Petoskey State Park
A sandy beach and dune forest on the east shore of Little Traverse Bay, popular for swimming, sunsets and hunting for the state stone, the Petoskey stone.
The park lies north of Bay View. Its roughly 1.6-kilometer sand beach faces Little Traverse Bay, backed by ancient forested dunes. Two short trails, Old Baldy and Portage, climb to vantage points overlooking the lake and bay. Among the pebbles on the lakeshore, you can often find Petoskey stones, Devonian coral fossils with hexagonal patterns that show most clearly when wet. Within the state park, each person may take up to about 25 pounds per day. Summer brings campsites and a lifeguarded swimming area. Entry requires a Michigan Recreation Passport (out-of-state vehicles can buy a day pass).
Opening hours
08:00–22:00
Nearby sights
- Bay View Association
- Bayfront Park
- Crooked Tree Arts Center
- Gaslight District
- Little Traverse History Museum
- Little Traverse Wheelway
- Nub's Nob
- Bear River Valley Recreation Area