Bellaire, Michigan: Kayaking, Hiking & a Petoskey Day Trip
We packed our bikes, hiking shoes, and kayaks and headed north to Bellaire, Michigan. Between paddling, biking, and sampling craft beer, it turned into our perfect “Up North” weekend.
When we needed a quick escape to recharge, we packed our bikes, hiking shoes, and kayaks and headed north to Bellaire, Michigan. Between paddling the lake, biking scenic roads, and sampling craft beer, it turned into our version of a perfect “Up North” weekend.
👉 It was exactly the kind of trip we love sharing here at Travel Well Together—easy to plan, filled with real experiences, and proof that you don’t have to go far to enjoy a meaningful getaway.
Where We Stayed: Spillaway Lodges
We chose Spillaway Lodges because it’s one of Bellaire’s newest options (opened in December 2023), and it really stood out compared to the dated rooms at Shanty Creek Resort, which is farther from downtown. Being just a block from the heart of town made it easy to walk everywhere, and the modern touches made it feel like a step above most Up North lodging.
Our cozy second-floor unit at Spillaway Lodges, complete with a private deck just steps from downtown Bellaire.
Walking into our unit, we could tell they’d thought through the little details. Coffee for the room, popcorn for the microwave, even umbrellas and camp chairs were waiting for us. The bathroom had shampoo, conditioner, and body wash in dispensers, which felt practical for a weekend stay. The only thing I wasn’t a fan of was the wall-mounted hairdryer — it got the job done but wasn’t ideal.
Each unit at Spillaway Lodges has a full kitchen — perfect for making breakfast before heading out for the day.
💡 Travel Tip: Each unit has a full kitchen, so bring a few groceries for easy breakfasts before your adventures.
Our favorite spot ended up being the deck off our unit, where we had breakfast and morning coffee with deer passing by below. After long days outside, we relaxed in the sauna and hot tubs and even tried the cold plunge. Gas fire pits on the decks and wood-burning fire pits around the property gave us cozy spots to unwind at night.
Spillaway even surprised us with extras like a decent workout room with a range of dumbbells, and kayaks available for launching right from the property. We didn’t use them this time since we had our own kayaking planned, but it’s a nice option for future stays.
Having town just steps away meant we could walk to Short’s Brewing, Mammoth Distilling, the spice shop, and even ice cream without needing the car. For kayaking, hiking, and biking we still had to drive out, but it was great not having to think about parking for meals and evenings out.
Day 1: Arrival & First Sips
After settling into Spillway Lodge, we walked just a block into town — such a different experience than needing to drive everywhere. Even on a Thursday night, downtown Bellaire felt alive, but not crowded.
At Short’s Brewing, we grabbed a table inside (the patio was full, and we were too hungry to wait) and dug right in. I ordered the white pepper sandwich — highly recommend — while my husband went with pizza, both paired perfectly with our beers. He stuck with his go-to, the Bellaire Brown, and I chose the seasonal Rocktoberfest. Both were so good we’d order them again in a heartbeat.
We ended the night back at the lodge — sauna first, then sitting by the fire pit on the deck. No fuss, just the kind of simple evening that makes you think: yep, this weekend is off to a great start.
💡 Travel Tip: Short’s Brewing fills up quickly on weekends. Going on a Thursday meant no wait for a table and a more relaxed vibe.
Day 2: Kayaking the Grass River
We started the morning at the Grass River Nature Center, where a short boardwalk trail led us to the kayak launch. It’s an easy place to put in — parking is close, and the boardwalk makes carrying gear simple. Renting kayaks right there meant no extra logistics, just grab and go.
Once we pushed off, the river opened into one of the calmest paddles we’ve had. The water was glassy, the air still, and paddling upstream before drifting back felt effortless. Lily pads framed the banks, and there were long stretches where we barely spoke — just soaking in the stillness together.
We wrapped up with a simple lunch back at our room, grateful for a morning that proved travel doesn’t have to be complicated. Sometimes the simplest moments — like gliding quietly on the water — leave the biggest impression.
💡 Travel Tip: Rentals at the Grass River launch make things easy, but if you have your own kayak, the boardwalk trail is wide and smooth enough to bring your own gear.
Sometimes the best part of traveling is slowing down together on the water.
Day 3: Hiking & Bellaire Nights with Friends
We kicked off the morning at Glacial Hills Pathway and Natural Area with friends, ready for a day outside. The trailhead was packed with cars, but once we set off on our four-mile loop, the woods felt surprisingly quiet. We only passed a few mountain bikers, though a noisy woodpecker and a handful of deer kept us company along the way.
The route was perfect for our group — enough rolling hills to keep it interesting without feeling tough. We mostly paired off, me with my friend and my husband with his, conversation flowing as easily as the trail.
By midday we were ready to relax, so we grabbed a table outdoors at Dockside. Torch Lake was at its best — blue, busy, and buzzing with boaters soaking up the sun. The mahi tacos were good, but the real star was the view.
We ended the day at Mammoth Distilling, trading trail shoes for cocktails and plenty of laughs. Nothing fancy, just good drinks, good friends, and the kind of evening that reminds you why Bellaire is such an easy town to love.
💡 Travel Tip: Bellaire isn’t just about beer. If you’re more of a cocktail fan, stop by Mammoth Distilling for a relaxed evening and a locally inspired drink menu.
Hiking the shaded trails at Glacial Hills with friends — quiet woods, rolling hills, and easy conversation.
Cocktails and a tasting flight at Mammoth Distilling — the perfect way to wrap up the day.
Day 4: Biking, Brews & a Firelit Night
For our last full day, we packed up the bikes and headed to Petoskey with friends for a ride along the Little Traverse Wheelway, the paved trail that hugs Little Traverse Bay. We parked at Bayfront Park near the marina, which gave us a chance to enjoy the waterfront before starting out. From there, it was about 11 miles one way to Harbor Springs — busier than some of our past rides, but still easy to navigate. We rode in pairs, single file, and as a group, with plenty of lake views that made us slow down and take it all in.
Harbor Springs is a charming little town with boutique shops, water views, and its own marina. We didn’t stay long — tempting as the cafés and restaurants were, we had our sights set on food and drinks back in Petoskey — but it’s worth a stroll if you have more time.
Scenic ride along the Little Traverse Wheelway to Harbor Springs
Before heading back, we made a stop at Tom’s Mom’s Cookies, a local favorite that never disappoints. I went for chocolate pecan, my husband for chocolate chip — both as good as ever. It’s a fun, casual spot with a walk-up counter, small outdoor tables, and just the right touch of charm for a sweet break.
A sweet stop at Tom’s Mom’s Cookies in Harbor Springs
On the return ride, we landed at Petoskey Brewing, just outside downtown. The patio had a good crowd but no wait, and the food hit the spot after the miles. My husband ordered the prime rib sandwich, I had the chipotle chicken sandwich with sweet potato fries, and both were excellent. He stuck with his classic brown ale, while I went for Oktoberfest — no surprise, we’d recommend both.
That evening back at Spillway Lodge, we ended our trip around the fire pit with conversation under the stars. With a drink in hand and the glow of the fire, it was the kind of low-key night that wrapped everything up perfectly. After three days of kayaking, hiking, and biking — our little “Up North triathlon” — this last evening was the best way to wind down.
💡 Travel Tip: The Little Traverse Wheelway runs about 26 miles from Charlevoix to Harbor Springs, but you don’t have to do it all. The Petoskey-to-Harbor Springs stretch (about 11 miles each way) is a scenic and approachable ride with lake views throughout — plus a cookie stop and brewery reward before looping back.
Evenings by the fire pit at Spillaway Lodges — the perfect way to close out our stay in Bellaire
Day 5: Heading Home with One Last Stop
On the drive home, we made one final detour through Elk Rapids to visit the Walk of Sculptures Park. Quirkier than we expected, it turned out to be a surprisingly peaceful spot with wooded trails and sculptures tucked along both the paths and the beach. The lakeshore setting impressed us most — quiet, shallow water stretching out, with rocky patches that made us wish we had brought water shoes. We both agreed it would have been the perfect place to pack a lunch and linger with chairs by the shore.
Elk Rapids’ Walk of Art Sculpture Park, tucked along the shoreline
One of the many unique sculptures along the wooded trails
We didn’t stay long this time, but it was the kind of stop that made the trip feel complete. By the time we pulled out of Elk Rapids, we felt refreshed and grateful — another reminder of how northern Michigan rewards even the simplest detours.
This Bellaire getaway blended all the things we love most: kayaking, hiking, biking, evenings by the fire, local breweries, and even a few unexpected discoveries. Spillway Lodge made it easy to enjoy Bellaire’s small-town charm while still being close to bigger hubs like Petoskey and Traverse City. If you’re looking for a base that feels local but well-connected, Bellaire is worth adding to your Up North list.
💡 Travel Tip: If you have extra time, add Elk Rapids to your itinerary. The Walk of Sculptures Park offers a quirky mix of art and shoreline views. Pack water shoes for the rocky shallows — and even better, bring a picnic to enjoy by the lake.