EMMET COUNTY michigan
Petoskey ▪ Harbor Springs ▪ Mackinaw City
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The Petoskey Stone, an elusive fossil still washing ashore in Emmet County. It’s also Michigan’s state stone.
Shaped by the Great Lakes, defined by the spirit of its people and blessed with abundant natural resources and a history like no other place in the U.S., Northwest Michigan is a region that will keep you coming back to its shores, season after glorious season Up North ...
Where Quality of life is Everything. 2
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www.emmetcounty.org ▪ 231-348-1704
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The Mackinac Bridge connects Michigan’s two picturesque Peninsulas.
Welcome to Emmet County, Michigan! And, welcome to our mini Visitor’s Guide! In these pages, we’re going to give you a snapshot tour of Emmet County’s most special amenities, from our International Dark Sky Park at the Headlands to our vast, connected trail network, to our parks and beaches, towns and natural resources. This is a special place, tucked into the top of Michigan’s mitten in the Northwest corner, a place where sunsets and fall foliage are so radiant and colorful they will nearly cause you to drive off the road if you’re not careful. It’s a place that for centuries has been home to the Odawa Indian tribe and the descendants of settlers from French and British beginnings. Here, the outdoors is yours to explore thanks to foresight and commitment from local officials who think one of the best things we can do for the public is to provide access to lakes, rivers, nature preserves, trails, parks and all the points in between. Here, there’s no shortage of scenery as you traverse our 460 square miles, from the tip of the Lower Peninsula at the Mackinac Bridge, to quaint little Good Hart on the west, the famed Inland Waterway at our east, and Petoskey and Bay Harbor to the south. We hope you enjoy your tour of Emmet County! If we can provide you with any other complimentary materials (maps, brochures, etc.) for your planning purposes, please don’t hesitate to ask! (231) 348-1704 ▪ info@emmetcounty.org With warm regards from Up North, Michigan Beth Anne Eckerle Emmet County Communications Director Produced by the Communications Department of Emmet County, Michigan ▪ 200 Division St. Petoskey, MI 49770 Content inquiries: (231) 348-1704 or info@emmetcounty.org
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Exceptional Emmet C Petoskey ▪ Harbor Springs ▪ Mackinaw City ▪ Bay Harbor ▪ Pellston ▪ Alanson ▪ Good Hart
Miles to Emmet County from ... Detroit Lansing Grand Rapids Traverse City Marquette Alpena Port Huron South Haven Sault Ste. Marie Chicago Indianapolis St. Louis Cincinnati
250 210 185 70 200 100 270 240 93 360 450 630 500
Harbor Point
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t County!
U.S. 2 Mackinac Bridge
Mackinac Island
U.S. 31→ I-75 • Petoskey M-32•Gaylord
I-75
U.S. 131
Main transportation routes: U.S. 131, U.S. 31, I-75 Pellston Regional Airport
•Grayling
127 Grand Rapids
•
See County road map, pg. 21
Kalamazoo
I-94
•
I-75 Lansing
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69
I-94
Detroit
•
I-75 Note: Map is approximate/not to scale
Harbor Springs
Some things to know about us ▪ We have about 33,000 year round residents and in the summer months, about 100,000 thanks to our resort communities and tourists. ▪ The county is about 460 square miles, roughly half of which is water! ▪ County seat: Petoskey, population 6,000 ▪ Average annual snowfall: about 110 inches. That’s why we have two ski resorts, Nub’s Nob and Boyne Highlands, both in Harbor Springs ▪ Five downtowns feature great shopping, dining and adventures: Petoskey, Harbor Springs, Bay Harbor, Mackinaw City and Alanson ▪ Dozens of parks, beaches and nature preserves are open to the public ▪ Miles and miles of trails are paved smooth for safe riding, walking and running
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“The more abundantly the harmony of the cosmos fills the soul, the more peace and harmony there will be on the Earth.� Rudolf Steiner
Where great lakes meet deep dark skies ... 15675 Headlands Road, Mackinaw City
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The Headlands International Dark Sky Park
I
n May 2011, the Headlands park in Emmet County became one of just a dozen International Dark Sky Parks in the WORLD! Emmet County has owned the 600-acre parcel in Mackinaw City since the early 1990s, and it has long been a popular park that is free and open to the public. Designation as an International Dark Sky Park has brought new attention and thousands of new visitors!
Emmet County offers free monthly programs featuring For a current program topics related to astronomy, celestial events, star lore, nabrochure, trail maps tive cultural tales - sometimes all in one exciting evening! and other info about Dark Sky Park Program Director Mary Stewart Adams the Headlands: hosts these informational and entertaining programs that info@emmetcounty.org include dark sky observation in one of the darkest natural or call (231) 348-1704 environments in Michigan and the Midwest. Programs are held throughout the year and take place rain, snow or shine.The public is also welcome to use the park 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, all year ‘round. There is no admission fee or pass required. During the daylight hours at Headlands, 5 miles of trails are maintained year round for recreation enthusiasts to enjoy. A Dark Sky Discovery Trail follows the main entrance road in for about one mile, with stations along the way that interpret humanity’s connection to the night sky, from ancient cultures to modern day discoverers. For the complete program schedule at the Headlands, and if you have other questions about the park, visit www.emmetcounty.org/darkskypark/ or call (231) 3481704. Email darksky@emmetcounty.org to ask questions of the Dark Sky Park Program Director and to be added to our regular video email blasts. Park is located 2 miles west of downtown Mackinaw City.
The tiny saw-whet owl depends on the dark of night at Headlands for its survival. Banding of the owls is one of the annual programs at the park, where the public can see conservation and protection in action - and why protecting the night matters!
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‘It’s as if the original lighthouse keeper walked out without his belongings. A must see in the Mackinaw area. Steeped in history of the area.’ lighthouse guest
Where History is made together... 500 Headlands Road, Mackinaw City ▪ (231) 436-5860
Season: May to October ▪ www.emmetcounty.org/mcgulpin/
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McGulpin Point Lighthouse & Historic Site
T
he pre-Revolutionary War history of McGulpin Point began with the arrival of John McAlpin, who, with his Native American wife, lived on the land in the 1760s. PostFor a current McGulpin Revolution, the land was surveyed by the new Point brochure: United States of America and was deeded info@emmetcounty.org or one of the first recorded deeds in Michigan, call (231) 348-1704 and the first in Emmet County - to Patrick McGulpin, son and heir of John McAlpin. The opening of the Erie Canal in 1825 spurred growth in cities like Chicago and Milwaukee, resulting in growing vessel traffic through the Straits of Mackinac. By the early 1850s, McGulpin Point was seen as a crucial lighthouse site. Though the Straits’ eastern and western entries were covered by the Bois Blanc and Waugoshance lights, there was no navigational aid in the shoal-ridden Straits. Congress appropriated funds for a lighthouse in 1854, and construction began in 1868. It was decommissioned in 1906 and went into private ownership. In 2008, Emmet County reopened the Lighthouse and grounds to the public and since then it’s been restored to period decor. Season is May to October, and admission is by donation. Down the hill from the lighthouse, the Big Rock rests partially in the water; learn about its historical significance, shipwrecks in the Straits of Mackinac and the Native Americans who used these grounds by reading interpretive signage throughout the property.
Each year on the first weekend of December, the lighthouse reopens for a Holiday Open House during “Christmas in Mackinaw” events. Check online for specific event information: www.emmetcounty.org/mcgulpin/
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Where family traditions grow stronger...
Reservations:
(231) 347-6536 CampPetosega@emmetcounty.org
11000 Camp Petosega Road, Alanson â–Ş (231) 348-6536
www.emmetcounty.org/petosega/
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Where trails connect us (in many ways) ... The communities of Petoskey, Harbor Springs, Bay Harbor, Alanson Charles O’Neill photo/Little Traverse Wheelway
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Terrific trail towns!
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n the warmth of the summer months, thousands of people are out and about in Northwest Michigan enjoying some of our best assets: Our amazing trails! Two of the best to travel are the Little Traverse Wheelway and the North Western State Trail, both paved to perfection for your For trail maps and more area brochures: riding, jogging and walking enjoyment.
info@emmetcounty.org The premier trail system in Emmet County is the Little or call (231) 348-1704. Traverse Wheelway, a 26-mile paved trail that travels through the communities of Charlevoix, Bay Harbor, Petoskey and Harbor Springs. Features along the route include quaint downtown shopping and dining districts, irresistable resting stops (like ice cream parlors!) and miles and miles in between of spectacular natural vistas that make picture-perfect memories. The newest addition to the trail network is a 7.5 paved section of the North Western State Trail, which spans 32 miles from Petoskey north to Mackinaw City. The newest completed section spurs from the Little Traverse Wheelway on M-119 and heads through Conway, Oden and into Alanson.
The Top of Michigan Trails Council is an advocate throughout Northern Michigan for the development and maintenance of multi-use, year-round recreational trail systems. Learn more: www.trailscouncil.org North Western State Trail
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The Inland
Waterway
A one-of-a-kind boating excursion!
The Inland Waterway is 38 miles of connected lakes and rivers that spans Emmet and Cheboygan Counties. It begins in Crooked Lake in Conway (near Petoskey) and the navigable waters flow toward and out into Lake Huron to the northeast. Passing from lake to river, the water drops 18 inches at the Crooked River Lock. Through Alanson the waterway winds past Devil’s Elbow, through wetlands and incredible natural scenery, into two large lakes - Burt, then Mullett - and eventually into the Cheboygan River. Some more points of interest about the waterway: ▪ 150 miles of shoreline ▪ About a four-hour trip one-way ▪ Access points at numerous points along the route ▪ Two State parks: Aloha and Burt Lake ▪ Communities traversed include Conway, Alanson, Indian River, Cheboygan
Inland Water Route Historical Museum: iwrhs.wordpress.com/
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Request a Waterway map: info@emmetcounty.org (231) 348-1704
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About a few of our area lakes and rivers Pickerel Lake (pictured) 70 feet deep, 1,080 acres Crooked Lake 61 feet deep, 2,300 acres Burt Lake 73 feet deep, 17,120 acres Mullett Lake 120 feet deep, 17,360 acres Maple River ▪ 16 miles (Blue Ribbon trout stream) Bear River ▪ 14.7 miles (whitewater kayaking, canoeing, fishing) Crooked River ▪ 5.6 miles (watersports, fishing) Carp River ▪ 10 miles (fishing)
Fish facts:
There are 17 species of fish in the lakes and rivers in NW Michigan, from trout to pike, bass to perch, bluegill, sunfish, crappie, muskellunge, walleye and lake sturgeon.
the Tunnel of Trees
Where beauty is a four-season word ...
M-119 Scenic Heritage Route is known throughout the country as one of the most beautiful fall color drives anywhere! And its reputation is well-earned ... smoothly paved and hugging the Lake Michigan coastline bluff from Harbor Springs north to Cross Village, this route is breathtaking when fall color explodes in Northern Michigan. During the summer months, the route is dappled with sunlight through the thick green leaf canopy. The 27-mile road ends near the storied Leg’s Inn restaurant in one of Michigan’s earliest settlements, Cross Village.
Request a Free Road map! info@emmetcounty.org ▪ (231) 348-1704
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winter Wonderland!
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ure we’re beautiful in the summer ... but you should see us in the winter, too! Northwest Michigan is a winter lover’s paradise. We routinely enjoy at least 100 inches of snowfall, and usually more, each winter which makes a pristine, fluffy playground for skiers, snowboarders, snowmobilers and anyone who loves to get out and revel in the white stuff. Two ski resorts, Nub’s Nob and Boyne Highlands in Harbor Springs, are the hub of winter activities. But around the region you’ll find outdoor skating rinks, the Winter Sports Park in Petoskey, groomed snowmobile trails and other ways to enjoy the beauty that winter brings -- like from inside a cozy cabin with a fire roaring at Camp Pet-O-Se-Ga on Pickerel Lake. For snowmobile trail maps or other area info, call (231) 348-1704 or email info@emmetcounty.org
Did you know...
that Emmet County has a widely recognized and respected recycling program? That’s right, we do! Here, we recycle the right way with a dual-stream system that is easy for users and clean for our recycling partners. Plus, many of our residents and businesses enjoy curbside recycling pickup, thanks to a collaborative spirit among local municipalities who see the benefits to this beautiful region! Reach Emmet County DPW/Recycling at (231) 348-0640.
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Where family & Community ARE the PRIORITIES ...
T
he pace of life is different in Emmet County. It’s simpler here, and that emanates from a strong sense of place cultivated in safe neighborhoods, friendly downtowns, successful schools and people who genuinely care about their communities. There isn’t too much to worry about here. Emmet County enjoys a healthy economy, peaceful neighborhoods, unmatched natural beauty, abundant recreational outlets, worldclass health care and people who work hard to make sure life stays that way, for the generations to come
in the place they love. Pennsylvania Park, Petoskey
Main Street, Harbor Springs
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Downtowns
DelightfuL!
Petoskey
Mackinaw City Downtown Harbor Springs (background image)
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Q
uaint downtown districts define Emmet County’s communities. Long-standing retailers place emphasis on quality and in offering an unparalleled product selection of fine arts, clothing, housewares, sporting goods, pet outfitters, custom jewelry, specialty items and so much more. Here, unmatched customer service is delivered “The Little Traverse Way.” Our towns are truly destinations themselves, complete with fine dining, delis, family restaurants, pubs and decadent confectioners. We look forward to seeing you downtown! For guides to the downtowns of Petoskey, Bay Harbor, Harbor Springs, Mackinaw City:
info@emmetcounty.org or call (231) 348-1704
Petoskey
Bay Harbor
Petoskey
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Let us tell you about our one-of-a-kind
HISTORY
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E
mmet County has long been a gathering place, first for our Odawa Indians whose presence here dates back thousands of years. Next it was the French who discovered the bounty provided when they arrived in the 17th Century, followed by the British who ultimately came to rule. Several historical societies and museums work daily to preserve important artifacts and records from these eras in Emmet County’s history through interactive and lively displays, educational materials and shows (like at Fort Michilimackinac in Mackinaw City, pictured above).
Lak
A collaborative of these organizations has come together to establish the Essence of Emmet, which works to preserve and promote our history in unique and fun ways, through geocaching trails, colorful literature and exhibits and a popular historic tour map that lets you retrace important steps in how Emmet County has become the place it is today thanks to respect for those who came before. A new four-part historical magazine series, the Essence of Emmet, is one of the projects, with final publication of Part IV in 2017. Each year focuses on a specific era from our past and the people who shaped this area into what it is today. For a complimentary copy of the Essence of Emmet magazines, an Historical Tour Map or other area info, contact Beth Anne Eckerle, (231) 348-1704 or email beckerle@ emmetcounty.org.
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McGulpin Point The Headlands
kD r i ve
Cecil Bay
Lake
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O’Neal Lake
W Lakeview Rd
Paradise Trail
E Gill Rd
Paradise Lake
CARP LAKE
W Sturgeon Bay Tr r
D re ho eS Lak
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31
Cecil Bay Rd
Sturgeon Bay
75
ar sP nes French Farm
ild er
Wildernes s Park Dri ve
YTIC
32 23
Wilderness State Park
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CITY
MACKINAW CITY
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EMMET COUNTY
Central Ave
Cecil Bay
Waugoshance Point
Wycamp Lake
Larks Lake
W Van Rd
E Van Rd
Pellston Regional Airport
N Larks Lake Rd
N La kes hore
LEVERING
31
W Robinson Rd
GOOD HART
Lake Michigan
E Levering Rd
23
N State Rd
N Larks Lake Rd
W Levering Rd
CITY
Dr
CROSS VILLAGE
E Robinson Rd
PELLSTON
r eD sh o r N La ke
119 W Stutsmanville Rd E Brutus Rd
Powell Rd
Petoskey State Park
Little Traverse Bay
31
Round Lake
Banwell Rd
4 mi
© Harbor House Publishers, Inc. Used with permission.
S Ellsworth Rd
U.S. 31
Rd
2 mi
131
E Mitchell Rd
er Riv
Walloon Lake
Approximate Scale: 0 mi.
Intertown Rd
Stolt Rd
Airport
Pickerel Lake Pickerel Lake Rd
Wildwood Rd
Maxwell Rd
Roads
31
Bay St W Lake St
McDougal Rd
Main Highways and Roads
Sheridan Rd Resort Pike Rd
Townline Rd
County Owned Properties
Horton Bay Rd
BAY HARBOR
Eppler Rd Cemetery Rd
LEGEND
Division St
Fairgrounds PETOSKEY
M
Crooked Lake
Pickerel Lake Rd Emmet County Community
68
N Miller Rd
Beach Rd
HARBOR SPRINGS
W Conway Rd
ALANSON
Banwell Rd
119
Valley Rd
Quick Rd
N Conway Rd
S Pleasantview Rd
Hoyt Rd
S State Rd
Valley Rd
W Lake St
E Mitchell Rd
Morford Rd E Bear River Rd
County Line Rd
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PELLSTON REGIONAL AIRPORT
Fly from nearby! Whether you’re a visitor to Northern Michigan or a resident returning home, Pellston Regional Airport welcomes you with the warmth and ambiance of a rustic lodge in the Northern wilderness - with all the modern, convenient touches. Free parking, easy check-in and baggage claim, on-site restaurant and bar, business center and comfortable lounge areas make PLN a destination itself. Daily jet service by Delta airlines, and full General Aviation services are offered as well.
No hurries, no hassles - it’s the Up North lifestyle.
Community Fairgrounds special events!
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The Community Building at the Emmet County Fairgrounds offers a distinctive location for your special event! Year round the Community Building is host to numerous events like craft and antique shows, the popular annual Emmet-Charlevoix County Fair and many private weddings, meetings and gatherings. The spacious, beautifully designed building can accomodate up to 300 for table seating and up to 700 for row seating. Additional buildings are available for rental too, all newly updated at one of the most scenic Fairgrounds in the state of Michigan. (231) 348-5479.
Photos of facilities and rates: www.emmetcounty.org
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Where Quality of life is Everything.
S
o we’ve given you a little glimpse into the big things that help to paint a picture of life in Emmet County. There’s so much more to discover, like campgrounds, fishing holes, golf courses galore, shopping, dining, dozens of public parks and playgrounds and beaches, year round recreation opportunities, Nature Preserves, Petoskey stone hunting, skiing, snowboarding - even dog-sled riding! - and our beautiful Lake Michigan sunsets throughout every glorious season each year. In our annual magazine Imagine, we tell these stories and many more about the people and organizations that make Emmet County the one-of-a-kind place it is to work, live and play. If you would like a complimentary copy of Imagine, please contact Beth Anne Eckerle, Emmet County Communications Director, at (231) 348-1704 or beckerle@emmetcounty.org. Additionally, our Web site, www.emmetcounty.org, and our Facebook pages for Emmet County, McGulpin Point Lighthouse, Camp Petosega, Emmet-Charlevoix County Fair and Recycling provide daily updated information about life Up North. Thank you for your interest in Emmet County, it’s truly a place where Quality of Life is Everything!
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EMMET COUNTY www.emmetcounty.org
Lake Michigan, at the Headlands International Dark Sky Park
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