Arcadia, MI Road Trips

Arcadia Historical Museum, 3340 Lake Street, ☏ +1 231 889-4360. The museum is run by volunteers, features old yearbooks, maps, and photos. It has exhibits dedicated to Henry Starke, Harriet Quimby, and other historical figures of Arcadia's rich past. (updated Nov 2019)

Golf: Arcadia has two golf courses. The first being the nationally renowned Arcadia Bluffs Golf Course, built in 1999 in the south of the township. The second is the unheralded, yet challenging Chestnut Hills Golf Course which is just west of town. Chestnut Hills is a very charming "mom and pop" owned course. You will enjoy chatting with Doug (owner) and you will occasionally be paid a visit by Elvis, the family dog. Camp Arcadia, a Lutheran family retreat center founded in 1922, draws thousands of visitors each year. Arcadia Daze: Each year the Arcadia Lions Club sponsors Arcadia Daze, a community celebration and fund raiser that is held the 3rd weekend in July. Nature preserves and hiking: The Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy has very nice nature preserves with hiking trails north of town. The Arcadia Dunes: the C.S. Mott Nature Preserve (3,000 acres), the Upper Herring Lake Nature Preserve (163 acres), Green Point Dunes Nature Preserve (240 acres), and the Fruithaven Nature Preserve (176 acres) provide hikes that range from easy to difficult and all offer views that are breathtaking. Beaches on Lake Michigan: The town runs a public beach. Lake Michigan is always a fairly cold water lake, but in late July-August water temperatures are most desirable. Lake Arcadia is an option for swimming, but most opt not to due to its proximity to the bluer, Lake Michigan. There is also a very small public beach on Lake Michigan in the unincorporated community of Pierport, which is 5 miles to the south of Arcadia. Some people choose to swim at the South pier.

M-22 Cafe (Northwood Cafe). It does an excellent breakfasts & lunches, open from 8AM to 2PM daily and weekends serving dinner until 8PM, with extended hours during the summer. During Arcadia Daze the Arcadia Lions put on a great pancake breakfast, (updated Nov 2019) The Marina/GiftShop/Ice Cream Shop. Ice cream and the latest in Arcadia gossip. (updated Nov 2019)

Arcadia Bed and Breakfast, ☏ +1 231 889-4394. $109-129 per night, in the heart of Arcadia. Pleasant Valley Motel, ☏ +1 231 889-4194. Motel rooms, cottages, swimming pool, on M22 in the heart of Arcadia. Sunset Valley Motel, ☏ +1 231 889-5987. About two miles north of town on M22 at the bottom of Inspiration Point. $50-100 per night, weekly rates available. The Beach House, [email protected]. Check-in: 4pm, check-out: 10am. 4-bedroom, 2-bath home on Upper Herring Lake. Sleeps 8. $290. (updated Jan 2026) The Barn Cottage. 5-bedroom, 2-bath home on Upper Herring Lake. Sleeps 14. Open Year Round. (updated Jan 2026) Farm House Cottage. 4-bedroom, 2-bath home on Upper Herring Lake. Sleeps 14. Open year round. (updated Jan 2026) School House Cottage, ☏ +1 231 632-0833. 4-bedroom, 2-bath home on Upper Herring Lake. Sleeps 14. Open year round.

There are many ways into town. Lake Arcadia is connected to Lake Michigan and offers travelers by boat for a comfortable place to dock and stay a while. There is a small airport in Frankfort, about 12 miles (19 km) north of town, for those with their own aircraft. Most visitors tend to travel in via car and a search on MapQuest or Google maps will show the best route from your home.

The best way to get around town in Arcadia is either by foot or by bike. The town is quite small and scenic, so unless you have a disability, you will more than likely be compelled to get around without the car. You will, however, need a vehicle to get to the nearest towns (Frankfort, Bear Lake, Onekama, etc.) for groceries and supplies not available in Arcadia.