Emmet County - 20 Attractions You Must Visit

Types of Attractions in Emmet County

Outdoors - Other (6)

Lighthouses (5)

Lake/ River/ Ponds (4)

Museums (2)

Beaches (1)

Iconic Buildings (1)

Parks (1)

Skiing Spots (1)

Popular Activities And Trips in Emmet County

List of Attractions in Emmet County

Andrew J Blackbird Museum

Museums

The Andrew J Blackbird Museum is a fascinating tribute to the important role played by Native Americans in the area's history. Its displays offer a wealth of information about local tribes, as well as artifacts from times past. Exhibits include weapons, tools and traditional dress made or used by Native Americans over time. Guests can also explore historic photographs and detailed maps that display the ways this region has been shaped by Indigenous peoples.

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Bayfront Park

Outdoors - Other

Parks

Bayfront Park is a must-see attraction for those visiting the area. This stunning park is located on the shores of Little Traverse Bay and offers a wide variety of activities for tourists. Visitors can take a walk along the waterfront or take part in fishing and other outdoor sports such as kayaking, canoeing and sailing. There are also two boat launches in the park that allow visitors to explore the waters around them. Visitors may also want to check out some of the local history exhibits.

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Bear River Valley Recreation Area

Outdoors - Other

It is a beautiful destination for both outdoor enthusiasts and those in search of peace and relaxation. Visitors to the area can enjoy activities such as hiking, boating, fishing, camping, and hunting. The recreation area also offers a playground for kids and an interpretative center where visitors can learn more about the history of the area. Throughout the year there are special events held such as bird-watching weekends and an annual winterfest with ice skating and snowshoeing.

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Crooked Lake

Lake/ River/ Ponds

Crooked Lake is a beautiful and inviting body of water that offers excellent swimming and boating within its crystal clear, spring-fed waters, making it an ideal spot for families or friends looking to spend a relaxing day. In addition to the activities that can be enjoyed on the lake, there is also great fishing as well - northern pike, walleye and large-mouth bass are all plentiful in these waters. Numerous hiking trails also envelope Crooked Lake.

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Grays Reef Light

Lighthouses

Grays Reef Light, located near the northernmost part of Lake Michigan, is an iconic beacon. Built in 1932, it stands 92 feet tall with a cylindrical tower measuring just over 16 feet in diameter. The light from the beacon can be seen from as far away as 8 nautical miles and exhibits a signature flashing pattern of red and white. It has been used over the years not only to guide sailors but to provide a sense of security and hope for those who call the Great Lakes home.

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Harbor Springs Lyric Theatre

Iconic Buildings

The Harbor Springs Lyric Theatre puts on some of the most spectacular musicals and plays in the region. This charming wood-panelled theatre seats nearly 500 patrons per performance and provides incredible entertainment for all ages. From classic Broadway shows to modern takes on popular tropes, there is always something new and exciting at Harbor Springs Lyric Theatre. The cast and crew are all local talent who bring each production to life with remarkable authenticity.

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Ile Aux Galets Light

Lighthouses

Ile Aux Galets Light is a historic lighthouse built in 1927, the lighthouse boasts a 65-foot rock tower with an upper gallery made of steel and whitewashed bricks. It is the only active light house along Lake Michigan's northern shore. The light keeper's residence is also located on-site and features Whitefish Point Shingle Style architecture. The structure was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1981 and today stands as a beacon for lake-goers around the area.

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Little Traverse Historical Museum

Museums

The Little Traverse Historical Museum, is a great destination for history buffs. With its extensive collections, the museum offers detailed insights into life in the area over hundreds of years. Visitors can view interesting photographs, artifacts, and documents related to Indigenous people and early settlers. The museum also tells visitors about the region's growing maritime industry with a wealth of interactive displays depicting commercial fishing and lumber production.

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Little Traverse Lighthouse

Lighthouses

The Little Traverse Lighthouse is a remarkable beacon of Michigan's maritime history. Located in Emmet County on the shores of Lake Michigan, it was originally built in 1867 and has been a treasured landmark ever since. This unique structure still stands tall as a testament to traditional lighthouse-keeping craftsmanship and skill. Standing at 65 feet tall, its light can be seen some 23 miles away, making it an essential navigational tool for local ships and boats.

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Nubs Nob Ski Resort

Skiing Spots

Nubs Nob Ski Resort is the perfect spot for a winter getaway. Boasting 52 slopes and trails of all difficulty levels, this resort offers endless wintertime excitement for skiers, snowboarders and snowshoers alike. In addition to downhill skiing, visitors can also enjoy snow tubing, Nordic skiing, and scenic chairlift rides that wrap up with a cozy ride down on an old-fashioned toboggan run. With its small-town ambiance, lovely mountain views and excellent lodging and dining options nearby.

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Petoskey State Park

Outdoors - Other

Petoskey State Park, is an outdoor enthusiasts dream. With a stunning lakeside vista along Lake Michigan, the park provides miles of shoreline trails perfect for hiking and biking during the temperate seasons. Picnic tables are available for groups and families to bathe in the sun’s rays and breathe in the fresh air provided by acres of woodlands and hillsides. From winter cross-country skiing across snow-covered fields to camping around beautifully landscaped grounds.

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Pickerel Lake

Lake/ River/ Ponds

Pickerel Lake is a scenic spot that offers plenty of outdoor activities for visitors to enjoy. The beautiful circular lake is ideal for swimming, fishing, and boating. Just beyond the lake's edge lies a vast forest full of trails, perfect for hiking and mountain biking. Many people also come here to observe the stunning array of wildflowers that bloom during the spring months. Nearby boat launches allow easy access to the lake, while campgrounds provide a comfortable stay.

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Round Lake

Lake/ River/ Ponds

Round Lake offers scenic views and plenty of outdoor activities for those looking to enjoy nature. The lake covers approximately 195 acres, providing ample opportunity for swimming, fishing, and boating. There is an excellent public beach located on its northwest shore that allows sunbathers to enjoy a day at the lake. Other nearby attractions include a variety of local parks and nature preserves, making it easy to find outdoor recreation for everyone in the family.

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Sturgeon Bay Beach

Beaches

Sturgeon Bay Beach is a stunning natural beach known for its spectacular sunsets. The magical glimmers of the sun as it sets over the crystal blue waters of Lake Michigan create breathtaking vistas. The area also offers stunning scenic hiking trails, bike paths and picnic sites. Visitors enjoy this beach all year round; during summer months they can relax in the warm sunshine on the soft sand and during winter months they can appreciate the beauty of frost-covered sand dunes.

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Tunnel of Trees

Outdoors - Other

Tunnel of Trees is one of the most spectacular views in the world. Located on M-119 between Harbor Springs and Cross Village, it's a picturesque drive through an expanse of beautiful hardwood trees that shape and frame the road for miles. Winding along Lake Michigan's shoreline, drivers can witness the changing of seasons, with brilliant fall colors to the lush greens in summertime. On cool clear days passengers can catch glimpses of strong windswept sand dunes towers.

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Walloon Lake

Lake/ River/ Ponds

Walloon Lake,is a stunning lake surrounded by miles of deep forests and natural beauty. This region has been happily home to generations of families and cherished vacationers over its history. The area offers plenty of activities such as fishing, swimming and hiking that can be enjoyed year-round. But there are also many other opportunities for visitors including seasonal activities like skiing, snowmobiling and ice boating.

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Waugoshance Lighthouse

Lighthouses

Waugoshance Lighthouse is a 102-foot wooden tower built in 1851 and one of the first lighthouses on Lake Michigan. Located at the most dangerous location on the lake, Waugoshance stands as an iconic reminder of early efforts to ensure safe navigation between Lake Michigan ports. Although it sustained heavy damage from ice during numerous winters, Waugoshance continued to be staffed until 1924 when an automated light was established.

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Waugoshance Point

Outdoors - Other

Waugoshance Point is a truly remarkable place. It is home to the oldest known lighthouse on the Great Lakes and offers stunning views of Lake Michigan from its picturesque bluffs. It is also home to 15 species of endangered plants, as well as wildlife like coyotes and cardinals. A National Historic Landmark, it features expansive beach areas for exploring, swimming, birdwatching, and fishing. With lush forest trails for hiking around the nearby Sturgeon Bay.

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