If you’re heading Up North, you don’t need an overpacked itinerary to make it a great trip. Northern Michigan is best experienced when you slow down, get outside, and leave space to just exist for a bit.
Whether you’re coming for a long weekend or a quick reset, here’s exactly how to plan a 2–3 day Northern Michigan getaway with the right mix of lake time, local exploring, and doing absolutely nothing.
Where to Stay
If you can, stay on the water. It completely changes the pace of your trip.
At The Monarch, you’re right on Lance Lake with direct access to the water, a quiet setting, and enough to do at the house that you don’t feel like you need to be out all day.
Day 1
Once you arrive, the lake is the easiest place to start.
Take the kayaks out and spend some time on the water. It’s a simple way to get oriented and settle into the setting. If you want something slower, the paddleboat or rowboat works just as well.
After that, most people end up inside for a bit. The game room gives you something to do without having to leave again—foosball, the arcade game, darts. It’s easy and doesn’t require planning around anything.
In the evening, the fire pit becomes the main event. It’s a good way to end the day and usually lasts longer than expected.
Day 2
Plan one outing for the morning, then come back and spend the rest of the day at the house.
North Country Lavender Farm is right down the road and makes for an easy stop. You can walk through the fields, visit the shop, and be on your way without committing much time.
If you’d rather drive a bit, the elk viewing area outside Wolverine is another option. It’s a short trip and worth it if you catch them out.
You could also just head out for a meal. The Farmer’s Table, The Thirsty Sturgeon, and Torrey Tavern are all nearby and straightforward options depending on what you’re in the mood for.
The afternoon is usually spent back at the house. People head out on the lake again, or find a spot outside and stay there for a while. Board games tend to come out at some point and take over the table.
Evening usually follows the same pattern as the night before, with time outside and another fire.
Day 3
If you have a third day, it’s a good time to explore a little farther out.
A winery visit is an easy way to spend part of the day. Vanderbilt Vines and Seasons of the North are both within driving distance, and there are additional options closer to Petoskey if you want to extend the trip.
You could also head into town for a few hours. Petoskey and Charlevoix both offer a mix of shops, restaurants, and waterfront access, and are easy to navigate without much planning.
If you prefer to stay closer, there are a few nearby nature areas like Hanel Nature Preserve or the Michigan Wildlife Foundation trails that are simple to access and don’t require much time.
A Few Tips
- Don’t over-schedule your days
- Plan one outing per day at most
- Bring layers, even in the summer
- Spend as much time on the lake as you can
Ready to Plan Your Weekend?
If you’re looking for a place where you can slow down, spend time on the water, and still have plenty to do nearby, The Monarch is set up for exactly that kind of trip.
