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Things To Do

Try a Wet Ride on The Sturgeon River

  In the town of Indian River there is a river outfitter who can help you go for a ride on the exciting Sturgeon River.

  The river has an average descent of 14 feet per mile, which makes it the fastest river in the Lower Peninsula. Don’t worry though there is no white water, just a fast flowing river that has some fun sharp turns and narrow passages. The river is very clear and is fed by water from a spring. It averages about 3 feet deep and wonders through State Forest Land.

  Depending on your skill level and the number in your group, you have many options in equipment. If you have just one or two people, you might want to try a kayak or a canoe. They are very maneuverable but do require some experience in river travel. For larger groups and a more stable ride you can go with a raft that will hold up to 6 people. The entire family can go and the rafts are very hard to tip over. If you are looking for a wet ride you can rent a tube and float you way down the river.

  All participants are provided with life jackets and paddles, where needed, as well as a map and shuttle ride to the put-in point. The length of the trips vary and most begin every half hour in peak times. You can choose trips from 1 1/2 to 5 hours in a canoe or kayak and the raft and tube trips range from 40 minutes to 2 hours. All trips end right where you started, so you can leisurely wind down the river, stopping to swim or enjoy your picnic lunch. For the less adventurous you can even rent a wetsuit to keep you warm. Reservations are recommended, so please call ahead to check availability.

  Big Bear Adventures is open from 9-6 daily during peak season and is located about 17 miles from the Resort, in Indian River. Go north on US 31, seven miles to Alanson and turn right at the light. Proceed 10 miles to the light in Indian River and then turn left and you will see the facility on your right. For more information check out there their website at bigbearadventures.com or call 231-238-8181.
The Cross in the Woods, just 1 mile from Big Bear, is also a must see on your trip to Indian River.
 

Northern Michigan Bike Trails

  Northern Michigan is developing an extensive multi use trail network. The local trail system is really an asset to the area and can also be to your visit.

  The trail with closest access from the Resort is the Little Traverse Wheelway that goes from Carlevoix to Harbor Springs. The trail is completed from the Charlevoix all the way to Beach Road on M-119. The portion through Bay View is accessed using the salmon colored sidewalk. The trail is hard surfaced all the way and is an easy family ride. From the Resort you can get to the trail by following Shaw Road to Hiawatha Trail (turn left to M1119) and the trail is across M-119 near the Coca Cola Plant. From this point you can go 3 miles to the left and end up at the Waterfront Park or go 3/4 mile right to Lake Michigan Beach. From the beach you can continue about 1/2 mile to the end of the trail and then get to Harbor Springs via Beach Road, which is approximately an additional 4 miles.

  Another great trail is the Bay Harbor Segment. It runs 5.5 miles, the entire length of Bay Harbor, beginning at East Park and ending at West Park. This trail has spectacular views of Lake Michigan, an access to the Marina District sopping area, and paved paths through the woods at both of the parks. This trail is also very easy and great for families.

  Both of these paved trails are conducive to walking, biking, and in-line skating. There are many other trails in the area which are great for mountain biking as well as hiking. Please consult the Trail Map and Guide available for purchase at the Reservation Desk and ask us for more information, or go to TrailsCouncil.org. We hope you will be able to enjoy some of the great trails Northern Michigan has to offer.

  If you don’t have access to bikes or skates you can rent them from local sport shops.
Bahnhof Sports (231-347-2112) and Boyne Country Sports (231-439-4906) are located on the trail along US 31. Please tell them that you were referred by the Petoskey RV & Cabin Resort.

Legs Inn - A Unique & Famous Landmark Dining Destination

  Legs Inn of Cross Village is widely known for its unmatched ambiance and unique menu. Guests can sit inside the cozy dining room next to a giant fireplace or in the lush floral gardens with a panoramic view of Lake Michigan, spectacular sunsets and views of four different lighthouses. Kids don’t need to be confined to their table as they can have fun out in the vast garden areas or at the arcade after ordering their favorite food from Kids Menu.

  Legs Inn received wide recognition in the media and a great deal of praise from its guests. Coastal Living magazine named Legs Inn as a bonus find in its "Top Ten Staff Favorites" review, with the author noting, "As a native Michiganian and lover of Polish cuisine, I salivate at the thought of Legs Inn." It was also voted the "Best Family Restaurant" and one of the “Top Ten Local Hot Spots” in the state. Readers of “The Graphic” gave Legs Inn an unprecedented sweep in the “Best of the Northwest” poll, voting it the “Best Family Restaurant,” “Best All-Around Menu,” “Best Atmosphere” with the “Best Local Band.” Travelocity.com , the popular online travel site with millions of registered users, selected Legs Inn out of over 40,000 (yes!) entries as one of the top ten Michigan “Local Secrets/Big Finds.” It is also ranked by AAA and Mobil Travel Guide.

  The menu offerings are as unique as the décor, with a focus on authentic Polish cuisine. The top choice is the “Taste of Poland,” comprised of Golabki (stuffed cabbage rolls), Pierogi (dumplings) and Kielbasa with Sauerkraut. Other popular choices include Bigos (Polish Hunter’s Stew), Stuffed Pork Tenderloin, Goulash and a variety of Vegetarian Dishes. Traditional American dishes include famous Broiled Whitefish and various chicken dishes. The mouthwatering “Old World Polish Dessert” is an absolute favorite. 

  The tavern with its enormous bar sculptured out of a hemlock tree, offers over 100 varieties of beer and numerous choices of wine, cocktails and half a dozen vodkas imported from Poland (among the world’s finest). During July and August, guests enjoy live music and dancing. The Gift Shop offers many unique items, both local and many imported from Poland, including wooden eggs, carvings and amber jewelry. 

  Built in the 1920’s and 30’s by Polish immigrant Stanley Smolak, Legs Inn is known as a “monument to nature” and is now one of the top destinations in Northern Michigan. Stanley wanted to capture a sense of history and an appreciation of nature in the elements of the building. The façade of this architectural marvel is local fieldstone and the roof line is adorned with inverted cast iron stove legs, hence the famous name. Two sets of massive doors are made of giant pine knots that have been glued together. Every turn inside the building reveals surprises and examples of Old World craftsmanship combined with Native American accents, including handmade furniture and decorative wood carvings, such as totem poles and driftwood sculptures. Varied stuffed animals, game and wildlife also add to the décor. 

  Stanley's nephew, George, and his wife Kathy, along with sons Mark and Chris, operate the beautifully restored Legs Inn, which is recognized as a State of Michigan Historic Site. Please be sure to tell them you were referred by the Petoskey KOA. WARNING: A visit to Legs Inn is a truly contagious experience. You will find yourself returning for many years to come. While in Cross Village a visit to 3 Pine Studio & Gallery and Cross Village Rug Works is a must. 

  The famous landmark destination is about 22 miles north of the KOA campground in historic Cross Village. Open 7 days a week (lunch and dinner) from mid-May to mid-October. Please call (231) 526-2281 or visit www.legsinn.com for more information. You can travel to Cross Village via M-119 (Scenic Heritage Highway “Tunnel of Trees”) or by taking C-77 (State Road) from Harbor Springs. You can return to Petoskey via C-66 and US 31 or take a side trip to Mackinaw City with a stop at Sturgeon Bay with its vast and beautiful dunes and beaches.
www.legsinn.com

The Story of Historic Bay View

  The summer community of Bay View, which sits majestically on the shores of Little Traverse Bay, always stirs the curiosity of visitors to Northern Michigan. Today it consists of over 400 unique Victorian Cottages and it is a vibrant cultural community. The 338 acre community is so unique and extra ordinarily preserved that Bay View is listed as a National Historic Landmark.

  It all began in 1876, when a group of Methodists gathered for religious talks at a site that was chosen for its beauty and accessibility by rail. The first visitors were housed in tents erected for the event.

  By 1887, just 11 years later, there were streets, parks, 125 cottages, a chapel and a hotel. The Summer Assembly Program has expanded and today is full of religious speakers from all denominations as well as musical concerts.

  Bay View has its own garden club that maintains flower beds, boxes and hanging arrangements. They have clubs that organize recreational activities for the residents and others that host social events. There is a library and Historical Museum on the grounds as well. The residents take great pride in the upkeep of the homes. Some families have been part of Bay View for six generations. Most of the over 400 homes were built during the first 25 years, which make them around 100 years old.

  While many of the activities are oriented around those who spend the summer in Bay View, there are opportunities for visitors as well. Beyond taking in the stunning architecture and the lush winding streets, visitors can attend an endless number of events. Since Bay View is religiously oriented, Sunday provides many opportunities for worship. Morning services are offered as is bible study and wonderful evening Vesper Concerts.

  The performance schedule is always full of opportunities like theater presentations, recitals and concerts. During the summer season many notable speakers also come to Bay View to give lectures. Some of these events are free and others do require a small fee. To find out more about Bay View and what they have to offer you can call 231-347-6255 or see the schedule on their web site at
www.bayviewassociation.org