What's Happening in or Near Indian River, MI
Plan your trip around local festivals, seasonal fun, and Northern Michigan charm. Located in Indian River, we're a central hub for exploring Petoskey, Cheboygan, Mackinaw City, and more — without the big resort price tag.
Your Central Location
Waterway Inn sits right off I-75 Exit 310 in Indian River — perfectly positioned between Northern Michigan's best ski resorts, casinos, and lakeside towns.
- Nub's Nob ~20 miles
- Boyne Highlands ~20 miles
- Odawa Casino, Petoskey ~21 miles
- Kewadin Casino, St. Ignace ~35 miles
- Petoskey ~21 miles east
- Gaylord ~28 miles south
- Mackinaw City ~30 miles north
Petoskey boasts some of the most unique shopping in Northern Michigan — just a 25-minute drive from your door.
🌸 Spring Events (March–May)
North Central Rail Trail Opens Up
April 1st
Trail perfect for hiking/biking from your room. 60+ miles from Gaylord to Mackinaw City.
More Info →Spring Fishing Tournaments
Throughout Spring
Bass and walleye tournaments on Burt and Mullett Lakes.
More Info →Mud Brothers Members-Only Ride
April 11, 2026
Exclusive off-road adventure. Discounted lodging available for riders.
🏷️ Waterway Inn is offering discounted lodging for participants!
More Info →Treadhead Spring Mush Ride
April 18, 2026
140-mile advanced-paced group ride. Discounted lodging available.
🏷️ Waterway Inn is offering discounted lodging for participants!
More Info →Great Lakes Big Rig Challenge
May 22–24, 2026
Semi-truck drag racing at Onaway Speedway.
More Info →☀️ Summer Events (June–August)
Old Fashioned Days (Summerfest) & Craft Show
June 20–22, 2026
Live music, food, car show, duck race, kids' activities.
More Info →TooonTime Poker Run
June 26–27, 2026
$15,000 in prizes. Tri-toon/pontoon poker run. Discounted lodging.
🏷️ Waterway Inn is offering discounted lodging for participants!
More Info →Indian River 4th of July Celebration & Parade
July 4th at 10am
Parade + fireworks at dusk near Marina Park.
More Info →Kayak & Bike Biathlon
July 20, 2025
2.24-mile paddle + 11.68-mile bike on North Central State Trail.
More Info →Indian River Lighted Boat Parade
Early August
Decorated boats cruise at dusk. Great family viewing.
More Info →🍂 Fall Events (September–November)
Annual Mackinac Bridge Walk
September 7, 2026
Iconic 5-mile bridge walk tradition since 1958.
More Info →Tunnel of Trees Color Drive
Late Sept–mid Oct
Scenic M-119 fall color route. One of Michigan's most beautiful drives.
More Info →Treadhead Indian River to Millersburg Ride
3rd Saturday in September
All-day ORV adventure. Sign-in at Waterway Inn!
🏷️ Waterway Inn is offering discounted lodging for participants!
More Info →Mud Brothers Fall Color Charity Ride
2nd Saturday in October
Scenic ride + charity cause. Discounted lodging available.
🏷️ Waterway Inn is offering discounted lodging for participants!
More Info →Treadhead 17th Annual Fall Color Ride
3rd weekend in October
130-mile round-trip ORV adventure through peak fall colors.
🏷️ Waterway Inn is offering discounted lodging for participants!
More Info →Day After Thanksgiving Craft Show & Christmas in Indian River
Day after Thanksgiving
Kick off the holiday season in Indian River.
More Info →❄️ Winter Events (December–February)
North Central State Trail Opens to Snowmobiles
December 1 – March 31
60+ miles of groomed trail. Ride straight from your room at Waterway Inn. No trailer needed.
More Info →Ready to Plan Your Trip?
Book your stay at Waterway Inn and be in the middle of all the action.
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