Water Front Park

Petoskey offers a diverse range of dining options near Bayfront Park. Palette Bistro is a Mediterranean cafe with bay views, offering gourmet-style fare and a great wine list. For a quirky American burger experience, The Side Door Saloon is a popular choice with patio seating and kitschy decor. Duffys Garage & Grille provides a casual setting for pizza and beer lovers, featuring two decks with bay views. City Park Grill is an iconic Victorian-era pub known for its eclectic menu and live music, while The 1911 Restaurant offers refined dining with a cozy atmosphere.

Petoskey has a variety of hotels that cater to different tastes and budgets. The Holiday Inn Express & Suites Petoskey offers modern amenities with free breakfast and WiFi. For a more luxurious experience, the Inn at Bay Harbor, Autograph Collection, provides traditional rooms and suites with lakeside views. The Perry Hotel is a cozy Victorian hotel with a homey restaurant and pub, while the AmericInn by Wyndham Petoskey offers a relaxed atmosphere with lake views.

Bayfront Park offers several amenities to enhance visitor experience. It features a central promenade, a children's playground, a historical museum, and a marina. The park includes picnic areas, open spaces for sports, and designated fishing spots. Public restrooms are available, and the park is well-maintained by the City of Petoskey. Additionally, there is a pavilion with cooking facilities and a festival area, making it suitable for community events and gatherings.

Visitors to Bayfront Park can engage in a variety of activities. The park is ideal for walking and jogging along its scenic paths, and it offers access to the Little Traverse Wheelway for biking. Fishing is a popular activity, and the park's proximity to the waterfront allows for beautiful views and sunsets. Families can enjoy picnics and outdoor games in the open spaces. The park also hosts festivals and concerts, adding to its vibrant atmosphere.

Bayfront Park offers several accessibility features to ensure that all visitors can enjoy its amenities. The park includes wheelchair-accessible paths, restrooms, and picnic areas. Additionally, the pedestrian tunnel connecting the park to downtown Petoskey is designed to be accessible. While specific wheelchair rentals may not be available within the park, the overall design aims to be inclusive for visitors with disabilities.

Parking near Bayfront Park is relatively accessible. There are parking lots available within the park, and additional parking can be found in nearby downtown Petoskey. The park's proximity to the city center means that visitors can also use public transportation or walk from nearby locations. While parking is generally available, it may become crowded during peak season or events.

Bayfront Park has a rich history as a former industrial site that was reclaimed for public use. It is known for its stunning views of Little Traverse Bay and its role in connecting Petoskey's commercial district to the waterfront. The park is a popular spot for Petoskey Stone hunting, a unique activity that involves searching for fossils of ancient coral polyps. The area's scenic beauty and community events make it a beloved destination for both locals and tourists.

Bayfront Park is surrounded by several attractions that enhance its appeal. The nearby Little Traverse Historical Society Museum provides insight into the area's history. The park's connection to downtown Petoskey via a pedestrian tunnel allows easy access to the city's shopping and dining districts. Visitors can also explore the Petoskey Breakwall, a popular spot for Petoskey Stone hunting. Nearby, Petoskey State Park offers beautiful sandy beaches and scenic hiking trails.