NORTHERN MICHIGAN ATTRACTIONS

There is an endless number of adventures to experience here in Northern Michigan! Explore the great outdoors with activities like mushroom hunting, ATV riding, fishing, and kayaking. Spend time at local historical attractions, sample some of the greatest golf courses in the Midwest, enjoy our beautiful coastal towns with multiple shopping and dining options, and more! Below, we've listed some of our favorites.

MACKINAC BRIDGE & ISLAND

A scenic 35 minute drive from the campground, visit the longest suspension bridge in the Western Hemisphere. Cross the Straits of Mackinac to visit St. Ignace in the Upper Peninsula or stay in the Lower for family-friendly Mackinaw City. Hop on a ferry to Mackinac Island and spend the day visiting Fort Mackinac, bike riding, hiking, and shopping. Take a little time to relax at one of the restaurants with beautiful views of the water.

CASTLE ROCK

Forty-five minutes away, a solid rock tower rises 196 feet above the Mackinaw Straits and holds the distinction of being an ancient Ojibwa Indian lookout. Take in magnificent views of the Mackinac Bridge, Straits of Mackinac, and Mackinac Island as you stand on historical ground. You may also see Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox!

CROSS OF THE WOODS

Not only can you visit the numerous shrines dedicated to religious figures, but feel free to participate in a weekday or weekend mass under the shadow of the National Shrine's hallmark art piece, "The Man on the Cross." This famous Catholic Shrine is a short 10 mile drive up I-75.  Enjoy a stroll through the grounds or stop in to their gift shop.

LEGS INN

One of the prettiest views you'll find at any restaurant, along with one of the coolest interiors. With a menu mainly made up of housemade Polish cuisine, they also have some of the best whitefish spread we've had (locally caught from the Great Lakes)! Dining outside is a can't miss experience with views of their garden and overlooking Lake Michigan.

STURGEON RIVER

Take time to visit the picturesque and tranquil Sturgeon River, a National Wild and Scenic River with a 21-mile stretch of DNR-qualified "Blue Ribbon Trout Stream." Beyond site-seeing and fishing, enjoy the opportunities for tubing and kayaking as you set off from one of the multiple access points conveniently near Elkwood Campground. If you have time, also visit the beautiful Au Sable River about an hour south of us for a calm day of kayaking and picnicking.

ATV TRAILS

Hop on and ride your ATV or Motorcycle right out of the campground. Your hardest decision will be choosing which of the many scenic trails you and your friends or family will explore! Ask us for recommendations and directions. We are open year round for all of you snowmobilers looking for great trails as well!

ANNUAL EVENTS

MAY IS MOREL HUNTING!

Experience the wilderness as you trek through serene national and state land while keeping your eyes peeled for this elusive quarry. Bring a basket and gather morels in the Pigeon River National Forest or The Mackinaw State Forest, among many other sites. Who knows, you may get lucky and find them right outside your camper!

GET YOUR BUGLE ON EVERY FALL!

Elkwood Campground and the surrounding area is home to the largest free-roaming elk herd east of the Mississippi River. While the elk inhabit this area year-round, there are certain times that are better for viewing them. One of the best months happens to be September, when the males (bulls) are trying to establish dominance for mating rights with the females (cows). The bulls are very active during this time, making loud vocalizations - coined "bugling" - and breaking brush with their antlers to impress cows and intimidate their rivals. If you haven't had the pleasure of listening in on this spectacle, you are in for a treat! 

Dates: September through Mid October

DNR website: http://www.michigandnr.com/publications/pdfs/wildlife/viewingguide/nlp/56Pigeon/index.htm

Learn the elk calls: http://www.elk-hunting-tips.net/elk-sounds.html

Welcome to Wolverine, Michigan!

Whether you're an adventure seeker, history enthusiast, or traveling with family, there’s something for everyone in and around Wolverine. This guide is brought to you by Elkwood Campground—your perfect home base for exploring Michigan’s great outdoors.


Outdoor Activities

Hiking Trails

  • Wildwood Hills Pathway – Scenic trails for all skill levels through lush forests.
  • Sturgeon River Preserve – Peaceful, well-maintained trails ideal for birdwatching.
  • TrailsCouncil.org – Access 300+ miles of hiking, biking, ORV & snowmobiling trails.

Fishing & Boating

  • Sturgeon River – Excellent for trout and bass fishing; also great for kayaking and canoeing.
  • Burt Lake – A short drive away, with walleye, bass, pike, and boating opportunities.
  • Sturgeon River Paddle Sports & Big Bear Adventures – Rentals for kayaks, canoes, tubes, paddleboards, and shuttles.

Hunting

  • Pigeon River Country State Forest – Renowned hunting grounds for deer, turkey & small game.

Snowmobiling

  • Michigan Snowmobile Trails – Wolverine is a gateway to miles of forested, groomed trails for thrilling winter rides.

Local Attractions

  • Sturgeon River – Central to Wolverine’s outdoor lifestyle: kayaking, fishing, and relaxation.
  • Wildwood Hills Pathway – Year-round recreation: hiking, biking, cross-country skiing.
  • Wolverine Historical Museum – Explore local heritage and historical artifacts.

Parks & Playgrounds

  • Wolverine Community Park – Ideal for picnics, family fun, and outdoor sports.
  • North Central State Trail – Family-friendly biking and walking trail with beautiful scenery.

Kid-Friendly Fun

  • Call of the Wild Museum – Wildlife displays and hands-on exhibits.
  • Depot Ice Cream Café – A local favorite with ice cream, pizza, and pastries.

Rainy Day Ideas

  • Visit the Call of the Wild Museum
  • Explore shops and galleries in Petoskey
  • Enjoy games and a cozy meal at The Farmer’s Table

Community Events & Festivals

  • Lumberjack Festival – Celebrates Wolverine’s logging roots with music, competitions & family activities.
  • Wolverine Winterfest – Snowmobile races, winter games & ice fishing.
  • Sturgeon River Festival
  • Fourth of July Parade & Fireworks – Join the celebration in Wolverine & at Elkwood Campground.

Dining & Nightlife

Local Favorites

  • The Thirsty Sturgeon – Rustic charm with hearty favorites like Reuben balls & banana bread pudding.
  • The Farmer’s Table – Fresh farm-to-table fare with a focus on local ingredients.
  • Torrey Tavern – Casual dining with burgers, pizza & a relaxed vibe.
  • Depot Ice Cream Café – Sweet treats, baked goods & family-friendly meals.
  • Wildwood Golf Course Grill – Great spot for a burger or Friday fish fry.

Farmers Markets

  • Wolverine Farmers Market – Local produce, baked goods & crafts (summer & fall).
  • Northern Harvest Market – Nearby option with organic items & handmade goods.

Local Services

  • Gas: Wolverine BP, Indian River Shell
  • Groceries: Family Fare (Indian River), Walmart (Cheboygan)
  • Pharmacy: Walgreens (Cheboygan), Rite Aid (Indian River)
  • Emergency Care: McLaren Northern Michigan (Cheboygan)
  • Pet Supplies: Indian River Pet Supplies

Culture & History

Historic Sites

  • Wolverine Historical Museum
  • Sturgeon River Lumber Mill
  • Old Wolverine Train Depot

Local Traditions

  • Year-round celebration of logging heritage
  • A lifestyle centered on hunting, fishing & snowmobiling
  • Strong sense of community & local pride

Tips for First-Time Visitors

Best Times to Visit

  • Spring: Wildflower blooms, morel mushroom hunting
  • Summer: Festivals, fishing, and warm-weather adventures
  • Fall: Gorgeous foliage and elk bugling
  • Winter: Snowmobiling, cozy cabins & ice fishing
  • Year-Round: Stargazing, meteor showers & possible Northern Lights sightings

Day Trips & Excursions

  • Mackinaw City & Mackinac Island (43 miles) – Historic forts, fudge tasting & scenic boat rides
  • Cheboygan Lighthouses – Explore the Crib Light & River Front Range Lighthouse
  • Whitefish Point & Shipwreck Museum (123 miles) – Great Lakes maritime history
  • Petoskey & Little Traverse Bay (29 miles) – Victorian charm, boutique shopping & Petoskey stone hunting
  • SkyBridge Michigan (27 miles) – World's longest timber suspension bridge at Boyne Mountain
  • Walk of Art, Elk Rapids (73 miles) – Outdoor sculpture park with live music and workshops
  • Mushroom Houses, Charlevoix (45 miles) – Tour whimsical homes with storybook architecture
  • Garlyn Zoo Wildlife Park ( miles) - W9104 US2  Naubinway, MI 49762

Scenic Drives

  • Tunnel of Trees (M-119)
  • Heritage Route US-23
  • Inland Waterway Route (25 miles)
  • Pigeon River Country Forest Drive

Golf Courses Nearby

  • Wildwood Golf Course (Wolverine)
  • Indian River Golf Club
  • Black Bear Golf Club
  • Treetops North (Gaylord)
  • Springbrook Golf Course
  • Mullett Lake Country Club
  • Rippling Rapids
  • Black Lake Golf Course

2025 Area Events Calendar

May

  • Morel Mushroom Hunting
  • Wolverine Bass Festival

June

  • 14: Old Town Arts & Crafts Fair
  • 26–28: St. Ignace Car Show / Old Town Traverse City Car Show
  • 29: National Cherry Festival Arts & Crafts Fair

July

  • 4: Fireworks, Parades (Wolverine & Elkwood)
  • 13–14: Bear Lake Car Show
  • 19: AuSable River Classic Car & Truck Show (Grayling)
  • 19: Indian River Pilgrimage to Cross in the Woods
  • 19: Art in the Park (Petoskey)
  • 20: Indian River Biathlon (kayak & bike)
  • 22: Vanderbilt Mosaic Lamps & Candleholders Workshop
  • 26–27: Bay Harbor Arts Festival
  • 31: Boyne Falls Polish Festival
  • End of July: Start to hear the coyotes call out!

August

  • Mackinac Island Shakespeare Festival (various dates)
  • 1-3: Boyne Falls Polish Festival 
  • 2: Irish Boat Show (Petoskey)
  • 2–3: Suttons Bay Art Festival
  • 8: Indian River Lighted Boat Parade at dusk
  • 8–9: Michaywe Arts & Crafts Show (Gaylord)
  • 9–10: Outboard Marathon Nationals (Indian River)
  • 15-16 Wolverine Lumberjack Festival  
  • 16: “Summer in Disguise” 5K (Charlevoix)
  • 22: Community Dinner @ Bliss Gardens – Tunnel of Trees Art Trail
  • 23 Historic motor tour M27 Will run through Wolverine
  • 25: Higher Birdies Golf Tournament (Chestnut Valley Golf Course)
  • 25: Catch & Release Fishing Tournament (6:00–11:00 AM)

September

  • Start to hear the elk bugling. 
  • 3–21: Traverse City Horse Show Series
  • 13–14: Downtown Traverse City Art Fair

October

  • Hear the elk bugling throughout the month.
  • 2–4: Mackinac Island Fudge Festival
  • 4 ELKWOOD CAMPGROUND Trick or Treating! 
  • 7–14: Peak Fall Colors (average range)
  • 11–13: Apple Fest (Charlevoix)
  • Skitoberfest (Boyne Mountain) – Celebrating the start of ski season with fall flair

Final Note

Whatever you're into—we're just glad you're here.
We hope your time at Elkwood Campground in Wolverine, Michigan, is filled with fresh air, great adventures, and unforgettable memories.

Please let us know if there's anything we can do to make your stay even better.

Warmly,
Colleen & Ken
Elkwood Campground


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