tamryn

We were about to book a stay in July at The Inn at Harbor Bay and now I am reading about water issues. I don't quite understand the impact here. Does this mean that the lake water directly at the resort is impacted or the public park is impacted? Does this spread to other resorts in the area? I am looking for a similar type of resort for my teenage family. Thanks!

mikesmom

I am interested in this too. We are thinking of going over Memorial Day weekend. I remember reading something about the water issue, but I can't remember where I saw it or the details. Hopefully, someone will fill us in.

auty1

Hi all,
I recently posted the same concerns under a "North Lower Peninsula Lodging..."
heading several months ago. Choose
Michigan then scroll down to around
number 23...you will see the above heading...there are good explanations there by locals. I have a room booked at the Inn in July. Not sure I want to pay $300+ to stay at a place where the swimming is iffy. I called the Inn and they said that the nearest park was roped off, but it was down aways from the hotel. I looked on a map and found the park to be right next door. You can call the Petosky Chamber of Commerce and get an update about which areas are closed. Its probably ok to go,
but just have to be careful where you swim. It's a shame...its such a beautiful area!

seniormsuedu

The area was a former cement plant. Now there are chemicals leaking into the bay. Either the Detroit News or Detroit Free Press had articles on this. It didn't sound good.

I do not think the Chamber of Commerce would be very helpful.

tamryn

What I am also unsure about is what body of water The Inn is on-actual Lake Michigan or a Bay of some sort. Does anyone know if the pool area is large and nice to accomodate many people not using the Lake?

jlm_mi

The inn is on Little Traverse Bay, which is an off-shoot of Lake Michigan. You can look at a Michigan map and see the small body of water.

I don't know the pool area, but is there even a swimming area in Bay Harbor?

tamryn

jlm-thanks so much for your reply! Spent many summers in the area growing up, but there is a picture on the website of sand and cabanas, so I am trying to get a lay of the land!

kelliebellie

The pool is very small, but the Petoskey State Park is not terribly far and one of the best anywhere. Also Charlevoix would have nice beaches and the sunset.

jlm_mi

On the other thread auty1 mentioned, I think someone said something about swimming in Bay Harbor's manmade lake? I haven't seen it, but I was pretty sure there was no beach access in the Bay Harbor area to the Bay itself.

Petoskey State Park is a good option, and if you want to go further, Harbor Springs also has a nice beach area.

dmkujat

I live in this area and often bike the paved path that runs in front of Bay Harbor. Its a shame that they are having the issues they are having. The Inn is on Little Traverse Bay, which is part of Lake michigan. The areas of concerned are roped off, and there is a little man-made pond and beach for swimming, which should suffice. If you REALLY want a nice, secluded beach, try the "Tunnel of Trees" drive north of Harbor Springs...Wilderness park and the beach up there is gorgeous and not busy at all, even in the busy months. This is where the locals escape to. Petoskey State Park and the beaches in Charlevoix are very nice, but full of tourists during July and August.

tamryn

just wondering if there is any update to the water issues in the surrounding area as we get ready to arrive in a week! Thanks to all.....

rapunzll

It's a lovely resort, in a lovely area, and sadly, there don't seem to be any more current articles on the subject.

http://www.record-eagle.com/2006/apr/29bayharbor.htm

cedar

Yes...there are still problems of great concern at and near the waterfront.
If you want to enjoy a dip go elsewhere and just enjoy what the rest of the area has to offer.

rapunzll

This link might give more updated info.

http://www.watershedcouncil.org/bayharborupdate.html

tamryn

Thanks so much for the responses. As I understand we can drive to the state park area and there is not a problem there?

tamryn

Just back from a wonderful stay at the Cottages at Bay Harbor. From what I saw and also read, I believe the water issues have been cleared up at this time with the Harbor being given a clean bill of health.