This week, we take you along for a day trip to visit charming Charlevoix, Michigan for the first time. And we're visiting Charlevoix with our friends and RV America Y'all Posse Members, Bob and Tracy. Bob and Tracy shared their story in Podcast Episode 41.
Charlevoix is another great small town in Northern Michigan. We visited Charlevoix during our stay at Hearthside Grove Motorcoach Resort in Petoskey, Michigan. Charlevoix is approximately 18 miles south of Petoskey and about 50 miles north of Traverse City.
There is a lot of fresh water access here, with Charlevoix bridging the connection between Lake Charlevoix and Lake Michigan.
Things to Do in Charlevoix MI
Enjoying Charlevoix with Bob and Tracy
Tips for Visiting Charlevoix, Michigan
Charlevoix is a very walkable town. Be sure to wear comfortable walking shoes, park the car and enjoy exploring at your own pace.
Take the time to read the historical markers which are scattered all around town to learn the interesting stories of the town.
The famous Mushroom Houses are privately owned and not open for inside tours, but definitely worth seeing. If you'd like more history of the homes, consider taking the Mushroom House Tour which, while from the outside, will share more of their interesting history. We didn't have time for the tour on this visit, but will consider it for a future visit.
The creator of the Mushroom Houses, Earl Young, also designed other unique Charlevoix landmark buildings like the 1960s Weathervane Terrace.
To see the workings of the historic Charlevoix Memorial Drawbridge, walk under the bridge along the Pine River Channel Walkway on the Downtown side of the bridge. During the Summer, the bridge opens for boat traffic on the hour and half-hour.
Charlevoix's South Pier Lighthouse is small and not one you can tour on the inside, but it's still worth a walk to see it and enjoy the views. You'll find it just a few blocks from Downtown, at the intersection of Michigan Beach Park and the Pine River Channel Walkway.
On a beautiful Summer day, you can't beat lunch on the patio at The Landing Waterfront Restaurant located right next to the historic Ironton Ferry.
How Did Charlevoix Get Its Name?
Charlevoix, Michigan is said to have been named for Father Pierre Francois Xavier de Charlevoix, a French Jesuit Priest who lived from 1682 until 1761. Father Charlevoix was a teacher and historian who explored the Great Lakes region between 1720 and 1722 to check on French missions and to study how far the British had advanced into North America.
Father Charlevoix's journals chronicled his canoe travels from the Straits of Mackinac along the coastline through Little Traverse Bay and down to this area.
The county was named for him in 1843, and the Village of Charlevoix received the name in 1879. The town of Charlevoix, Michigan is the county seat of Charlevoix County.
Where is Charlevoix, Michigan?
You'll find Charlevoix in Northwest Michigan (on the pinky of "the Mitten"). It sits on US Highway 31 between Traverse City and Petoskey.
Our Basecamp for This Visit
📍 Hearthside Grove Motorcoach Resort in Petoskey, Michigan
For More Information on Visiting Charlevoix, Michigan
Check out the Visit Charlevoix website. The physical address for the Visitor Center is 109 Mason St., Charlevoix, Michigan.
Charlevoix Michigan Fun Facts
Approximate Population
2,347
Average Summer Temperatures
54° - 77°
Average Winter Temperatures
17° - 35°
Geographic Area
2.05 square miles
A Few Photos from Our Visit to Charlevoix
Historic Charlevoix Memorial Drawbridge
Mushroom House
Downtown Charlevoix
South Pier Lighthouse
Boats are Everywhere!
Bob and Tom on the Pine River Channel Walkway
Charlevoix Historical Signs...
Are Everywhere!
The Iconic Weathervane Terrace
Michigan Beach Park
