The west side of the state may get all the recognition, but it can get quite crowded due to that fame. If you really want to get away but don’t want to drive as far as the UP, visit northeast Michigan.

It’s more remote but just as picturesque, with a wide range of things to do if you love to spend time outdoors. The towns are typically small and full of local flavor. With a couple of exceptions, they aren’t “touristy.”  These are places where hardworking men and women have decided to make their livelihood, among the serene nature of northern Michigan. Shops and restaurants offer original wares, friendly faces, and home cooking.

The coast especially offers a lot of wonderful vacation spots, and some towns that are found either on the coast or further inland are described in more detail below. Some feel that northeast Michigan is more “up north” than its west coast counterpart.

An article in the Detroit Free Press in May 2007 shared this sentiment when it noted that the area between Oscoda and Ossineke included beaches that are “overlooked” and among the “top ten in Michigan.” So if you want to enjoy a beautiful Michigan beach without worrying too much about crowds, then this is the area to travel to.

Six Places to Visit in Northeast Michigan

  • Alpena: Situated at the mouth of Thunder Bay, an inlet of Lake Huron, Alpena is the largest city in northeast Michigan. It’s a gem on land and sea. Alpena Shipwreck Tours will take you out on the water for a closer inspection of sunken wrecks. About 20 minutes southwest of the city is Chippewa Hills Pathway, which has 14 miles of up and down terrain that’s ideal for hikers and bikers who want more of a challenge. If you want an easier route, you don’t have to go far. Duck Park, also known as Island Park, is within the city limits and is a part of a 500-acre wildlife sanctuary. A new pine covered bridge was built by many hands in the community so that you can cross over to the island, and it’s become a photographer’s delight. The island has a few trails, nice overlooks, and even (in the winter) a small sledding hill. If you want to stop for a bite… John A Lau’s is a cozy hometown pub with a comfort food menu to match.
  • Grayling – Hartwick Pines State Park has 49 acres of great pines that have existed since before the Revolutionary War. They were spared from the aggressive logging industry of the 1800s. But there are also mature and immature forests, lakes, and swamps in this area for a diverse experience of Michigan’s natural beauty. For history buffs, the park has a replica logging camp, which comes to life and bustles with activity during warmer months – a working sawmill, blacksmithing, carving… a true living exhibit of how people once survived – and thrived – in the northern wilderness. If you want to stop for a bite… Dawson & Stevens Classic Diner lives up to its name, both in appearance and in its menu selection. The retro-inspired diner has the typical “Happy Days” menu and a soda fountain.
  • Onaway – Considered the “Playground of the North,” one of the most beautiful natural sights that must be visited is Ocqueoc Falls, the largest falls in Lower Michigan. There are picnic tables and grills nearby. Take the Bicentennial pathway for a scenic hike (or in the winter, cross-country ski) of the Ocqueoc River. For anyone who enjoys bird watching, the Kirtland Warbler Study Area is home to one of the nation’s rarest birds, as it can only be found in the Jack Pine forests of Northern Michigan. Black Lake is a great place to go fishing for walleye, panfish, and bass. It’s the seventh largest lake in Michigan and gets it deep color from the tanic acid of the cedar swamps feeding into the lake. If you want to stop for a bite… Woodwinds Restaurant on Washington Avenue has a rustic atmosphere and friendly, family-oriented service – probably because it’s family owned and operated!
  • Mullet Lake: Located in Cheboygan County, this is a favorite destination for water enthusiasts. The largest towns along its shoreline are Aloha and Topinabee. The sandy bottom makes it great for wading and playing in the shallows, and the open water can easily accommodate a flurry of water sports and activities. There are even some small islands. Mullet Lake is part of the Inland Waterway, connecting to Burt Lake through the Indian River, and then onward through the chain. It’s most known for its fishing and has a large population of different types of fish. It’s a great place to teach the kids how to cast a line, or to catch the evening’s dinner in a single afternoon. If you want to stop for a bite… The acclaimed Noka Café in Topinabee is reasonably priced and serves generous portions. It’s a small place, so you may have to wait in line, but it’s worth it.
  • Atlanta: This is an unincorporated village that can be passed through in a minute, but it’s been the Elk Capital of Michigan since 1986. Why? The state’s only herd lives nearby, and it’s pretty much the only place you can hunt one. Visit in September for the Annual Elk Festival, which has a beer tent, 5K run, street vendors, parades, auction, and eating contests. If you want to stop for a bite… The Baklava Shop has fresh baked goods and homemade sandwiches, salads, and pita pizzas. Yes, they have baklava, but their cinnamon rolls are worth stopping for, even if it’s not breakfast time.
  • Houghton Lake: This town hosts Tip-Up Town USA, the largest winter festival in Michigan that takes place at the end of January. The Roscommon Zoo in nearby Roscommon is 20 acres of family owned land that’s home to exotic and domestic animals, which the kids will surely enjoy. A fresh farm market can be found at Wellington Farm off of M-72 in Roscommon – plus you can experience what it was like at a 1930s American homestead. The AuSable River can be canoed or kayaked year round. A winter expedition would certainly be unique! The Houghton Lake area is also a popular choice if you’re into ATVing or snowmobiling. If you want to stop for a bite… Buccilli’s Pizza is a favorite spot and near the shoreline.

MARVAC Members in Northeast Michigan

Even though the MARVAC northeast region includes the thumb area of Michigan, we’ll concentrate our listing to those members who are north of Saginaw Bay. We’ll feature the thumb in another article. Here in the month of January, many campgrounds, RV parks, and RV resorts are already taking reservations for the upcoming season. Reserve your spot at soon as possible.