In the late 1800’s passenger and freight trains brought their precious cargo to the shores of Lake Michigan. One of their primary destinations was Petoskey, where summer resorts had found their identity. This was the perfect place to escape from the heat and early pollution of Chicago, Detroit, Indianapolis, Cincinnati and other Midwestern booming industrial towns. The north was also growing with the expansive lumber mills and railroad business. Summer resort areas like Bay View, which was birthed by the Methodist church in 1875, were springing up along the shores of Lake Michigan. Twenty simple cottages multiplied to 440 by 1890, and now boast nearly 500 Victorian structures. Many of these carry the distinction of standing tall for over a century - as do many of the buildings throughout the city of Petoskey.

NOW
Petoskey has remained a favorite summer resort area since the mid 1800’s. Bay View, still owned by the Methodist Church, has remained a true summer resort, opening the season each year at the beginning of May and closing after delightful summer seasons on October 31st. Bay View offers many exceptional musical and theatrical presentations through out the summer, in addition to music and drama camps for those pursuing those achievements. Petoskey has also become a favorite retirement area, being mentioned in the Wall Street Journal as one of the TOP TEN retirement destinations in the nation. The picturesque downtown Gaslight District offers an abundance of outdoor concerts, art exhibits, shopping, and dining opportunities. Canoeing, hiking, boating and golf, and just plain relaxing are all Petoskey pastimes - to be enjoyed year ‘round in this perfect Northern Michigan small town.

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