Open daily, Big Bear Adventures has been offering safe kayak, river raft, catamaran, and tube trips on the Sturgeon River for over 30 years. On land, check out their ATV Tours, 18-Hole Adventure Golf Course, ropes course, and family fun center. Just up the road at 4271 S. Straits Hwy, Indian River, MI 49749. Big Bear Adventures (231) 238-8181 has a cool log cabin style general store, and a Subway restaurant for a quick and easy lunch.

The crown jewel of the Great Lakes, Mackinac Island is a short 1/2 hour drive from Indian River RV Resort. Take the pedestrian Shepler’s Ferry to the island and enjoy exploring 5 miles of fabulous food, shopping, biking, and horse-drawn carriages. Visit the opulent Grand Hotel, The Biddle House, Fort Mackinac and St. Anne’s Church. Don’t forget to pick up some of the island’s famous fudge!

Located in Cheboygan, Michigan, a 20-minute from Indian River RV Resort, Nautical North Family Adventures is a safe and exciting way to explore shipwrecks from glass-bottomed boats, go snorkeling, and tour a Lake Huron lighthouse the way it was meant to be seen…from the water. Nautical North Family Adventures also have kayak rentals, eco tours, private charter boats excursions, and scuba diving. Hungry after your exciting excursion? Cheboygan has Mulligan’s on Main Street (with burgers, pasta, Tex Mex in a sports bar setting), a B.C. Pizza restaurant, and a DQ Dairy Queen close to Nautical North.

A spectacular new Waterpark awaits! Guests at Indian River RV Resort are only a 1/2hr drive from Inukshuk Shores in Gaylord, MI. Inukshuk Shores is a beach-side aquatic park with cool obstacles, jumping platforms, and comfy Cabanas (and convenient concessions for snacks). Ages 7 and up for a full-on splash session, and they provide the cool Life Jackets. Open Friday through Sunday in June, 11:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m., $20 each (check their Facebook page for updates). Reserve your spot at www.inukshukshores.com

Exciting family-fun! Showcasing Michigan’s logging past, audiences are awed by the amazing talents of the world-champion Jack Pine’s Lumberjacks, showcasing their skills at ax-throwing, log rolling, and speed climbing up gigantic trees. Tickets are available on their website or at the door. Jack Pine’s Lumberjack Show is a half-hour drive to 10510 W US-23, Mackinaw City, MI 49701. Phone (231) 436-5225.

Guests of Indian River RV Resort enjoy fun, adventure, and getting back to nature. What better way to combine all three than to ride horses? Maple Ridge Stables is a quick 20 minute drive from the resort and offers trail rides for the whole family, lessons, Day Camp and more. Located at 8097 Sunshine Trl Vanderbilt, MI 49795.

Yes, American Spoon has been lauded by everyone from the New York Times and PBS to Bon Appétit, and recognized by the prestigious James Beard Foundation. But even more important, to us anyway, is that American Spoon is family-owned and family-operated in nearby Petoskey, using the bounty of Northern Michigan farms. You won’t find better-tasting preserves, jams, granola, nut butter, fudge sauce, pancake mix, caramel, maple syrup, and one of our favorites… Lemon Honey! American Spoon has fabulous gift baskets ready to mail to you or the lucky folks on your gift shopping list. Check out their delicious products, and plan to visit their store next time you’re in town at 411 East Lake Street, Petoskey, MI 49770 or shop online.

Creation Station is a fun, walk-in art studio with extraordinary events for kids, including playgroups (and ladies' craft classes!). The playroom is a favorite, and there's a toy store with toys, books, kits, and art supplies that help your child develop excellent skills.

Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse, the “Castle on the Straits,” allows visitors to step back in time to 1910 with interactive exhibits, galleries, and movies. Located about a 1/2 hour drive from Indian River RV Resort in beautiful northern Michigan (to board the ferry for Mackinac Island), the Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse offers exciting tours of the tower and is host to the Straits of Mackinac Shipwreck Museum...it's just another awesome reason to come and visit us in Michigan during our 2025 May through September season! (Admission charge for adults is approximately $12 each/children $8.)
Tickets can be purchased online. 

Guests at Indian River RV Resort enjoy an upscale, friendly shopping experience at Stormy Kromer A Cap & Ale House , only 20 minutes away in nearby Cheboygan.  Enjoy shopping at an authorized dealer of the well-made, pride of Michigan woolen hats for men and women, alongside a mug of delicious ale! Stormy Kromer has come to symbolize the wit and grit of the upper Midwest since 1903. Located at 221 N. Main St., Cheboygan, MI

There’s so much to this lovely place… Farmhouse Vineyards offers delicious organic wine, event hosting, lavender fields, pizza nights, a tasting room, and a cute shop with various items, including gifts made from their farm-grown lavender. Their wines are sold on their website as well.

Don’t miss one of the best adventures in Northern Michigan. . . Getting Out on the Water! It’s easy for guests at Indian River RV Resort, just call, text, or fill in an online request to rent a clean, new pontoon from Indian River Marina, https://www.indianrivermarina.com/ . Indian River Marina is located on the Indian River, between Burt and Mullett Lakes. It’s a great value adventure, since renting is a fraction of the cost of buying, and you get to keep it from early till late (8:30 a.m to 7 pm, about $500 for 10 people, so you can bring your friends along!) Learn more by watching a video, here: https://youtu.be/gjPj709AbIM

Looking for something unusual to do this summer? Guests at Indian River RV Resort can check out a polo match. Bliss Polo Club have a limited number of matches from mid-July to mid-August. At this writing, those are on Fridays (11 am and 1 pm) and Sundays (1 and 3 pm) on days when the weather is fine. Check their Facebook page for updated details, as schedules are subject to change. Bliss Polo Club Directions: 8813 Pleasantview Rd #8493 and Sturgeon Bay Trail, Levering MI 49755.

Why do Kids Love Indian River RV Resort? Well, here are just a few reasons! You can meet the author of Michigan Chillers! Visit Jonathan Rand and buy books at great prices at his super creepy shop, Chillermania (www.americanchillers.com/). Hanging with other peeps rates high at Indian River RV Resort, because everything is more fun with friends! Play games and meet at the pool! Glass bottom boats are the ideal way to peer into deep waters and see… Shipwrecks! Go online to book a tour with Nautical North Family Adventures! They also have scuba classes and summer camp. (www.nauticalnorthfamilyadventures.com/ )

For something hugely special, go with your family to Big Bear Adventures. The Fun Center at Big Bear Adventures has a Ropes Challenge Course to climb, a Mini-Golf course, and motorized Bumper Boats! And, of course, you can't leave without seeing the big bear. (Book all 3 for a whole day of “triple play adventure” for about $25 per person). www.bigbearadventures.com.

If you’re a guest at Indian River RV Resort, feel free to visit our Fitness Room, which is right through Chandler’s Coffee Shop. There, you can stretch and use the yoga mats that we provide. But if you’re looking for a more structured workout, we have some great studios nearby that offer yoga, Pilates, healing arts, massage, and even healthy meals! 🧘🏻‍♀️ One place you might want to check out is Nourish Eatery and Market. They have a MOVEment studio with classes almost every day of the week (except Mondays and Wednesdays) in Cheboygan. 🧘🏻‍♀️If you’re into yoga outdoors, you might want to check out Harbor Yoga in Harbor Springs, MI. They hold some of their classes at the park or on the beach. They also offer functional fitness classes, which can be booked online🧘🏻‍♀️If you’re looking for a more relaxed workout, you can check out Yoga Roots in Petoskey, MI. They have yoga, sculpt classes, and healing arts in a studio in Petoskey.

Heart pumping adventure awaits at Skydive Charlevoix, an easy distance from Indian River RV Resort in beautiful Indian River, Michigan. Skydive Charlevoix has experienced, friendly staff and jumps from up to two miles high for an adrenaline-rush 120 mph free-fall that lasts up to 45 seconds (skydivecharlvoix.com). SkyDive Charlvoix is an hour’s drive from Indian River RV Resort, and their prices are published online (about $250, plus $100 for the cool photo of you in the air!). Currently, there’s a $50 Coupon when you book online. Location: Charlevoix Municipal Airport, 111 Airport Dr, Charlevoix, MI 49720. Live Chat on website. Phone: 92310330-3483.

Take at moment for quiet reflection as you gaze at the largest crucifix in the World. Cross in the Woods Catholic Shrine hold masses, have a dozen other shrines, host a religious doll museum, and have an on-site gift shop. Open 365 days a yea during daylight hours. Plan your visit to Cross in the Woods at 7078 M-68, Indian River, MI 49749, less than 10 minutes’ drive from Indian River RV Resort.

Need a little change in perspective? Seeing the world in a different way isn’t hard when you experience amazing Copper Peak in Ironwood, Michigan. The upper peninsula boasts the largest artificial ski jump in the whole world, and the only ski flying hill outside of Europe! For the brave at heart, ride a chairlift (or take the elevator) to the observation deck, and walk up to the very tip-top of the ski jump for one of the most spectacular views you’ll ever see.

Yeah, “Golf” is so awesome it can be a noun and a verb. Indian River RV Resort in Michigan is a great place for golfers to stay and play. We have 8 public golf clubs close-by ranging from 2 to 18 miles from Indian River. Visit golflink.com and type in “Indian River, Michigan” for more details (and to find golf courses wherever you travel). The closest 18-hole public course is at the Indian River Golf Club, a beautiful club founded in 1923 and located at 3301 Chippewa Beach Road. Other golf courses include economical games at Wildwood Lakes in Wolverine, the fairly new facility at Hidden River Golf in Brutus, the 9-hole gem at Mullett Lake Country Club in Cheboygan, and True North in Harbor Springs.

Calling all ATVs, UTVs, Jeeps and other Off-Road Riders! Our county trails are mostly flat and wide, so your whole family can enjoy the nearby 21-mile loop. The Indian River ATV trail begins right down the road from us (for help to find access, try 6104 S. Straights Hwy, Indian River, MI, in your GPS).

The Inn at Bay Harbor, which offers a seasonal menu, a special Children’s Tea, and even a splash of Veuve Cliquot champagne. Visit their website for details, to make reservations, and for directions (43 minute drive from the resort) 🌹 For a Victorian-inspired tea, travel the 19-minute drive to Cheboygan for a lovely ambiance at Secrets On Main Bed & Breakfast, where Tea Time is from Noon to 3 pm in the “Sweet Laurel Annie’s Tea Room.” In addition to sipping from fine bone china with scones, soup, assorted sandwiches and treats, you can enjoy the circa 1892 surroundings and award-winning Art Gallery. For reservations, call (815) 325-7204 or email tyme4tea@yahoo.com. 🌿 How about shopping in a rustic log cabin while you enjoy a cuppa? List the Good Hart & Soul Tea Room in the antique store called Primitive Images, no reservations required to enjoy high-quality tea and fresh baked goods in their charming garden.

🎩 BONUS: If you’re going to Mackinac Island, consider having tea in the Grand Hotel or the Tea Room in Fort Mackinac.

Indian River RV Resort recommends Willoway Spa & Wellness for your wellness needs! With 300+ five-star Google reviews, we are fortunate Willoway Spa is only a half-hour away in Petoskey. Willoway’s staff are second to none in education, professionalism and specialization in natural techniques. They offer a huge menu of thoughtful services, including facials, massages/couples massages, infrared sauna, reiki, reflexology, cryotoning, float therapy, and many more in a beautiful, serene environment. There’s also a cool studio that hosts fitness classes, including strength, Zumba, yoga, gymnastics, and Pound. Our guests from out of town often luck out in arranging same-day bookings by calling (231) 881-9244 or booking online at Willoway’s website, willowayspa.com

Got the urge to do a little shopping? Guests at Indian River RV Resort can easily find great items for Ladies, Men, & Children at McClutchey’s, who have been serving Indian River since 1934. You’ll find treasures here like Brighton Jewelry, Pendleton, Columbia Sportswear, Levi’s, Tribal Brand, Lulu B, and Habitat. McClutchey’s is Open 10 - 5, Monday through Saturday, 3510 S. Straits Hwy, Indian River, MI

The sounds of nature envelope you when you climb into “nature’s megaphone” at Agnes S. Andreae Nature Preserve just a few miles from Indian River RV Resort. It’s a fascinating way to experience nature: Crawl inside, lie still, and stay quiet. The design amplifies sounds filtering into the opening and lets you profoundly focus on your senses. The preserve also provides five miles of trails, with a mile alongside the Pigeon River.

Click here for Directions

Mackinaw City- step back in time during a visit to Heritage Village in Mackinaw City. The 143-acre  historical site portrays what it was like to live in the area from 1880 to 1917, a groundbreaking time in history. Explore historic buildings, enjoy nature trails, and learn more by reading signs and listening to audio guides. See a settlement, school, ice house, community garden, and learn about the importance of a “pest house” for the settlement’s survival. Walk, run, or bike the 3.5 miles of trails in May Woods, which spans over 100 acres. Heritage Village is 1 1/2 miles west of downtown, 1425 W. Central Ave., Mackinaw City, MI 49701

A popular Fishing spot is the Veterans Pier at DeVoe Beach in Indian River (set your GPS to 6421 Oak Glen St., Indian River, MI 49749). Another nearby spot is Burt Lake State Park, on the southeast corner of the lake (6635 State Park Dr., Indian River, to reach the parking lot and boat launch). Burt Lake Park offers lots of fun for your family, with a baseball diamond, beach volleyball, swings, and, of course, a beach and swimming.  Burt Lake State Park is part of the Inland Waterway, a 38-mile chain of rivers and lakes for an amazing boating experience. (A Recreation Passport is required to bring motorized vehicles into Michigan state parks, $14 for MI residents/ $ 41 for non-residents per vehicle). Mullett Lake is a wonderful place to fish for walleye, perch, and northern pike. Fish from the shore or rent a boat. The boat launch is adjacent to a beautiful little park that used to be a 45-acre Boy Scout Camp and has a lovely picnic pavilion, swimming dock, restrooms, and swingsets (2863 Boy Scout Rd, Indian River,  just off Jewell Rd. (Also, at the end of Lake Shore Drive is the Woodruff Street Boat Launch). For more specifics, please visit the Northeast region, on Outdoor Michigan

Indian River RV Resort is a great destination for wine lovers. “Seasons of the North” is an Indian-River-based winery offering distinctive quality wine with an emphasis on local production. Their grapes are hybrid, cold-hardy varieties that withstand brutal North-country winters. Our pick? Try "The Cabin,” a dry red with a hint of black cherry, a perfect pairing with sharp cheddar cheese, or to alongside a burger. The winery is a family-owned business, and they take pleasure in having families visit! Find them located just off South Straits Hwy, on M-68. Just another enticing reason to stay at Indian River RV Resort.

Northern Lights Recreation in nearby Harbor Springs, MI, is an excellent place for guests of Indian River RV Resort to enjoy bowling, an arcade, great food, and an immersive laser tag arena called “The Lost City.” Spend a rainy afternoon, or get out for the evening and have fun! 8865 M-119, Harbor Springs, MI 49740)

Another great destination close to Indian River RV Resort is an extensive tunnel of trees that canopy state highway M-119. The narrow, winding, scenic drive begins north of Harbor Springs, Michigan. The route offers beautiful glimpses into the woods and other views that are best enjoyed from a car, motorcycle, or bicycle (it would be a tight squeeze for an RV). Popular stops along the way include Pond Hill Farm in Harbor Springs, the Good Hart General Store, and the Heritage Museum in Cross Village. Another great reason to come stay at Indian River RV Resort!

Ahoy, Matey! Are you ready to set sail for a thrilling adventure? Guests at Indian River RV Resort in beautiful Indian River, Michigan, are close to one of the best mini-golf courses in the country at Pirate’s Cove Adventure Golf (1230 US Hwy 31 North in nearby Petoskey, MI 49770). 🏴‍☠️Your family will love the exciting 18th-century style of the 18-hole course with bridges and cascading waterfalls… just watch out for the pirates! Open daily from 10 to 10.

Indian River RV Resort recommends the friendly and professional folks at RZR Ripn’ Rentals, who provide a fun and thrilling experience for the whole family. RZR Ripn’ Rentals offers Self-Guided and Guided rides and easy booking online (check out the details and reservations at https://rzrripnrentals.com/indianriver/ or phone them at (989) 387-1416). Enjoy on-road adventures in a Slingshot two-seat autocycle (perfect for date night), or explore incredible trails in a 4-seater ATV. They’ll pick you up in a shuttle and provide the basics (like helmets and a quick safety course).

𐂂 ELK… Guests of Indian River RV Resort in beautiful Indian River, Michigan, are close to the charming city of Gaylord, which maintains Gaylord’s City Elk Park. About 40 elk on over 100 acres are well-cared for by staff who feed them corn, hay, sugar beets, and vitamins. A few bulls are over 800 pounds, stand around 6 feet tall, and drop their magnificent horns in the spring… about when Indian River RV Resort is opening for the May through September season. Always open at Birchwood Drive, Gaylord, MI 49735. (800) 345-8621.

Guests at Indian River RV Resort, grab your earplugs & get ready to witness the incredible power of semi-truck drag racing. . . uphill! Heart-pounding action is less than a 1/2 hour's drive from the resort. Onaway Speedway also hosts oval track racing and car shows, monster truck events, and short track racing.

Indian River RV Resort guests have a wonderful opportunity to get their culture fix The Cheboygan Opera House! Events include everything from dance recitals, concerts of all types of music, a chamber music series, free film screenings, and community theatre presentations. Visit the website for more details on events and to purchase tickets

We’re blessed to have areas of great beauty all around. One of our favorites is Ocqueoc Falls, about 40 minutes from the resort and well worth the drive. It is the largest waterfall in Michigan’s Lower Peninsula, and we think it's the prettiest. There are six miles of well-maintained trails (called the Ocqueoc Falls Bicentennial Pathway). Fish, picnic, hike, bike, and swim in the Falls. Admission is free. Located on M-68, Rogers City, MI 49779

Crooked Vine Vineyard and Winery is another excellent destination for guests of Indian River RV Resort! 🍷 Crooked Vine has award-winning wines in a beautiful country-style tasting room with a covered patio. Crooked Wine Vineyard grows five grape varietals and produces white and reds that range from sweet to dry. Located at 8370 Lakeview Road, Alanson, Michigan, 49706 (231) 203-4790. (Check for seasonal hours, and shop online when you’re not in Indian River!)

The resort is very close to Burt Lake, Mullett Lake, and the Inland Waterway, which offers visitors many options for swimming, fishing, boating, and water sports like canoeing, kayaking, rafting, and more. One of the best resources anywhere is Howe Marine. They provide everything to do with boats, from authorized service, sales, storage, restoration, and rental of pontoons and fishing boats, to having a Ship Store, gas dock, and cleaning service. Located at 3241 Nabanois Trail, Indian River, MI; ph. (231)238-9371.

HoweMarine.com

Our huge variety of rivers, lakes, and streams beckon those who love to fish. Fly fishing is popular in the Pigeon River State Forest, along the 40-miles of Sturgeon River, which is teeming with trout, and in Big Murphy Creek, a little tributary of Indian River. Closest to home, you can take your tackle and fish off the pier at DeVoe Beach in Indian River.

Autumn in Michigan is magical. Here are a few ways to embrace the season… Take a leaf-peeping drive along M-119 in the Tunnel of Trees. The 20-minute drive between Harbor Springs and Cross Village is close to Indian River RV Resort. While you’re in tiny Cross Village, you can stretch your legs with a visit Three Pines Studio and Gallery and the Good Hart General Store. On your return to the resort, stopping off in Harbor Springs at Pond Hill Farm would definitely round out your autumn treat. 🍁 Michigan wineries offer a delicious nearby getaway. Some of our local favorites include Mackinaw Trail Winery, which has been developing wines using fruits other than grapes in recent years. In addition to their notable reds and whites, sample their blackberry, strawberry, blueberry, and cranberry wines. 🍂

A nearby (1/2 hour drive) destination for Indian River RV Resort guests is the charming 100-year-old Gaslight District in Petoskey. In the heart of downtown Petoskey is a special restaurant called Chandler’s, serving distinguished dishes for lunch and dinner, including local fare (duck and elk), Wagyu burgers, French Dip sandwiches, and sushi, at the bar or on the patio. Chandler’s is located behind Symon’s General Store, where you can pick up wine, cheese, sandwiches and pate for a picnic at the gazebo in Pennsylvania Park. Then, stroll to Somebody’s Gallery on E. Lake Street to shop for fine art, gifts, and handmade products. Head to East Mitchell Street and try an exhilarating throw at Northern Michigan Axe Company. Shop til you drop at 170 unique shops in the Gaslight Shopping District (hop on the free Trolley to rest your feet). Kids love Avalanche Bay Indoor Waterpark and arcade in nearby Boyne Falls. Finish the day by taking a Vine Ride, a small group tour of Petoskey wineries, leave the driving to Jeff and enjoy sitting back and watching the scenery unfold in his nine-passenger van (book online).

Thrill Seekers, We’ve Got the Wildest Ride this side of the country! Get ready for some seriously exciting white water rafting with True North Outpost! Located in Norway, Michigan, a 3-hr and 40 minute drive from Indian River, they offer crazy people a Class IV section of the Menominee River (it’s like the mental twin of the mighty Colorado River). The Piers Gorge is the deepest whitewater gorge in the Midwest and will surely get your heart pumping! Learn more at truenorthoutpost.com (For a “normal” river rafting experience, we recommend Big Bear Adventures here in Indian River, or Sturgeon River Paddlesports in Wolverine). Extra Tip: Consider breakfast at the "half-way point," at Three Seasons Cafe, 6770 US-2, Manistique, MI 49854, open 7am to 9pm, (906) 341-3463.

Board the Train for an incredible adventure on the “Stone Gardener” through spectacular scenery to Agawa Canyon Park. 🚂 Early risers can leave Indian River RV Resort for the 1 hour and 20-minute drive, with tolls, over the Mackinac Bridge to the train depot (via I-75 North into Canada, arriving at 87 Huron St. in downtown Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, Canada, phone (844)246-9458). The train will travel for about 4 hours, giving passengers majestic views of rugged landscapes as they sit back in their comfy upholstered seats and listen to a GPS-triggered commentary. Then, the descent begins into the canyon, where you’ll have a 90-minute stop to explore the Wilderness Park and perhaps enjoy a picnic before the 4-and-a-half-hour return trip. Book tickets online. The train runs 7-days a week from the end of June through mid-October for this 10-hour trip and costs around $150 CA for each adult. https://agawatrain.com/

About 30 minutes from Indian River RV Resort, the quaint town of Harbor Springs sits on the picturesque Little Traverse Bay, where the Wheelway provides a scenic view of Lake Michigan while walking and riding bikes. Zorn Park and City Beach is on Bay Street, perfect for swimming, swinging, yacht-watching, and an impromptu picnic. The shops downtown are delightful. Our favorites include ladies’ clothing at J. McLaughlin, Witty Fine Art for beautiful oil paintings, and Monogram Goods for something truly unique for your closet or home. Discover Native American culture (Ottawa) at the Andrew Blackbird Museum, located at a house, 368 E. Main Street; and you can visit the oldest building in town, the Harbor Springs Library at 206 S. Spring Street, close to Howse’s Fudge. Spend the afternoon with the whole family at Pondhill Farm, where you can visit the animals and vineyard and take home freshly grown food. The best sandwich in town is at the liquor store; check out a Gurney’s "Train Wreck" sandwich. Head to Teddy Griffin’s Roadhouse at 50 Highland Pike Rd for a nice dinner. 🤫 Best Kept Secret : a little shop called Bluff Gardens for tiny treasures, including mini-vegetables, dressings and dips, and pretty French pottery and dishes, cash only, open most days 10 -5, 721 W. Lake Street, Harbor Springs, MI 49740.

Guests of Indian River RV Resort are about 40 minutes away from Boyne City’s food and fun. Boyne City shopping offers cool gifts at Inspired Living (119 Water St.), clothes and shoes for the outdoor family lifestyle at Peninsula, and crafty supplies at Fibershed Yarn and Fiber Arts on Lake Street. (Complete directory at BoyneCityMainStreet.com). Our favorite European bistro is Cafe Santé, open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Tour the farm, pet the animals and shop at Kiwidinok Farm, and see yak, alpaca, peacocks, and miniature ponies (reservations required + fee, visit kiwidinok.com).  Boyne City Farmers Market is held in Veteran’s Park on Wednesdays and Saturdays (boynecityfarmersmarket.org) and offers fresh produce, cheese, baked goods, pottery, crafts, jewelry, and lavender. Art classes and a gallery reside at Boyne Arts Center. There’s a Skateboard park at 649 State Street. 🏞️ About 9 minutes further is Boyne Mountain Resort. Splash with your family at the Avalanche Bay Indoor Waterpark, the largest in Michigan, boasting 88,000 square feet of fun, with water slides, a lazy river, and a surf simulator (avalanchebay.com). Boyne Mtn. Resort also offers a zipline adventure. For a slower glimpse of the stunning views, take a Scenic Chairlift Ride (see “Things to Do” at boynemountain.com). While on Boyne Mountain, walk the amazing SkyBridge Michigan, the world’s longest timber-towered suspension bridge!

Visit Beaver Island, Michigan, a largely uninhabited island of great natural beauty that boasts some nice conveniences! Learn about its Native American Heritage (don’t forget to read the family-friendly novel The Star That Always Stays by Anna Rose Johnson), the murdered Mormon King, and the Irish immigrants that flourish here. 🍀 GETTING THERE: Leaving from Charlevoix, guests of Indian River RV Resort can take the Beaver Island Boat Company 2-hour ferry ride across Lake Michigan ( About $70 round trip. If you’d rather fly, check out @Island-Airways (about $750 round trip, 15 minutes each way, Island Airways). 🍀We highly recommend spending a bit more ($30) with the ferry company and taking a tour (you’ll ride with a guide in a van) to see all of the island’s highlights! Ferrying your car to the island is expensive, and you’ll have to act NOW to reserve a spot (no kidding, vehicle spots sell out in January). WALKING: There’s plenty to enjoy close to the ferry on the island’s north end. Head to the Beaver Island Historical Society (26275 Main Street), which houses the Print Shop Museum, a shop, and they’ll point you to Fedor Proar’s Home home, the Marine Museum and the Lighthouses and other sites on a walking self-guided tour. After shopping for lovely ladies' gifts at The Blue Pearl (26065 Main Street), you can head to the @shamrock-restaurant-and-pub Shamrock Restaurant and Pub, est. in 1935, offers great food and an outdoor patio facing beautiful Paradise Bay ( 26245 Main Street). Or, check out Wild Strawberry Cafe, with fresh, delicious flavors, and able to satisfy unique eating requirements (38240 Michigan Ave.) BIKING: Paradise Bay Gifts has cool t-shirts, gifts, and bikes for rent (26250 Main Street. Note: some roads are gravel).🍀

Alpena has worthwhile attractions, 1.5 hr drive from Indian River RV Resort. Swim in Lake Huron’s blue-as-the-Caribbean waters from Mich-e-ke-wis Beach (1302 S. State Ave.), Rockport State Recreation Area, or stay dry but go underwater at the Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary and enjoy hands-on displays and a cool gift shop. Cross a footbridge and visit a 17-acre island for easy trails and fishing. This area links to the 450-acre wildlife sanctuary.Go for a silly hike at Dinosaur Gardens in Ossineke The Besser Museum features art, history, and science. Stroll through a 1890’s avenue, see fine art by Renoir, Warhol, and Chihuly, and prehistoric fossils. SHOP: Like stained glass? Don’t miss Suncatcher’s . Shop for clothes at Colburn Outfitters, 108 N. 2nd Ave. For fun stuff, visit The Local Basket Case at 109 W. Chisholm St.), and the Rusty Petunias Marketplace FOOD: Cabin Creek Coffee at 201 N 2nd Ave is open from 6 am to 4:30 pm most days, and has coffee drinks, smoothies, bagels, breakfast wraps, sandwiches, and salads. Don’t miss their homemade pop tarts. For an evening meal, the excellent Mexican fare at Mangos, 121 W Chisholm St., (consider the Fajita Quesadilla and margaritas) is memorable. For a local favorite with great patio seating, head to The Old Polish Corner, 626 North 2nd Ave., for authentic flavors, including pierogies, chicken schnitzel, and cheddar jalapeño brats. If you’re a person who loves Cinnamon Rolls as big as your head, venture 15 minutes out of town to Connie’s Cafe & Deli, 11585 US-23, Ossineke, MI 49766. Strolling through their adjacent Garden of Dreams is special!

Guests of Indian River RV Resort can visit nearby award-winning Michigan wineries. Petoskey Wine Region comprises 14 wineries (the furthest from the resort is a 1.5-hour drive) and is part of a larger group, known as the Tip of the Mitt American Viticultural Area (AVA), one of five federally recognized AVAs in Michigan. If you choose only one winery to visit, make it Seasons of the North Winery here in Indian River! Consider purchasing a Wine Passport if you’re visiting a number of wineries on the Petoskey Wine Region List for a discount on Tasting Fees, and check out the Transportation providers to leave the driving to someone else (petoskey.wine/plan-your-tour). In addition to wines, we have craft beer makers in the region, and delicious restaurants to complement the local libations. After imbibing Michigan’s finest wines and brews, consider a spa day at Willoway Spa and Wellness in Petoskey (willowayspa.com), who also offer fitness classes.