For over 100 years mining operations and a massive cement plant had scarred over 1,200 acres and five miles of Lake Michigan shoreline on LittleTraverse Bay. After ceasing operations in the 1980's, the cement plant had been abandoned leaving a moonscape of chromium brick, asbestos, coal and 2.5-million cubic yards of kiln dust. In1993, Bay Harbor Company Chairman, David V. Johnson, teamed up with CMS Energy and led a coalition of strategic allies in what was (and remains) the largest reclamation in North America. Most impressively, what was formerly a moonscape is now the site of a four-season luxury resort community, a world-class deep water harbor, the Olympic caliber Bay Harbor Equestrian Club, and the 27-hole Bay Harbor Golf Club crafted by Arthur Hills and hailed by Golf Digest as "The Pebble Beach of the Midwest."
The transformation was rapid. In 1994, simultaneous explosions demolished the cement plant smokestacks. Eight months later, the barrier between Bay Harbor and Little Traverse Bay was removed, and water rushed in at the rate of one-million gallons per minute. Within 24 hours, over 2.5-billion gallons of water formed the new Nautical Center of the Great Lakes and became Bay Harbor Lake. Bay Harbor embodies the ultimate lifestyle; with Bay Harbor Lake ranking as one of the top marina resort facilities in the United States (as described in 2002 by Applied Technology & Management, Inc.) and being home to the Bay Harbor Yacht Club. Bay Harbor Lake Marina is a unique amenity that provides a safe harbor and has become a major destination for Great Lakes boaters.
Bay Harbor's town center, the Village at Bay Harbor, bustles with boutiques and restaurants where the defunct cement plant once stood. The Village is now the heartbeat of the community, featuring such public elements as a marina, public observation platform and walking trails. In fact, nearly one mile of Michigan shoreline and 70 acres of prime land were donated as public parks by Bay Harbor Company and are connected by five miles of non-motorized public nature trails, providing permanent enjoyment for the residents and visitors of Bay Harbor and neighboring communities. It is this combination of a vibrant setting, beautiful scenery, and adversity of shops that has turned the Village into a site used frequently for community events, weddings, and outdoor festivals.
In many ways, the Bay Harbor Equestrian Club brought equestrian activities to northern Michigan for the first time. It now attracts trainers, breeders and riders to northern Michigan for shows and clinics and has created an equestrian culture where none had existed before. Events include the Buck Brannaman (Horse Whisperer) Clinic, calf roping and pony camps.
Now that Bay Harbor has hundreds of satisfied homeowners, the community has taken on a life of its own. An increasing number of extraordinary events are being held each year producing countless successful product launches and forming sustainable community traditions. The Bay Harbor Art Fair, Sunday Summer Music Series, Boat Rendezvous, and Ice Festival, as well as many philanthropic events including the Bay Harbor Concours Festival, Little Traverse Historical Society Home Tour, and D'Art for Art have drawn thousands of visitors to the community throughout all four seasons.
About the Golf Club
"Bay Harbor Golf Club is one of the most picturesque golf sites in the country ... it may be America's most diverse collection of holes."
- GOLFWEEK Magazine
27-Hole championship course
Designed by Arthur Hills
Three distinct nine-hole courses: The Links The Quarry and The Preserve.
The Links, inspired by the great seaside courses of Ireland, winds along a 150 foot bluff which overlooks Little Traverse Bay.
The Quarry, complete with 40 foot gorges and stone cliffs, is already considered one of the world's most unique courses.
The Preserve is made up of hardwoods, thriving grasses, blooming wildflowers and wetlands - all within walking distance of Lake Michigan.
To Contact Bay Harbor Golf Club please call 1-231-439-4028. Or contact Bay Harbor Resort & Marina at 1-888-BAY-HARBOR for assistance with your accommodations and tee times.
Bay Harbor, MI
Bay Harbor Is More than Just A Place... It's A Rebirth
-By Linda Sweeney -
Bay Harbor offers some of the very best luxury homes available anywhere. When you're ready to reward yourself with northern Michigan living at its best, Bay Harbor is the destination of choice.
Situated on five miles of Lake Michigan shoreline between Petoskey and Charlevoix, Bay Harbor encompasses a world class hotel, conference center, marina, equestrian facility, and golf.
Arrival at the beautiful Bay Harbor in Petoskey, Michigan. As we headed down the drive toward this nautical edifice our eyes lit up and we straightened our posture. We wanted to get closer quickly!
We were greeted by friendly staff and Michael Deighton, General Manager of this eye-catching resort and marina, which is only 12 years old. The view of water seemed to be everywhere we turned, so you can imagine how delighted we were to stay in condominium suites with a balcony and stunning view of Lake Michigan. Each suite was spacious and handsomely furnished. Mine had dark wood and cane furniture upholstered in sage fabric with gold and red accents in vases, pictures and more throughout the rooms. It had a fully-equipped kitchen with granite counters. The bed was massive with posts only inches from the ceiling, with floor to ceiling windows for another lovely view of the water – so peaceful.
At Bay Harbor there are five miles of coast with 25 different neighborhoods. I don’t know if the word neighborhood adequately describes them; district is a better word for the area of these prominent homes. You can enjoy golf on greenery with a stunning view. GOLF Magazine has called it “the Pebble Beach of the Midwest.” The marina features 120 floating docks with first-class service; and nearby is a swim club and fitness center. There is more; they have events such as Concours d’Elegance, an Art Fair, Ice Follies, and a Harvest Festival. An Equestrian Club offers riding lessons for residents and a summer Pony Camp. This striking land would not be complete without a paved path for bike riding and in-line skating to enjoy.
You’ll like the picturesque stroll down the avenue of The Village of Bay Harbor with its boutique shops, restaurants, and galleries. Enjoy breakfast at The Original Pancake House, and lunch and dinner at Latitude, “Knot” Just a Bar, and Galley Gourmet. There is even a Galley Gourmet Espresso Café for the latte lovers. The Rocking Horse Toy Company cannot be resisted if you have a young one; and there is even a bookstore – McLean & Eakin Booksellers.
Mike Deighton, who has over 30 years of experience in the hospitality industry, joined Bay Harbor in 2005, coming from Atlanta. He grew up in Ann Arbor, and after having lived in other states for several years, said there was just something in him that made him want to return to Michigan. Deighton is a graduate of Michigan State University. His first job in the industry was with Westin Hotels where he worked for 19 years. Other hotels he has managed include the Detroit Renaissance Center, the Arizona Biltmore, and Caesar’s Lake Tahoe. You will have an opportunity to hear more about him on a future Career Corners interview on MTN (Michigan Today Network) at 9 a.m. on a Saturday coming soon.
Make your next vacation at Bay Harbor Resort and Marina. Visit their website at www.bayharbor.com for more information so you can carefully plan what you would like to see and do when you get there, including any festivals going on. Indeed, this vacation spot is one to see and experience – the water, golfing, festivals, dining and more. It’s the perfect place to enjoy some R&R in a spacious condo/suite that feels like home. You’ll leave this northern jewel with wonderful memories and plans to return soon for more pleasure.
MichiganToday.net wishes to thank Mike Deighton for a superb experience and personal tour of Bay Harbor Resort and Marina. Many thanks to Sue Bila, executive director of the Michigan Festivals and Events Association, and Oliver Ragsdale, president of The Arts League of Michigan, for their hospitality and inviting us to the Make It Michigan! Michigan’s Fun Kick-Off! And thank you to the Charlevoix Limousine Company, and Scott our tour guide, who chauffeured us around Petoskey, Boyne, and Charlevoix, Michigan for two days.
We welcome your comments, suggestions and interest. Please contact us anytime. Thank you for your interest in MichiganToday.net!
