribute to the important role played by Native Americans in the area's history. Its displays offer a wealth of information about local tribes, as well as artifacts from times past. Exhibits include weapons, tools and traditional dress made or used by Native Americans over time. Guests can also explore historic photographs and detailed maps that display the ways this region has been shaped by Indigenous peoples.

The Harbor Springs Lyric Theatre puts on some of the most spectacular musicals and plays in the region. This charming wood-panelled theatre seats nearly 500 patrons per performance and provides incredible entertainment for all ages. From classic Broadway shows to modern takes on popular tropes, there is always something new and exciting at Harbor Springs Lyric Theatre. The cast and crew are all local talent who bring each production to life with remarkable authenticity.

Round Lake offers scenic views and plenty of outdoor activities for those looking to enjoy nature. The lake covers approximately 195 acres, providing ample opportunity for swimming, fishing, and boating. There is an excellent public beach located on its northwest shore that allows sunbathers to enjoy a day at the lake. Other nearby attractions include a variety of local parks and nature preserves, making it easy to find outdoor recreation for everyone in the family.

Walloon Lake,is a stunning lake surrounded by miles of deep forests and natural beauty. This region has been happily home to generations of families and cherished vacationers over its history. The area offers plenty of activities such as fishing, swimming and hiking that can be enjoyed year-round. But there are also many other opportunities for visitors including seasonal activities like skiing, snowmobiling and ice boating.

Crooked Lake is a beautiful and inviting body of water that offers excellent swimming and boating within its crystal clear, spring-fed waters, making it an ideal spot for families or friends looking to spend a relaxing day. In addition to the activities that can be enjoyed on the lake, there is also great fishing as well - northern pike, walleye and large-mouth bass are all plentiful in these waters. Numerous hiking trails also envelope Crooked Lake.

Walloon Lake is an iconic body of water situated in Charlevoix County, Michigan. Home to over 500 acres of clear blue waters accessorized with white pines and hardwoods, this picturesque lake has been providing locals and visitors alike a peaceful retreat for many generations. Located at a higher elevation than the rest of the area and surrounded by rolling hills, Walloon Lake makes for stunning scenery that radiates tranquility.

Nubs Nob Ski Resort is the perfect spot for a winter getaway. Boasting 52 slopes and trails of all difficulty levels, this resort offers endless wintertime excitement for skiers, snowboarders and snowshoers alike. In addition to downhill skiing, visitors can also enjoy snow tubing, Nordic skiing, and scenic chairlift rides that wrap up with a cozy ride down on an old-fashioned toboggan run. With its small-town ambiance, lovely mountain views and excellent lodging and dining options nearby.

Pickerel Lake is a scenic spot that offers plenty of outdoor activities for visitors to enjoy. The beautiful circular lake is ideal for swimming, fishing, and boating. Just beyond the lake's edge lies a vast forest full of trails, perfect for hiking and mountain biking. Many people also come here to observe the stunning array of wildflowers that bloom during the spring months. Nearby boat launches allow easy access to the lake, while campgrounds provide a comfortable stay.

Lake Charlevoix is an inland lake located in Charlevoix County, Michigan. This stunning lake is surrounded on three sides by the rolling hills of northern Michigan, creating beautiful vistas that visitors can appreciate no matter which way they look. With deep blue waters, diverse fish populations and gorgeous shoreline features including cottages, marinas, beaches and more, it's no wonder that Lake Charlevoix stays busy year-round with a variety of recreational activities.

Young State Park, features wonderful views of Lake Charlevoix and its beautiful surrounding area. Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities at the park, from swimming to fishing and boating. There are camping sites available for those wanting to stay longer, as well as picnic areas with grills for day trips. For those looking for more adventure there are many hiking trails and bike paths throughout the grounds. The park is also home to the East Jordan-Charlevoix Bicycle Trail.

The Boyne Valley Trailway is a hiking and biking trail that stretches along 25 miles of pristine countryside. Boasting provided trails for all levels of skill, this unique location serves as ideal getaway in northern Michigan. Visitors can explore fields and forests of the surrounding area, complete with covered bridges and historically significant buildings. In addition to its natural wildlife and scenic views, the trailway offers birders a stunning variety of bird watching opportunities.

Tunnel of Trees is one of the most spectacular views in the world. Located on M-119 between Harbor Springs and Cross Village, it's a picturesque drive through an expanse of beautiful hardwood trees that shape and frame the road for miles. Winding along Lake Michigan's shoreline, drivers can witness the changing of seasons, with brilliant fall colors to the lush greens in summertime. On cool clear days passengers can catch glimpses of strong windswept sand dunes towers.

The Boyne River Nature Area, is a spectacular 686-acre marshland habitat, home to an abundance of wildlife including bald eagles and beavers. Spanning the entire length of Lake Charlevoix's east arm, the nature area supports a lavish diversity of flora and fauna habitats. Its numerous hiking trails are popular with outdoor enthusiasts and birdwatchers alike. Standing at 45 feet above sea level, hiking the Boyne River Nature Area gives visitors spectacular elevated views over the lake.

The Charlevoix Historic Train Depot, is a unique testament to the county's long transportation history. Built in 1921, the depot was a thriving center of commerce until it closed in 1984 as Amtrak terminated its service through Michigan. In 1990, volunteers restored the depot with generous donations so that visitors may learn about and appreciate Charlevoix's railway past. The building, now on the National Register for Historical Places, serves dual purposes.

Castle Farms provides a remarkable experience for all visitors. The castle is an architectural wonder from the early twentieth century originally built by Albert Loeb and was once known as "The Playground of the Midwest." Currently, it serves as one of Michigan's top attractions, offering guided tours of its historic grounds and buildings, shopping opportunities in their multiple stores, and seasonal festivities such as their Victorian Holiday Open House and the Music on the Lawn concert series.

Boyne Mountain Resort, is a great place for a family vacation. Located just north of The Victorian-style Boyne City, the resort offers something for everyone. Whether you're looking to ski or snowboard on over 1,000 vertical feet of terrain or enjoy one of the many pools and hot tubs provided, this resort has it all. During the summer months, head to Alpine Slide or take on Adventure Park with its ziplines and ropes course. There's a selection of restaurants to choose from.