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Little Traverse Bay Ferry & Harbor Princess Tours

🍂 Fall Color Tours: Lake Charlevoix & Round Lake

Just when you think the season’s winding down, the best part arrives. From September 26 through October 12 (weather permitting), the Harbor Princess heads south to Charlevoix for Fall Color Tours on Round Lake and Lake Charlevoix.

This cruise is the ultimate autumn experience: fiery reds and golds glowing along the shoreline, mirrored by sparkling blue waters. As the boat glides across the lake, you’ll feel like you’ve found the best seat in Northern Michigan’s fall color theater. Seasonal refreshments are available on board—perfect for sipping while snapping photos of the vibrant leaves.

Time your trip with Charlevoix Apple Fest, and you’ve got the makings of a perfect fall getaway. Enjoy apples, cider, and a floating tour through peak color. Families, couples, and groups alike will love the unique perspective of seeing fall unfold from the water.

🚤 The Original Roads

For generations, Northern Michigan has been defined by its waterways. Before highways and interstates, the original “roads” were the rivers, bays, and lakes that connected towns and harbors across the region. Right here on Little Traverse Bay, the Little Traverse Bay Ferry Company once ferried passengers between Petoskey and Harbor Springs in the early 20th century. Today, the tradition continues—with a fun twist.

The Little Traverse Bay Ferry: The Fun Way Around the Bay

Running seasonally from May to September, the Little Traverse Bay Ferry connects Petoskey, Harbor Springs, and Bay Harbor. Forget about traffic or the hassle of finding parking—just hop aboard the spacious 52-foot ferry. Get settled into the covered deck seating, and enjoy a breezy 25-minute ride across the bay. Whether you’re headed to Petoskey’s Gaslight District for boutique shopping, Harbor Springs for lunch with a view, or Bay Harbor for dinner and live music, the ferry delivers you right into the heart of Northern Michigan charm.

Daily routes make it easy to explore. But, the ferry also offers private charters and special cruises, including sunset rides where the bay glows with golden reflections. It’s equal parts practical transportation and unforgettable experience.

All Aboard the Harbor Princess

If you’re craving something extra special, the ferry company’s flagship cruise boat—the Harbor Princess—is ready to whisk you away. This two-hour cruise around Little Traverse Bay offers panoramic shoreline views you just can’t see from land. Think: a drink in hand, the breeze in your hair, and the Petoskey and Harbor Springs waterfronts bathed in evening light.

Why You’ll Love It

Whether you ride the ferry during summer or cruise on the Harbor Princess in autumn, this is more than just a boat ride. This is a chance to experience Northern Michigan in a way few do. From hopping between charming harbor towns to soaking in fall foliage on Lake Charlevoix, the Little Traverse Bay Ferry Company delivers adventure, relaxation, and memories worth holding onto.

So pack your sweater, grab your camera, and set sail. Your perfect Northern Michigan day is waiting on the water.

Marisa Fancy along with her husband and four children dreamt of moving “Up North”. They had vacationed for years in northern Michigan and in 1995 they finally made the move.

The family was always out exploring, but with 4 kids there was some limitations on what they could do. Marisa discovered the amazing network of trails in Northern Michigan after Steve died and she would walk for miles. The trails provided her with peace, comfort and solitude at a difficult time in her life. Later, after meeting Guy who would become her second husband, she learned to golf and found another passion she could enjoy in beautiful Northern Michigan.

Marisa has been the family historian, writer, and poet for as long as she can remember. She has always loved to write and has now found a creative outlet for it other than family. You can read her articles in Adventures in Northern Michigan, Northern Michigan History and Golf Up North.