"Up North" is more than just a phrase. It is a destination. A lifestyle. A chance to rediscover the wonderful feeling of relaxation and adventure. Like any good picture puzzle, the communities of Northern West Michigan fit together to create a wonderful picture. A common element of these lakeshore communities is water--sparkling clear, expansive, refreshing. From the shoreline of Lake Michigan to beautiful inland lakes, scenic country roads, national forests and state parks....natural resources abound all around Northern Michigan! Visit these communities up north and discover our beauty and small town friendliness.
Visit Ludington - Home of the Lake Michigan Carferry
Here along the shoreline of Lake Michigan lies our beautiful city of Ludington - home to historic lighthouses, sandy beaches, and the ever popular Ludington State Park. We’re glad you’ve chosen our area for your vacation, whether it be for business or pleasure. Here you’ll discover hospitality the way it was meant to be, which brings people back time and time again.
Visit Ludington State Park - Queen of Michigan State Parks
We love to talk about this wonderful place, known as the "Queen of the State Parks." Within its 5,300 acres just north of Ludington, you'll discover all nature has to offer, including marshlands, scenic sand dunes, hardwood forests, and nearly seven miles of Lake Michigan shoreline along its western border. Campers, hikers, fishermen, and families flock to the park every year to enjoy the multitude of activities. Here, you can swim, climb a dune, walk along the beach, hike, bike, boat, fish, and relax...surrounded by endless scenery that's varied and unique.
Hamlin Lake - A Lake for All Seasons
If you're looking for a fun, inexpensive family vacation, then Hamlin Lake is where you want to be. It offers terrific summer recreation, including swimming, boating, tubing, and fishing. At more than 12 miles long and 5,000 acres large, there's more than enough space for everyone without feeling crowded. Hamlin Lake touches Manistee National Forest on the north, towering dunes in the west and miles of undeveloped wilderness all around. This man made lake originated during the logging hey-day when lumbermen dammed the Big Sable River to make an enormous holding pond for trees felled upstream.
Scottville - Home of the Scottville Clown Band
The city of Scottville is a small community in the heart of Mason County, approximately 8 miles east of Ludington and Lake Michigan. We are the home of the Mason County Central Spartans, West Shore Community College, the Scottville Riverside Park, the Western Michigan Old Engine Club and the world famous Scottville Clown Band. The Scottville Riverside Park, on the Pere Marquette River, has 52 full service sites--and a swimming pool--perfect for tent and trailer camping.
Pere Marquette River - Fishing and Canoeing Paradise
The Pere Marquette River (called "PM River" locally) located in portions of Lake, Mason, Newaygo and Oceana counties, the Pere Marquette River system drains an area of approximately 740 square miles. Roughly 53 percent of the watershed is in Lake County. The mainstream starts at the confluence of the Middle Branch and Little South Branch, known as the "Forks" and flows in a westerly direction for approximately 66 miles past the communities of Baldwin, Branch, Walhalla, Custer and Scottville to its mouth at Pere Marquette Lake, just south of the City of Ludington, Michigan.
Pentwater - A Quaint Waterfront Village
Pentwater is an historic village on the western shore of Michigan. Pentwater's tree lined streets show off charming Victorian homes and cottages framed by beautiful gardens. Almost everything is in walking distance of the marinas, retail district, public beach and village green, where Thursday evening band concerts have been a tradition every summer for more than 50 years.
Silver Lake Sand Dunes - "Just Dune It!"
For generations the nationally known Silver Lake Sand Dunes have provided families with exciting memories of driving, riding and walking on these spectacular mountains of desert-like sand! The Silver Lake Sand Dunes area offers numerous opportunities for exciting outdoor activities. Dune rides, jeep tours, water sport rentals, golf, horseback riding, miniature golf, bumper boats and a go-kart track are just a few of the attractions that are available at Silver Lake Sand Dunes.
Manistee - Victorian Port City
This is where history, beauty, and nature come together to form a unique town that is a favorite destination in Michigan. Manistee has so much to offer today's traveler, and it's a terrific getaway for families or friends. Lake Michigan beckons you to its golden beaches and spectacular sunsets, a guaranteed evening event! The magnificent Manistee National Forest stretches for miles and is a nature-lover's paradise. Here, wildlife is found in its natural habitat, and recreation activities include camping, hiking, and biking. Nearby scenic rivers offer opportunities to fish, canoe, or kayak.
NORTHERN MICHIGAN DESTINATIONS NORTH OF TRAVERSE CITY
Travel further north past Manistee and beyond Traverse City to find more lovely, small communities and that relaxed "Up North" feeling. Here are a few communities which make great summertime or anytime destinations:
Boyne City - on the Shores of Lake Charlevoix, is a bustling, growing, city that continually reinvents itself with a better and better version.
Charlevoix - on the shores of Lake Michigan and Round Lake, is picturesque and exciting.
Harbor Springs in Northern Michigan - An Up North Harbor Destination
Harbor Springs, on the shores of Little Traverse Bay and Lake Michigan, has been a resort destination for more than a century.
Mackinaw City - Gateway to the UP, on the shores of Lake Michigan and Lake Huron, sits at the tip on the lower peninsula and guards the Straits of Mackinac as it has for centuries.
Petoskey in Northern Michigan
Gaslight Shopping District with Views of the Lake Michigan Bay
Petoskey, on the shores of Little Traverse Bay and Lake Michigan, welcomes visitors to play and stay as it has for generations of guests (and residents!).
