Northern Lower Peninsula Travel Guide

Tourist 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

Though Lake Manuka may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Natural Golf Course and Marsh Ridge Golf Course.

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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Bay Harbor

Bay Harbor is noteworthy for its waterfront views, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Lake Michigan and Great Lakes Center for the Arts.

Bay Harbor
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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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Bay View

Restaurants, historical sites and lake views highlight some of the notable features of Bay View. Make a stop by Lake Michigan while you're exploring.

Bay View
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Downtown Mackinac Island

If you're spending some time in Downtown Mackinac Island, Lake Huron and Haunted Theatre are top sights worth seeing.

Downtown Mackinac Island
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! (2,359 reviews)
"Great view"

Reviewed on 10 Oct 2025

Hamilton Inn Select Beachfront Mackinaw City
Grand Beach Resort Hotel

Grand Beach Resort Hotel

2.5 out of 5
1683 US 31 N, Traverse City, MI
The price is AU$116 per night from 2 Nov to 3 Nov
AU$116
2 Nov - 3 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this beach hotel in Traverse City. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (2,205 reviews)
"Beautiful view of bay. Great for quick overnight"

Reviewed on 13 Oct 2025

Grand Beach Resort Hotel
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! (1,083 reviews)
"Location is fantastic! Easy to park, walkable to dining and shopping."

Reviewed on 12 Oct 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.
Boardwalk Suites & Residences By Kasa

Boardwalk Suites & Residences By Kasa

2 out of 5
232 E State St, Traverse City, MI
Stay at this aparthotel in Traverse City. Enjoy free WiFi, a rooftop terrace, and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions Front Street and Traverse City ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (47 reviews)
Nice place
"The room was nice and the beds were comfortable. The location was great for being downtown. The room was mostly clean besides garbages weren’t emptied. The communication was a bit off. Unfortunately, we could not see the check in time prior to booking this stay. We did request early check-in, but ..."

Reviewed on 9 Oct 2025

Boardwalk Suites & Residences By Kasa
Bois Blanc Island Lighthouse Home. Iconic Sunset Views of the Mackinac Bridge!

Bois Blanc Island Lighthouse Home. Iconic Sunset Views of the Mackinac Bridge!

Bois Blanc Island
Book a stay at this beach vacation home in Pointe Aux Pins. Enjoy free WiFi, a beach locale, and a garden. Popular attractions The Jewel at the Grand Hotel and ...
10/10 Exceptional! (34 reviews)
"Great adventure! Peaceful, beautiful, well-stocked and comfortable house perfect for spending time with family and nature, while still connected to outside world (if you have to be!)"

Reviewed on 16 Aug 2025

Bois Blanc Island Lighthouse Home. Iconic Sunset Views of the Mackinac Bridge!
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! (562 reviews)
"We had a great stay. It was relaxing and comfy"

Reviewed on 3 Oct 2025

Pinestead Reef Resort
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.

Popular places to visit

Cities near Northern Lower Peninsula

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