Northern Michigan should not be confused with the Upper Peninsula. Although a bit inaccurate, the term "Northern Michigan" is used to refer to only the northern portion of the Lower Peninsula of Michigan... the "fingers" of that mitten-shaped body of land.

Northern Michigan is popular for its outdoor recreation opportunities, including Michigan's premiere ski slopes, hunting, fishing, golf courses, and beaches.

Regions

Grand Traverse Bay Area the pinky and ring finger

Mackinac Area the tip of the middle finger

Northeastern Michigan the index finger

Cities

• 1 Arcadia
• 2 Alpena-- Home of Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary and Underwater Preserve
• 3 Bay Harbor - Luxurious Destination situated on five miles of Lake Michigan shoreline
• 4 Cadillac
• 5 Cheboygan
• 6 Charlevoix -- Charming coastal city with vast waterfront and unique homes
• 7 Frankfort
• 8 Gladwin -- Where The North Begins
• 9 Grayling
• 10 Honor
• 11 Harbor Springs -- Home to two ski resorts, Nub's Nob, and Boyne Highlands
• 12 Mackinaw City -- Less expensive, modern alternative to staying on Mackinac Island
• 13 Petoskey
• 14 Reed City
• 15 Traverse City -- Home of the National Cherry Festival - Traverse City Film Festival
• 16 Atlanta
• 17 Gaylord

Other destinations

Beaver Island Harbor Light

• 1 Bay Harbor
• 2 Kalkaska
• 3 Grayling
• 4 Beaver Island
• 5 Mackinac Island -- Car-free location of the world-famous Grand Hotel
• 6 Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
• 7 Houghton Lake

See

Fort Michilimackinac

• The Mackinac Bridge - known as the "Mighty Mac" or (against the wishes of a certain burger merchant) "Big Mac", is a suspension bridge spanning the Straits of Mackinac to connect the non-contiguous Upper and Lower Peninsulas of Michigan.
• Fort Michilimackinac - Founded in 1715 as a French fur-trading village and military outpost, Michilimackinac was later occupied by the British who abandoned it in 1780 to establish a new fort on Mackinac Island. What you see today on this site is a reconstruction of how the fortified village appeared in the 1770s, based on evidence gathered during the nation's longest archaeological excavation.

Do

• The Northern Michigan area is home to some of the best skiing in the Midwest including Nub's Nob Ski Resort, Boyne Highlands and Boyne Mountain. All of these ski resorts are located around the Petoskey/Harbor Springs/Boyne Falls area.
• 1 Avalanche Bay Indoor Waterpark.  - located in Boyne Falls

Buy

• Polish Art Center, 8994 South Kasson Street (in Cedar, which is 20 miles from Traverse City), ☏ +1 231 835 2242. M-Sa 10AM - 6PM ET; Su noon - 4PM ET. (updated May 2017)

Eat

• Fred's Cosmic Bowling and Restaurant. Restaurant, bowling, bar, catering and party hall. 989-275-6565.