Population26,054 (2020 Census)
Island Journeys and Gardens Beside the Lakes
Charlevoix County, MichiganCharlevoix County offers more than a single lakeshore stop. Explore gardens and historic buildings at Castle Farms, bring curious children to Raven Hill Discovery Center, or plan a waterpark visit near Boyne Falls. Charlevoix, Boyne City and East Jordan provide different places to eat, browse and find community services. Beaver Island adds a separate journey across Lake Michigan. Use this guide to connect those outings with local schools, libraries, transportation and essential county contacts.
Charlevoix County at a Glance
Population26,054 (2020 Census)
County SeatCharlevoix
Largest MunicipalityBoyne City (3,816; 2020 population within county)
Established1869 (organized)
ZIP Codes11 ZIP codes wholly or partly within the county
Total Area1,390.4 square miles, including water (2020 Census geography)
Major RoutesUS-31, US-131, M-32, M-66 and M-75
Area Codes231
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Discover Charlevoix County
Charlevoix County
Organized in 1869, Charlevoix County connects mainland communities with islands in Lake Michigan. Its shoreline and inland waters remain central to the way visitors experience the area, while preserved buildings and local museums tell stories of changing uses and livelihoods. Castle Farms, built in 1918, has served different purposes over time and now welcomes visitors to historic grounds, gardens and attractions. Charlevoix’s maritime history, Boyne City’s community spaces and the landscape around East Jordan provide distinct starting points for exploring the county’s character.
Residents use services spread across Charlevoix, Boyne City, East Jordan and smaller communities, while Beaver Island requires its own travel planning. School districts, library service areas and utilities have boundaries that should be checked by address. County transit supports local trips, and ferry travel connects the mainland with the island on an operating schedule. Seasonal recreation and busy visitor periods affect opening hours and reservations, making a quick check with the destination useful before leaving home.
What Shapes Us
Curious Young Minds
Raven Hill connects science, history and art through hands-on discovery, while Castle Farms offers gardens and historic surroundings that families can explore at their own pace.
Waterfront Communities
Charlevoix, Boyne City and East Jordan give visitors different lakeside starting points, with dining, shopping and public services close to the places they want to explore.
Island Connections
Beaver Island is part of the county but requires a separate travel plan; review ferry schedules, reservations and local transportation before arranging a visit.
Take the shoreline road and leave time to explore.
Around Charlevoix County
Around Charlevoix County
Places, landscapes and community stories
Beaver Island District Library
Gemini Notebook for beginners
Learn about Gemini Notebook
Read the Story Sep 5, 2026 • 2 min read
Around Charlevoix County
Stories from every corner of Charlevoix County.
Gemini Notebook for beginners
Learn about Gemini Notebook
Sep 5, 2026 • 2 min read
Canva for Beginners
Learn Canva
Sep 5, 2026 • 2 min read
Eric Schruer, Dark Sky Presenter, at the Library on Sept. 18th
Sep 5, 2026 • 2 min read
Robert Parrish, Dark Sky presenter, at the Library on Sept. 15th at 5 p.m.
Sep 5, 2026 • 2 min read
MI Poet Laureate, Melba Joyce Boyd to visit BIDL on Sept. 17th
Melba Joyce Boyd will be at the library
Sep 5, 2026 • 2 min read
Shop - Dine - Discover
Meet Local Businesses
Support the businesses that help make our communities thrive. From family-owned shops and restaurants to trusted local services, discover businesses worth visiting throughout the county.
County Resources
Find the right local resource
Use these resources to connect with public offices, essential services and community organizations in Charlevoix County. Visit the linked provider for current details before making a trip.
County Government
County Clerk — County records and election information.
County Treasurer — County taxes and payment resources.
Equalization — Property assessment resources.
Register of Deeds — Recorded property documents.
Boards, Commissions & Committees — County boards and public business.
Schools and Education
Confirm school assignment with the district serving your address.
Charlevoix-Emmet ISD — District information, schools and family resources.
Charlevoix Public Schools — District information, schools and family resources.
Boyne City Public Schools — District information, schools and family resources.
Boyne Falls Public School — District information, schools and family resources.
East Jordan Public Schools — District information, schools and family resources.
Beaver Island Community School — District information, schools and family resources.
Hospitals and Regional Care
Call 911 for an emergency. Regional hospital locations are explicitly identified.
Charlevoix Hospital — Local hospital on Lake Shore Drive in Charlevoix.
McLaren Northern Michigan — Regional hospital in Petoskey, outside Charlevoix County.
Munson Medical Center — Regional hospital in Traverse City, outside Charlevoix County.
Public Safety
Charlevoix County Sheriff — County law enforcement information.
CCE 911 Central Dispatch — Emergency communications for Charlevoix, Cheboygan and Emmet counties; call 911 for emergencies.
Michigan local emergency management directory — Find the current emergency management contact for Charlevoix County.
Michigan State Police — State law enforcement services.
DNR Law Enforcement — Conservation enforcement and outdoor regulations.
Emergency Services
Call 911 for immediate police, fire or ambulance response.
CCE 911 Central Dispatch — Emergency communications for Charlevoix, Cheboygan and Emmet counties; call 911 for emergencies.
Michigan local emergency management directory — Find the current emergency management contact for Charlevoix County.
Health Department of Northwest Michigan — District public health services and notices.
North Country Community Mental Health — Behavioral health and crisis-service information for the county.
National Weather Service Gaylord — Official forecasts, watches and warnings.
State Parks
Young State Park — Lake Charlevoix recreation near Boyne City; check camping, vehicle entry and current access information.
Fisherman’s Island State Park — Lake Michigan shoreline southwest of Charlevoix; check the DNR’s campground and vehicle-access closure notices before traveling.
Nature Preserves and Trails
Follow the land manager’s current trail conditions and leash requirements.
Charles A. Ransom — Nature preserve walking near Charlevoix; check the current trail map and use rules.
The Hill — Woodland walking in the Boyne City area; check the trail map and conditions.
Little Sand Bay — Beaver Island nature preserve; plan island transportation separately.
Raven Ridge — Charlevoix County preserve information and trail access.
Horton Creek Nature Preserve Complex — Preserve and working forest trails; follow posted use rules.
Utilities
Utility responsibility and available services depend on your street address.
City of Charlevoix Electric — Municipal electric service in the city and parts of surrounding townships.
City utility rates and services — City water, sewer and electric rate resources.
Great Lakes Energy — Electric cooperative and communications services within its territory.
MPSC electric service area map — Identify the electric provider for a specific address.
Health Department of Northwest Michigan — Environmental health resources for private wells and septic systems.
Libraries
Charlevoix Public Library — Charlevoix; collections, programs and local research.
Boyne District Library — Boyne City; collections, contacts and current opening hours.
Jordan Valley District Library — East Jordan; library contacts and services.
Beaver Island District Library — Island library services for residents and visitors.
Courts
33rd Circuit Court — Circuit court services and procedures.
Charlevoix County Probate and Family Court — Probate and family court information.
90th District Court — District court services.
Friend of the Court — Support and parenting-time administration.
Court Dockets — Current court calendars and hearing information.
Driver and Vehicle Services
Official statewide services available to county residents.
Michigan Secretary of State — license and ID renewal — Review renewal options and documents.
Michigan Secretary of State — vehicle tabs — Renew vehicle registration.
Michigan Secretary of State — titles and registration — Prepare for a vehicle transfer.
Michigan Secretary of State — address changes — Update your address with the department.
Michigan Secretary of State — disability parking — Find placard application and renewal information.
Michigan self-service stations — Find a nearby kiosk and check supported transactions.
Transportation
Charlevoix County Transit — County transit booking, service and fare information.
Beaver Island Transportation Authority — Ferry system information and connections to the operating boat company.
Charlevoix County Road Commission — County roads and maintenance contacts.
MDOT Mi Drive — Road construction and travel conditions.
Michigan public transit providers — Official neighboring transit agency contacts.
Postal Services
Official USPS tools for local mailing and delivery needs.
USPS Post Office locator — Search your town or ZIP for nearby offices and services.
USPS ZIP Code lookup — Confirm the mailing ZIP for a specific street address.
USPS Hold Mail — Arrange a temporary mail hold.
USPS Change of Address — Use the official postal address-change service.
USPS PO Boxes — Find and manage a post office box.
USPS package pickup — Check and schedule an eligible pickup.
Veterans Resources
Official statewide services available to county residents.
Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency — Connect with state benefits assistance and local support.
Michigan Veterans Trust Fund — Review emergency-assistance options and eligibility.
VA health care enrollment — Find enrollment guidance.
Veterans education benefits — Explore federal and state education programs.
Veteran Readiness and Employment — Learn about employment and rehabilitation support.
Veterans burial benefits — Find benefit and memorial planning resources.
Employment and Training
Official statewide services available to county residents.
Michigan Works! — Find the workforce agency serving your area.
Michigan Rehabilitation Services — Employment support for eligible people with disabilities.
Michigan Unemployment Insurance Agency — Claims, account help and program information.
Michigan Reconnect — Check eligibility for community college tuition support.
Veterans Employment Services — Career assistance for eligible veterans.
Workforce education and training — Explore state training programs and pathways.
Make yourself at home
Practical answers for residents and visitors
County Questions
Know Before You Go
Find answers to common questions about exploring and living in Charlevoix County.
Raven Hill Discovery Center connects science, history and art through hands-on activities. Check current opening hours, admission and appointment arrangements before traveling to the rural site.
Castle Farms offers visitor experiences on its historic grounds, including gardens and attractions. Review the current visit options, admission and event schedule before arrival.
Avalanche Bay Indoor Waterpark operates on a published calendar that can include closed days. Check the current hours and buy the appropriate pass for your planned visit.
Fisherman’s Island State Park has posted campground and vehicle-access closure notices for repair work. Consult the current DNR notice for reopening updates and permitted access.
Charlevoix Circle of Arts states that its gallery exhibits are free and open to the public. Classes, trips and other programs can have separate registration or fees.
Harsha House Museum offers free admission for children ages 12 and under. The society suggests an entry donation for other visitors; check its current exhibit hours.
Beaver Island Transportation Authority explains the ferry system and links to the operating boat company. Confirm sailing dates, reservations and island transportation before booking your day.
Jordan Valley District Library is at 1 Library Lane in East Jordan. Contact the library for current hours, borrowing eligibility and programs.
The Clothing Company, Pepper’s Boutique and Elements Gallery offer different clothing and accessory selections downtown. Check each store’s current hours.
Charlevoix Hospital is on Lake Shore Drive in Charlevoix. Regional hospitals in Petoskey and Traverse City are listed separately; call 911 for an emergency.
Charlevoix County Transit provides local transit information. Confirm pickup coverage, booking requirements and fares with the operator before arranging a trip.
Shop - Dine - Discover
Meet Local Businesses
Support the businesses that help make our communities thrive. From family-owned shops and restaurants to trusted local services, discover businesses worth visiting throughout the county.
My Local Guide
Find Something Fun
Make a day of itExplore places to eat, shop and spend time together.
Kids’ Fun
- Raven Hill Discovery Center — Hands-on science, history and art near East Jordan; check admission and scheduled hours.
- Castle Farms — Historic grounds, gardens and attractions near Charlevoix; check tour and admission information.
- Avalanche Bay Indoor Waterpark — Indoor waterpark at Boyne Mountain; review passes, operating dates and attraction restrictions.
Restaurants
- Weathervane Restaurant — Dining overlooking the Pine River Channel in Charlevoix.
- Argonne House — Charlevoix-area dining; check the current menu and reservation information.
- Terry’s of Charlevoix — Downtown Charlevoix dining; check current hours and menus.
Shopping & Retail
- Elements Gallery — Downtown Charlevoix art, gifts, accessories and women’s clothing.
- The Clothing Company — Outdoor and lifestyle clothing in downtown Charlevoix.
- Pepper’s Boutique — Women’s boutique shopping in downtown Charlevoix.
Clothing & Boutiques
- The Clothing Company — Outdoor and lifestyle clothing in downtown Charlevoix.
- Pepper’s Boutique — Women’s boutique shopping in downtown Charlevoix.
- Elements Gallery — Downtown Charlevoix art, gifts, accessories and women’s clothing.
Outdoor Fun
- Young State Park — Lake Charlevoix recreation near Boyne City; check camping, vehicle entry and current access information.
- Charles A. Ransom — Nature preserve walking near Charlevoix; check the current trail map and use rules.
- The Hill — Woodland walking in the Boyne City area; check the trail map and conditions.
Free Things To Do
- Charlevoix Circle of Arts — Gallery exhibits are free and open to the public; classes and other programs may have fees.
- Harsha House Museum — Admission is free for children ages 12 and under; the society suggests an entry donation for other visitors.
- Ridge Run Dog Park — Boyne City’s fee-free dog park; use the city parks map and follow posted dog rules.
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