Where is Petoskey, Michigan

Written and Fact-checked by | Updated On: August 5, 2026

Petoskey is a lakeside city in northern Michigan, located in Emmet County on the shores of Little Traverse Bay. It is about 65 miles north of Traverse City and 15 miles east of Harbor Springs. The city is known for its historic downtown, Lake Michigan views, Petoskey stones, and nearby outdoor attractions in the northern Lower Peninsula.

Location Map of Petoskey, Emmet County, Michigan

Where is Petoskey Located in Emmet County, Michigan

About Map: The map shows the location of Petoskey in Emmet County, in the U.S. state of Michigan.

Petoskey Map, Michigan

About Petoskey Map: The Google Map highlights the location of Petoskey in Emmet County, Michigan. Use the zoom, satellite, and street-view options to explore the city's neighborhoods, roads, and nearby places.

Where is Petoskey Located?

Petoskey is a city located in Emmet County, Michigan, the United States. It sits on the southern shore of Little Traverse Bay, an arm of Lake Michigan in northern Michigan. Petoskey is about 65 miles north of Traverse City and roughly 15 miles east of Harbor Springs. Charlevoix is around 20 miles southwest, while Boyne City is about 20 miles southeast. The city is positioned near 45.376° North latitude and 84.955° West longitude. The 2020 Census recorded 5,877 residents. Petoskey covers about 5.29 square miles, or 13.70 square kilometers. The community developed as a regional center for tourism, commerce, fishing, and shipping, with its waterfront playing an important role in local history. Petoskey is especially famous for the Petoskey stone, the fossilized coral that is Michigan's state stone and can be found along Great Lakes beaches. Downtown Petoskey features historic buildings, independent businesses, galleries, restaurants, and views across Little Traverse Bay. A unique fact about the city is that its name is associated with Chief Ignace Petoskey of the Odawa people. Nearby Petoskey State Park, Bear River Valley Recreation Area, and the wider Little Traverse Bay region offer hiking, boating, fishing, beaches, and winter recreation. US-31 connects Petoskey with other communities around northern Lake Michigan.

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Petoskey City Facts

CityPetoskey
StateMichigan
CountyEmmet County
CountryUnited States
RegionNorthern Lower Peninsula and Little Traverse Bay
Incorporated1879
Founded1874
Total Area5.29 sq mi (13.70 sq km)
Land Area5.20 sq mi (13.47 sq km)
Water Area0.09 sq mi (0.23 sq km)
Elevation590 ft (180 m)
Population (2023 estimate)About 5,800
Population (2020 Census)5,877
Population Density1,130 people per sq mi
Time ZoneEastern Time (EST/EDT)
ZIP Codes49770
Area Code231
Major HighwaysUS-31, US-131, and M-119 nearby
Public TransitEmmet County Public Transportation
Major AttractionsPetoskey State Park, Little Traverse Bay, Petoskey Downtown Historic District, and Bear River Valley Recreation Area
Official Websitehttps://www.petoskey.us/

Distance from Petoskey, MI to Nearby Cities

  • Harbor Springs, MI – 5 miles (8 km)
  • Bay Harbor, MI – 5 miles (8 km)
  • Charlevoix, MI – 20 miles (32 km)
  • Boyne City, MI – 20 miles (32 km)
  • East Jordan, MI – 35 miles (56 km)
  • Cheboygan, MI – 45 miles (72 km)
  • Gaylord, MI – 45 miles (72 km)
  • Traverse City, MI – 65 miles (105 km)
  • Manistique, MI – 100 miles (161 km)
  • Alpena, MI – 100 miles (161 km)
  • Cadillac, MI – 100 miles (161 km)
  • Grayling, MI – 65 miles (105 km)
  • Indian River, MI – 35 miles (56 km)
  • Mackinaw City, MI – 55 miles (89 km)
  • Sault Ste. Marie, MI – 145 miles (233 km)
  • Marquette, MI – 175 miles (282 km)
  • Lansing, MI – 190 miles (306 km)
  • Detroit, MI – 290 miles (467 km)

Top Attractions in Petoskey

  • Petoskey State Park – A popular Lake Michigan destination with a sandy beach, hiking trails, picnic areas, camping, and opportunities to search for Petoskey stones.
  • Petoskey Downtown Historic District – A historic waterfront-area district with preserved buildings, local shops, restaurants, galleries, and views of Little Traverse Bay.
  • Little Traverse Bay – The bay provides scenic waterfront views and opportunities for boating, fishing, kayaking, swimming, and other lake activities.
  • Bear River Valley Recreation Area – A city recreation area with walking and biking trails, river scenery, fishing access, and wooded landscapes.
  • Petoskey Breakwater – A waterfront structure extending into Little Traverse Bay and providing scenic views across the water and toward downtown.
  • Kilwins Chocolate Kitchen – A long-established downtown confectionery and regional attraction associated with Petoskey's visitor district.
  • Bayfront Park – A waterfront park with open lawns, walking paths, picnic areas, and views of Little Traverse Bay.
  • Historic Gaslight District – A distinctive downtown area with historic architecture, boutiques, restaurants, galleries, and community gathering spaces.

Airports Near Petoskey, MI

  • Pellston Regional Airport (PLN) – 20 miles
  • Cherry Capital Airport (TVC) – 75 miles
  • Alpena County Regional Airport (APN) – 105 miles
  • Sault Ste. Marie Regional Airport (CIU) – 145 miles
  • Manistee County-Blacker Airport (MBL) – 120 miles

Sources:

Population and area data sourced from the United States Census Bureau (2020 Census). General city information referenced from the official Petoskey city website and local government records.

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