With stunning views of Little Traverse Bay, Palette Bistro is one of the best choices in the area for upscale casual dining. Palette serves lunch, dinner and take out. The Mediterranean inspired menu specializes in small plates, a well-stocked wine cellar, and creative dishes like braised short ribs with cheesy polenta, Kobe hanger steak, seafood paella, Calabria pizza, as well as vegetarian and vegan options. Leave room for desserts like Baked Chocolate Pudding with butterscotch sauce, specialty cheesecake and dessert cocktails.

Serving daily from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., and 4 -9 at 321 Bay Street, Petoskey, MI 49770, a 35-minute drive from Indian River RV Resort.

🍔🍟 If you’re craving juicy burgers done with style, fries that are seasoned and fresh, heavenly flavors created with bacon, and tender pulled pork, then you may want to check out our family favorite food truck, The Change Up Grill. It’s amazing. It’s our Lunchtime jam Monday thru Thursday (open 10:30 - 3:30), and our favorite Friday night indulgence, (Friday hours 11 - 7) … closed Sat/Sunday. Address: 9611 N. Straits Hwy, Cheboygan.

Maple Moon Sugarbush & Winery is the result of “God orchestrating many miracles,” according to founders Todd and Christi Petersen, who weren’t even wine drinkers when they began producing Michigan maple syrup in 2011. Tapping into a new business opportunity (pun intended), Maple Moon released five wines in 2015 that were fermented from the natural sugars in maple syrup, without any grapes. Their selection has expanded into 11 wines varying in flavor from dry to sweet; maple ginger hard cider, maple bourbon hard cider, as well as homemade jams and salsas. Maple Moon Sugarbush & Winery at 4454 Atkins Rd in Petoskey MI 49770 is a 33-minute drive from Indian River RV Resort via S. Straits Hwy and Pickerel Lake Road.

If you’re like us, sometimes we want Pizza and a Movie at “home”. . . even when we’re out of town. B.C. Pizza in Indian River will deliver to your RV or Cabin! They are also close to picnic tables by the bridge (in a dog-friendly spot, 3695 S. Straits Hwy, Indian River, MI 49749). In addition to pizza, B.C. Pizza have appetizers, salads, pasta, wings, breadsticks, grinders, subs and wraps. Text your order to 231-238-0055 from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. or order via their website.

Take a quick 9-minute trip from Indian River RV Resort for the best coffee in Northern Michigan at Wildwood Coffee, located at 3842 S. Straits Hwy, Indian River, MI 49749. Wildwood Coffee serves fabulous coffee (Black Diesel from Ann Arbor), tea (Republic of Tea), smoothies, bagels, avocado toast, and fresh, homemade pastries (including specialty cupcakes, hot apple turnovers, and scones). Visiting Indian River in the summer? Wildwood’s refreshing Cold Brew coffee gets our thumb’s up. Need to stock your RV or Camping Cabin? Wildwood offers coffee by the pound and cool t-shirts to remind you of a summer of great brews.

M-F 6:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., and Sat 8-2. Closed Sunday. Look for Wildwood Coffee at the Farmer’s Market on Thursdays, behind Northland Brewery, 3798 S. Straits Hwy, 2 - 6 p.m., June through October.

Open daily, Big Bear Adventures has been offering safe kayak, river raft, catamaran, and tube trips on the Sturgeon River for over 30 years. On land, check out their ATV Tours, 18-Hole Adventure Golf Course, ropes course, and family fun center. Just up the road at 4271 S. Straits Hwy, Indian River, MI 49749. Big Bear Adventures (231) 238-8181 has a cool log cabin style general store, and a Subway restaurant for a quick and easy lunch.

The crown jewel of the Great Lakes, Mackinac Island is a short 1/2 hour drive from Indian River RV Resort. Take the pedestrian Shepler’s Ferry to the island and enjoy exploring 5 miles of fabulous food, shopping, biking, and horse-drawn carriages. Visit the opulent Grand Hotel, The Biddle House, Fort Mackinac and St. Anne’s Church. Don’t forget to pick up some of the island’s famous fudge!

Located in Cheboygan, Michigan, a 20-minute from Indian River RV Resort, Nautical North Family Adventures is a safe and exciting way to explore shipwrecks from glass-bottomed boats, go snorkeling, and tour a Lake Huron lighthouse the way it was meant to be seen…from the water. Nautical North Family Adventures also have kayak rentals, eco tours, private charter boats excursions, and scuba diving. Hungry after your exciting excursion? Cheboygan has Mulligan’s on Main Street (with burgers, pasta, Tex Mex in a sports bar setting), a B.C. Pizza restaurant, and a DQ Dairy Queen close to Nautical North.

Exciting family-fun! Showcasing Michigan’s logging past, audiences are awed by the amazing talents of the world-champion Jack Pine’s Lumberjacks, showcasing their skills at ax-throwing, log rolling, and speed climbing up gigantic trees. Tickets are available on their website or at the door. Jack Pine’s Lumberjack Show is a half-hour drive to 10510 W US-23, Mackinaw City, MI 49701. Phone (231) 436-5225.

Guests of Indian River RV Resort enjoy fun, adventure, and getting back to nature. What better way to combine all three than to ride horses? Maple Ridge Stables is a quick 20 minute drive from the resort and offers trail rides for the whole family, lessons, Day Camp and more. Located at 8097 Sunshine Trl Vanderbilt, MI 49795.

Heart pumping adventure awaits at Skydive Charlevoix, an easy distance from Indian River RV Resort in beautiful Indian River, Michigan. Skydive Charlevoix has experienced, friendly staff and jumps from up to two miles high for an adrenaline-rush 120 mph free-fall that lasts up to 45 seconds (skydivecharlvoix.com). SkyDive Charlvoix is an hour’s drive from Indian River RV Resort, and their prices are published online (about $250, plus $100 for the cool photo of you in the air!). Currently, there’s a $50 Coupon when you book online. Location: Charlevoix Municipal Airport, 111 Airport Dr, Charlevoix, MI 49720. Live Chat on website. Phone: 92310330-3483.

​

Take at moment for quiet reflection as you gaze at the largest crucifix in the World. Cross in the Woods Catholic Shrine hold masses, have a dozen other shrines, host a religious doll museum, and have an on-site gift shop. Open 365 days a yea during daylight hours. Plan your visit to Cross in the Woods at 7078 M-68, Indian River, MI 49749, less than 10 minutes’ drive from Indian River RV Resort.

Need a little change in perspective? Seeing the world in a different way isn’t hard when you experience amazing Copper Peak in Ironwood, Michigan. The upper peninsula boasts the largest artificial ski jump in the whole world, and the only ski flying hill outside of Europe! For the brave at heart, ride a chairlift (or take the elevator) to the observation deck, and walk up to the very tip-top of the ski jump for one of the most spectacular views you’ll ever see.

Yeah, “Golf” is so awesome it can be a noun and a verb. Indian River RV Resort in Michigan is a great place for golfers to stay and play. We have 8 public golf clubs close-by ranging from 2 to 18 miles from Indian River. Visit golflink.com and type in “Indian River, Michigan” for more details (and to find golf courses wherever you travel). The closest 18-hole public course is at the Indian River Golf Club, a beautiful club founded in 1923 and located at 3301 Chippewa Beach Road. Other golf courses include economical games at Wildwood Lakes in Wolverine, the fairly new facility at Hidden River Golf in Brutus, the 9-hole gem at Mullett Lake Country Club in Cheboygan, and True North in Harbor Springs.

Calling all ATVs, UTVs, Jeeps and other Off-Road Riders! Our county trails are mostly flat and wide, so your whole family can enjoy the nearby 21-mile loop. The Indian River ATV trail begins right down the road from us (for help to find access, try 6104 S. Straights Hwy, Indian River, MI, in your GPS).

The sounds of nature envelope you when you climb into “nature’s megaphone” at Agnes S. Andreae Nature Preserve just a few miles from Indian River RV Resort. It’s a fascinating way to experience nature: Crawl inside, lie still, and stay quiet. The design amplifies sounds filtering into the opening and lets you profoundly focus on your senses. The preserve also provides five miles of trails, with a mile alongside the Pigeon River.

Click here for Directions to Agnes S. Andreae Nature Preserve

Tahquamenon Falls State Park is a great place to day-trip from Indian River RV Resort. The park encompasses close to 50,000 acres stretching over 13 miles with beautiful waterfalls cascading around an island. The 2. 5 hour drive from the resort will be easier towards the end of your travel if you don’t use your GPS after getting a pass at the entrance booth. Consult a map, and follow the signs to the Lower Falls. Park and walk the easy-going paved path to one or two observation areas. Then return to your car and, if you wish, drive (go left) to the Upper Falls Viewing area (it’s a 10 minute walk to the first viewing area). The falls can also be viewed from the island, which can be reached by a rented rowboat ($20 for a group).

Indian River RV Resort is a great destination for wine lovers. “Seasons of the North” is an Indian-River-based winery offering distinctive quality wine with an emphasis on local production. Their grapes are hybrid, cold-hardy varieties that withstand brutal North-country winters. Our pick? Try "The Cabin,” a dry red with a hint of black cherry, a perfect pairing with sharp cheddar cheese, or to alongside a burger. The winery is a family-owned business, and they take pleasure in having families visit! Find them located just off South Straits Hwy, on M-68. Just another enticing reason to stay at Indian River RV Resort.

Another great destination close to Indian River RV Resort is an extensive tunnel of trees that canopy state highway M-119. The narrow, winding, scenic drive begins north of Harbor Springs, Michigan. The route offers beautiful glimpses into the woods and other views that are best enjoyed from a car, motorcycle, or bicycle (it would be a tight squeeze for an RV). Popular stops along the way include Pond Hill Farm in Harbor Springs, the Good Hart General Store, and the Heritage Museum in Cross Village. Another great reason to come stay at Indian River RV Resort!

Ahoy, Matey! Are you ready to set sail for a thrilling adventure? Guests at Indian River RV Resort in beautiful Indian River, Michigan, are close to one of the best mini-golf courses in the country at Pirate’s Cove Adventure Golf (1230 US Hwy 31 North in nearby Petoskey, MI 49770). 🏴‍☠️Your family will love the exciting 18th-century style of the 18-hole course with bridges and cascading waterfalls… just watch out for the pirates! Open daily from 10 to 10.

𐂂 ELK… Guests of Indian River RV Resort in beautiful Indian River, Michigan, are close to the charming city of Gaylord, which maintains Gaylord’s City Elk Park. About 40 elk on over 100 acres are well-cared for by staff who feed them corn, hay, sugar beets, and vitamins. A few bulls are over 800 pounds, stand around 6 feet tall, and drop their magnificent horns in the spring… about when Indian River RV Resort is opening for the May through September season. Always open at Birchwood Drive, Gaylord, MI 49735. (800) 345-8621.

We’re blessed to have areas of great beauty all around. One of our favorites is Ocqueoc Falls, about 40 minutes from the resort and well worth the drive. It is the largest waterfall in Michigan’s Lower Peninsula, and we think it's the prettiest. There are six miles of well-maintained trails (called the Ocqueoc Falls Bicentennial Pathway). Fish, picnic, hike, bike, and swim in the Falls. Admission is free. Located on M-68, Rogers City, MI 49779

Enjoy a pure view of the stars without modern light pollution. Visit our nearby Headlands International Dark Sky Park in Mackinaw City. This rare-type of park is comprised of 550 undeveloped acres nestled against Lake Michigan at a beautifully maintained facility with seating terraces and paved pathways for strolling under the stars. Learn from signposts, take in a sunset from the viewing deck, and look through the ranger's telescope. Headlands are open 24 hours a day, all year long. Check the website for special events. Local tips: Visitors should use red-filtered flashlights only. Be prepared with bug spray during the summer months.

A leisurely hike is food for the soul. Walk the well-groomed shady path that leads to a view of Burt Lake at the Seven Springs Nature Preserve Loop (limited parking on Chippewa Beach Road). This is a light 1.2 mile trail in a 66 acre preserve with numerous springs, forest, wetlands and a wave-swept shoreline. Very tranquil with clearly marked trails. Dogs on a leash are welcome.

As Evie Carrick wrote in her article about us for TRAVEL + LEISURE, Indian River RV Resort is a little gem nestled between two crystal-clear lakes. Burt Lake and Mullett Lake are great for fishing, boating and water sports. Try your luck at snagging some walleye, bass, pike, perch, and brown and rainbow trout in our Inland Waterway. Crooked and Pickerel Lakes are noted for good fishing, and are relatively deep lakes given their more compact size. Crooked Lakes has locks to Burt Lake; learn more, here. 🐟 Also notable is Tahquamenon River for rock bass and perch. Find more great fishing at Aloha State Park and Cheboygan State Park. Or, your sights on massive Lake Michigan for some very large trout!

Come to Burt Lake’s 2,000 feet of sandy, well maintained beach for a swim in a boat-free area. Burt Lake State Park has a boat launch (6 miles southwest from Indian River RV Resort); access for non-motorized craft, campsite rentals, hiking and biking areas, picnic tables, and even a dog beach. To reach the shoreline, head toward Burt Lake State Park, 6635 State Park Dr, Indian River, MI 49749.

Located about a half-hour’s drive from the resort, Wilderness State Park offers visitors 26 miles of gorgeous Lake Michigan shoreline, including a swimming beach. This state park is pet friendly and even has a specified dog beach. There are multiple hiking trails (two different systems, including the Michigan DNR and the North Country Trail, careful to note which signs you’re following), biking trails, with maps available at the office (a good idea: this park spans over 10,000 acres with 20-plus miles of trails). The 170-year-old Waugoshance Lighthouse is visible from some areas. To go: exit 326 from I-75, turning West (left) to U.S. 31 (turn right/north) to Gill Road (left/west). Right/North on Cecil Bay Road to turn right/north and arrive at 903 Wilderness Park Drive, Carp Lake, MI 49718. phone: (231) 436-5381). A Recreation Pass is required.

Topinabee is a quick 10-minute drive from Indian River RV Resort. Topinabee Beach Park on North Straits Highway has a swimming area, playground, benches and picnic area. It is located right on the North Central State Trail (accessible by crossing the road at the Indian River RV Resort entrance). The Topinabee Library is housed in a vintage train depot and they welcome seasonal guests.

The next time you’re our guest at Indian River RV Resort, consider a trip to beautiful North Star Gardens (https://northstargardens.com/) at nearby 4104 S. Straits Hwy, Indian River, MI 49749. North Star provides gorgeous horticultural eye candy, a darling Gift Shop, and their on-site Cafe serves delicious coffee, tea, and frappes to accompany breakfast burritos, scones, muffins, and seasonal baked goods, and you can dine inside the cafe, on the paverstone patio, or drive through. Bring back a houseplant for your RV or a colorful hanging basket of flowers to accent the natural beauty of your campsite. For more details, call a friendly person at North Star Gardens, (231) 238-6810 during their seasonal hours (they open again in Spring, like we do!).

There’s a lot of talk about our lakes in northern Michigan, but equally cool is our wild and wonderful dunes! These stunning landscapes are awe inspiring to see, and fun to explore by hiking and spinning across the sand in your ORV. Accessible within 2 to 3 hours from Indian River RV Resort, the dunes are another reason –– amongst dozens –– to come and visit Michigan. 🐻 Sleeping Bear Dunes was named by Good Morning America as “The Most Beautiful Place in America,” and includes beautiful forests alongside the dunes . 🚲 Silver Lake Sand Dunes are massive sugar-sand dunes, and encompass the towns of Hart, Mears, and Pentwater which offer charming villages, a lighthouse, and bike trails. Looking for a heart-pumping adventure? Take up sand boarding on the slopes, or take a tour from Mac Wood’s Dune Rides .

Silver Lake State Park will give you plenty to see, as it covers nearly 3,000 acres of Lake Michigan shoreline

Just a few miles northeast of Indian River RV Resort is the 109,000-acre forest nicknamed “The Big Wild,” and further described by writer Ernest Hemingway as “the greatest I’ve ever been in.” In a world full of over-developed urban areas, The Pigeon River Country is still remote, wild, scenic, and offers a backcountry experience. Although it is a state forest, it’s managed with very little infrastructure and signage, and viewing elk is more likely than scrolling social media (no cell connection). It’s truly a place for an adventure! There’s no easy GPS address to guide you to the forest, but there are some old-fashioned road directions on the government’s Dept. of Natural Resources website and you can email the Pigeon River Forest Management Unit for more information, DNR-PigeonRiver-FMU@michigan.gov. A Recreational Pass is required.

McCormick Farmz is a family owned and operated lavender farm located in Wolverine, Michigan. The 36-acre rural property in Northern Michigan is between Gaylord and Mackinac on I-75. McCormick Farmz offers all-natural and hand harvested lavender and lavender products. Check out the website for special events, and shop for their products at the Camp Store here at Indian River RV Resort!

Looking for somewhere different to see a nice view? Hike the Castle Rock Trail in Saint Ignace! Castle Rock is a popular tourist attraction. Climb to the top of this limestone stack to the popular lookout spot. There are also some fun statues and a gift shop.

Hike, Walk, Run, and Cycle on the North Central State Trail, located across the road from the entrance of Indian River RV Resort. (To safely and easily access the trail, exit from the back of the park and access via Ranch Rd.) It is surfaced with crushed limestone and its flat terrain makes for easy cycling through diverse natural beauty. Highlights include the Sturgeon River valley between Vanderbilt and Indian River and the section of trail that runs along Mullet Lake between Indian River and Cheboygan. When you reach Indian River, the trail is situated between Mullett and Burt lakes. A paved path along M-68 takes you from the North Central State Trail to the entrance of Burt Lake State Park, where there are restrooms and water.

Indian River’s Cooperation Park offers numerous outdoor activities including baseball fields, a skateboard park, a nature trail, tennis courts, basketball courts, multiple children’s playgrounds, horse shoe pits and soccer fields. Cooperation Park is located on the south end of Indian River at 5454 S. Straits Hwy.

Providing compassionate, high quality care at a convenient location, Indian River Pet Resort offers boarding and day care for dogs and cats. There is an adjacent veterinarian office. They also provide bathing, grooming, and have an area that you can call ahead and reserve to wash your pet (everything is included, even fluffy towels and a wash apron for you to stay dry!). Forgot your favorite collars, toys, or pet bowls? They also have an onsite Pet Store with the essentials and carry Hill’s Science diet foods.

Staying in Indian River for a while? Getting a “Non Resident Library Card” for $40 a year may be worth it to access all of the events, such as children’s playgroups and story time, pilates fitness classes, craft classes and book clubs. Visit the library website for more details.

Ostego Memorial Hospital Medical Group offers Same Day Care at their office, 3860 S. Straits Hwy, Indian River, MI 49749 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. (4 p.m. on the weekends). Phone (2310 238-0581. Our local police department phone number is (231) 238-9481.

FOR AN EMERGENCY, DIAL 9-1-1

Small independent grocery store and pharmacy. Ken’s Market is a 7-min drive from Indian River RV Resort, located at 6433 Barbara Ave, Indian River, MI 49749.

The Walmart Supercenter is a 20-minute drive from Indian River RV Resort, located at 1150 S Main St, Cheboygan, MI 49721. Hours are 6 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Meet our neighbors, Stewart and Elizabeth Olney, at Star Gate Motel. They came to the Indian River area in June of 2022 and have been tastefully remodeling each spacious, clean, and quiet motel room. The charming Star Gate Motel sits on a peaceful 16 acres and offers several vacation rental homes that sleep six. Star Gate Motel has pleasantly-surprising prices and spoils guests with freshly-ground coffee (what?! who does that?!) and free movies on Roku.

Star Gate Motel, 4646 S. Straits Hwy, Indian River, MI 49749 (231) 238-7371

Hey Kids, you may have noticed the Johnathan Rand books we have on offer in the camp store (they sell out quick!). If you’re a Chiller fan, you definitely need to go a couple of miles down the road and meet Johnathan himself! Yes, really. The author and his wife have the best store ever (with ALL of his books), and they love to chat with readers of all ages. 🧛🏻Plan to visit Chillermania book store (1651 S. Straits Hwy, Indian River, MI, open 7 days a week during the summer, from 10 to 4, Sundays 12 to 4. Call (231) 238-0338 or visit AmericanChillers.com for more information). Wanna know a super cool *bonus* for when you’re in town, staying at Indian River RV Resort? Johnathan Rand also hosts writing classes for kids who want to author their own adventures!

A new Dollar General store has opened in Indian River! Located a 1-minute drive from the resort at 23 S. Straits Hwy, the Dollar General will be a convenient source for many items that our guests need and want to make their stay comfortable.

Guests at Indian River RV Resort can now enjoy a fresh, upgraded laundromat, with new machines. Located in the registration office by the camp store, you’ll find the spacious, pleasant laundromat has a folding table. For those long summer days that require cooling snacks and cold water, there’s a handy refrigerator and a kitchenette, plus a nice dining table and chairs for your comfort while you wait on your clothes to finish. There’s a nice new bathroom near by as well.