Discover Charlevoix: Beaches, Architecture and Culture

When choosing a hotel in Charlevoix, you can consider which aspects of the town you want to shape your stay: beaches on Lake Michigan and Lake Charlevoix, downtown attractions, architecture, or culture. From downtown, parks, restaurants, arts offerings, and attractions are within walking distance. The various activities offer distinct ways to spend your time, from a beach visit to museum spaces and guided tours.

Beaches and Waterfront Paths

On Lake Charlevoix, Ferry Beach is a family-friendly beach with a shallow swimming area, playground, and large sandy stretch. On Lake Michigan, Lake Michigan Beach highlights another aspect: searching for Petoskey and Charlevoix stones is listed as an activity there. From downtown, you can reach the beach by following the pier. This offers two different ways to enjoy the water: a beach visit with designated facilities and searching for stones.

The South Pier Lighthouse also overlooks Lake Michigan and the Pine River Channel. It provides another geographical reference point for exploring the waterfront. Charlevoix has beaches on both lakes; the names Lake Charlevoix and Lake Michigan help distinguish the respective beach destinations.

Downtown, Market, and Marina

The Charlevoix Farmers Market takes place on Thursdays at East Park in downtown. Check the calendar before you arrive for the date you have in mind. The Charlevoix City Marina, with 77 slips, is located at the foot of East Park, also downtown. The market and marina provide two different points of reference for a visit to town: the Thursday market in the park and the marina at the foot of the park. For getting around downtown, parks, restaurants, arts offerings, and attractions are within walking distance.

Architecture and Tours

Castle Farms welcomes visitors year-round who want to explore historic architecture, landscaped grounds, and special attractions. Guided and self-guided tours highlight architecture, exhibits, and historic rooms. Castle Farms also includes historical exhibits and artifacts. The two tour formats offer different ways to explore these subjects; you can decide which one suits your interests.

The Museum at Harsha House is located at 103 State Street in downtown Charlevoix and features changing exhibits year-round. Harsha House Museum also includes three rooms from the Victorian era. This brings changing exhibit topics together with rooms associated with a specific era. As exhibit content may change, it’s a good idea to check the latest information before your visit.

Earl Young’s Mushroom Houses are another attraction in Charlevoix; tours are available. Together with Castle Farms, they offer visitors a reason to explore attractions as part of a guided tour. The museums and tours have different focuses: Harsha House centers on exhibits and Victorian rooms, while Castle Farms tours highlight architecture, exhibits, and historic rooms.

Golf and Seasonal Bridge Operations

Charlevoix Golf Club is a nine-hole course with a par of 36. It was jointly designed by Herbert James Tweedie and Scottish architect Willie Watson. The number of holes and par provide a brief overview of the course; naming both designers adds a design perspective to these sporting details.

Charlevoix’s drawbridge is raised every 30 minutes during the summer months when boats are present. Both conditions are relevant for timing: the seasonal window and the presence of boats.

Discover more destinations: Beaver Island, Boyne Falls

Return to the main travel overview: Charlevoix County.