Boyne City and Petoskey, Michigan: Water Street Inn, Hiking, Passport Visits

October - November 2020, 2-nights, weekend

We originally had a reservation at Water Street Inn for April of this year that cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. At that time, we had planned to bring our bicycles, and were going to bike the trail from Charlevoix to Petoskey. After that trip cancelled, we rescheduled for the end of October. Part of the trail we had planned to bike had washed out from high water levels this year, and it was cooler in October, so we decided we would hike instead. We were glad we changed our plans, because it was snowing and cold when we left Sunday morning!

Deadman's Hill Overlook

Hiking/nature

We stopped at Deadman's Hill overlook on the way to Boyne City. I cannot even imagine how amazing this view is near the middle of October. It was still beautiful at the end of October, even though it was an overcast day and the leaves had already started to turn brown. The second overlook parking area is about two miles off US-131 at the end of Deadman's Hill Road. The first half of this road is paved.

Deadman's Hill Overlook
Jordan River in the distance on the left

We did not hike much at this location, as it was late in the day, and we wanted to get settled into our condo before dark. Jordan River, which we had kayaked near Mancelona and East Jordan this past summer, is barley visible in the photo above.

The Hill Nature Preserve
Lake Charlevoix in the distance

In the Boyne City area, we hiked The Hill Nature Preserve just outside of town off Charlevoix Road. This was an easy and beautiful hike, although the view was not as good as I had expected.

Avalanche Preserve viewing platform

The view from the top of Avalanche Preserve was amazing! This preserve is also in Boyne City, less than a mile south of Water Street Inn. It was snowing and windy (gusts up to 55 MPH) when we left the condo that morning. I still wanted to stop at the preserve, although I think my husband was doubtful we would be getting out when we got there. The scenic overlook is a 462 step climb, and well worth the effort.

Avalanche Preserve

There are hiking trails around the preserve, if you do not want to walk up all of the steps. It is a farther and more gradual climb, which is what we probably would have done, if the weather had been nicer during our visit. 

Wildwood Harbor Preserve

Wildwood Harbor Preserve is a beautiful hike out to a small lake on the south side of Walloon Lake. 

Field's Preserve

Fields Preserve is on the north side of Walloon Lake off Resort Pike Road. This is also an easy and beautiful hike, although portions of the trail were flooded. We hiked around to the left (so the wind was at our backs in the open field area), and were unable to get to the southernmost trail after crossing the flooded creek. After crossing the creek, the entire area soon became water and swampy, so we had to turn around, and return down the center trail. 

There are many more trails and parks in this area of Michigan. I suggest visiting mid-October if you want to enjoy peak autumn colors.

Sunset in Boyne City looking toward Water Street Inn

Water Street Inn, unit 311

Our condo was quiet and comfortable. We enjoyed the water view, even though we were not there is the summertime. This location is great for being able to walk to restaurants in town and for visiting the many parks and trails in the area. 

View from Water Street Inn condo 311

Overall, we were happy with our condo rental, although there were a few minor things missing that I had expected to be included in the condo. We did not have any washcloths or dishcloths, and there was no vegetable/potato peeler with the silverware. Toilet tissue, paper towels, kleenex, trash bags, bath amenities, one pack of coffee, salt, pepper, and a few cleaning supplies were provided (two dishwasher tablets, and dish soap). There are better pictures of this unit on the website. I have included just one here to show the view from the living room and kitchen area.

Pile of Tots at Stiggs Brewery
Stiggs partial menu below

Downtown and area wineries and breweries

We walked to Stiggs Brewery for beers on Halloween, and decided to have a snack too. We had the Pile of Tots, which was excellent! The portion size was generous, and the flavor was delicious. We chose the fuggle rub seasoning.

Burnt Marshmallow Brewing

Other locations we visited in the area between hikes were: Burnt Marshmallow Brewing, Resort Pike Cidery & Winery, and Mackinaw Trail Winery & Brewery.

Burnt Marshmallow Brewing is listed in the HopPassport. Resort Pike Cidery & Winery and Mackinaw Trail Winery & Brewery have coupons in the Michigan Brewvine Passport. Stiggs Brewery has promotions in both passports!

Let me know if you have any questions. Travel safely!