Guidebook for Indian River
Drinks & Nightlife
This is a great "Up North" bar with reasonably priced food and drinks. Looking to dine with a view? Request to be sat on the upper patio overlooking the lake. Ask the bartender if you can spin the wheel on the ceiling to make your night interesting!
27 abantu bendawo batusa
Breakers
967 N Straits HwyThis is a great "Up North" bar with reasonably priced food and drinks. Looking to dine with a view? Request to be sat on the upper patio overlooking the lake. Ask the bartender if you can spin the wheel on the ceiling to make your night interesting!
Food Scene
All of my favorite dining spots including breakfast and dinner options.
Great place for a home-cooked breakfast with indoor and outdoor seating. But keep in mind it is very small, so there is usually a wait. Also, they do not accept credit cards (CASH ONLY).
11 abantu bendawo batusa
Cafe Noka
1387 N Straits HwyGreat place for a home-cooked breakfast with indoor and outdoor seating. But keep in mind it is very small, so there is usually a wait. Also, they do not accept credit cards (CASH ONLY).
A little bit of a drive from the cottage, but a great gathering place.
Travel time: 15 minutes
12 abantu bendawo batusa
Hoppies Tavern
7987 Mullett Burt RdA little bit of a drive from the cottage, but a great gathering place.
Travel time: 15 minutes
Scenic dining on Douglas Lake. I recommend making a dinner reservation.
Travel time: 20 minutes
30 abantu bendawo batusa
Douglas Lake Bar & Steakhouse
11001 Douglas Lake RdScenic dining on Douglas Lake. I recommend making a dinner reservation.
Travel time: 20 minutes
You can't beat the views from this historic Polish restaurant perched on a bluff overlooking Lake Michigan. However, expect long wait times. They do not accept reservations.
Travel time: 45 minutes
71 abantu bendawo batusa
Legs Inn
6425 N Lake Shore DrYou can't beat the views from this historic Polish restaurant perched on a bluff overlooking Lake Michigan. However, expect long wait times. They do not accept reservations.
Travel time: 45 minutes
Our favorite place to stop for lunch on the river. You can dock your boat right in front of the restaurant. Indoor and outdoor seating available and easy accommodates large groups. Order pizzas to share or sandwiches and wraps for an individual meal. Or call ahead to pickup food to eat on your boat!
8 abantu bendawo batusa
The Inn Between
6064 River StreetOur favorite place to stop for lunch on the river. You can dock your boat right in front of the restaurant. Indoor and outdoor seating available and easy accommodates large groups. Order pizzas to share or sandwiches and wraps for an individual meal. Or call ahead to pickup food to eat on your boat!
Boat Rental
Looking to rent a pontoon boat or speed boat during your stay? These local businesses offer rentals by the day or week.
I have rented pontoon boats from Indian River Marina several times and have always had a great experience. If you plan on renting a boat, be sure to make your reservation as soon as possible to make sure they have one available for you. On-site parking is available while you are out on the boat.
9 abantu bendawo batusa
Indian River Marina
3020 Apple Blossom RdI have rented pontoon boats from Indian River Marina several times and have always had a great experience. If you plan on renting a boat, be sure to make your reservation as soon as possible to make sure they have one available for you. On-site parking is available while you are out on the boat.
Howe Marine
3312 Nabanois TrailIndian River Sports Center is located on Straits Highway (M-37) and I-75. Their rental boats are docked close by in Mullett Lake across the street from Breakers. They have competitive rates and high-quality, new model pontoon and speed boat rentals available.
Indian River Sports Center
562 S Straits HwyIndian River Sports Center is located on Straits Highway (M-37) and I-75. Their rental boats are docked close by in Mullett Lake across the street from Breakers. They have competitive rates and high-quality, new model pontoon and speed boat rentals available.
Activities
These are some family friendly places in the area.
Spare Time Lanes & Recreation
7934 N Straits HwyBig Bear Adventures offers several fun activities including: tubing/rafting trips on the Sturgeon River, ATV adventures, putt putt golf, high ropes course, and bumper boats.
47 abantu bendawo batusa
Big Bear Adventures
4271 S Straits HwyBig Bear Adventures offers several fun activities including: tubing/rafting trips on the Sturgeon River, ATV adventures, putt putt golf, high ropes course, and bumper boats.
The North Central State Trail (NCST) has become a premier cycling trail in the Midwest. 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. The trail towns of Gaylord, Vanderbilt, Wolverine, Indian River, Topinabee, Cheboygan and Mackinaw City offer plenty of amenities to serve trail users along the way.
6 abantu bendawo batusa
North Central State Trail
North Central State TrailThe North Central State Trail (NCST) has become a premier cycling trail in the Midwest. 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. The trail towns of Gaylord, Vanderbilt, Wolverine, Indian River, Topinabee, Cheboygan and Mackinaw City offer plenty of amenities to serve trail users along the way.
Sightseeing
Cross In The Woods National Shrine
7078 M-68If you haven't been across the Mackinac Bridge, this is your chance! You are less than 30 miles from the start of bridge in Mackinaw City. There is a $4 toll each way.
60 abantu bendawo batusa
Mackinac Bridge
Mackinac BridgeIf you haven't been across the Mackinac Bridge, this is your chance! You are less than 30 miles from the start of bridge in Mackinaw City. There is a $4 toll each way.
Chillermania!
1651 S Straits HwyEssentials
Ken's Village Market
6433 Barbara AveSmall-town feel but with everything you need.
Forgot a summer essential? Stop by the Summer Store for things like water toys, tubes, floaties, life jackets, and swimwear.
Summer Store
3927 S Straits HwyForgot a summer essential? Stop by the Summer Store for things like water toys, tubes, floaties, life jackets, and swimwear.
Family Dollar
6252 M-68Craft Beer Scene
If you enjoy trying local craft beers, here is a list of breweries within an hour drive.
Burt Lake Brewing
9090 M-68Beards Brewery
215 E Lake StPetoskey Brewing
1844 Harbor-Petoskey RdCheboygan Brewing Company
101 N Main StBurnt Marshmallow Brewing
3379 Lake Grove Rd