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

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

Lake Manuka
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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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

If you're spending some time in Harrisonville, Lake Huron and Mackinac Island State Park are top sights worth seeing.

Harrisonville
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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
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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 S$230 per night from 27 Jul to 28 Jul
S$230
27 Jul - 28 Jul
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! (2,061 reviews)
Decent place to stay
"The ladies at check in was very sweet and helpful. They couldn’t find my reservation but found it soon and got me checked in. The room was a decent size but probably could use a little bit of updating. The beds and pillows definitely need updating. I have no problem with the employees. They were ..."

Reviewed on 3 Jul, 2025

Hamilton Inn Select Beachfront Mackinaw City
Mission Point Resort
Mission Point Resort
3.5 out of 5
One Lakeshore Drive, Mackinac Island, MI
Book a stay at this spa resort in Mackinac Island. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and 3 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,004 reviews)
"Nice area. Great location. However the person stay above my room made too much noise past midnight."

Reviewed on 1 Jul, 2025

Mission Point Resort
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! (1,013 reviews)
"This is our hotel of choice when we stay up in the Traverse Area. Our kids love the heated outdoor pool and the option for the indoor pool/spa if the weather doesn't cooperate. It's also walkable to downtown or they have a shuttle. We were bummed that they took away the complimentary breakfast (we ..."

Reviewed on 2 Jul, 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 Traverse City Beach ...
9/10 Wonderful! (88 reviews)
Perfect!
"A quick overnight trip. Bed was very comfortable, location was right on an all-purpose paved trail, and the hotel faced the water. There were even bikes to ride! Beautiful!"

Reviewed on 24 Jun, 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! (26 reviews)
"Beautiful room with a great view"

Reviewed on 2 Jul, 2025

Kasa 539 Bay Street 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! (544 reviews)
"Love the view and private beach!! Beautiful sunset 🌅"

Reviewed on 29 Jun, 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.

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