Family Travel - AmericInn^® of Charlevoix, MI

The Perfect Family Destination - Charlevoix, Michigan

With its convenient location, Kids Stay for Free program, spacious family-style accommodations and signature suites sleeping up to 5 people, complimentary AmericInn Perk breakfast and high-speed Internet access, the AmericInn of Charlevoix provides the ideal setting for your next family vacation. Charlevoix, Michigan provides year-round fun and excitement for the whole family. In the fall and winter, skiing, sledding, and hot chocolate by the fireplace will keep everyone in high spirits. In the spring and summertime you'll find hiking, swimming, golf, fishing, and more for the whole family to enjoy together.

Family Attractions and Activities

Beaver Island - Enjoy a one-day discovery visit to Beaver Island.  Depart Charlevoix at 8:30am aboard the modern 130-foot Emerald Isle, Beaver Island.  A three-hour guided tour covers the charming village of St. James, Donegal and Iron Ore Bays, two lighthouses, spectacular forests, dunes and several inland lakes.  Visit two museums (one historic, one a toy museum) and get an introduction to the Island's unique history.  Enjoy lunch overlooking beautiful Paradise Bay and visit some interesting shops as well as enjoying some island art.  You have now just scratched the surface of 60 square miles of natural beauty.  From Beaver Island, several other uninhabited islands in the archipelago are just a short boat ride away.  Your return to Charlevoix departs at 5:30pm.  The Island is also served by air.  Contact the following companies for a great day at Beaver Island.

• Beaver Island Boat Company, 103 Bridge Park Drive, Charlevoix, 231-547-2311, www.bibco.com
• Fresh Air Aviation, 1520 Bridge Street, Charlevoix, 231-237-9482, www.freshairaviation.net
• Island Airways, 111 Airport Drive, Charlevoix, 231-547-2141, www.islandairways.com
• Beaver Island Chamber of Commerce, 231-448-2505, www.beaverisland.org 

Castle Farms - If you are looking for a new and unique place to visit, then a majestic stone castle is your Northern Michigan tour destination.  Whether to view the magnificence of our French Chateaux style building and our picturesque gardens or just experience the majesty of the castle, Castle Farms is the perfect place to get a little taste of the French atmosphere.  During your self-guided tour, you will receive a narrated history and view a short video showcasing the Castle's extensive restoration.  You will then be free to stroll the interior and exterior of our renovated and fully restored stone building.  Bring a picnic and eat on the lawns while playing a giant chess or checkers game or while feeding the fish in the pond.  Special children's self-guided treasure hunt tours are also available.  There is fun for the whole family at Castle Farms.
Address: 5052 M-66 North, Charlevoix, MI
Phone: 231-237-0884
Website: www.castlefarms.com 

Friske's Farm Market - Charlevoix's year round farm market.  Stop here to get ta fresh cup of coffee, some home baked goodies, seasonal fresh fruit and some great shopping.  You'll find a full line of gourmet cherry products, souvenirs, and Friske's syrups, jams, jellies, salsas, sauces and butters.  Friske's Country Haus, right next door, has 10 rooms of crafts, gifts, collectibles and home décor for your further shopping pleasure.  From May through October, you can feed the barnyard animals.  Arrangements can be made for wagon rides by calling ahead.
Address: US 31 at Atwood
Phone: 888-968-3354
Website: www.friske.com 

John Cross Fisheries - The three-generation family owned fishery where you can see the fresh caught fish from Lake Michigan including our famous whitefish as well as purchase all t ypes of seafood imaginable.  They will take you back behind the scenes to give your family an individual tour if asked.  You can even have Great Lakes fish shipped for a taste of Charlevoix when you get home!
Address: 209 Belvedere Avenue, Charlevoix
Phone: 231-547-2532 

Little Traverse Wheelway - This popular un-groomed, non-motorized trail is situated along Lake Michigan on the north side of US-31.  The trail runs 26 miles round trip along Little Traverse Bay.  Trail users may bike, skate, ski, walk or run from Charlevoix to Petoskey.  The trail starts north of town and parking is available at the AmericInn. (Rentals are available from Revolution Bike in the Oleson's Shopping Center, Charlevoix.  Phone: 231-237-0900)
Address: 11800 US 31 North, Charlevoix
Phone: 231-237-0988 

Maplewood Farm - "Savvy Selection" at Maplewood Farm answers the questions of curious onlookers who have stopped to enjoy watching the Alpacas and Llamas grazing.  The store has hats and gloves, scarves, clothing, sofa throws, rugs and more items made from Alpaca fleece.  Alpaca is softer and three to five times warmer than wool, and more durable than cashmere.
Address: 06399 Boyne City Road, Charlevoix
Phone: 231-582-6740
Website: www.maplewoodfarm.org
Hours of Operation: Open 12:00pm - 5:30pm most Saturdays & Sundays 

Stonehedge Fiber Mill and Yarn Shop - Stonehedge is a 150-year-old working farm.  Visit the yarn shop, stocked with yarns made on-site in the fiber mill.  There are also finished handmade items.  A brief tour of the fiber mill is available.  See freshly shorn wool, alpaca and other fibers processed into yarn.  You may be greeted by a few of the fiber bearing animals that roam the yard (just watch where you step!!)
Address: 2246 Posek Road (off M-32 at county line)
Phone: 231-536-2779
Website: www.stonehedgefibermill.com 

Wagbo Peace Center - Wagbo is a non-profit, volunteer run organization.  Fresh, organically raised produce, chicken and pork are available during the growing season through Providence CSA based at the center.  The Center hosts an annual Maple Syrup Festival each March and Harvest Festival in autumn.  This 212-acre homestead and farming venture includes pastured poultry, maple syrup, vegetable gardens, greenhouse, laying hens, ducks, pigs, milk cows, draft horses, honey bees, fruit trees and rough cut lumber.  Wagbo also hosts a film series, peace activities, field trips, hay and sleigh rides.  Please call to arrange an activity or visit.
Address: 5745 North M-66, East Jordan
Phone: 231-536-0333 

Walloon Equestrian Center - Year round horse boarding, lessons, summer 5-day horse camps, full day pony camps, birthday parties and more.  Call for more information.
Address: 2900 Old State Road, Walloon Lake
Phone: 231-535-7171 

Charlevoix Public Library - This building was constructed in 1927 as a public school and it functioned as such until 2002.  It reopened in 2006 as a public library.  This completely renovated space is now a showpiece of architecture and ambiance.  It has been described by some as "the living room of the community."  A special feature is the library's mural, located inside the main entrance, which depicts life in Charlevoix in 1927.  Make sure to see all the books, magazines, newspapers, music, movies and online resources, take part in adult and youth programs, or simply sit in a comfortable chair and read.  The library has computers and free wireless access.
Address: 220 West Clinton Street, Charlevoix
Phone: 231-547-2651
Website: www.charlevoixlibrary.org 

Charlevoix Cinema, Inc. - Offers three screens for movies.  Wednesday night is "Bargain Night."
Address: 107 West Antrim Street, Charlevoix
Phone: 231-547-4353

Harsha House - In 1891, Charlevoix businessman and community leader Horace Harsha completed his new home at 103 State Street, a pleasant residence constructed in the classic Victorian style.  His granddaughter, Ann Harsha, donated the house to the Charlevoix Historical Society in 1979 to be used as a museum.  Harsha House is now the permanent home of the Charlevoix Historical Society and is a registered state historic site.
Address: 103 State Street
Phone: 231-547-0373
Hours of Operation: Call for hours. 

Charlevoix Area Community Pool - Open all year.  Lap swim, senior, teen and open swim times as well as various classes offered.
Address: 11905 US 31 North, Charlevoix
Phone: 231-547-0982
Website: www.charpool.org 

Charlevoix Skate Park - Custom designed park located on West Carpenter Street across from the ball fields in Charlevoix.  The p ark features an awesome half-pipe, 20' wide and 6' tall.  Custom designed by local skaters to meet the needs of inline, skateboard and BMX.
Hours of Operation: Open 1:00pm-9:00pm, seven days a week, May through September. 

Ironton Ferry - Since 1876 a cable-guided ferry has taken passengers back and forth across the narrow mouth of the South Arm of Lake Charlevoix.  The ferry has been made famous by Ripley's Believe It or Not.  Ripley said, "Captain Sam Alexander traveled 15,000 miles and was never more than 1,000 feet from his home!"  By the time Captain Alexander had retired, after over 50 years, he had traveled more than 25,000 miles, enough to circle the earth.  Another "Believe It or Not" that one could add, during all that time, no one paid a penny to cross on the ferry.  Today the price is $3.00 per automobile or motorcycle and $1.00 for bikes.
Address: 5 miles south of Charlevoix on Highway M-66
Phone: 231-582-7330 

Hoffmann Park Garden - Betty Hoffmann and her late husband, Walter, donated the land to the city.  "It was for the people of Charlevoix to have the view we had enjoyed all those years," she said.  Hoffmann hopes people enjoy watching the boats and the bridge as much as she and her husband did.  Hoffmann Park is located on Park Avenue in Charlevoix.  It's a quick walk from the lighthouse and a wonderful area to sit and enjoy the view of the water.
Phone: 231-547-2101
Website: www.charlevoix.org 

North Point Nature Preserve - This natural area has rolling dunes that culminate in 2,800 feet of wide sandy beach on the shoreline on Lake Michigan.  This property offers 27 acres and provides excellent opportunities for hiking and biking on a series of well-kept trails through a beautiful canopied wooded area.  Find the trail that leads to the top of Mt McSauba to enjoy a breathtaking view of the surrounding lakes.
Address: Approximately 2 miles northwest of Charlevoix off McSauba Road.
Phone: 231-547-2101
Website: www.charlevoix.org 

Petoskey Stone Hunting - Petoskey Stones are a unique fossilized colony coral whose origins can be traced back to the warm Devonian seas that covered Michigan's Lower Peninsula about 350 million years ago.  These beautiful and unusual fossils can only be found along the shoreline of the Little Traverse Bay area.  Some of the best places to hunt the stones are the roadside parks between Charlevoix and Petoskey, the Dunes Beach at North Point, Lake Michigan Beach and Fisherman's Island State Park.  The Petoskey Stone is the State Stone of Michigan.
Phone: 231-237-0900
Website: www.charlevoix.org

Revolution Bike - FREE Group Rides planned every Tuesday and Thursday, May through October.  Meet in Oleson's parking lot in Charlevoix at 6:30pm.  Rentals: Bikes available in various sizes and styles, along with joggers, co-pilots and trailers for young children.
Address: 102 West Antrim, Charlevoix
Phone: 231-237-0900
Website: www.revbike.com

Great Lakes Charters - Enjoy a private cruise on Lake Charlevoix, Lake Michigan or Little Traverse Bay.  A private 40 foot Lindmark Trawler can accommodate up to 12 people.  Enjoy an afternoon of swimming and family fun, entertaining clients or a romantic dinner.
Address: #1 Chicago Club, Charlevoix
Phone: 231-547-0700
Website: www.greatlakes-charter.com 

Ward Brothers Charters Service - Full and half day fishing charters as well as evening cruises and color tours available.  Over 75 years experience.
Address: 106 Antrim Street, Charlevoix
Phone: 231-547-2371
Website: www.wardbrothersboats.com

Sunshine Charters - Help raise the sails or take the wheel and feel the exhilaration of steering a 45 foot cutter-rigged ketch.  The Sunshine was designed for blue water sailing ensuring you a safe and smooth ride.  The Sunshine and crew will provide you with a fun-filled experience and memories that will last a lifetime.  Private group charters are available.  Let them plan a special adventure for you!
Address: Kiosk at Dock #32, Charlevoix Marina
Phone: 231-547-0266
Website: www.sunshinecharters.com

Charlevoix Farmers' Market - Thursday 9:00am - 1:00pm, Mid-June through September.
Address: East Park downtown
Phone: 231-547-2101
Website: www.charlevoix.org 

Bolts Corn Maze Farmers' Market - Open mid-September through November 1^st from 10:00am until dark every day.
Address: 9339 Atwood Road, Charlevoix
Phone: 231-588-6384

U-Pick Fruits

• Friske's Farm Market - Strawberries, cherries and apples.

Address: 10743 North US 31, Atwood
Phone: 888-968-3554
Website: www.friske.com

• Kiteley's Farm Market - Strawberries, red, black and purple raspberries.

Address: 03805 Brock Road, Charlevoix
Phone: 231-547-2318
Website: www.kiteleyfarms.com

• Royal Farms, Inc. - Peaches.

Address: 10445 North US 31, Atwood
Phone: 231-599-3222
Website: www.royalfarmsinc.com

Charlevoix Golf Club - This historical Golf Club, on the north side of the city, was designed by Scottish architect Willie Watson and is nestled between the panoramic waters of Lake Charlevoix and Lake Michigan.  The 3,005 yard nine-hole course covers gentle and wooded terrain providing a walk able golfing experience with challenges for all types of players.  It is operated and maintained by the City of Charlevoix and has reasonable rates.
Address: 400 Fairway Drive, Charlevoix
Phone: 231-547-3268

Charlevoix Music in the Park - The Summer Concert Series features musical performances every Tuesday or Thursday beginning at 8pm, June through August, in downtown Charlevoix overlooking Round Lake.  The Charlevoix City Band plays each Tuesday and Thursday evenings feature fun and exciting concerts by a variety of talented musicians.
Phone: 231-547-2101
Website: www.charlevoix.org 

Playgrounds - Charlevoix offers playground equipment at the following locations: Depot Beach, Ferry Beach, Lake Michigan Beach and the Charlevoix Elementary School.  The beaches offer updates playground equipment, lifeguards, concessions, picnic areas and restrooms.

Bullfrog Light Company - Candle factory.
Address: 05995 M-66, Charlevoix
Distance: 4 miles
Phone: 231-547-4407
Website: www.bullfrogcandles.com
Hours of Operation: 10:00am- 5:00pm daily, summer until 6:00pm 

Brumm Art Gallery - Art gallery.
Address: 6480 Old US 31 South, Charlevoix
Distance: 5 miles
Phone: 231-547-4084 

Dunmaglas - 18 hole golf course.
Address: 09031 Boyne City Road, Charlevoix
Distance: 5 miles
Phone: 231-547-4653

Antrim Dells - 18 hole golf course with restaurant and bar.
Address: 12352 Antrim Drive, Atwood
Distance: 15 miles
Phone: 231-599-2699
Hours of Operation: 7:00am - 9:00pm, April through October