Counting the waves…
Counting the waves…
Tannery Beach hugs the southern edge of Petoskey's compact downtown, where Pennsylvania Avenue dead-ends at a narrow strip of cobbled shore. The beach takes its name from the leather works that once operated upstream, though today the only industry is the quiet commerce of stone hunting. You'll crouch beside children and retirees, fingers tracing hexagonal patterns on smooth gray rocks still slick from the last wave. The Little Traverse Bay shoreline here refuses to commit to sand, offering instead a mix of fine gravel and rounded stones that shift and click with each retreating swell. A wooden boardwalk runs parallel to the waterline, connecting the beach to the marina's fuel docks and the municipal pier where charter boats idle at dawn. In winter, when ice shelves pile against the breakwater, you can walk the deserted strand with only the creak of frozen driftwood for company. What Tannery Beach lacks in acreage it recovers in accessibility: park on the adjoining street, cross twenty feet of grass, and you're wading. The water stays numbingly cold through July, a reminder that Lake Michigan's depths don't follow coastal vacation scripts. Come for an hour between errands, not an all-day sprawl—this is a beach that serves the rhythms of a working waterfront town, not the fantasies of a resort.
Places, rentals, tours and events within walking and driving distance of Tannery Beach.
Photos
Tannery Beach is generally safe for swimming during summer months when Lake Michigan waters are calmer and warmer. The beach features shallow, gradual entry ideal for children and less experienced swimmers. However, Lake Michigan can have unpredictable currents and undertows, especially during spring and fall. Always check local conditions before swimming, watch for advisory flags, and never swim alone. During winter, the beach is not suitable for swimming due to frigid temperatures, though it remains open for walking and viewing.
Summer (June through August) offers the warmest weather and best swimming conditions, with temperatures reaching 70-80°F and water temperatures around 65-70°F. Spring and fall provide beautiful scenery with fewer crowds, perfect for beachcombing and Petoskey stone hunting, though water is quite cold. Winter transforms the beach into a stunning frozen landscape ideal for photography and peaceful walks. For families wanting to swim and play in the sand, late June through early September is optimal when Lake Michigan is warmest.
Tannery Beach is located in downtown Petoskey on Lake Street, easily accessible from US-31. The beach has a dedicated parking lot directly adjacent to the beach with ample free parking spaces. It's also within walking distance of downtown Petoskey's shops and restaurants, making it convenient for tourists staying in the area. Street parking is available nearby if the main lot fills during peak summer weekends. The beach is clearly marked with signage from the main roads through Petoskey.
Tannery Beach features restrooms, picnic areas, and playground equipment, making it family-friendly. Downtown Petoskey is just steps away, offering numerous restaurants, cafes, ice cream shops, and grocery stores within a five-minute walk. You'll find everything from casual cafes to fine dining along Lake Street and the Gaslight District. Accommodations range from budget motels to upscale hotels, many within walking distance. The beach itself has no concessions, so plan to bring supplies or walk to nearby establishments for food and drinks.
Yes, Tannery Beach is an excellent location for finding Petoskey stones, Michigan's state stone. These fossilized coral pieces are most easily spotted when wet, so search along the waterline or after rainfall. Spring and fall, after storms have churned up the lake bottom, tend to yield the best finds. Look for stones with distinctive hexagonal patterns that become visible when polished or wet. While you can collect stones for personal use, removing them in commercial quantities is prohibited. Early morning searches often prove most successful with fewer competing collectors.
