Discover Cheboygan County
Accommodation in Cheboygan County
Cheboygan County combines expansive shorelines, historic sites, and extensive trails to create a destination that can be explored in many different ways. The waterscapes of Mullett Lake, Burt Lake, and the Straits of Mackinac take center stage. There are also rail trails, forest paths, museums, and historic sites. When choosing a vacation rental or vacation home, it is therefore worth deciding first what kind of trip you want: Should the accommodation primarily serve as a base for bike tours, should lakes and shorelines be the main focus, or would you like to combine cultural history and nature?
Lakes, Shorelines, and the Inland Waterway
Aloha State Park is located on Mullett Lake and has 4,000 feet of shoreline. It also has a boat access site. The North Eastern State Trail runs along Aloha State Park, offering another way to combine your stay with outdoor activity. Cheboygan County also has shoreline sections along the Straits of Mackinac.
The 45-mile-long Inland Waterway provides a distinctive geographic point of reference. It runs from Lake Huron via the Cheboygan River, Mullet Lake, and the Indian River to Burt Lake, and continues via the Crooked River to Crooked Lake. The route later became a popular tourist attraction for boaters, vacation-home owners, and those seeking recreation. Anyone who wants to plan their trip around the water can take this sequence of lakes and rivers into account when choosing where to stay.
Burt Lake also has its own appeal. Burt Lake State Park has 2,000 feet of sandy shoreline and a designated shallow swimming area. The lake is also suitable for fishing for walleye. This means that different forms of recreation can be enjoyed by the water, without every outing having to be the same.
Bike Trails and Paths Through the Landscape
For longer bike tours, the North Central State Trail offers a 75-mile route with a limestone-gravel surface and predominantly flat terrain. A 16.3-mile section of this trail runs between Cheboygan and Mackinaw City. The North Eastern State Trail is a 70-mile rail trail between Alpena and Cheboygan. Its landscape alternates between wetlands, farmland, forests, and small communities.
Those who prefer planning loops will find a total of 30 miles of trails in six loops on the Black Mountain Pathway. They run along Black Lake. Cheboygan State Park offers well-marked trails with scenic views and opportunities to see rare wildflowers. The routes mentioned differ significantly in length, surface, and landscape.
Experiencing History at Historic Sites
Cheboygan County also offers unusual insights into the region’s history. The site of Dousman’s Mill was established in 1790 by Robert Campbell as a sawmill producing lumber for Mackinac Island. Campbell also operated a farm there with hayfields, cattle, and an extensive orchard. The property has three miles of trails across 625 acres. Wildlife of the North Woods has been observed there, including 130 bird species, a beaver colony, black bears, and bobcats. Important for your travel planning: Dousman’s Mill will remain closed during the 2026 season due to delays in constructing the David A. Armour Visitor’s Center and the restroom building, and is scheduled to reopen in May 2027.
Colonial Michilimackinac is a reconstructed 18th-century fort and fur-trading village. The reconstruction was based on historic maps and more than 60 years of archaeological excavations. Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse has authentically restored rooms and exhibits, including the original lens. Cheboygan State Park also preserves the foundation remains of Cheboygan Point Light, built in 1859.
At Spies Heritage Hall, the topics range from the logging era of the late 19th and early 20th centuries to light industries and a one-room schoolhouse, everyday life in the 1920s, tourism in the early 20th century, and military topics. For the Cheboygan River Front Range Light, you can arrange a private tour or ask about availability by phone.
Local Impressions and Useful Area Orientation
The Cheboygan Farmers Market has more than 20 vendors. Offerings include fresh fruit and vegetables, fish, potted plants, eggs, baked goods, honey, maple syrup, and freshly baked artisan bread. Another distinctive landmark is the Cheboygan Crib. It is displayed in a park at the end of Water Street, directly east of US-23.
For further area planning, you can also explore Mackinaw City, Cheboygan, and Tuscarora Township. This allows you to tailor your search for a vacation rental or vacation home to your personal priorities: waterscapes, longer bike trails, historic sites, nature trails, or regional impressions. Cheboygan County does not offer just one predetermined type of trip, but rather several clearly distinct ways to experience its landscape, history, and recreation.
For the overarching travel overview: Michigan.
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