Northern Lower Peninsula, MI

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

Traverse City featuring 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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Lake Manuka

When in Lake Manuka, you can plan a visit to Natural Golf Course and Marsh Ridge Golf Course, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Lake Manuka
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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
Mackinac Island featuring night scenes, island images and a bridge

Downtown Mackinac Island

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

Downtown Mackinac Island
Old Michigan state hospital. This tunnel was used for the steam pipes that heated all the buildings. They were similar tunnels that people use to go between the buildings in the winter. Read more https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Traverse_City_State_Hospital

Grand Traverse Commons

While visiting Grand Traverse Commons, you might make a stop by sights like Village at Grand Traverse Commons and Left Foot Charley.

Grand Traverse Commons
Hamilton Inn Select Beachfront Mackinaw City

Hamilton Inn Select Beachfront Mackinaw City

3 out of 5
701 S Huron Avenue, Mackinaw City, MI
The price is ¥14,704 per night from Sep 7 to Sep 8
¥14,704
¥16,321 total
Sep 7 - Sep 8
includes taxes & fees
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! (2,172 reviews)
"The staff were all very friendly and helpful!"

Reviewed on Aug 15, 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! (550 reviews)
"Clean facilities and grounds. Great way to wrap up our UP trip."

Reviewed on Aug 16, 2025

Cedar Hill Lodge
The Baywatch Resort

The Baywatch Resort

3 out of 5
1529 US 31 N, Traverse City, MI
Stay at this 3-star beach hotel in Traverse City. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (2,248 reviews)
"Lake view"

Reviewed on Aug 15, 2025

The Baywatch 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.
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, an in-room coffeemaker, and climate control. Popular attractions Front Street and Traverse City Beach ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (20 reviews)
"Exceptionally well located, clean, and spacious apartment-style rooms. The virtual check-in process was surprisingly seamless. It was also substantially cheaper than traditional hotels in the area for better accommodations than most hotels I’ve stayed in."

Reviewed on Aug 15, 2025

Boardwalk Suites & Residences By Kasa
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 Traverse City Beach ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (102 reviews)
"It was very quiet. Would have been nice to have garbage emptied but nice place."

Reviewed on Aug 3, 2025

Kasa Gold Coast Inn Traverse City
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 Traverse City Beach ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (31 reviews)
"The property was amazing for our family trip to Traverse City! There was plenty of space for our family of five to gather and also to spread out. The kitchen was full-sized and well-equipped, and overal"

Reviewed on Aug 9, 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.

Popular places to visit

Cities near Northern Lower Peninsula