Stafford's Bay View Inn stands within the Bay View National Historic Landmark district at 2011 Woodland Avenue in Petoskey, Michigan, set amid a Victorian-era Methodist camp meeting community that preserves over 400 painted wood-frame cottages built between 1875 and 1900. The inn was established in 1886 and has operated under the Stafford Smith family for decades, earning a reputation as one of northern Michigan's most hospitable and historically rooted lodging properties. The main structure is a gabled Victorian building with wide verandas overlooking Little Traverse Bay, and the surrounding grounds reflect the quiet, pedestrian-friendly character of the Bay View neighborhood. Guest rooms are offered in the main inn and several adjacent cottages, spanning standard rooms, deluxe rooms, and suites with period-influenced furnishings that honor the property's Victorian heritage. A full breakfast is included in the room rate each morning, served in the inn's dining room; the on-site restaurant also provides lunch and dinner service emphasizing Michigan ingredients and regional recipes that have appeared on the menu for generations. The bar and veranda offer relaxed evening settings with views across the bay. Free WiFi and free parking complete the essential amenities. The Petoskey gaslight district with its independent shops, galleries, and restaurants is approximately one mile east and accessible on foot or by short drive. Stafford's properties have long been associated with genuine northern Michigan hospitality, and the Bay View Inn continues that tradition with attentive personal service and a sense of place rooted in the landscape and architecture of the Little Traverse Bay region.
Room types
- Standard Room
- Deluxe Room
- Suite
Amenities
- Full Breakfast Included
- Restaurant
- Bar
- Veranda
- Free WiFi
- Free Parking
Location
2011 Woodland Ave, Petoskey, MI 49770
45.3803, -84.9415 View on map
Highlights
- Located within Bay View National Historic Landmark district, surrounded by over 400 Victorian-era painted cottages
- Full breakfast included in the room rate each morning—a hallmark of the Stafford's hospitality tradition
- Wide verandas with views across Little Traverse Bay in a quiet, pedestrian-friendly setting
- Family-operated inn established in 1886 with a long tradition of northern Michigan hospitality
- Walking distance to Bay View's historic grounds and a short drive to Petoskey's gaslight shopping district
Tips for visiting
- Arrive with time to walk the Bay View Historic District cottages, especially in evening when porch lights are on
- The inn's restaurant draws on time-tested regional recipes—the dinners are worth including in the stay itinerary
- Summer weekends fill quickly due to the historic district's appeal; book two to three months ahead for July
- Combine the inn with a visit to Petoskey State Park for beach access on Little Traverse Bay
- Ask staff about current concert and lecture programming in the Bay View Auditorium, which hosts events during summer
When to visit
June through August offers warm bay weather and full activity in the Bay View community's auditorium programs; September brings fall color and quieter conditions while the inn remains fully operational.
Accessibility
Stafford's Bay View Inn is a historic 1886 structure and some areas have limited accessibility. The inn offers select ground-floor rooms that are more accessible for guests with mobility considerations; guests requiring specific accommodations should contact the property directly before booking to discuss suitable room options.
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Frequently asked questions
Is breakfast included at Stafford's Bay View Inn?
Yes—a full breakfast is included in the room rate and is served each morning in the inn's dining room. It is one of the defining features of a stay at the property.
What is the Bay View Historic District?
Bay View is a National Historic Landmark community established in 1875 as a Methodist camp meeting site. It contains over 400 Victorian-era painted wood-frame cottages and remains an active residential and cultural community adjacent to Petoskey.
How far is the inn from downtown Petoskey?
Stafford's Bay View Inn is approximately one mile northeast of Petoskey's gaslight district, a short drive or a pleasant 20-minute walk along Bay View and Lake Shore roads.
Does the inn have parking?
Yes—the property provides complimentary parking for guests. Northern Michigan's summer road traffic can be heavy; arriving before mid-afternoon on summer Fridays is advisable.