Petoskey, Michigan, sits amid the natural quiet of Northern Michigan’s forests and the shimmering expanse of Lake Michigan’s Little Traverse Bay. While it’s a magnet for water sports and land-based adventures, air activities near Petoskey, Michigan, are notably limited. The region's geography and development have kept airborne sports and adventure largely under the radar. Helicopter tours or drone-specific activities do not play a major role here, nor do common air adventures like paragliding, hot air balloon rides, or skydiving typically operate in this area.

For those hunting for aerial experiences, options are minimal around Petoskey itself. The closest opportunities for air-based adventure require a trip to larger hubs or cities farther afield, where commercial providers offer skydiving, balloon rides, or scenic flights. This means if your heart is set on air activities, Petoskey is better suited as a base camp for exploring the natural splendors on the ground and water instead.

However, the absence of air activities doesn’t weaken what Petoskey delivers in adventure. The area excels in hiking, biking, boating, and winter sports—with lush forests daring you to explore on foot and waters pushing forward to challenge your paddle. Whether it’s ascending a trail at Petoskey State Park or skimming the waves on Lake Michigan, the thrill here is grounded but no less fierce.

Below this overview, you’ll find our curated list of the best adventures in Petoskey, Michigan — from shoreline strolls to snowshoeing treks. These are the ventures that invite you into the wide-open spaces and rich landscapes that define the region. If air activity is a must for you, consider venturing to larger northern Michigan cities such as Traverse City or Charlevoix, where air tours and aerial experiences find a better foothold.

Use this page as your launch point to exploring the full scope of outdoor adventure that keeps Petoskey vibrant and alive — where every path and paddle stroke connects you deeply to the fiercely independent nature around you.