Petoskey Fall Break?
 

Looking at spending five nights in a Petoskey cottage rental on Crooked Lake October 5-10. We are a family of five with three children ages 8, 11, and 12. Is there enough to do up there at this time of year? I will start my own investigating but thought I'd also pick brains here. We love taking in the sights, hiking, scenic drives, etc.

How far are you willing to travel to attractions or activities? There are things within a 30 minute dive or some real standouts that are up to a couple of hours.

Anything within a few hours considered! Thanks!

That should be a good time of the year to view the fall colors. After Oct.1st, however, bow hunting season begins in Michigan, so I would not recommend taking walks directly in the woods. Walking along the back, dirt roads should be fine however. You should also drive M-119 along the lakeshore, which is very scenic and known as "The Tunnel of Trees".

You can visit some of the places that Hemingway frequented in Petoskey, like Jesperson's Restaurant, or the City Grille, but be warned that some of the Hemingway places are coasting on their reputation and the food can be so-so.

I can also recommend Crooked Tree Arts Center right in downtown Petoskey. For a small museum it is quite good.

If you get a beautiful day, I would drive into the UP to Tahquamenon Falls. That should be about peak color and the combination of the 2nd largest waterfall east of the Mississippi and the leaves should be breath taking.

Mackinac Island should be spectacular about that same time. Some of the attractions will have closed, but there is still enough for a nice day trip.

My favorite drive in that area is along M-119, the famous Tunnel of Trees along the Lake Michigan bluff. Take Powell Road west from Crooked Lake and turn right onto M-119. Stop at comunity deer park in Harbor Springs, check out the small downtwon, then continue on M-119.

Good stops along the way include the Thorne Swift Nature Preserve, the General Store & 1889 St. Ignatius Church in Bliss and Leg's Inn in Cross Village. Be sure to walk through the Inn, even if you don't eat there. It is made up of and filled with folk art. The Polish food is also good.

If you still have time, continue north out of Cross Village on North Lakeshore Drive. There are sand dunes along Lake Michigan in Bliss Twp Park and Wilderness State Park.

I have only been to that part of Michigan in early October, and it was lovely, all the way from Sleeping Bear Dunes to the Straits.

Appreciate the suggestions given and would welcome any more. Any farms with fall activities nearby?

I haven't stopped there, but have heard good things about Pond Hill Farm, about four miles north of Harbor Springs.

We just returned from the Petosky Area and it is beautiful. I think there will be plenty to do in the area as there are many neat small towns and also Traverse City to explore. I agree with the recommendations to go to the Tunnel of trees. It is gorgeous. The trees were just starting to turn colors when we were there so I am sure they will be gorgeous when you are there. If the weather is nice, I would also go to Mackinac Island. It is a fun place to visit, but not as much fun if it is cold or rainy. If you want to drive a bit farther, you can drive up to Sault St Marie and take a cruise through the locks. We had never done this before this last trip and we found it very interesting and fun. Have a great time.