So Much To See and Do!
Area Events
Northern Michigan is a year-round vacation destination. There is always something to do around the area!
Petoskey (20 minute drive)
Petoskey is such a fun town! There are so many things to do and see in the downtown area. Our favorites include coffee shops, restaurants, shopping and ice cream!
Harbor Springs (20 minute drive)
Harbor Springs is so cute! This is definitely a harbor town with lots to see and do. Our favorites include shopping, dining, and looking at all of the beautiful houses and boats.
Mackinac Island (30 minute drive, then ferry to the island)
Mackinac Island is an iconic place in Northern Michigan. Drive to the ferry docks to park your car and hop on the ferry to Mackinac Island. Enjoy the day biking, shopping and sampling some of the famous fudge found there!
Dining
These are some of our recommendations. Let us know if you find something you love- we want to hear about it!
Cormack's Deli (30 min) - If you are in Petoskey for Lunch this is Highly recommended! Huge sandwich selection with locally sourced items. The fudge brownie for desert is no joke!!!
JoJo's Cookies (30 min) - Located right next to Cormack's. Amazing cookies with a selection that changes daily. They also ship nationwide! Again, highly recommended if you visit Petoskey!
Paper Station Bistro (20 min) - Located in Harbor springs. Unique Menu with creative burgers and asian inspired dishes. Small and can be very busy during the busy seasons. Recommend reservations.
Michaels Tavern and Steakhouse (10 min away) - Located in Indian River. This is a great steak house close to Bear Cabin (they take reservations)
Teddy Griffins Roadhouse (20 min away) - Highly recommended Apres Ski. Located right outside the ski resorts. (reservations recommended, good for large groups)
Damsite Inn (15 min away)- Located off 31 between Alanson and Pellston. This is an establishment around these parts- To call it old school is an understatement! (Closed Mid October Through May) Call ahead for seating (no reservations)
Pierson's Grille (20 min away) - Great restaurant in Harbor Springs- perfect for après ski:
Tap 30 (20 min away)- Cool tap room and restaurant in Petoskey- great beer selection:
Petoskey Brewing (15 min away) - Great Local Brewery and food! Very close to ski hills: 2 Locations - Petoskey and Cross Village (during the warm months only in Cross Village) Cross Village is on the Tunnel of Trees.
Douglas Lake Bar & Steakhouse (20 min away) - Fantastic Steakhouse on Douglas Lake. Reservations highly recommended, closed November - May
Noggin Room (20 min away)- Petoskey -Great pub atmosphere- try the pizza:
Staffords Pier (20 min away) - Fantastic harbor view in Harbor Springs on the water with a nautical theme (Reservations suggested)
BC Pizza (6 min away) - Alanson -Delivery available to bear cabin.
Vivos (10 min away) - Indian River - Italian in a log cabin, what could be better! (wait times can be long in season, no reservations available)
310 Station (10 min away) - Indian River - Great Lunch Spot in the summer (In the summer take the boat and park at the public docks right after the bridge.)
Ice Cream
Drost Chocolates - Indian River
Kilwins Petoskey (multiple locations)
Area Events and Attractions
Top O Michigan Outboard Racing Club - Host an outboard race that goes through the Crooked River, Burt Lake, Crooked Lake, Mullett Lake and Indian River the second weekend in August.
Inland Waterway Water Trail - Did you know you can boat all the way to Lake Huron from Bear Cabin? Check out the amazing inland waterway trail.
Inland Waterway
Skiing - Skiing and snowboarding in Northern Michigan is a blast! Snowshoeing, XC Skiing and tubing are also available.
Boyne Highlands
Boyne Mountain
Indoor Recreation - There is still lots to do in the area on those days the weather is not cooperating.
Northern Lights Recreation (Petoskey) Bowling alley
Petoskey Ice Arena
Mini Golf
Big Bear Adventures - Indian River
Pirates Cove - Petoskey
Rafting tours / Paddling tours
Big Bear Adventures
Sturgeon River Paddle
Boat Rental
Windjammer Marina Jetskis Available
Indian River Marina
Indian River Sports Center
Snowmobile Rental
Trails are a short ride directly from Bear Cabin
Indian River Sports Center
ATV / ORV Trails
Info and Trail Maps
ATV / ORV Rentals
Big Bear Adventures
Snowmobile Trail Conditions
Snowmobile Trail Maps
Harbor Springs
Petoskey
Indian River
Ski Rental - Rentals are available at local resorts. For convenience and to save time on multiple days you can rent from these local shops.
Bahnhoff
Bike Rental
Latitude 45 - Petoskey
Bahnhoff - Petoskey
Touring Gear - Harbor Springs
Bike Trails - Note: some ski resorts turn ski trails to mountain bike trails in the summer
Boyne Highlands
Farms / Orchards
Pond Hill Farm
Farmers Markets - Shop for local fruits, vegetebles, pies and other locally made products
Local Orchards - There are many different types of orchards in the area.
Hiking and Driving Tours
Tunnel Of Trees Tour
Hiking Guide
Wineries
Crooked Vine
Farmhouse Vineyards
Gabriel Farms
Mackinaw Trail Winery
Boyne Valley Vineyards
Breweries
Petoskey Brewing
Beards
Northland Brewing Co.
Golf
Boyne Golf - (Boyne Highlands, Boyne Mountain)
Charlevoix Country Club
Chestnut Valley
Belvedere Golf Club (Golf Digest Top 100 Public Course)
Harbor Point
Hidden River Golf and Casting Club
Springbrook
Bay Harbor
Grocery / Supplies Delivery
Stocked / stocked-up.com (Bear Cabin Preferred Partner)
Add more time to your vacation by getting your groceries purchased and put away before your arrival.
Shuttle / Car Transportation
Up North Rides 231-350-1248
Car service anywhere in the area. Also Winery and Brewery tours
There is so much to do and see in Northern Michigan Year-round. Cruise the Inland Waterway on your boat, head all the way to Mackinac Island and take a horse-drawn carriage ride. View the beautiful Historic Homes and ride around to see the amazing views. Don't forget to pick up some of the legendary fudge. In the fall, cruise the amazing Tunnel of Trees. Be sure to stop at Pond Hill Farm and select your pumpkin and take a look around. Hit up one of the festivals in the surrounding villages of Harbor Springs, Petoskey and Indian River. When Mother Nature turns the weather cold, take advantage of the Lake Effect and hit up the thousands of miles of Snowmobile trails, right from the front door. For another kind of speed, head to the local ski resorts of Boyne Highlands and Nubs Nob (home of the midwest's best snow). After a day of adventure hit up one of the local restaurants for an amazing Northern Michigan Dining experience! There is something for everyone, on your Northern Michigan Vacation, at Bear Cabin!