Where Should I Vacation in Northern Michigan? Your Guide to the Region's Best Destinations
Northern Michigan is filled with charming small towns, crystal-clear lakes, scenic drives, and unforgettable outdoor adventures. But if it's your first visit—or even your tenth—it can be difficult to decide where to stay.
Should you stay in Bellaire? Central Lake? Petoskey? Traverse City?
The truth is, each destination offers something unique. The best choice depends on the type of vacation you're planning.
Here's a closer look at some of Northern Michigan's most popular destinations and why many visitors choose Central Lake and The Dragonfly as their home base.
Central Lake: The Perfect Home Base for Exploring Northern Michigan
If you're looking for easy access to Northern Michigan's best attractions without the crowds, Central Lake deserves to be at the top of your list.
Located in the heart of Antrim County, Central Lake offers a quieter pace while placing you just minutes from some of Michigan's most beautiful lakes and destinations.
Unlike busier tourist towns, Central Lake lets you spend your days exploring and your evenings relaxing on the water.
Intermediate Lake
The Dragonfly sits directly on beautiful Intermediate Lake, one of Northern Michigan's hidden gems.
Guests love Intermediate Lake because it offers:
- Clear water
- Excellent swimming
- Boating and kayaking (view our Kayaker's Guide to the Chain of Lakes for more information)
- Fishing
- Less boat traffic than many larger lakes
- A peaceful atmosphere for relaxing
Many visitors are surprised by how much quieter Intermediate Lake feels compared to nearby Torch Lake, especially during the busiest summer weekends.
For families and anyone looking to truly unwind, it's hard to beat. To check availability visit our booking page.
Torch Lake
Just a short drive from The Dragonfly is the world-famous Torch Lake, known for its striking turquoise water and legendary sandbars.
Torch Lake is perfect for:
- Boat rentals
- Sandbar gatherings
- Paddleboarding
- Swimming
- Photography
- Scenic drives
One of the biggest advantages of staying in Central Lake is that you can enjoy Torch Lake whenever you want, then return to the peaceful surroundings of Intermediate Lake at the end of the day.
It's the best of both worlds.
Downtown Central Lake
While small, downtown Central Lake has plenty of charm.
Spend an afternoon exploring:
- Small boutiques
- Ice cream shops
- Casual restaurants
- Community events
- Friendly local businesses
It's the kind of place where life slows down—a refreshing change from crowded tourist destinations.
Bellaire: Small-Town Charm with Endless Outdoor Adventures
Just a few minutes from Central Lake, Bellaire has become one of Northern Michigan's favorite vacation destinations.
Its walkable downtown and surrounding lakes make it a perfect day trip from The Dragonfly.
Downtown Bellaire
Downtown Bellaire is packed with local favorites.
You'll find:
- Unique boutiques
- Local restaurants
- Coffee shops
- Short's Brewing Company
- Live music and seasonal events
- Art galleries
- Ice cream shops
It's easy to spend an afternoon strolling downtown before grabbing dinner and heading back to the lake.
Bellaire's Beautiful Lakes
Bellaire is surrounded by some of Northern Michigan's most beautiful water.
Lake Bellaire
Known for its crystal-clear water and excellent boating, Lake Bellaire is a favorite for swimming, paddleboarding, and sunset cruises.
Clam Lake
Connected to Lake Bellaire through the Chain of Lakes, Clam Lake offers beautiful scenery, fishing, and peaceful coves perfect for kayaking.
Intermediate Lake
Although located in nearby Central Lake, Intermediate Lake is also part of the Chain of Lakes and gives visitors another incredible option for boating and relaxing.
Together, these lakes create one of Michigan's most scenic freshwater playgrounds.
Petoskey: A Hidden Gem for Wine Lovers
While Traverse City often receives most of the attention for Northern Michigan wine country, many visitors are discovering that the Petoskey Wine Region offers an equally memorable experience with a much more relaxed atmosphere.
If you're looking to spend a day tasting local wines without the larger crowds often found around Traverse City, the Petoskey area is well worth exploring.
Why Choose the Petoskey Wine Trail?
The wineries throughout the Petoskey region offer:
- Beautiful vineyard views
- Award-winning cool-climate wines
- Smaller tasting rooms
- More personalized experiences
- Less traffic between stops
- Easier parking
- A quieter pace
Many visitors appreciate being able to enjoy tastings without waiting in long lines or navigating busy tourist traffic.
It feels like discovering one of Northern Michigan's best-kept secrets. Explore our favorite wineries near The Dragonfly.
Petoskey vs. Traverse City Wine Country
Traverse City is famous for its wineries—and for good reason. The region produces outstanding wines and offers spectacular views.
However, popularity also means:
- More visitors
- Busier tasting rooms
- Heavier seasonal traffic
- Longer waits during peak weekends
The Petoskey Wine Trail provides a more intimate experience while showcasing many excellent wineries that deserve a place on every wine lover's itinerary.
If you're looking for a slower pace, it's an easy choice.
Why The Dragonfly Is the Ideal Place to Stay
One of the biggest advantages of staying at The Dragonfly is its central location.
Within a short drive, you can experience:
- Torch Lake
- Intermediate Lake
- Bellaire
- Downtown Central Lake
- Petoskey Wine Trail
- Local breweries
- Hiking trails
- Golf courses
- Charming Northern Michigan towns
After spending the day exploring, you'll return to your own private lakefront retreat on Intermediate Lake.
The Dragonfly offers:
- Private waterfront
- Sandy swimming area
- 90-foot private dock
- Kayaks, canoe, and paddle boat
- Fire pit with complimentary s'mores kit
- Dog-friendly accommodations
- High-speed Wi-Fi
- Space for up to 12 guests
Instead of constantly packing up and moving between destinations, you can settle into one comfortable home base while exploring Northern Michigan at your own pace.
Which Northern Michigan Destination Is Right for You?
Every destination offers something special.
Choose Bellaire if you love boutique shopping, breweries, and exploring beautiful lakes.
Choose Petoskey if wineries, waterfront views, and charming downtown streets are at the top of your list.
Choose Central Lake if you want peaceful lakefront accommodations with easy access to everything Northern Michigan has to offer.
For many visitors, Central Lake provides the perfect balance—close enough to explore the region's most popular attractions while offering a quieter, more relaxing place to come home each evening.
That's exactly what you'll find at The Dragonfly.
