Discover Charlevoix County: Nature, Water, and History

Shorelines along Lake Michigan and Lake Charlevoix, forests with distinctive trails, and places with their own history give a trip to Charlevoix County a range of possible themes. On Beaver Island, the history reaches back to a 19th-century lighthouse; elsewhere, architecture, exhibits, or trails through wetlands take center stage. You can plan your trip around the subjects that interest you most.

Shorelines and Landscapes

Fisherman's Island State Park covers 2,678 acres of dunes, cedar swamps, and black spruce. Along Lake Michigan, the park has more than six miles of pristine shoreline; one hiking trail is 2.5 miles long. Young State Park spans 563 acres along the eastern shore of Lake Charlevoix and offers 6.5 miles of trails. Whiting Park Beach has approximately 700 feet of shoreline on Lake Charlevoix—an approximate figure that represents a different scale from the long stretches of shoreline along Lake Michigan.

Smaller natural areas also have their own character: the 28-acre North Point Nature Preserve is forested, features sand dunes, and is bordered by Mt. McSauba. Its secluded woodland trail is 0.65 miles long and has viewpoints overlooking Lake Michigan. Charles M. Taylor III/Olstrom Family Nature Preserve offers more than 1,200 feet of shoreline along Lake Charlevoix. At Wisser-Saworski Nature Preserve, hills lead to views of Boyne Mountain to the west.

Trails for Different Plans

Trail lengths and landscapes can help you tailor your outing. At Charles A. Ransom Nature Preserve, a 1.5-mile trail system starts at the parking lot. Sleepy Hollow Nature Preserve has more than a mile of easy walking trails through scenic wetlands and upland natural areas. These trails offer different experiences: in addition to length, consider whether you would rather walk through wetlands or a mix of open land and forest.

Susan Creek Nature Preserve has just under 2.5 miles of trails. It also has a one-mile cross-country ski loop that is available only in winter. The trail system at The Hill Nature Preserve is also 2.5 miles long; a volunteer grooms it for cross-country skiing. Because grooming conditions can change, check trail conditions before visiting. The Hill Nature Preserve includes pine trees, deciduous forests, and open meadows; from its highest points, you can see Lake Charlevoix.

Beaver Island has more than 100 miles of trails for hiking and biking. Miller's Marsh has a one-mile trail that marks the southern endpoint of the Doty's Camp Trail. A trail at Stanhope Family Nature Preserve connects with additional trails through this part of the island. If you plan to go canoeing, there is a public access point with a canoe launch above the Rogers Family/Dressel/Jordan River Nature Preserve Complex. Local conditions may change, so plan accordingly.

Beaver Island and Cultural History

Beaver Island is the largest island in Lake Michigan and was once home to a unique American religious monarchy. The island's maritime landmark is Beaver Head Lighthouse, built in 1858. The Beaver Island Boat Company ferry connects Charlevoix with Beaver Island; the trip takes two hours. Checking the schedule before your trip can help you include the crossing in your plans.

Castle Farms tells a different story: the property was built in 1918 as a model dairy farm called Loeb Farms. It was once the largest employer in Charlevoix County. You can explore its historic architecture, landscaped grounds, museum exhibits, and outdoor displays on your own year-round. Guided historical tours take place almost daily from June through mid-September; check the specific dates in advance.

Earl Young's Mushroom Houses define Charlevoix's architectural character: they are made mostly of stone and were designed to blend into the surrounding landscape. You can get a map for a self-guided tour at the Visitors Center, 109 Mason St. The houses are privately owned and are not open for interior tours.

Discover and Get Active

Raven Hill Discovery Center covers 170 acres in Charlevoix County and is next to Raven Ridge Nature Preserve. It offers an interactive museum, an animal area, and outdoor exhibits. Named exhibits include the Jurassic Park Walk, the One Room Schoolhouse, and Ancient World. Mt. McSauba Recreation Area has an 18-hole disc golf course. Camp Seagull has a ramp for launching motorized boats and beach access on Lake Charlevoix; check current access conditions before visiting.

The Jordan River was designated Michigan's first “wild and scenic” river under the state's Natural Rivers Act in 1972. It is also a destination for fly fishing in northern Michigan. In Charlevoix, the Farmers Market offers weekly cooking demonstrations, hands-on activities for children, and samples; the program may change, so check current market information.

Discover more destinations: Beaver Island, Boyne Falls, Charlevoix, St. Clair County, Arenac County, Marquette County, Sanilac County, Calhoun.

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