24 Petoskey Area Hidden Gems You Need to Explore This Fall
Would you like to save this full guide?
We'll email this article to you, so you can come back to it later!
Along the shores of Lake Michigan’s Little Traverse Bay, the Petoskey Area is known for its incredible natural beauty, rich history, and friendly community. While many visitors tend to make stops at well-known spots like the historic Gaslight District and the breathtaking Petoskey State Park, there’s a whole other side to the Petoskey Area waiting to be discovered.
Autumn in the Petoskey Area is a time when the pace slows down and the landscape comes alive with hues of scarlet reds, fiery oranges, and shimmering golds. It’s the perfect season for those who love uncovering the lesser-known places that make somewhere special.
Special thanks to the Petoskey Area Visitors Bureau for partnering with Awesome Mitten to showcase this must-see Michigan fall destination.
24 Petoskey Area Fall Hidden Gems
Whether you’re a local looking for new adventures or a visitor eager to experience the magic of Northern Michigan in the fall, these 24 hidden gems in the Petoskey Area are worth exploring.
Visit Local Fall Favorites in Alanson
Uncle Frank’s Apple Town
This family-owned orchard offers fresh apples, cider, donuts, and other seasonal treats. It’s the perfect spot to embrace the flavors of fall. You can even watch cider and donuts being made by visiting their barn from the 1890s.
The Dutch Oven Bakery
Dubbed the sweetest place in town, Dutch Oven Bakery is known for its homemade, European-style pies, breads, and pastries. It is a must-visit for unique treats including Scottish shortbread, Swiss Biber cake or baklava, or to pick up a freshly baked loaf of cinnamon, Bavarian rye, or sourdough bread.
Sanctuary Island Park
A peaceful, lesser-known park, Sanctuary Island has scenic views and walking trails. The boardwalk includes a unique self-propelled ferry that allows you to cross the Crooked River and explore a small wetland island. It’s an ideal park for a quiet afternoon stroll surrounded by fall foliage.
Experience Autumn in Harbor Springs
Thorne Swift Nature Preserve
With a boardwalk through the woods, tranquil trails, and beach access, Thorne Swift Nature Preserve is great for fall leaf-peeping and birdwatching. At the preserve, you’ll discover a dune observation platform, a pond observation platform, a gazebo, and an amphitheater.
Between Memorial Day through Labor Day, you can also visit the Elizabeth Kennedy Nature Center.
The Heather Golf Course
Part of BOYNE Golf, the renowned Heather Golf Course provides stunning views, especially in the fall when the surrounding trees change color.
The Highlands Chairlift Rides
Experience the beauty of autumn from above with a chairlift ride at The Highlands at Harbor Springs. You’ll have a front-row seat for a bird’s eye view of the stunning fall landscape.
Discover the Historic Bay View Community
The Terrace Inn & 1911 Restaurant
Located in the heart of the historic Bay View community, the charming Terrace Inn & 1911 Restaurant feature delicious meals in a cozy, vintage setting, ideal for a fall getaway.
Bay View Self-Guided Walking Tour
Explore Bay View’s historic buildings and serene, wooded trails at your own pace on a self-guided walking tour.
Enjoy Little Luxuries in Bay Harbor
Gypsy Distillery
A hidden gem for spirits enthusiasts, Gypsy Distillery features craft cocktails and a selection of locally made spirits. Gypsy Spirits has transformed a former equestrian center into a state-of-the-art distillery with a craft spirits tasting room, cocktail garden, and versatile event space for weddings and special events.
East Park
Located on the shores of Lake Michigan, East Park provides breathtaking views, especially in the fall when the surrounding trees burst into vibrant colors. A paved walking and biking path can also take you right into downtown Bay Harbor.
Brandy’s Harbortown
A local favorite for casual dining, Brandy’s Harbortown offers delicious food in a welcoming atmosphere, making it a great spot for a meal on a crisp fall day. You can even enjoy live music on their patio overlooking the harbor every Wednesday, Thursday, and Sunday!
Explore Fall Hidden Gems in Petoskey
Bear River Valley Recreation Area
This scenic 1.5-mile path winds along the Bear River with beautiful views of the river and surrounding foliage. It is a peaceful escape right in the heart of Petoskey.
Round Lake Nature Preserve
A nature hidden gem, visit Round Lake Nature Preserve for serene walking trails and the chance to spot local wildlife. The easy trails span nearly a mile and feature a lake overlook. Parking is available next to the Conservancy office.
Coveyou Scenic Farm Market
Coveyou Scenic Farm Market offers fresh produce, fall decorations, and breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside and Walloon Lake from their deck. The historic barn that is now a marketplace of over 120 Michigan artisan and food suppliers is a perfect stop for stocking up on high-quality food.
Bill’s Farm Market
This local farm market is known for its fresh produce, pumpkins, and fall flowers, providing a taste of autumn in Northern Michigan.
Mighty Fine Pizza
Petoskey’s first pizza place! This tiny local joint (once an alleyway – only 8′ wide by 60′ long) offers delicious, hand-tossed pizzas, available for take-out or delivery.
Malted Vinyl
Inspired by Tokyo’s 1950s listening lounges and the cozy 1970s family room vibe, Malted Vinyl has crafted a space to unwind with great music and a premium drink. Their menu features inventive cocktails, including zero-proof options, alongside local craft beers from Mackinaw City’s Biere De Mac.
Boyne Valley Vineyards
Located just outside of Petoskey, this vineyard offers wine tastings in a beautiful setting and the fall colors make it an even more inviting location to sip and relax. Savor your samples in the main barn-style tasting room, the outdoor patio area, or the elevated treehouse deck. Make sure to check out Boyne Valley’s live music schedule as well.
Maple Moon Sugarbush & Winery
America’s first maple winery, Maple Moon features unique maple-infused wines and syrups. A fall visit here pairs perfectly with the season’s flavors.
Petoskey Farms Vineyard
Enjoy wine tasting with a view at this charming vineyard. In the fall, take in the vibrant colors while sampling their selection of wines, hard ciders, coffees, and local meat and cheese boards. With heated outdoor covered patios and indoor seating options, you can stay warm and dry while appreciating the views, regardless of the Michigan weather.
Sturgeon River Pottery
This hidden gem features pottery, Petoskey stones, and handcrafted gifts from over 150 artists across the U.S. Sturgeon River Pottery offers beautiful pieces that capture the essence of Northern Michigan.
Celebrate Autumn in Boyne City & Boyne Falls
Avalanche Mountain Preserve
Hiking here is a favorite activity amongst locals and visitors alike, and the panoramic view of Lake Charlevoix from the top of the 462-step climb is well worth it. The Avalance Mountain Preserve trails vary from easy, flat paths to challenging steep inclines, and both hiking and mountain biking are permitted.
Beani’s Coffee Lounge
A cozy coffee shop in downtown Boyne City, Beani’s Coffee Lounge offers locally roasted coffee and a warm, inviting atmosphere—ideal for a fall morning.
Muskrat Distilling
A small-batch distillery in Boyne City featuring handcrafted spirits, this local treasure serves a blend of pre-prohibition cocktails in a restored 1890s building. Muskrat Distilling creates a unique experience that reflects Boyne City’s history with a modern touch.
Plan Your Petoskey Area Fall Hidden Gems Adventure
Venture off the beaten path this fall to explore these Petoskey Area hidden gems. From peaceful nature preserves and charming local shops to scenic vineyards and cozy eateries, these spots offer a glimpse into the heart of Northern Michigan, where the beauty of fall can be experienced in its fullest, most authentic form.