Top 18 Things To Do In Cheboygan, Michigan

1. Explore the waters from Cheboygan Village Marina

Cheboygan Village Marina is the starting point for many water sports enthusiasts in Cheboygan. Located on the river with the same name, it is the only marina that offers heated dry stack storage in Northern Michigan. Cheboygan Village Marina is nestled in the heart of Michigan’s water wonderland but within walking distance from all kinds of museums, restaurants, and art galleries.

Cheboygan Village Marina

Address: 123 S Main St, Cheboygan, MI 49721

Website: Cheboygan Village Marina

2. Catch a live concert at Cheboygan Opera House

Cheboygan Opera House is like no other. The Victorian building is a 582-seat theater, but also part city hall, part fire station, and part police headquarters. Whenever you’re visiting Cheboygan, try to catch a live concert at the Opera House, go on a tour of the theater, or join one of the educational activities, whether it’s a dance class or an art class.

Cheboygan Opera House

Address: 403 N Huron St, Cheboygan, MI 49721

Website: Cheboygan Opera House

3. Go on a walk to see the iconic Cheboygan Crib Light

One of the most iconic landmarks in Cheboygan is the Cheboygan Crib Light that marks the west pierhead of the mouth of the Cheboygan River and has become a symbol of the area. You can take a short stroll on a wooden boardwalk to get to the light at the end of it, and then spend some time in the area, overseeing the boat traffic, or wandering around the nearby park. It can be an excellent plan for a relaxing afternoon for the entire family or a romantic evening in Cheboygan.

Cheboygan Crib Light

Address: Cheboygan, MI 49721

Website: Cheboygan Crib Light

4. Enjoy a scenic bike ride along the North Central State Trail

The North Central State Trail is a haven for biking enthusiasts, offering a splendid and scenic route through the state’s northern beauty. This trail stretches 62 miles (99.78 kilometers) from Gaylord to Mackinaw City, providing cyclists with an immersive journey through lush forests, charming towns, and breathtaking waterways. What makes it perfect for bike rides is its crushed limestone surface, which is not only easy on the joints but also offers a smooth and enjoyable ride.

Along the way, bikers can relish the serenity of Michigan’s countryside, with opportunities to spot wildlife and experience the changing landscapes.

5. Explore the hiking trails along the beach in Cheboygan State Park

Cheboygan State Park is a public recreation area spreading over 1,250 acres (505 hectares) on the shores of Lake Huron in Cheboygan County. The family-friendly park is open year-round and has lots of lodging options, including rustic cabins, modern camping, and glamping teepees. Staying here even for a night can be quite the experience, as the park is sprinkled with lots of well-marked trails, scenic lake views, spectacular and rare flora, and lots of swimming, boating, and fishing opportunities.

Cheboygan State Park

Address: 4490 Beach Rd, Cheboygan, MI 49721

Website: Cheboygan State Park

Price: 9 USD onwards

6. Spend a night camping in Aloha State Park

One of the many things to do near Aloha State Park is camping. The park on the south of Cheboygan is also an excellent place for boating and biking. Set right on the shores of beautiful Mullett Lake, their modern campground is close to the boat launch, two swimming beaches, and three play areas boasting a softball field, basketball and volleyball courts, and horseshoe pits. Travelers can also bring their furry friends, but make sure they follow the campground rules, and never leave their pets unattended, on the swimming beaches, or without a leash.

Aloha State Park

Address: 4347 3rd St, Cheboygan, MI 49721

Website: Aloha State Park

Price: 9 USD onwards

7. Savor a freshly brewed draft at Cheboygan Brewing Company

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

There’s nothing like savoring a cold, freshly brewed beer and relaxing on the patio at a brewery in Cheboygan. The history of the Cheboygan Brewing Company started back in 1872 when the Hentschel brothers from Prussia had a dream and a strong belief that men were thirsty for great beer. Today, Cheboygan Brewing Company serves their famous Blueberry Cream Ale, the Lighthouse Amber, a Chocolate Covered Cherry Stout, a Blood Orange Honey brew, and many more. Their beer menu is quite extensive, yet each brew is created from the freshest, highest-quality ingredients.

Cheboygan Brewing Company

Address: 101 S Main St, Cheboygan, MI 49721

Website: Cheboygan Brewing Company

Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 12pm - 10pm; Fri - Sat: 12pm - 11pm; Sun: 1pm - 9pm

8. Spend some money at Peebles

Editor’s note: Establishment is permanently closed

While in Cheboygan, make sure you stop by Peebles, one of the go-to department stores where you can do some vacation-mandatory shopping. Part of the Stage family, Peebles sells household goods, cosmetics and beauty products, accessories, and apparel. Prices are reasonable, plus you can always get great deals with their coupons. The staff is friendly and eager to help every Peebles customer and offer them a great shopping experience.

Peebles

Address: 1121 E State St #15, Cheboygan, MI 49721

Website: Peebles

Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 10am - 7pm; Sun: 12pm - 5pm

9. Tee off as you enjoy the scenery at Cheboygan Golf & Country Club

Open since 1922, the Cheboygan Golf & Country Club has been famed among golfers in Northern Michigan, and travelers looking to spend a day outdoors, playing a game and having some fun. The golf course is easy to walk and offers people a great view. The 18-hole course is open to the public and boasts a mix of rolling mounds and picturesque woodlands, all tied together into challenging terrain. Guests will also find a pro shop on the premises, a lounge, and a snack shop to refuel their batteries. Staff is always friendly and very knowledgeable.

Cheboygan Golf & Country Club

Address: 1431 N Old Mackinaw Rd, Cheboygan, MI 49721

Website: Cheboygan Golf & Country Club

10. Buy local artwork and souvenirs at Sea Shell City

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Whether you’re a sea life aficionado, looking for fun things to do in Cheboygan, or are in the search for unique souvenirs for friends and family at home, you’ll find all of this and more at Sea Shell City. Sea Shell City is a diverse shop where you can find an impressive variety of camping and wildlife gear, nautical novelties, shells, sea life, corals, and many more. They also have ornaments for different occasions and decorative shells that will keep you excited and curious, wandering the shelves for hours.

Sea Shell City

Address: 7075 E Levering Rd, Cheboygan, MI 49721

Website: Sea Shell City

Opening hours: 9am - 5pm (daily)

11. Book a tour with Nautical North Family Adventures

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

With water galore around Cheboygan, the opportunities for water sports, adventures, tours, and charters never end. If you’re feeling adventurous, the Nautical North Family Adventures is the place to go. Here you’ll be able to book the right tour for you and your family that will leave everyone feeling happy and excited. You can opt for a romantic sunset tour, which can be the perfect prelude to a nice dinner and an evening cocktail. Other alternatives include the Shipwrecks Of Cheboygan Tour, which includes a snorkeling option, the Cheboygan River Lock And Dam Tour, or the annual Fourth of July Fireworks Cruise.

Nautical North Family Adventures

Address: 123 S Main St, Cheboygan, MI 49721

Website: Nautical North Family Adventures

12. Strike more to score at Spare Time Lanes & Recreation

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

If you happen to visit Cheboygan on rainy weather or your idea of a fun day include games with friends and family, head over to Spare Time Lanes and Recreation for a bowling evening. They’ve got lots of lanes, organize parties, have a sports bar with a full menu, a pro shop, and offer leagues. Spare Time Lanes and Recreation offers open bowling every day, as well as glow bowling. If it happens to be your birthday or you want to throw a party for a friend, they have excellent staff ready to cater to groups, and lots of lanes to get the balls rolling.

Spare Time Lanes & Recreation

Address: 7934 N Straits Hwy, Cheboygan, MI 49721

Website: Spare Time Lanes & Recreation

Opening hours: Mon & Thu: 11am - 10pm; Tue - Wed: 12pm - 10pm; Fri: 12pm - 12am; Sat: 9am - 12am; Sun: 12pm - 8pm

Price: 3 USD onwards

13. Drop by the Historical Cheboygan County Museum

A visit to the Historical Cheboygan County Museum can be a great way to learn a thing or two about the city’s history, its people, and the heritage of Northern Michigan. Visitors will get to discover approximately 10,000 artifacts, together sketching over 150 years of Cheboygan County history. Get ready to explore anything from photographs, paintings, postcards, and drawings to military uniforms, locally made clothes, household, and domestic items.

Historical Cheboygan County Museum

Address: 404 S Huron St, Cheboygan, MI 49721

Website: Historical Cheboygan County Museum

Price: Free

14. Go ice skating at Cheboygan Ice Rink Pavilion

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

If you’re into winter sports, but would gladly skip the whole trip to the mountains, Cheboygan Ice Rink Pavilion is the place for you. The ice skating rink located on Cleveland Avenue is used for leisure activities, and family skating, but also for hockey and figure skating. They also host a variety of events, whether it’s a birthday party, company events, business expos, or a family fun night. All you have to do is show up and put the skates on.

Cheboygan Ice Rink Pavilion

Address: 480 Cleveland Ave, Cheboygan, MI 49721

Website: Cheboygan Ice Rink Pavilion

15. Catch the latest movies at Kingston Theater

Kingston Theater has several locations in Northern Michigan, including in Cheboygan. Located on Main Street in Cheboygan, Kingston Theater is the go-to place to watch the latest Hollywood movies. The downtown theater is located in an old building with vintage touches, and lots of history, so it’s hard to miss while strolling through the city. Whether you’re looking for something to do on a rainy day, or want to enjoy some leisure time in front of the big screen, go check it out.

Kingston Theater

Address: 406 N Main St, Cheboygan, MI 49721

Website: Kingston Theater

16. Enjoy downtown dining at Mulligan's Restaurant

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

This restaurant in Cheboygan offers a unique dining experience right in the heart of the city. They’re known for their unique shot creations, but also their delicious food. Guests can come here for lunch and enjoy their all-you-can-eat buffet with soups, salad, and pasta, or enjoy their lighter “Appe-Tee-Zers,” including artichoke and spinach dip, bruschetta, soft pretzel sticks, flatbreads, or potato skins. Their menu also includes a variety of burgers with vegetarian options too, homemade mac & cheese, ribs, and steak.

Mulligan's Restaurant

Address: 320 N Main St, Cheboygan, MI 49721

Website: Mulligan’s Restaurant

Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 11am - 9pm; Fri - Sat: 11am - 10pm (closed on Sun)

17. Have fun at Johnnie's Bar

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Evenings at Johnnie’s Bar in downtown Cheboygan include live entertainment, cold and fresh tap beer, and great burgers. Their menu includes appetizers, baskets of wings, chicken tenders, or hot dogs, and, of course, their staple burgers. They also have Michigan Club Keno games and a pool table, and during the day you’re likely to catch local patrons eager to share stories of the good old days in the region. At night, the young crowd gathers there to enjoy the nightlife.

Johnnie's Bar

Address: 210 N Main St, Cheboygan, MI 49721

Website: Johnnie’s Bar

Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 10am - 2am; Sat: 10am - 12am; Sun: 24 hours

18. Try winter sports on the trails of Black Mountain Recreation Area

The Black Mountain Recreation Area is a year-round attraction. During warm summer and fall days, its trails are great for hiking or horseback riding. People also come here for fishing and camping. During wintertime, however, is when the Black Mountain Recreation Area gets truly spectacular, as it becomes the go-to place for lots of winter activities like snowshoeing, snowmobiling, and cross-country skiing. This adventure paradise is uniquely surrounded by deep forests and wildlife.

Black Mountain Recreation Area

Address: Grant Township, MI 49721

Cheboygan: a year-round destination for everyone

There’s always something to do or see in Cheboygan, in Northern Michigan, no matter if you’re visiting during cold winter months or sunny summer days. Whether you’re into history and art, enjoy the thrill of outdoor adventures, or prefer indoor fun, Cheboygan has something in store for you. Make sure you check out our extensive list that includes the best things to do in Cheboygan, Michigan, all year long.

Should you decide to venture out into the neighboring cities, you will find plenty of fun things to do in Charlevoix as well to make your visit all the more memorable. Book one of the best places to stay in Petoskey later, which is less than an hour’s drive away.