Chippewa Lake comes alive in early summer. June is the perfect time to book a getaway at The Bluffs at Chippewa Lake , when northern Michigan’s woodlands are lush and the days stretch long into the evening. This month brings family‑friendly festivals and a chance to enjoy the outdoors before peak season crowds arrive. Celebrate the Barryton Lilac Festival Just 15 minutes from The Bluffs, downtown Barryton hosts its Lilac Festival the first weekend of June. Held every year in this small Mecosta County town, the festival offers a wholesome, alcohol‑free atmosphere that’s been voted one of the county’s top events. Over three days you’ll find area‑wide yard sales, a museum open house, a bustling craft marketplace and book sale, a carnival, food trucks and even a pig roast. Saturday adds a farmers market, parade, car and bike show plus performances by Clark the Juggler and a talented canine team. On Sunday, runners and walkers tackle a 5 k, and families gather for a mixed‑doubles pickleball tournament, more crafts and food trucks. The festival’s friendly vibe makes it a great day trip for guests staying at Chippewa Lake. Enjoy music along the river Mecosta’s Music on the River concert series runs Friday evenings in June through August. Shows take place from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Bromley Park in the village of Mecosta, about 20 minutes northwest of the resort. Local news reports that one summer program featured acts like Youngman and Oldmen playing jazz and swing, and organizers encourage attendees to bring lawn chairs, blankets, bug spray and non‑alcoholic beverages; if it rains the concert moves to the Free Methodist Church. These free concerts are a relaxed way to mingle with locals and enjoy live music.  Hit the trail or the courts When you’re not at a festival, explore the Dragon Trail , a 45‑mile non‑motorized multi‑use path that winds around Hardy Dam. The Mecosta County Visitors Bureau describes it as a world‑class trail that offers mountain biking, hiking, running and even winter sports and invites adventurers to enjoy spectacular scenery and diverse terrain. For a different kind of workout, The Bluffs has its own indoor pickleball court . Guests enjoy complimentary court time, while non‑guests can reserve a slot for $20 per hour with a two‑hour minimum. Courts can be booked through a simple reservation form, and staff will confirm availability and payment

Summer might hog the spotlight with its long days and sun-drenched beaches, but if you ask us, fall is when Chippewa Lake, Michigan, really shines. The air is crisp, the crowds are gone, and the colors? They’re practically begging to be Instagrammed. If you’re looking for the perfect fall getaway in Michigan, picture yourself sipping cider, crunching through golden leaves, and cozying up in one of our Lake Chippewa cottages at The Bluffs at Chippewa . Hike Into Fall Magic Nearby Deerfield Nature Park is a fall hiker’s dream. Its trails wind through forests that transform into a fiery canvas of orange, red, and gold. Bring your binoculars—fall migration season means a chance to spot eagles, hawks, and songbirds making their way south. Bonfires and Sunsets by the Lake Fall evenings at The Bluffs at Chippewa aren’t complete without a bonfire. Grab a blanket, roast some marshmallows, and watch the sun dip below the horizon of Chippewa Lake. The reflection of fall foliage on the water is the kind of sight that makes you forget about email, deadlines, and the group chat that won’t stop buzzing. Sip and Savor Local Flavors Autumn is also harvest season, which means farm stands and cider mills are bursting with apples, pumpkins, and treats that taste like pure nostalgia. Stop by Robaire’s Bakery & Donuts in nearby Mount Pleasant for an apple fritter that will ruin all other pastries for you forever.  Why Choose The Bluffs at Chippewa This Fall When the world feels busy, our beachfront vacation cabins offer peace, privacy, and the best front-row seats to fall’s magic show. Whether you’re into kayaking on crisp mornings, hiking through crunchy leaves, or just curling up with a blanket and a book, we’ve got your cozy fall headquarters covered. 👉 Ready for your fall escape? Book your stay at The Bluffs at Chippewa today.