North Point Nature Preserve
A serene Lake Michigan beach and wooded trails, offering a peaceful escape and a local favorite for its natural beauty.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the crowds and heat
North Point Nature Preserve
Best Time
Beat the crowds and heat
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A serene Lake Michigan beach and wooded trails, offering a peaceful escape and a local favorite for its natural beauty.
"This beach is by far the best in the area, much nicer than the downtown Charlevoix beach. "
🐾 Dog-Friendly Beach
Leashed dogs are welcome on the beach, making it a great spot for furry friends. 🐕
🥾 Trail Conditions
Some trails can get muddy and waterlogged, especially after rain. Check conditions before you go.
Quick Facts
Rating
4.8 · 201 reviews
Type
Park
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Lake Michigan Beach
Lake Michigan shoreline
Pristine sandy shores offering a serene escape, often considered the best in the Charlevoix area.
Nature Trails
Throughout the preserve
Explore short hikes through wooded areas leading to the lake, with opportunities for wildlife viewing.
Disc Golf Course
Designated area within the preserve
A fun amenity for enthusiasts, adding another layer of activity to your visit.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beach Access & Amenities
Parking & Timing
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Places for a 2-4 mile hike with dogs along the drive from Petoskey/TC to Ann Arbor?
Fisherman’s island in Charlevoix. You can make it a 5 mile loop
🐾 Dog-Friendly Beach
Leashed dogs are welcome on the beach, making it a great spot for furry friends. 🐕
🥾 Trail Conditions
Some trails can get muddy and waterlogged, especially after rain. Check conditions before you go.
🚗 Parking Strategy
Arrive before noon to guarantee a parking spot, as the lot is quite small. 🚗
🦌 Wildlife Encounters
Be aware of local wildlife; deer have been known to approach visitors closely. 🦌
Tips
from all over the internet
🐾 Dog-Friendly Beach
Leashed dogs are welcome on the beach, making it a great spot for furry friends. 🐕
🥾 Trail Conditions
Some trails can get muddy and waterlogged, especially after rain. Check conditions before you go.
🚗 Parking Strategy
Arrive before noon to guarantee a parking spot, as the lot is quite small. 🚗
🦌 Wildlife Encounters
Be aware of local wildlife; deer have been known to approach visitors closely. 🦌
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about North Point Nature Preserve's beautiful, often uncrowded Lake Michigan beach, calling it a 'hidden gem' superior to other local options. While the nature trails offer a pleasant walk, some sections can be muddy. The limited parking and basic amenities are noted drawbacks, but the natural beauty and dog-friendly policy make it a beloved spot for many.
"We love this beach- definitely a hidden gem in Charlevoix. Dogs are allowed on this beach. It’s a bit of a walk through the sand to the beach but worth it! There are no bathrooms/changing areas by the beach; there is a portable bathroom by the parking area though. Super quiet and family friendly area!"
Meghann VanderZand
"Great little nature preserve on Lake Michigan. Short hike through the woods to the beach. The road goes down to the beach area so you don't have to walk through the woods. It's a short hike and the stairs from the deck to the beach are missing but it's a small manageable jump either up or down. Great spot to spend a couple hours and enjoy nature. Lots of wildlife. Had a deer charge me and circle me in the dunes, I think people may have fed it cause it wasn't scarred to get close to me or other people."
Adam Reason
"Short walk from the parking lot to a beautiful view of Lake Michigan!"
Brandon Reilly
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The preserve is located within a residential area in Charlevoix. Access is via local roads. Many visitors note it's a 'hidden gem' tucked away.
Public transport options are limited in this area. Driving is the most common and recommended way to reach the preserve.
Navigating to the preserve is straightforward via GPS. It's situated within a neighborhood, so follow your navigation system closely.
Road conditions can vary, especially with seasonal weather. It's advisable to check local traffic updates before your visit, particularly if traveling during or after heavy rain.
The preserve is a short drive from downtown Charlevoix, making it an easily accessible natural escape.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
North Point Nature Preserve is generally free to enter, offering an accessible natural experience for all visitors.
While specific hours aren't always posted, nature preserves are typically open from dawn until dusk. It's best to visit during daylight hours.
No advance booking is required for North Point Nature Preserve as it's a public access area.
The main restriction is respecting the natural environment and following any posted park rules. Dogs are allowed on leash.
Yes, the preserve is accessible year-round, though trail conditions may vary significantly with the seasons, especially in winter and after heavy rain.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Visitors recommend enjoying the beautiful Lake Michigan beach and taking a short hike through the wooded trails.
Restrooms are limited to a portable toilet near the parking area. There are no dedicated changing facilities by the beach.
Yes, the beach is described as quiet, family-friendly, and a great spot for spending a few hours.
The preserve is home to various wildlife, including deer, which have been observed to be quite comfortable around people.
Some visitors report that certain trails can be muddy or waterlogged, and some areas may appear less maintained.
📸 📸 Photography
The Lake Michigan shoreline offers stunning views, especially during sunrise and sunset. The wooded trails also provide scenic backdrops.
Absolutely, the expansive views of Lake Michigan and the natural dunes make it a prime location for landscape photography.
Early mornings and late afternoons offer the best light for photography, with softer shadows and warmer tones.
Yes, the preserve is a habitat for various animals, including deer, offering opportunities for wildlife photography. Remember to maintain a respectful distance.
The unique dune formations and the vastness of Lake Michigan provide distinct photographic subjects. The missing stairs to the beach also present a quirky photo op.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit