Petoskey overlooks scenic Little Traverse Bay; photographers beware of obsession. Just a few minuites drive west of Petoskey is the community of Bay Harbor, with upscale shops, golf and the largest fresh water yacht basin in North America.
The Petoskey area is known for its stunning sunsets, clean clear waters, boating, sailing and windsurfing, and refreshing beaches. There’s a wide variety of shopping opportunities in downtown Petoskey with boutique shops and galleries. Casual and fine dining restaurants overlooking the bay will delight your dining pleasure. While summer is the energetic time for the shopping in Petoskey’s Gaslight District, locals also know the magic to be found downtown during the Holiday Open House in December with open shops, free food and drink, music on the streets and snowy sleigh rides While the Petoskey area is bathed in the quiet and quaint maritime culture there’s another world of entertainment to be found, including Michigan’s largest indoor water park, Avalanche Bay ™ , the new Odawa Casino Resort, where you find your favorite gaming action, and a sophisticated and fun night club.
Chief Ignatius Petosega’s father was a French Canadian fur trader, his mother an Ottawa Native American. Petosega is the man for which the city of Petoskey and the Petoskey Stone are named. Along the beaches of the area, you may find Michigan’s state stone; a beautiful fossilized coral, dating the geographic history of Northern Michigan .