Petoskey State Park

Petoskey State Park is a protected coastal area on Little Traverse Bay featuring sandy shorelines, walking trails, and camping facilities along Michigan's waterfront. The grounds span 300 acres and contain dense forest patches mixed with sand dune formations of varying sizes.

The park was established in 1969 by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, converting the coastal landscape into a protected recreation area. This designation created the foundation for today's use as a destination for beach visitors and hikers.

The park draws stone collectors searching for Petoskey stones, fossilized coral pieces that hold special meaning in Michigan's natural heritage. People walk the shoreline and sandy areas looking for these distinctive fragments.

Visitors need a Recreation Passport to enter the park. The two campgrounds together provide around 180 sites with electrical hookups and standard amenities for overnight stays.

The Old Baldy Trail leads to a large sand dune with viewing points over the bay and shoreline. The climb reveals shifting perspectives across the landscape and water.

Location: Michigan

Inception: 1969

Website: https://www2.dnr.state.mi.us/ParksandTrails/Details.aspx?id=483&type=SPRK

GPS coordinates: 45.40300,-84.90750

Latest update: December 11, 2025 18:01