This blog post may contain affiliate links, which may reward me in the event of a sale. I use these funds to reinvest in my blog and to create more great content like this article to share with you! My stay to the Petoskey Area was sponsored, however all thoughts & opinions are my own. Disclaimer here.
Looking for the perfect Northern Michigan weekend getaway? Harbor Springs, Bay Harbor, and Petoskey are packed with stunning views, family-friendly adventures, rich history, and delicious local eats. All in small-town settings that feel like a true escape from everyday life!
My family and I have explored Michigan extensively, from glamping near Boyne City to scenic drives along the Tunnel of Trees. Every time we passed through Harbor Springs and Petoskey, we promised ourselves we’d slow down and experience the area properly. This summer, we finally did—and it exceeded every expectation.
This trip wasn’t just your typical “Up North” weekend. We uncovered hidden gems, scenic preserves, hands-on history, and food stops that are worth planning a detour for. Below, I’ll share our four-day itinerary along with tips and insights to help you plan your own unforgettable Northern Michigan adventure.
Where We Stayed: OTIS Harbor Springs
If you’re looking for a peaceful base that still feels connected to the area, OTIS Harbor Springs is a dream stay. Opened in May 2024, this boutique hotel sits right on M-119 aka the famous Tunnel of Trees. Plus it’s just 10 minutes from downtown Harbor Springs.
Why stay at OTIS?
- 31 rooms, including suites or studio options
- Lakeside views and eight acres of peaceful property
- Family-friendly layouts (we stayed in the Lakeside Family Suite with separate bedrooms, which was ideal)
- Modern, luxurious interiors and amenities with mid-century inspiration
What also makes OTIS special is its story. The property once housed the Birchwood Inn, a long-time favorite for road trippers. The redesign pays tribute to its past while offering a modern, design-forward experience with velvet sofas, curated textures, and details overseen by designers like Daniel Caudill (Shinola) and Kenneth Blasingame (known for his work at Camp David and the White House).
It’s stylish, yes, but also welcoming and comfortable. As a family, we loved the balance as our son had room to wiggle but we also had quiet spots to relax after a full day of exploring.
Day 1: Farm Fun & Views
Check-In at OTIS Harbor Springs
We arrived in Harbor Springs on Thursday afternoon, just in time for the 3 PM check-in at OTIS Harbor Springs. This hotel was an absolute dream: quiet, peaceful, and perfectly suited for families. The redesign and history of the property are truly inspiring, giving a sense of modern comfort while paying homage to its past. After settling in, we stretched our legs, explored the room, and let our son run around while unpacking.
Dinner at Pond Hill Farm
Just a mile up the road from OTIS, Pond Hill Farm is the ultimate farm-to-table destination with family-friendly fun for any season. We spent the afternoon:
- Petting the farm animals
- Watching our son enjoy the natural playground
- Hunting for gnome houses as part of a unique scavenger hunt they have
- Climbing up Vineyard Hill for panoramic views of their vineyard below
Dinner here was a delight! We enjoyed a mix of pizzas and sandwiches, and I couldn’t resist sampling their cider flight. The farm was prepping their fall pumpkin displays, adding an extra layer of seasonal charm. Pond Hill Farm perfectly combines hands-on fun, beautiful scenery, and delicious local food, making it an ideal first stop in Northern Michigan.
Pro Tip: Take some time to wander the farm’s trails and vineyard hill — the views are worth it, especially in the late afternoon light.
Day 2 Northern Michigan Weekend Getaway: Museums, History & Hot Air Balloons
Breakfast at Small Batch Harbor Springs
We started the day at Small Batch Harbor Springs, known for artisanal baked goods and European-inspired flavors. The portions were enormous, so much so that we were full all day! You can choose cozy indoor seating or enjoy a sunny morning on their outdoor patio. While they don’t have a kids’ menu, the welcoming atmosphere makes it a great spot for families.
Explore the Ephraim Shay Works & Harbor Springs History Museum
Next, we dove into Harbor Springs’ history:
- Ephraim Shay Works Museum: This museum exceeded our expectations, especially for kids. The exhibits feel hands-on and interactive, almost like a STEAM museum, without being exclusively for children. Here, we learned about the Shay locomotive and other local innovations. The whole museum was engaging and accessible for all ages.
- Harbor Springs History Museum: Located just across the street in the former County Courthouse, this museum pairs a traditional history gallery with a discovery gallery designed for kids. The exhibits made local history relatable and immersive, providing context to the town’s architecture, culture, and Prohibition-era stories.
Pointer Boat Cruise
Before dinner, we booked a cruise aboard the historic Pointer Boat. This intimate vessel holds up to 12 guests and offers a one-hour cruise along Little Traverse Bay, Harbor Point, and Wequetonsing.
History Highlights:
- The Pointer was originally a water taxi for Harbor Point residents from 1930–1962, built in 1934 in Chessel, Michigan.
- Steve Van Dam meticulously restored it, preserving Scandinavian design features, blue upholstered seating, and adding a compass rose table.
- Cruising on the Pointer is a rare opportunity to see the Little Traverse Lighthouse, which is private property and not visible from land.
Our son had a blast! Especially because the Captain invited him to sit in his seat to help drive the boat. The waterfront views combined with the historical storytelling made for a magical experience.
Dinner at Pier Restaurant
Following the cruise, we enjoyed a delicious and scenic dinner at the Pier Restaurant overlooking Little Traverse Bay.
The restaurant, established in 1971, sits on the original harbor pilings and has sections dating back to Prohibition. Dining here combines history with upscale Northern Michigan cuisine, which was a perfect way to end a day of exploration.
Balloons Over Bay Harbor Night Glow
To cap off the evening, we headed to Bay Harbor for the Night Glow. Watching the hot air balloons light up in synchronization to music on the Marina Lawn was mesmerizing. Winston was completely captivated! It’s an experience that’s both magical and visually stunning.
Pro Tip: Dress in layers for the evening as the waterfront can get chilly once the sun sets.
Day 3: Petoskey Adventure & Nature Preserves
Morning Coffee at OTIS
We started the third day of our Northern Michigan weekend adventure slow with coffee and pastries at our hotel OTIS. They receive fresh pastries daily from local Crooked Tree Bakery and have a seasonally changing latte menu using homemade syrups. Rather than just take our breakfast back to our room, we enjoyed it in the Otis Lounge, which was a visual delight to take in with so much to look around and see!
Boardwalk Up the ‘Bluff’
We started our day with a stroll along the Harbor Springs Boardwalk, a historic pathway that has connected the upper and lower bluff for over a century. The 690-foot boardwalk provides a safe pedestrian route while offering expansive views of Little Traverse Bay and downtown Harbor Springs.
At the top, a viewing platform with benches gave us the perfect spot to pause, take in the scenery, and snap a few photos. The boardwalk, recently rebuilt and reopened in July 2023 after nearly two years of closure, now features treated wood, steel cable railings, and charming historic lighting.
The climb was easy, and the panoramic views made it well worth the effort. This is truly a hidden gem in the heart of Harbor Springs.
Solanus Mission Beach for Petoskey Stones & Lakeshore Views
From there, we drove to Solanus Mission Beach in downtown Petoskey, a quieter spot along Little Traverse Bay that feels like a hidden treasure. If you’re planning a Northern Michigan weekend getaway with kids, this Beach is a must-visit for Petoskey stone hunting!
The beach offers 500 feet of accessible shoreline and a boardwalk connecting to Bayfront Park West, making it easy to explore along the water. Native plants, including wormwood and red twig dogwood, add both natural beauty and cultural significance. Petoskey stone hunting proved to be a hit for both Winston and I, adding a little adventure to our visit.
This beach sits next to St. Francis Solanus Indian Mission Church, the oldest standing building in Petoskey, dating back to 1855. Because this area is sacred to the Odawa people, visitors are encouraged to treat it with respect.
Lunch at The Back Lot
For a casual, family-friendly lunch, we stopped at The Back Lot in Petoskey, a lively bar yard filled with multiple food trucks and communal seating.
Tony and I opted for tacos and a taco bowl from Happy’s Taco, while Winston couldn’t resist a wood-fired pizza from Full Moon Pizza, complete with a side of ranch. Drinks were available from both indoor and outdoor bars, and the fenced-in space made it easy to relax while kids can play nearby.
The Back Lot offered a fun, low-key spot to refuel and enjoy local flavors.
Balloons Over Bay Harbor Festival
After lunch, we continued on for some festival fun back at Balloons Over Bay Harbor. On Saturday, we participated in the tethered balloon rides and looked for goodies at the artisan market. There are also other activities like painting, balloon animals and getting the balloon pilots autographs.
The festival is intimate yet lively, set against Lake Michigan’s gorgeous coastline.
Pro tip: prioritize the tethered rides first, then explore the market to maximize your time.
Evening Stroll & Sunset at Thorne Swift Nature Preserve
Later, we headed to Thorne Swift Nature Preserve for a peaceful evening stroll. The preserve spans 30 acres of dunes, wetlands, and a small pond, offering a serene escape along Lake Michigan’s shoreline.
In late summer, the peppermint meadows are alive with Monarch butterflies making their migration, and we were lucky enough to spot several of them, along with red-bellied woodpeckers and frogs.
The Elizabeth Kennedy Nature Center on-site is a charming little stop, featuring interactive educational exhibits for visitors of all ages. By the time we arrived, we had the preserve almost entirely to ourselves, making the experience feel truly magical.
Dinner at Petoskey Brewing
We wrapped up the day with dinner at Petoskey Brewing, housed in its original 1898 brewery building.
The smash burgers were some of the best we’ve tasted in Michigan, and I enjoyed a flight that included their signature beers, like the “Horny Monk” Belgian Dubbel and the Rescue Ale Wheat Beer. The indoor seating feels rustic and cozy, with exposed brick walls that give the impression of dining outdoors.
Petoskey Brewing also supports Michigan based humane societies through their Peanut Butter Wheat Rescue Ale, adding a thoughtful community touch. Between the historic atmosphere, delicious food, and family-friendly vibe, it was the perfect way to end a full and adventurous day.
Day 4: Oden State Fish Hatchery & Final Nature Stops
Breakfast at Johan’s Pastries
We began our final morning in Harbor Springs with coffee and pastries at Johan’s Pastries in downtown.
Known for their fresh donuts, coffee cakes, bread, bagels, and more, all baked daily. Johan’s has been a Northern Michigan institution since 1958.
The Harbor Springs location captures the same quality and charm, with bright, airy indoor seating and a pleasant outdoor patio. It was the perfect light breakfast to fuel us for a busy morning.
Zorn Park & City Beach
Afterward, we spent some time at Zorn Park and City Beach so Winston could play and enjoy the outdoors before our journey home.
The beach features a newer playground, plenty of benches, picnic tables, and a public restroom, with convenient on site parking.
We took in the scenic views along Little Traverse Bay and soaked up a few last moments by the water. It’s an ideal spot for families who want a mix of recreation and easy sightseeing in downtown Harbor Springs.
Oden State Fish Hatchery
Our final stop was the Oden State Fish Hatchery, one of our favorites of the trip!
We started at the visitor center, exploring hands-on exhibits and watching grayling fish swim in the tanks. The Wolverine train car exhibit showcases how fish were historically transported and stocked across Michigan.
We then explored the sites along the trail like the underwater viewing area. Here you can watch the fish swimming underwater against the current. Then, as you continue a little further, there’s an expansive viewing platform and docks to feed massive retired trout (plus eager mallard and wood ducks.)
The trails, open year-round, wind through two miles of paths, ponds, and natural habitat. The water is a stunning turquoise, reminiscent of Kitchitikipi but with far fewer crowds. This stop perfectly blends education, hands-on fun, and nature observation, making it a hidden gem that impressed us at every turn.
Copy Our 4 Day Northern Michigan Weekend Getaway Itinerary
Thursday, Day 1
- 3 PM Head to OTIS of Harbor Springs for check in, explore amenities and grounds
- 4 PM Head to Pond Hill Farm for Dinner, playground, animals, gnome house hunt, walk up Vineyard Hall for the scenic overlook
- 7 PM Back to OTIS for the night
Friday, Day 2
- 9 AM Breakfast at Small Batch Harbor Springs
- 11 AM Ephraim Shay Works Museum & Harbor Springs History Museum
- 1 PM Shopping at Rocking Horse Toy Co and Tom’s Mom’s Cookies
- 2 PM Downtime back to OTIS Harbor Springs
- 4 PM Pre-Dinner Cruise on Pointer Boat
- 6:30 PM Dinner reservation at the Pier Restaurant
- 7:30 PM Travel to Bay Harbor for Night Glow viewing
- 8 PM Night Glow in Bay Harbor at the Balloons Over Bay Harbor Event
Saturday, Day 3
- 9 AM Breakfast at OTIS Cafe
- 9:30 AM Walk the Boardwalk Trail for view over Harbor Springs
- 10:30 AM Visit Solanus Mission Beach in Downtown Petoskey
- 11:30 AM Lunch at The Back Lot
- 12:30 PM Explore Balloons Over Bay Harbor Festival: Go on a tethered balloon ride, browse and shop the Artisan market, get balloon pilots autographs, watch the flights take off
- 6 PM Hike and enjoy nature at the Thorne Swift Nature Preserve
- 7:30 PM Dinner at Petoskey Brewery
Sunday, Day 4
- 9 AM Coffee/pastries at Johan’s Pastries
- 9:30 AM Visit Zorn Park and City Beach
- 11 AM Explore Oden State Fish Hatchery
Map of Northern Michigan Weekend Getaway
This 4-day Northern Michigan weekend getaway gave us a little of everything: secret beaches, peaceful preserves, hands-on history, family farm fun, and cozy small-town shopping.
If you’re planning a Northern Michigan weekend getaway, Harbor Springs and Petoskey are ideal bases—full of scenic beauty and local charm, but without the overwhelming crowds of some bigger tourist spots.
Travel Tip: Early fall is an amazing time to visit. You’ll catch monarch butterfly migration at Thorne Swift, harvest season at Pond Hill Farm, and Tunnel of Trees colors starting to glow.
From Michigan with Love,
Jackie
Pin this Post for Later Northern Michigan Weekend Getaway: Explore Harbor Springs, Bay Harbor & Petoskey
