Getting Around Petoskey Area
Important logistics on getting to and around Northern Michigan.
Petoskey Area | Local Airports
Pellston Regional Airport (PLN) is approximately 25 miles from the Petoskey Area, making it the closest airport to the region. Delta provides year-round commercial service between Pellston and Detroit (DTW). United Airlines offers summer service between Pellston and Chicago O'Hare (ORD).
Chery Capital Airport (TVC) in Traverse City is approximately 70 miles from the Petoskey Area and is a full-service commercial airport with multiple flight carriers to many major metros. The drive from Traverse City is a beautiful route along the Lake Michigan shoreline.
Chery Capital Airport (TVC) in Traverse City is approximately 70 miles from the Petoskey Area and is a full-service commercial airport with multiple flight carriers to many major metros. The drive from Traverse City is a beautiful route along the Lake Michigan shoreline.
Petoskey Area | Ground Transportation
While public transportation is minimal in the Petoskey Area, there are various taxis & shuttle companies available. From general taxi services to group shuttles and airport transfers, there are ride operators who can assist.
Ride share services are very limited depending on the season, so plan to utilize a rental or arrange shuttle transportation if you are flying in. Both Pellston and Traverse City airports have multiple rental car services available.
Ride share services are very limited depending on the season, so plan to utilize a rental or arrange shuttle transportation if you are flying in. Both Pellston and Traverse City airports have multiple rental car services available.
Petoskey Area | Area Communities
The Petoskey Area is made up of seven towns, all within an easy drive of one another.
Petoskey - Located on the picturesque shores of Lake Michigan's Little Traverse Bay, Petoskey's year-round vibrancy and storied history of hospitality make it the heart of the region. Easy access to natural beauty and outdoor recreation combined with a robust shopping, dining, and arts & culture scene gives locals and visitors alike reasons to love this community. Stroll through the historic Gaslight Shopping District, revel in the million-dollar sunsets by the waterfront, or attend one of many events happening throughout the year. And as its name suggests, it's a great place to hunt for Petoskey Stones.
Harbor Springs - Tucked along the north side of Lake Michigan's Little Traverse Bay is the vibrant resort community of Harbor Springs, named the #1 Small Lake Town in America by Travel + Leisure in 2024. A natural hub for the sailing community, Harbor Springs boasts locally owned boutiques and restaurants, numerous public parks and beaches, and the deepest freshwater harbor in the Great Lakes at 170 feet deep. More than just a summer destination, Harbor Springs is also home to The Highlands, an adventure-filled ski and golf resort, and Nub’s Nob ski area, known for employing some of the best snow farmers in Michigan.
Boyne City - Wrapped around the north arm of Lake Charlevoix, you’ll find the charming town of Boyne City – a place not only home to some of the best hiking and biking in the Petoskey Area but also some of the region’s most unique community events. The historic downtown area has a lively social district featuring restaurants and shops, eclectic galleries, lakeside parks, and one of Northern Michigan’s best year-round farmers markets. Lake Charlevoix is Michigan’s 3rd largest inland lake, with ample ways to enjoy the water’s beauty throughout the seasons, from boat cruises and kayaking to ice fishing and leaf peeping.
Boyne Falls - Just 10 minutes from Boyne City is the quaint village of Boyne Falls, named after the falls on the nearby Boyne River. A tranquil setting for fly fishing and kayaking, the Boyne River weaves through the community with a small family of restaurants and lodging on its banks. Boyne Falls also serves as a gateway to adventure and fun as it’s home to Boyne Mountain Resort, a full-service property where guests can enjoy skiing, snowboarding, mountain biking, golf, and much more.
Bay Harbor - Nestled along five miles of Lake Michigan shoreline, you’ll find the upscale waterfront village of Bay Harbor. The community celebrated its 30th anniversary in 2024 and features some of the area’s most unparalleled amenities, from luxury accommodations right on Lake Michigan to world-class golf, curated dining experiences, and boutique shopping. Bay Harbor is a great jumping-off point for the Little Traverse Wheelway, a paved scenic bike route from Charlevoix to Harbor Springs. Toast to enjoying life’s simple pleasures.
Alanson - Alanson lies just northeast of Petoskey on the banks of the Crooked River – a major link in the 38-mile Inland Waterway that connects several inland lakes to Lake Huron. This authentic Northern Michigan village welcomes adventure seekers to enjoy the town’s endless outdoor activities, including hiking and biking, boating, kayaking, fishing, and ice fishing. An antique shop, bakery, and historic museum are just a few of the businesses that dot the downtown streets, in addition to a variety of other shops and restaurants. Particularly popular with snowmobile enthusiasts, Alanson is also an ideal basecamp to enjoy 140+ snowmobile trails in Emmet and
Charlevoix counties.
Bay View - Bay View is a National Historic Landmark and famed Chautauqua-style community just north of downtown Petoskey, with nearly 500 elegant Victorian cottages, homes, and buildings. Celebrating its 150th year in 2025, the Bay View Association is hosting over 80 free public events to commemorate the vibrant arts, cultural, educational, and spiritual programming that has distinguished them for over a century. Two historic hotels allow guests to stay in the heart of Bay View to enjoy their arts & cultural performances, lecture series, and hiking trails.
Petoskey - Located on the picturesque shores of Lake Michigan's Little Traverse Bay, Petoskey's year-round vibrancy and storied history of hospitality make it the heart of the region. Easy access to natural beauty and outdoor recreation combined with a robust shopping, dining, and arts & culture scene gives locals and visitors alike reasons to love this community. Stroll through the historic Gaslight Shopping District, revel in the million-dollar sunsets by the waterfront, or attend one of many events happening throughout the year. And as its name suggests, it's a great place to hunt for Petoskey Stones.
Harbor Springs - Tucked along the north side of Lake Michigan's Little Traverse Bay is the vibrant resort community of Harbor Springs, named the #1 Small Lake Town in America by Travel + Leisure in 2024. A natural hub for the sailing community, Harbor Springs boasts locally owned boutiques and restaurants, numerous public parks and beaches, and the deepest freshwater harbor in the Great Lakes at 170 feet deep. More than just a summer destination, Harbor Springs is also home to The Highlands, an adventure-filled ski and golf resort, and Nub’s Nob ski area, known for employing some of the best snow farmers in Michigan.
Boyne City - Wrapped around the north arm of Lake Charlevoix, you’ll find the charming town of Boyne City – a place not only home to some of the best hiking and biking in the Petoskey Area but also some of the region’s most unique community events. The historic downtown area has a lively social district featuring restaurants and shops, eclectic galleries, lakeside parks, and one of Northern Michigan’s best year-round farmers markets. Lake Charlevoix is Michigan’s 3rd largest inland lake, with ample ways to enjoy the water’s beauty throughout the seasons, from boat cruises and kayaking to ice fishing and leaf peeping.
Boyne Falls - Just 10 minutes from Boyne City is the quaint village of Boyne Falls, named after the falls on the nearby Boyne River. A tranquil setting for fly fishing and kayaking, the Boyne River weaves through the community with a small family of restaurants and lodging on its banks. Boyne Falls also serves as a gateway to adventure and fun as it’s home to Boyne Mountain Resort, a full-service property where guests can enjoy skiing, snowboarding, mountain biking, golf, and much more.
Bay Harbor - Nestled along five miles of Lake Michigan shoreline, you’ll find the upscale waterfront village of Bay Harbor. The community celebrated its 30th anniversary in 2024 and features some of the area’s most unparalleled amenities, from luxury accommodations right on Lake Michigan to world-class golf, curated dining experiences, and boutique shopping. Bay Harbor is a great jumping-off point for the Little Traverse Wheelway, a paved scenic bike route from Charlevoix to Harbor Springs. Toast to enjoying life’s simple pleasures.
Alanson - Alanson lies just northeast of Petoskey on the banks of the Crooked River – a major link in the 38-mile Inland Waterway that connects several inland lakes to Lake Huron. This authentic Northern Michigan village welcomes adventure seekers to enjoy the town’s endless outdoor activities, including hiking and biking, boating, kayaking, fishing, and ice fishing. An antique shop, bakery, and historic museum are just a few of the businesses that dot the downtown streets, in addition to a variety of other shops and restaurants. Particularly popular with snowmobile enthusiasts, Alanson is also an ideal basecamp to enjoy 140+ snowmobile trails in Emmet and
Charlevoix counties.
Bay View - Bay View is a National Historic Landmark and famed Chautauqua-style community just north of downtown Petoskey, with nearly 500 elegant Victorian cottages, homes, and buildings. Celebrating its 150th year in 2025, the Bay View Association is hosting over 80 free public events to commemorate the vibrant arts, cultural, educational, and spiritual programming that has distinguished them for over a century. Two historic hotels allow guests to stay in the heart of Bay View to enjoy their arts & cultural performances, lecture series, and hiking trails.
