Sam And Mike's Guidebook- The BEST of Northern Michigan

Sam

Joined in 2019

Swimming

Michigan is home to some of the most pristine and clean freshwater lakes and rivers, especially, Northern Michigan! In any direction you can find incredible swimming opportunities. The only challenge is fitting them all in during your stay! ;) We strongly encourage packing the SPF, a wide brimmed hat, a beach blanket, and drinking water and food so that you can Max and relax along side some of Earth's very finest swimming and recreating water known to man. It is hands down one of our favorite things to do, and one of the best rewards and cures to dirty bodies and burned out spirits. Doesn't matter if you like to swim, lounge in the sand, or paddle your heart out, there is something for everyone! We cannot wait for you to experience our gorgeous, refreshing waters for yourself. We are just sorry you can't take it with you when you go(sort of :P), but its a great reason to plan your return trip sooner than later! ;)

Weber Lake State Forest Campground

This is a beautiful spring fed lake. There is an awesome log you can walk out on and splash into the always refreshing water. Can be crowded at peak times but it’s a small enough lake that for avid swimmers, swimming across is possible. Great Lake for canoes/kayaks with very little motor boat activity

Weber Lake State Forest Campground

Peru Road

This is a beautiful spring fed lake. There is an awesome log you can walk out on and splash into the always refreshing water. Can be crowded at peak times but it’s a small enough lake that for avid swimmers, swimming across is possible. Great Lake for canoes/kayaks with very little motor boat activity

Petoskey State Park

Huge sandy beach, playground, and some of the best Petoskey stone and treasure picking to be had. You will need either a "recreation passport" on your vehicle, or to pay a small entrance fee (if you are in the area for several days, or planning return trips within the year, you may want to consider the longer-term option versus paying daily.) The small entrance fee is well worth it to keep the park open and operational for everyone to enjoy. Added bonus, if you go the "recreation passport" route you do not have to pay to access most, if not all, other state parks in Michigan!

82 locals recommend

Petoskey State Park

2475 M-119

82 locals recommend

Huge sandy beach, playground, and some of the best Petoskey stone and treasure picking to be had. You will need either a "recreation passport" on your vehicle, or to pay a small entrance fee (if you are in the area for several days, or planning return trips within the year, you may want to consider the longer-term option versus paying daily.) The small entrance fee is well worth it to keep the park open and operational for everyone to enjoy. Added bonus, if you go the "recreation passport" route you do not have to pay to access most, if not all, other state parks in Michigan!

Sturgeon Bay Beach

23 locals recommend

Sturgeon Bay Beach

9680-10498 N Lake Shore Dr

23 locals recommend

Petoskey Harbor Breakwater

Beautiful deep clean water, its our favorite way to squeeze in a quick dip. Incredible view. Always refreshing. You will find us there nearly every day to refresh ourselves and wash away the compost from our bodies. Caution- on windy days the wind and waves can wash up over the sides and take your stuff away with the crashing waves. We recommend only taking the minimum requirements (keys, towel, and maybe a camera) with you and leaving the rest securely stowed in your car/lodging. The breakwall cleans your body and your soul :)

Petoskey Harbor Breakwater

Beautiful deep clean water, its our favorite way to squeeze in a quick dip. Incredible view. Always refreshing. You will find us there nearly every day to refresh ourselves and wash away the compost from our bodies. Caution- on windy days the wind and waves can wash up over the sides and take your stuff away with the crashing waves. We recommend only taking the minimum requirements (keys, towel, and maybe a camera) with you and leaving the rest securely stowed in your car/lodging. The breakwall cleans your body and your soul :)

Jones Landing Park

Jone's Landing on Walloon lake is a Local's favorite. Only about a five minute drive southwest from the Farm, it is easy to get into the water, has a boat ramp, a sandy beach area, a pavilion, grills, and a playground. Its a great spot for anyone needing an easy swim, rinse, and relax spot. They recently installed a rinse station, which we highly recommend using. The only downside to this small, often surprisingly warm, inland lake, is that it is known to have swimmer's itch. Rinsing well after being in the water, drying off completely, and taking off your swim suit are all great ways to make sure that you get all the best out of your time splashing in Walloon Lake, and none of the bad.

Jones Landing Park

1193 West Gruler Road

Jone's Landing on Walloon lake is a Local's favorite. Only about a five minute drive southwest from the Farm, it is easy to get into the water, has a boat ramp, a sandy beach area, a pavilion, grills, and a playground. Its a great spot for anyone needing an easy swim, rinse, and relax spot. They recently installed a rinse station, which we highly recommend using. The only downside to this small, often surprisingly warm, inland lake, is that it is known to have swimmer's itch. Rinsing well after being in the water, drying off completely, and taking off your swim suit are all great ways to make sure that you get all the best out of your time splashing in Walloon Lake, and none of the bad.

Food scene

Aamchi Mumbai Indian Cuisine

Awesome take out option. Everything on the menu is DElLICIOUS! Makes great leftovers/midnight snack

Aamchi Mumbai Indian Cuisine

1129 US-31

Awesome take out option. Everything on the menu is DElLICIOUS! Makes great leftovers/midnight snack

Mim's Mediterranean Grill

11 locals recommend

Mim's Mediterranean Grill

1823 U.S. 31 N

11 locals recommend

The Back Lot Beer Garden

Outdoor eating/ food trucks, drinks- we love happy’s tacos- preorder online to skip the wait ;)

40 locals recommend

The Back Lot Beer Garden

425 Michigan St

40 locals recommend

Outdoor eating/ food trucks, drinks- we love happy’s tacos- preorder online to skip the wait ;)

Legs Inn

71 locals recommend

Legs Inn

6425 N Lake Shore Dr

71 locals recommend

Canoe/kayak

Mike and I have vast experience paddling the bear river, and it practically runs through our backyard. We will happily give more info to guests who might enjoy a beginner level river experience. Paddling down the river is an excellent way to spend a morning or afternoon .

Bear River

Great, easy, livery-serviced, River to paddle! The Bear River is practically in our back yard, and the stream on our property is actually a tributariy into the river. We love taking a gentle paddle down the Bear River. Its friendly and easy enough to bring the family and beginners. Pack hats, sunscreen, snacks and drinks and you are set for a day of nature and crisp, clean, relaxing, water time.

Bear River

Great, easy, livery-serviced, River to paddle! The Bear River is practically in our back yard, and the stream on our property is actually a tributariy into the river. We love taking a gentle paddle down the Bear River. Its friendly and easy enough to bring the family and beginners. Pack hats, sunscreen, snacks and drinks and you are set for a day of nature and crisp, clean, relaxing, water time.

Sturgeon River

Fast flowing, river fun on the Sturgeon River always brings a smile, and maybe a good swim. More advanced manevuering is required, but it is one of our personal favorites if you are up for the challenge!! There is a livery that services this river, which can give you rental info, ferry service, and more information on the river and the different routes you can take. A bit of a further drive (about 25 minutes), but great fun, adventure, and challenge!

Sturgeon River

Fast flowing, river fun on the Sturgeon River always brings a smile, and maybe a good swim. More advanced manevuering is required, but it is one of our personal favorites if you are up for the challenge!! There is a livery that services this river, which can give you rental info, ferry service, and more information on the river and the different routes you can take. A bit of a further drive (about 25 minutes), but great fun, adventure, and challenge!

Woodland Road

We truly love the Maple River. It is a wooded, quiet, locals-loved River. It is fairly fast flowing, so may be better suited for a more experienced paddler. It lacks nothing in beauty and its banks are graced by large cedar trees, and the water is richly colored with natural tannin. There is no livery on this River so paddlers will need their own gear and ride-ferrying arrangements. If you can pull off the planning to spend some time paddling this river, we doubt you could be disappointed. :)

Woodland Road

We truly love the Maple River. It is a wooded, quiet, locals-loved River. It is fairly fast flowing, so may be better suited for a more experienced paddler. It lacks nothing in beauty and its banks are graced by large cedar trees, and the water is richly colored with natural tannin. There is no livery on this River so paddlers will need their own gear and ride-ferrying arrangements. If you can pull off the planning to spend some time paddling this river, we doubt you could be disappointed. :)