Beaches

Rivaling the world’s best, Charlevoix offers picturesque, soft sand beaches. Swim, romp or tan – it’s all fun, and soothing to body and soul.

Mount McSauba
One-of-a-kind Michigan rolling dunes that tumble into a wide sandy beach on the Lake Michigan shoreline. Behind the dunes is a series of well-kept trails through a beautiful canopied wooded area. There are no lifeguards or facilities.

Lake Michigan Beach
A favorite spot for visitors and locals alike. Featuring fabulous views of the lighthouse and pier, this beach, which is maintained by the City of Charlevoix, has lifeguards, playground and beach houses for visitors.

Depot Beach

On Lake Charlevoix, adjacent to the old train depot, which is now a historical museum. This beach usually has warmer water than Lake Michigan and the waves are calmer. Depot Beach is located at the end of Mercer Boulevard off U.S. 31 and has lifeguards, playground equipment, restrooms and picnic areas.

Ferry Avenue Beach
Ferry Beach is also located on Lake Charlevoix. The gently sloping, sandy swimming area is a popular spot for families. Ferry Beach offers lifeguards, playground equipment, a concession, picnic areas and restrooms. The beach can be reached by taking Stover Road east off of M-66, or Belvedere Avenue from downtown.

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Parks and Museums

East Park
Renovated in 2008, the park is beautifully kept and ideally located to host many of the downtown events. Featuring the Odmark Music Pavilion, nestled between the Round Lake yacht basin and downtown, this grassy haven is the venue for Charlevoix’s concert series. Voted one of the top ten public spaces in America.

Pine River Channel
A lovely stroll on Park Avenue and along the river channel takes you to the Earl Young hobbit homes and wonderful views of the Charlevoix South Pier and Lighthose. A great place to watch

Harsha House Museum
The Victorian style house, built in 1891, was donated to the Charlevoix Historical Society in 1978. The museum includes: 3 Victorian period rooms, 10,000 historic photos, local history artifacts, 1917 working player piano, local oral history collection, local family history collection, local history research materials, U.S. Census on CD's, Sanborn Fire maps on micro-film, and Gray's Reef Lighthouse Third and One-half Order Fresnel Lens.Museum
Hours: Mid-June to Labor Day, Monday - Saturday 1 to 4 p.m.;
Fall, Winter, Spring, Tuesday and Saturday 1 to 4 p.m.

Railroad Depot Museum
The train depot, located across from Depot Beach, was donated to the Charlevoix Historical Society in June, 1992, on the 100th anniversary of the arrival of the first passenger train in Charlevoix. The Charlevoix Area Garden Clubs are developing a Heritage Garden on the grounds based on historic garden principles and utilizing local cuttings wherever possible.

Earl Young Homes
Some call them "Fairy Houses" because they possess storybook whimsy; others call them "Mushroom Houses" because of their irregular shapes. By any name, the stone houses of Charlevoix are an amazing legacy to one of Michigan's most fascinating builders. Born in 1889, Earl Young grew up in Charlevoix, walking the shorelines collecting interesting rocks -- a pastime that grew into a passion. A visionary, who would make sketches and then often have his wife follow with precision drawings from which the houses were built. The construction of the buildings, utilizing the boulders left behind by the great glacier, are a unique architectural accomplishment.  Included are the turreted Weathervane and Lodge motels, the rustic Weathervane Restaurant, and story-book homes on Round Lake, Park Avenue, and in Boulder Park. Earl Young left a lasting legacy on Charlevoix. The houses and buildings he created continue to fascinate visitors when they see the wave-like rooflines and inimitable stonework that have become his trademarks.

Castle Farms
Castle Farms is a Renaissance castle with magnificent stone towers, fragrant gardens and cobblestone courtyards - the perfect place to get a petit taste of European romance! The host of many elegant weddings, corporate events, festivals, and visiting tourists - Castle Farms has something to offer everyone. Historic Castle & Garden Tours are available from 10am – 4pm daily except on event days. The one and a half hour walking tour of the Castle and surrounding gardens is fully handicap accessible, and also features a children’s treasure hunt. The tour includes a video and map of the Castle, exhibits and surrounding gardens. The Hedge Maze and tower bridge lead to an aerial view of the Garden Railroad with eight trains running on three levels. While visiting the Castle, enjoy lawn games, feeding trout in a pond and exploring the Enchanted Forest. Unique and whimsical gifts are available in the Castle Gift Shop. You may want to link your visit to one of our Festivals or Shows listed on www.castlefarms.com, or call 231-237-0884 for more information.

Raven Hill Discovery Center
Raven Hill Discovery Center is a hands-on learning environment in science, history and the arts, for children and adults. It is open year round on Saturday 12 to 4:00 p.m., Sunday 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Memorial Day through Labor Day:  Monday - Friday 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Admission price is $6.00 per person -- except for babies in backpacks or strollers -- and includes time in the hands-on museum, a visit with the animals, access to the one room schoolhouse and outdoor exhibits such as Beyond Jurassic Park and the Stone Labyrinth.  The average visit is one and a half to two hours.  Exhibits are appropriate for all ages.  Gift shop and picnic area available.
www.ravenhilldiscoverycenter.org

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Day Trips/Orchards

Beaver Island
The most remote inhabited island in the Great Lakes, with a quirky history and fascinating shops. Getting to the Island and back is part of the fun!
Beaver Island Chamber of Commerce — 231-448-2505
www.beaverisland.org
Beaver Island Boat Company — 888-446-4095
www.beaverislandboatcompany.com
Island Airways — 800-524-6895; 231-547-2141
www.islandairways.com

Ironton Ferry

Established in 1876, the ferry crosses Lake Charlevoix's South Arm, five miles south of Charlevoix.  A unique and quaint ferry, operated by a cable, it’s been a part of many visitors Charlevoix experience.  The ferry operates late spring through early fall, 6:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.  The cost is $3.25 per car, $.50 per person without a vehicle or bicycle, $1.00 per person with a bicycle.

Friske Farm Market

Orchards, farm cafe, bakery, farm market, General Store and Country Haus
10743 N. U.S. 31 @ Atwood Rd.
Ellsworth, MI 49729
231-599-2604  

Royal Farms

Orchards, cherry concentrate, baked goods, wine tastings
10445 N. U.S. 31
Ellsworth, MI 49729
231-599-3222

Kiteleys Farm Market
"U-pick"strawberries and raspberries, herbs, flowers, and farm animals
03805 Brock Rd.
Charlevoix, MI 49720
231-547-2318
 
Cherry View Orchards
Elk Rapids, MI
Antrim County
Phone: 231-264-9807

Altonen Orchards
11882 S. US-31
Elk Rapids, MI 49690
Antrim County
Phone: 231-264-8052


 

Leelanau Peninsula
Old Mission Peninsula
Mackinac Island/Mackinaw City
 

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