Recreation
Township Managed
Charlevoix Township has a wide variety of recreational facilities for various uses contained within its borders, nearby in the city of Charlevoix, and in surrounding townships and locations.
Over 1/3 of the land acreage in Charlevoix Township (including city parcels) is dedicated to publicly managed and maintained facilities where recreation occurs or is available on a regular basis. This does not include natural woodlands, wetlands or other “wild” areas.
Golf courses, local parks, public school grounds, and other public facilities comprise approximately 13% of the total land area in the township.
Another approximately 11%, over 417 acres is contained in Fisherman’s Island State Park on the southwestern shoreline of the township.
Mt. McSauba Preserve & North Point Nature Preserve
Nature Trails
Little Traverse Wheelway
Bike & Hike along Waller Road to Little Traverse Wheelway
Shanahan Field
Shanahan Field which includes soccer fields, a baseball field, tennis courts, playgrounds, picnic areas and a pavilion. 16.9 acres total.
Sand Beach
Sand beach access at the end of Mt. McSauba Rd.
Nearby Public / Semi-Public Facilities
The following nearby facilities are managed by community
groups, government organizations, and others.
Mt. McSauba
Managed by the City of Charlevoix, Mt. McSauba offers one of the few municipal ski facilities left in Michigan. Perfect for beginners or intermediate skiers. Amenities and features include Skiing, Snowboarding, Terrain Park, Skating Rink, Sledding Hill, Snowshoeing, Cross Country Ski Trails, Rental Equipment and a Snack Bar. Group and private lessons are available. The view from atop Mt. McSauba is spectacular.
During the summer, the city offers a day camp for children ages five and up. An 18 hole disc golf course is under development in the coming years.
Fisherman’s Island State Park
This 2,678 acre park consists of rolling dunes covered with a variety of trees. Over six miles of unspoiled Lake Michigan shoreline, with 80 rustic campsites in a variety of settings. Three miles of hiking and cross-country ski trails make for multi-season use. A public swimming beach is located near a designated picnic area inside the park.
Little Traverse Wheelway
This 26 mile, paved, non-motorized trail extends from the edge of Charlevoix Township around the bay to Harbor Springs through a variety of scenic settings including wetlands boardwalks, roadside parks, rocky shorelines, and more civilized settings. Trail users may bike, skate, ski, walk or run on the trail. Snowmobiles and horses not permitted. In Charlevoix, the trailhead is located at the Charlevoix Township Hall at 12491 Waller Rd. Parking and restroom facilities available.
Charlevoix Golf Course
This 9-hole, par 3 course is located near a central position of the city. It is maintained and administered by the city.
Charlevoix Area Community Pool
Recreational, fitness, water safety, and educational activities for all age groups. A joint effort of the City of Charlevoix, Hayes, and Charlevoix Townships.
Michigan Beach Park
Wide, sandy beach staffed by lifeguards, walking paths, playground equipment, pavilion, restrooms, and seasonal concession. Park is adjacent to the Lighthouse south pier head at 95 Grant St., Charlevoix, MI.
Various City Parks
Wide, sandy beach staffed by lifeguards, walking paths, playground equipment, pavilion, restrooms, and seasonal concession. Park is adjacent to the Lighthouse south pier head at 95 Grant St., Charlevoix, MI.
Charlevoix City Marina
The city marina downtown offers a huge list of amenities to local and visiting boating enthusiasts.
Depot Beach
Located on Lake Charlevoix, Depot Beach offers a pavilion, picnic areas, playground equipment, and more in addition to beach facilities.
Community Skate Park and Carpenter Ave. Ball Fields
These two amenities offer a variety of summer entertainment and are located across from each other on Carpenter Avenue. Skate park features skateboarding and BMX facilities and safety equipment rental. Ball fields have 3 softball and 1 baseball field with summer league play. Restrooms and paved parking lots on site.
Ferry Beach Park
Features swimming beaches, horse shoes, volleyball, basketball, playground equipment, pavilions, concession and more.
Elm Street Tennis Courts
Four hard courts are available to the public near the Golf Course.