Charlevoix is a charming lakeside town in Northern Michigan that is perfect for a weekend getaway. Nestled on both Lake Michigan and Lake Charlevoix, this is a great place to enjoy water activities like boating, fishing, and swimming. On land, you can shop and dine in the quaint downtown, check out the unique architecture of Earl Young’s mushroom houses, and explore nearby Boyne Mountain. This guide will help you plan a perfect weekend in Charlevoix Michigan.
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If you are looking for other locations to explore on a longer trip to Michigan, check out my guides to Mackinac Island and Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore.
Getting to Charlevoix
Charlevoix is located in Northern Michigan about a 4 hour drive from Detroit. If you live too far to drive, the nearest airport is Cherry Capital Airport near Traverse City which is 1 hour from Charlevoix. If you choose to fly, you will need to rent a car to get around this region.
When to plan your weekend in Charlevoix Michigan
Peak tourist season in Charlevoix is Memorial Day to Labor Day. Summer time in Northern Michigan is pleasant with highs in the upper 70s but lows that can still drop into the 50s and 60s. October is another good month to consider visiting, as crowds will be fewer and you can enjoy the region’s beautiful fall foliage.
Where to stay
Charlevoix has a few different options for accommodations. For an nice and renovated hotel, check out The Earl. Alternatively, you could have a more unique stay in one of the town’s famous Mushroom Houses. These houses were built by local architect Earl Young and many are now vacation rentals. Here are some to check out:
- Thatch House (Six Bedroom House) – the most iconic of the Mushroom Houses is available to rent. It is beautifully appointed on the inside and can sleep 14.
- The Chalet (One Bedroom House with Loft)– this property shares a roof with the Thatch House but is a completely stand-alone residence. This cozy house can sleep 5 giving it a more affordable highly rate than its larger, iconic neighbor. My husband and I stayed here during our weekend in Charlevoix Michigan and really enjoyed it.
- The Cottage (Four Bedroom House) – this property is in the backyard of the Thatch House but is completely separate and does not share the roof. This home sleeps 7.
- Fairytale Cottage (Three Bedroom House) – this whimsical property sleeps 10
- Half-House – this Mushroom House looks like it got chopped in half. The cozy cottage sleeps 4.
- Upscale Mushroom House – this renovated Mushroom House sleeps 4.
- Earl Young’s Personal Residence – this Mushroom House was built for Earl Young himself. Overlooking Lake Michigan with an awesome fireplace, this house sleeps 6.
- Historic Mushroom Home – this property has an older interior but still gives you the historic charm of a mushroom house. The property sleeps 4.
If you prefer to stay at a nearby resort rather than staying in Charlevoix, check out kid-friendly Boyne Mountain Resort.
Where to eat
Downtown Charlevoix is small so it is easy to find restaurants. We enjoyed That French Place for breakfast. Beer lovers will enjoy Bridge Street Tap Room while wine drinkers will prefer Vue Wine Bar. For quick carry out pizza, Bella’s Pizzeria was convenient and tasty. We had one upscale meal at Stafford’s Weathervane and heard that Grey Gables Restaurant is also excellent.
Things to do on a weekend in Charlevoix Michigan
Explore downtown
Spend a few hours exploring quaint downtown Charlevoix. It is filled with boutiques and lots of made in Michigan merchandise.
Mushroom House tour – weekend in Charlevoix Michigan highlight
Local architect Earl Young spent his 52 year career building distinctive and unique structures in Charlevoix. These include the 26 Mushroom Houses, also known as hobbit houses, that are mostly made of stones, boulders, and limestone found in Northern Michigan. They are built into the landscape and often appear as if they sprouted out of the ground, like a mushroom. Book with Mushroom House Tours for a 50 minute tour on a golf cart. Note, the tour takes you past the houses but you cannot go inside any of them as they are all private property. Alternatively, you can check out the houses on your own but be respectful of the owner’s privacy.
Go sailing
June through September you can sail Lake Charlevoix and Lake Michigan on Sunshine Charters.
Go swimming
There are a few beaches in the area for swimming. Michigan Beach on Lake Michigan is located next to South Pier Lighthouse which is a great photo spot. On Michigan Beach, you can search for Petoskey Stones, fossilized pre-historic coral, that looks like spotted rocks. For warmer water, try Ferry Beach or Depot Beachon Lake Charlevoix.
Castle Farms
Built in 1918 in the style of castles in Normandy, France, Castle Farms was originally a dairy farm. Since then, it has been restored and has become a premier wedding venue. You can take a tour of the castle and grounds plus enjoy a World War 1 museum, model railroad, and dragon statue. Check opening times especially on weekends in the summer when the venue might close early for weddings.
Lavender Hill Farms
Located about a 20 minute drive outside of Charlevoix, Lavender Hill Farms is best explored in the summer. Visitors to the largest commercial lavender farm in Michigan can enjoy touring the fields, making lavender wands, and exploring the peaceful lavender labyrinth.
Check out a farm
There are several farms near Charlevoix with family friendly activities. Visit Friske Farm Market for their fruit stand, u-pick berries (summer) or applies (fall), playground, and fall festival with games, pie eating contests, and more. Nearby, Royal Farms also offers a corn maze in the fall plus a winery year-round.
Boyne Mountain – weekend in Charlevoix Michigan highlight
About 30 minutes outside of Charlevoix is Boyne Mountain. This location has great family friendly activities for all seasons. One of the highlights is the Skybridge, the world’s longest timber-towered suspension bridge at 1,200 feet long and 118 feet tall. While the bridge is open year-round, it is particularly beautiful in the fall where you can take in the foliage.
To reach the bridge you will take the ski lift. After you cross the bridge, you will find an open area with food trucks for a quick snack. At the bottom of the ski lift, there is a small village in Bavarian style that has restaurants, shopping, an arcade, and more. We spent a few hours here in early October exploring the bridge and eating at the restaurants. It wasn’t quite peak fall color when we visited. Instead, you would likely need to visit in mid-October to catch the peak.
Other activities at Boyne Mountain include ziplining, golfing, biking, fly fishing, and spending the day at Avalanche Bay Indoor Waterpark. During the winter, enjoy skiing, ice skating, snowshoeing, and more. If you want to partake in all Boyne Mountain’s activities, you could stay at the Boyne Mountain Resort and visit Charlevoix for a day.
If spending a weekend in Charlevoix Michigan has inspired you to explore more of the state, check out my guides to Mackinac Island and Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore.