Travel Planner

Episode #2313

“Making Memories”

Episode #2313 Travel Planner

We explore Indian River along Michigan’s Inland Waterway, where boating, championship golf, legendary burgers, sweet treats, and memorable Northern Michigan adventures await.

Comments

Tell us what you thought of this episode and get information about the areas featured by filling out the comment form

Comment Form
GG2313 Map

Indian River, Michigan

website

Visit

visit the official website of Indian River Chamber of Commerce and plan your visit

Indian River MI

Indian River

Indian River

Location: Cheboygan County, Michigan

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Location:
3435 S Straits Highway - Indian River, Michigan
Phone: (231) 238-9325

Indian River, Michigan is at the center of all that makes Northern Michigan a treasured vacation destination and place to call home. Named after the river which flows through it, Indian River is nestled between Burt Lake and Mullett Lake along the 40-mile long Inland Waterway. Conveniently located off I-75 off Exit 310, 25 miles south of the Mackinaw Bridge, Indian River is a place that visitors of all ages find many pleasures to enjoy through all of Northern Michiganʼs seasons. The Indian River Resort Region Chamber of Commerce is located in the heart of Downtown Indian River in the “little log cabin”.

McClutchey's Store

McClutchey's Store

Location: 3510 S Straits Highway - Indian River, Michigan
Phone: (231) 238-7712

McClutchey’s of Indian River is a department style store that carries clothing for the entire family. Women’s clothing, men’s clothes and kid’s clothing, including Outerwear for all four seasons. McClutchey’s of Indian River also carries toys, candles, jewelry, accessories such as bags, scarves, gloves and a huge selection of socks. Brands like Tribal Brand Clothing, Habitat Clothing, Lulu-B, Columbia Sportswear, Brighton Jewelry, Levi’s, Pendleton, Mountain Khakis, Slim Sations, Melissa & Doug and many other quality Brands. McClutchey’s of Indian River is located downtown beautiful Indian River, Michigan. Indian River sits between two of Michigan biggest inland lakes, Burt Lake and Mullet Lake. Founded in 1934, McClutchey’s flagship store has 5 generations of customer service to make your shopping experience memorable. We offer an ever growing selection of products proudly Made in the USA! We’re open all year and seven days a week from mid-June until Christmas. Stop in to say hi, surely you’ll become part of our family tradition!

Christopher's Cafe

Christopher's Cafe

Location: 3725 S Straits Highway - Indian River, Michigan
Hours: Open Daily 8am - 2pm

Opened in 1942, Christopher’s Downtown Cafe has proudly served the Indian River community for over 80 years, delivering traditional, quality food with hometown service. Tayler McNeil is the current owner of the cafe. Tayler took over in late 2024 after growing up around the family business. She began working at Christopher’s when she was just 12 years old, and it has been a meaningful part of her life ever since.

Christopher’s Café is a favorite local spot for fresh breakfast and lunch in Indian River. We’re dedicated to serving flavorful, homestyle meals in a warm and inviting atmosphere where everyone feels at home. Our menu features classic breakfast favorites, fluffy pancakes, made-to-order omelets, handcrafted sandwiches, juicy burgers, and rotating daily specials prepared with care. Every meal is made fresh, giving you the comfort and taste of a true hometown café.

Drost's Chocolates & Ice Cream Shoppe

Drost's Chocolates

Location: 3676 S Straits Highway - Indian River, Michigan
Phone: (231) 238-6911
Hours: Mon-Thu 10am-6pm | Fri-Sat 10am-8am | Sun 11am-6pm

If you are looking for a place to enjoy premium handmade chocolates, fudge, and ice cream in a charming, old-fashioned setting, be sure to visit us in downtown Indian River, Michigan. Drost's Chocolates is owned by Craig and Julie Waldron and has been a staple of the community for decades, where crowds are known to stretch out the door on a hot summer's night. Our customers enjoy a vast selection of chocolates and fudge that are freshly made on a marble slab right behind the display cases. We are one of the very few candy shops who create our chocolates by hand and not by machine. The result is evident in the homemade richness and taste of our fudge, truffles, creams, and a variety of other confections made with milk, white, and dark chocolate.

Big Bear Adventures

Big Bear Adventures

Location: 4271 S Straits Highway - Indian River, Michigan
Phone: (231) 238-8181

Welcome to Big Bear Adventures, your premier adventure destination in Northern Michigan since 1968. Our legacy of providing exceptional fun for everyone and experiences spans over five decades, making us a trusted name in the region. At Big Bear, we are passionate about connecting people with nature and creating unforgettable memories. Whether you’re seeking thrilling river tubing on the famous Sturgeon River and rafting excursions, offroading on our Guided Side-by-Side Tours, or family-friendly activities at our Outdoor Fun Center, we have something for everyone. Our experienced team is dedicated to ensuring your safety, comfort, and enjoyment throughout your adventure. We take pride in our attention to detail, friendly service, and commitment to the outdoors. Join us and discover the excitement and beauty of Northern Michigan’s wilderness at Big Bear Adventures!

Cross in the Woods

Cross in the Woods

Location: 7078 M-68 - Indian River, Michigan
Phone: Parish Office (231) 238-8973, Gift Shop (231) 238-8722

Cross in the Woods Catholic Shrine in Indian River, Michigan, is a national Catholic shrine anchored by a dramatic outdoor crucifix, a 55-foot wooden cross topped by a 28-foot bronze figure of Christ by sculptor Marshall Fredericks. The wooden cross was raised on Calvary Hill in the 1950s and the bronze figure was mounted in 1959, and the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops designated the site a national shrine in 2006. The campus includes a glass-fronted church dedicated in 1997 that seats about 1,000, the Holy Stairs, numerous outdoor devotional shrines, a gift shop and a Nun Doll Museum housing more than 500 dolls in traditional religious attire; visitors attend Mass year round and often stroll the grounds to view the shrines.

Burt Lake State Park

Burt Lake State Park

Location: 6635 State Park Drive - Indian River, Michigan
Phone: (231) 238-9392

Established in 1921, Burt Lake State Park is a public recreation area covering approximately 125 acres on the south shore of Burt Lake at Indian River in Cheboygan County, Michigan. The park is home to 2,000 feet of sandy shoreline, a shallow designated swim area, modern camping, boating, fishing, sightseeing and much more. The park is a popular family destination and a jumping-off point to Mackinac Island, Tahquamenon Falls, Harbor Springs, Petoskey, Historic Mill Creek Discovery Park and other regional attractions. The park is in the heart of the Inland Waterway, a chain of rivers and lakes that offers approximately 38 miles of boating pleasure.

Indian River Golf Club

Indian River Golf Club

Location: 3301 Chippewa Beach Road - Indian River, Michigan
Phone: (231) 238-7011

Welcome to the Friendliest Club in the North. Our championship golf course is a challenging, yet walkable layout with a variety of tees for all levels of golfer. The course also offers plenty of diversity with elevation changes, water, tree lined fairways, and a few fairways that are wide open. Indian River Golf Club is member-owned (with new members joining every year) and also open to the public, and all golfers are welcome. Indian River Golf Club was established in 1923. Through the years, several changes and improvements have been made, but some things have not changed such as the Club's long standing pride in ownership and our friendly professional staff. Golf Digest has rated Indian River Golf Club as one of the best places to play in Northern Michigan.

Inn Between Waterfront Restaurant

Inn Between

Location: 6064 River Street - Indian River, Michigan
Phone: (231) 238-2027

The newly remodeled Inn Between Waterfront Restaurant brings a fresh take to one of Indian River's most iconic waterfront locations. With fresh, flavorful cuisine, a carefully curated selection of cocktails, beer, and wine, and beautiful riverfront views, we've created a place where locals and visitors alike can gather, relax, and enjoy the best of Northern Michigan. Arrive by boat or car and experience one of Northern Michigan's premier dock-and-dine destinations. Our menu features quality seafood, classic favorites, and handcrafted dishes served in a welcoming atmosphere. Guests can enjoy waterfront dining, a full-service bar, dock-and-dine access, weekend brunch, private event rentals, and online ordering.

Johnathan Rand's Chillermania

Chillermania

Location: 1651 S Straits Highway - Indian River, Michigan

Visit Chillermania, world headquarters for books by Johnathan Rand, author of popular book series Michigan Chillers, American Chillers, Nightmare Nation, Dollar Store Danny and Freddie Fernortner Fearless First Grader and more. The interior of the book store resembles a mix of a haunted house and a quirky roadside attraction, featuring skeletons, bats, gargoyles, and creepy props that match the vibe of the books. While Johnathan Rand is not at the shop constantly, he frequently visits the store alongside his rescue dogs and sidekicks, Brody and Jellybean. Chillermania! serves as a major destination for fans who grew up reading his spooky regional adventures. The store exclusively stocks and sells books by Johnathan Rand and his adult fiction pen name, Christopher Knight. Plus, get an Autographed Copy! You can purchase books that are often pre-signed by the author himself and buy unique merchandise here, like themed hats, shirts, trading cards, posters, and bookmarks unavailable anywhere else.

Michael's Tavern & Steakhouse

Michael's Tavern & Steakhouse

Location: 4653 S Straits Highway - Indian River, Michigan
Phone: (231) 238-2137

Welcome to Michael's Tavern & Steakhouse, your go-to destination for delicious food and a warm, welcoming atmosphere in Indian River, Michigan. Dine in a renovated historic 1938 log building to a beautiful rustic chic atmosphere. Michael's offers both a Steakhouse fine dining as well as a Tavern dining experience perfect for special occasions and a casual dinner with friends. Our menu is a testament to our commitment to quality and flavor. We take pride in sourcing the freshest ingredients, ensuring that every dish we serve is bursting with taste and made with love. Whether you're in the mood for a mouthwatering steak cooked to perfection, a hearty burger, or a delectable seafood dish, our talented chefs will exceed your expectations.

Episode #2313