Peterson Park — Attraction in Leelanau Township

A fantastic park located just a few miles from Northport, via paved roads.

The park sits high above Lake Michigan with gorgeous views from the picnic areas and the observation deck.

There's a volleyball court, swings, modern play set, lots of picnic tables and a couple of vintage stone BBQ grills in the northern area.

There is a covered pavilion and more picnic tables & grills in the southern area. There is a big grassy hill for kids to run around & play.

There is a pair of primitive toilets & it appears there is also a regular restroom and a water pump that are available seasonally.

Access to the beach is down a set of steps through the trees. The water is quite shallow, but I wouldn't call this a swimming beach. However, if you're a rockhound you will be in heaven!

The shore is completely covered with rocks, from the tree line to the water and extending far into the lake. The colors really pop against the gray stones and there's plenty of Petoskeys, too. You may even find a gray rock to Love!

The posted hours of this park are Sunrise till 11pm.

The entrance is on a curve and there is a large sign.

Cell phone coverage in much of Leelanau County can be very spotty so it's best to know your route or have a paper map, as you may lose cell service.

Leashed dogs are welcome if you clean...

Shhhhh....... leave this place alone ;-) Ok, ok..... if you must, take your camera....Then leave this place the way you found it (though visiting what is often theeee best fossil beach can make this a challenge for some...(fossil beach, limited sandy spots 'til you get to the water's edge and then all sand). Amazing spots completely accessible overlooking even more amazing spots (not so accessible (consider Cathead Beach or Haserot in town), but so worth the trek down those stairs. These would be so much better if they were downhill both ways....ahem). Rustic restrooms are easily forgiven, given the views of the Manitou Passage and the islands.....killer picnic sites, a small playground and the observation deck is worth the price of admission (Which is nothing, zip zero, zilch.....it's just a phrase. ) Shhhhhh... please don't tell anybody. Really, I just wish they'd stop talking about this place....it's magic I tell 'ya. Period. Nothing more and...

As per usual, I had a superior spell at Peterson Park. I've been going here ever since I was a youngin'. Needless to say, I have been coming here for the majority of my life. All seasons. The most suitable place in all of Northport to view the sunset as well. Along with that is the beach area, where you first must bear the lengthy stairway down haha. Unmistakably, it's fun to go down and not so delightful to go back up. But all is sufficient. I unfailingly stop by Peterson Park any time I visit Northport. Unfortunately, some of the belongings that used to be there in the play area were removed but I still have them in my photos. Such as the dome climbing thing. But there is nonetheless the slide and things of that nature. This is correspondingly a superb place to go for meet-ups, and dates, and of course, exemplary for...