This Midwest Lake Town Is One of the Prettiest in the U.S.—and It Has White-sand Beaches and Access to 3 Stunning Lakes

Few towns across the U.S. have as many access points to water as Charlevoix, which sits snugly on an isthmus in Northern Michigan, about a four-hour drive from Detroit and roughly five hours from Chicago.

Officially, Charlevoix is home to about 3,000 year-round residents, but come summer, the town booms with visitors. For lovers of water—whether it’s beach lounging or high-adrenaline water sports—it doesn’t get much better than this. There are three distinct lakes here. On the eastern edge, there’s Lake Charlevoix, the state’s third-largest inland lake. Then, on the other side, a gorgeous gateway to Lake Michigan, one of the five Great Lakes. And in the middle of downtown Charlevoix, you'll find the town's "crown jewel," Round Lake, a 300-acre natural harbor.

It’s not just about the water here, though. Every summer, 60,000 petunias are planted on US-31 and Main Street—just one of the ways the town lives up to its nickname, "Charlevoix the Beautiful." Plus, you'll find "mushroom houses" designed by the late architect and Michigan native Earl Young sprinkled throughout Charlevoix, giving it a whimsical, curious atmosphere.

Although it often flies under the national radar, Michiganders know that Charlevoix’s acclaim as a resort town isn’t new. When rail lines connected the lake town to the rest of the Midwest in the 1890s, it became a favorite summer getaway for Chicagoans and other city folks all across the region. The rail link is long gone, but some traditions, like the Charlevoix Venetian Festival, which dates back to 1929 and features events such as a sailing regatta, carnival, fireworks, and a car show, are still celebrated to this day.

Here's what you need to know before planning a trip to Charlevoix, Michigan.

Best Things to Do

You can’t come to Charlevoix without sinking your toes into the sand, and there’s no better place to do that than at Michigan Beach Park, along Lake Michigan near downtown Charlevoix. Locals flock here not only for the white-sand shoreline, but also for the sunsets and the historic Charlevoix Lighthouse, which dates back to 1885. Instead of scouring for seashells like you might in Florida, hunt for the famous Petoskey stones—they're pieces of prehistoric coral reef and also Michigan's state stone. You’ll also find convenient restrooms, a swimming area, a fishing pier, an ADA-compliant playground, and concession stands.

Take a day trip to Beaver Island—Lake Michigan’s largest island, clocking in at nearly 56 square miles—via the Beaver Island Boat Company ferry, departing from Charlevoix. Explore some of the island on bicycle, stop for a pint at Whiskey Point Brewing, or break for lunch at Wild Strawberry Cafe, celebrating its third summer this year.

While it’s no secret that Michigan's wine scene is gaining national recognition, not all winery tasting rooms have as unique a story as Lost Cellars, founded by Jay and Lora Higdon as an homage to Jay’s great-great-grandfather, a Sicilian immigrant who immigrated to California to become a winemaker. In addition to cool-climate, small-batch wines, you can also indulge in pizzas, cocktails, and even spiked gelato while here. If you would like to explore Michigan's wine scene even more deeply, Charlevoix is located in the heart of the Tip of the Mitt American Viticultural Area, home to around 20 wineries.

You'd also be remiss to not go on a driving tour of Young’s “mushroom houses." Departing daily from the Shroom Shack in downtown Charlevoix, the experience glides by all 26 of the homes in town. All were constructed between the 1920s and 1950s out of materials like limestone and fieldstone sourced from the local Northern Michigan area, without the use of blueprints.

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Where to Eat and Drink

For date night, or to take advantage of the unique opportunity to dine within a former grain mill, head to Weathervane Restaurant, open daily for lunch and dinner. In addition to locally sourced eats like the smoked whitefish pate, whitefish and chips, lobster rolls, and hanger steak, people come here for the view and the vibes. You can cozy up by a stone fireplace during the cooler months, or hang out on the deck when the weather is nice to enjoy views of the Round Lake Channel.

For something more casual (a DIY picnic to properly soak in Charlevoix’s lake views, perhaps?) J. Bird Provisions is a new grab-and-go market that sells favorites from local food vendors and its own small menu, mainly featuring sandwiches, bowls, and salads. 

And of course, every small town needs a good breakfast spot. That French Place, known for its sweet and savory crepes and iced lattes, evokes what you might find in a Parisian bakery. Don’t miss its pastries, like the Breton cake, macarons, pain au chocolat, and kouign-amann.

Where to Stay

Although there's a small selection of hotels in Charlevoix, there are a variety of choices. If you want to wake up along the waterfront, check into Edgewater Inn, a condominium-hotel. There’s plenty of room to spread out—each nautical-themed unit comes with a full kitchen, private balcony and patio. Staying here also gets you amenities like access to a picnic and barbecue area, indoor and outdoor pools, a fitness center, and an indoor hot tub.

Two hotels in Charlevoix honor Earl Young—both within buildings he designed. Located just 300 feet from the beach, the 67-room Weathervane Terrace Inn & Suites, with its wraparound deck (plus an outdoor pool and hot tub), is a short walk from downtown’s shops and restaurants and the Beaver Island Boat Company ferry. Rates include continental breakfast, so you can have a leisurely morning. Its two-bedroom Earl Young Tower Suite is a penthouse with an eye-catching circular, glass-enclosed living room and a cozy stone-clad nook.

For something with a modern edge, book The Earl, a boutique property with just 56 rooms and midcentury modern design. On a warm evening, the best spot—not just here, but in all of Charlevoix—is the rooftop bar and lounge, Hi Bar, where you can enjoy light bites and drinks. A night here gets you complimentary breakfast and access to bikes, so you can check out the town on your own. After you're done exploring, head to the indoor pool area. It's the perfect spot to relax in after a warm day.