Call Us for Questions or Reservations: (231) 459-4257 | Contact Us
Nestled along the beautiful shores of Lake Charlevoix in Northern Michigan, Boyne City is a picturesque town that combines natural beauty with Midwestern charm. Just a short drive from Petoskey and Charlevoix, this hidden gem is surrounded by rolling hills, lush forests, and sparkling waters—making it a perfect escape for nature lovers, families, and couples alike.
Founded in the 1850s and named after Ireland’s River Boyne, Boyne City has grown from a lumber town into a vibrant community rich in culture, history, and recreation. The town’s roots in logging and manufacturing have given way to tourism and outdoor adventure, drawing visitors who want to experience the real Michigan.
Though small in size, Boyne City offers a wide variety of attractions that cater to all types of travelers. Whether you’re here for water sports, skiing, or simply a relaxing weekend getaway, the city packs a punch without the overwhelming bustle of bigger tourist hubs.
What really sets Boyne City apart is its community spirit. Locals are welcoming, and the town frequently hosts community events like farmers markets, art fairs, and music festivals that give visitors a taste of local culture.
Boyne City has often been called the place where life meets the lake. And from the moment you arrive, you’ll see why. Nestled along the shores of Lake Charlevoix, when you’re in Boyne City you’re never more than a few minutes from the sparkling water and all it offers. Click here to see all of our vacation rentals on Lake Charlevoix.
From leisurely afternoons on the Boyne River to the beauty of watching a sailboat catch a summer breeze, anything having to do with fun on the water is found in and around Boyne City.
No matter the season, there is always something special happening. Boyne City has a bustling farmer’s market, an art district, and wonderful street music, and is a short drive to Boyne Mountain Resort.
One of the most famous attractions in Boyne City is the National Morel Festival which is held every May. In fact, morel mushroom hunters from around the country come in search of these gourmet delicacies.
Other great attractions include Boyne Mountain located in Boyne Falls. It has two championship golf courses, Deer Lake, Avalanche Bay – Michigan’s largest indoor waterpark, 60 downhill ski runs, tubing, and fantastic cross-country skiing and snowshoeing trails. The Boyne Falls community also hosts the Polish Festival every year on the first full weekend in August. (Click here to see all Lake Charlevoix Homes for Sale)
Petoskey, just 20 minutes away, is famous for Petoskey stones and Victorian architecture. Charlevoix offers charming mushroom houses, and Traverse City is a top destination for wine tours and cherry festivals.
Make time to tour the Breezeway Scenic Route, which connects East Jordan to Ellsworth, passing vineyards, farms, and breathtaking vistas.
Downtown Boyne City is the place to go when you’re looking for great dining. In fact, the list of choices is long, the quality excellent and the opportunities to enjoy yourself are immense. Moreover, there are more than 20 eating establishments in and around Boyne City, all offering a wide array of entrees.
There are several beaches and amenities in Boyne City such as Young State Park, Peninsula Municipal Park Beach which is near The Harborage, and Tannery Beach on Lake Charlevoix.
Also downtown is North Country Cycle Sport and they handle bike repairs, rentals, and sales. They are very knowledgeable about mountain biking and hiking in the area. The local trails include Avalanche Mountain Preserve, Charlevoix Trail, and Boyne City School Forest Trails. There are also numerous preserves offering off-road adventures, whether cycling or hiking. The groomed trails are ideal for fat tire cycling, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing during the winter months.
Lake Charlevoix is the crown jewel of Boyne City, offering opportunities for swimming, boating, kayaking, and fishing. The city’s marina is a hub of activity during the summer, and water lovers will find plenty of ways to enjoy the pristine lake.
Just minutes from downtown, Boyne Mountain Resort transforms the area into a winter wonderland. With slopes for all skill levels, it’s a hot spot for snowboarding, skiing, and even snow tubing.
Adventurers will find joy in the area’s many hiking trails and state parks, including Young State Park. Whether you prefer leisurely walks or challenging hikes, the views here are always worth the effort.
Boyne Water Sports operates directly on Lake Charlevoix. They offer luxury pontoons, tritoons, ski boats, jet skis, stand-up paddleboards, and kayak boat rentals in downtown Boyne City.
Wildwood Rush is the Midwest’s largest zipline adventure park with over 7,000 feet of ziplines and tree platforms. Full canopy tours are 2 1/2 hours, with suspension bridges, tree-to-tree platforms, and amazing views of Lake Charlevoix.
Boyne River Adventures allows you to Experience the tranquil beauty of the Boyne River, which is a great river for the beginner and appropriate for most age groups. Boyne River Adventures will take you to the river, launch you in the water and meet you at the end of your trip to ensure a carefree experience. With Boyne River Adventures you can rent a kayak for a day of fun on a local lake or choose the river experience.
BC Lanes is a local bowling alley that also offers laser tag and the Venue Sports bar.
Create is a Community Arts Studio whose mission is to provide arts-based programming to enrich and strengthen the ties of families in the Boyne City community and surrounding areas through the arts.
Boyne City is also home to a year-round farmers market. Starting in mid-May it’s outside at Veterans Park on Wednesdays and Saturdays from 8 am – 12 pm. When the weather starts to cool off around mid-October they move over to Boyne City Hall and are open on Saturdays from 9 am – 12 pm.
Summer in Boyne City is buzzing with energy. The Boyne City Farmers Market becomes a hub for fresh produce, handmade crafts, and local treats. Weekly events and live music make it a great spot for visitors and locals alike. Don’t miss the annual Boyne Thunder Poker Run, a thrilling powerboat event that lights up Lake Charlevoix in July.
Autumn is arguably one of the most stunning seasons in Northern Michigan. The vibrant reds, oranges, and golds blanket the landscape. Scenic drives along US-131 and M-75 offer postcard-perfect views. Consider visiting during the Boyne City Harvest Festival, where hayrides, pumpkins, and cider set the tone for a cozy, festive experience.
When snow blankets the region, Boyne City becomes a winter playground. Aside from skiing at Boyne Mountain, you can go snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, or enjoy ice skating at Avalanche Bay Indoor Waterpark. Holiday lights and local markets also add a magical touch to downtown.
Spring awakens the natural beauty of Boyne City with wildflowers, blooming trees, and the return of wildlife. It’s a perfect time for bird watching, trout fishing, and hitting hiking or biking trails without the summer crowds.
In January, Boyne City hosts the most challenging fat tire bike race in Michigan’s Lower Peninsula – Fat & Flurrious. The race starts and finishes downtown. There are two divisions you can choose to compete in: the Sport Class races to complete one lap on the course, and the Open Class competes over two laps.
Paint The Town Red is a fundraising gala event held every April. Proceeds from the event provide funding for the students at Boyne City Public Schools. You can purchase individual tickets to attend or pay for a “Reserved” table for your party of ten.
The Craft Beer Block Party is the kick-off event for the annual Nation Morel Mushroom Festival. The event happens in downtown Boyne City and features craft breweries and wineries along with local food vendors. It draws a big crowd downtown and they close off the 100 block of South Lake Street for the event.
The annual National Morel Mushroom Festival is a 4-day event for visitors to hunt and taste the highly coveted morel mushroom. The premier event is the Taste of Morels which is a taste test where more than a dozen local restaurants and chefs cook with morels.
Run for Their Lives is a 5K Run/Walk to raise money for the Charlevoix Humane Society. It’s held the same weekend as the annual National Morel Mushroom Festival.
Join the summer Friday fun and come to downtown Boyne City from 6 – 9 pm for Stroll the Streets. Every Friday evening for 12 weeks in the summer there’s live music around every corner and fun activities for kids like face painting and balloon animals.
Taste your way around local restaurants at Boyne Appetit! – Boyne City’s restaurant week.
Test your biking skills with the Michigan Mountain Mayhem cycling events. Advertised as “likely the hardest ride you’ll ever attempt,” these two events allow cyclists to push their prowess to the limit. They offer a Spring Classic on the third Saturday in June, and the Gravel Grinder on the last Saturday in September. Are you up for this cycling challenge?
Soak up the sounds of local musicians at the Boyne Area Chamber’s Evenings at the Gazebo. These summer concerts are on Wednesdays in Old City Park and start at 6:30 pm.
Local Events
Known as the Greatest 4th In the North, Boyne City’s nationally recognized festivities are not something you want to miss! Read more about all the fun on our blog here.
One of the biggest events on the lake is the Boyne Thunder race in July. It’s a Poker Race, which means it’s not about being the fastest boat. Instead, racers must reach five checkpoints on race day to collect a playing card. At the end of the day, the crew with the best poker hand with those five cards wins the race. The boats leave from Boyne city in the morning, travel across Lake Charlevoix, through the Charlevoix’s Round Lake Channel, race across Lake Michigan, Grand Traverse Bay, and Little Traverse Bay, and come back to Boyne City to finish the race.
In mid-July the Boyne City Farmers Market and Boyne City Main Street host a food truck rally at Veterans Park. There are multiple food and beverage vendors serving up amazing stuff. All proceeds from this event go to support the Boyne City Farmers Market.
More Local Events
The second weekend of Arrrr-gust, Boyne City is invaded by pirates for the annual Pirates Festival. Throughout the weekend there is fun for everyone including a treasure hunt, costume contest, petting zoo, highlander games, and much more!
The Antique Auto Show and Flea Market happen along the shores of Lake Charlevoix in early August. The car show includes two classes of antique cars and another class of muscle cars and hot rods. Plus, the flea market normally has more than 40 vendors.
Over Labor Day weekend, the Kiwanis Club hosts another car show at Veteran Park. There are 21 registration classes with trophies awarded to participants. Throughout the day door prizes are given out to attendees.
Watch the sailboats race across Lake Charlevoix during the Red Fox Regatta at the end of August. It’s hosted by the Charlevoix Yacht Club and is a two-day event that has sailors covering the full length of Lake Charlevoix.
Every Labor Day weekend there are drag races at the Boyne City Airport. The 8-mile races happen in the afternoon on Sunday and are fun for the whole family.
Another Labor Day weekend event is the Boyne City Triathlon. This triathlon supports Team Lucky Seven, Inc and its mission to fight brain disease.
On Thanksgiving, the Kiwanis Turkey Trot 5K and 1-mile Fun Run take over Boyne City. The fun event is a way to collect donations for local food pantries, and all proceeds go to the Kiwanis Club of Boyne City Foundation.
Boyne City sparkles and glistens, dressed in its holiday finest, for the Santa Parade and Downtown Open House the Friday evening after Thanksgiving. The streets are filled with families and friends enjoying the sounds, sights, and smells of the holiday season. Santa makes his first appearance of the season at the Santa Parade which leads to the tree lighting and an opportunity for children to visit with Santa!
Boyne City is easy to navigate, especially for those who enjoy walking or biking. Most attractions, shops, and restaurants are located within or near the downtown area. For out-of-town adventures or visiting nearby cities, having a car is recommended. Boyne Mountain Airport caters to small aircraft, while Pellston Regional Airport and Traverse City’s Cherry Capital Airport serve commercial flights within an hour’s drive.
People in Boyne City are friendly and laid-back, reflecting that small-town Midwest charm. Don’t be surprised if strangers greet you with a smile. Locals value sustainability, community, and support for small businesses. When visiting markets or events, take the time to chat with artisans and vendors—many have unique stories and recommendations.
If you’re an eco-conscious traveler, Boyne City won’t disappoint. Many accommodations follow green practices, and there are multiple recycling and composting initiatives around town. Use refillable water bottles, limit single-use plastics, and participate in clean-up events if you’re around for community volunteer days.
Instead of big-box stores or chains, Boyne City offers a rich mix of locally-owned boutiques, restaurants, and service providers. Dining at locally sourced restaurants and purchasing from farmers markets helps preserve the city’s character while supporting its economy.
Boyne City’s food scene is refreshingly diverse for a small town. Café Santé is known for its European bistro vibe and lakeside patio. Red Mesa Grill offers bold Latin American flavors, while Boyne River Inn is perfect for hearty American fare and river views.
The local beer and wine scene is thriving. Try Lake Charlevoix Brewing Company for craft brews with a view. For wine lovers, Walloon Lake Winery, just a short drive away, is a must. Cozy up in Local Flavor Café for breakfast or an afternoon coffee break.
Boyne City boasts several local art galleries where you can view and purchase works from Michigan artists. The Boyne Arts Collective features rotating exhibitions and artisan crafts, while Freshwater Studio highlights photography and local nature scenes.
Main Street is lined with charming boutiques offering everything from home décor to handmade jewelry and Michigan-themed apparel. Shops like Inspired Living and 52 Weekends are perfect for picking up unique gifts and keepsakes.
Young State Park is ideal for families. The shallow shoreline is safe for kids, and there’s a sandy beach, playground, and picnic areas. The trails here are also easy to navigate, perfect for families with young children.
Check out The Raven Hill Discovery Center, a short drive away, where kids can explore science, art, and history through hands-on exhibits. It’s both fun and educational—a win-win for parents and kids alike.
For couples seeking a romantic retreat, Boyne City delivers. Stay at a bed and breakfast like The Water Street Inn, offering lakeside views and charming décor. Sunsets over Lake Charlevoix set the mood for an unforgettable escape.
Consider a private boat tour, a spa day at Boyne Mountain Resort, or a wine tasting tour. For something unique, take a hot air balloon ride over the countryside during sunrise or sunset.
Lake Charlevoix is an angler’s paradise with bass, pike, and trout in abundance. Rent a pontoon boat or kayak to explore the inlets and islands. Bird watchers can spot bald eagles, loons, and herons in the area.
Popular trails like Avalanche Preserve offer both challenge and reward. Its summit offers panoramic views of the lake and town. Bring binoculars—this is one of the best spots for migratory bird watching in the region.
Boyne Mountain Resort isn’t just for skiing—it offers year-round luxury accommodations, spa services, and a golf course. For downtown access, stay at Water Street Inn, both offering stunning lake views.
Airbnb options range from rustic cabins to lakefront homes perfect for families or group trips. These often come with full kitchens, decks, and direct access to the lake or trails.
For those enchanted by Boyne City and thinking about making it home, the cost of living is generally lower than larger cities but slightly higher than some other Michigan towns due to its tourist appeal. Housing prices have been rising with growing demand, especially for lakefront properties.
Boyne City has a tight-knit and welcoming community. Newcomers can easily get involved through volunteer groups, arts councils, or local business associations. Families appreciate the high-quality schools and safe neighborhoods, while retirees enjoy the tranquil lifestyle and abundant outdoor activities.
The best time depends on your interests. Visit in summer for lake fun and festivals, fall for foliage, winter for skiing, and spring for quiet outdoor retreats.
Absolutely! From cozy inns and lakeside cabins to full-service resorts like Boyne Mountain, you’ll find options for every budget and experience.
Enjoy public beaches, scenic drives, hiking trails, downtown art walks, and community events that often include free entertainment and tastings.
Yes! Many parks and vacation rentals are pet-friendly, and you’ll find plenty of outdoor patios and spaces that welcome furry friends.
It’s fantastic for families! The area offers safe beaches, nature centers, discovery museums, and family-friendly restaurants.
Yes, you can find guided kayak trips, fishing charters, vineyard tours, and even historical walking tours in the summer.
Boyne City, Michigan, is more than just a weekend getaway—it’s a destination packed with natural beauty, year-round adventures, and heartwarming community spirit. Whether you’re here to ski in winter, boat in summer, explore local art, or relax lakeside with loved ones, this small town will leave a lasting impression.
So pack your bags, bring your sense of adventure, and come discover the magic of exploring Boyne City, Michigan. It just might become your new favorite destination.
