Michigan Lake to Lake
Bed and Breakfast Association

Chesaning is a Victorian town in Southeast Michigan, about an hour northeast of Lansing, an hour from Saginaw Bay, and an hour northwest of Flint. Visitors who enjoy history will enjoy staying in Chesaning Michigan bed and breakfasts; there are several interesting museums in town, and many examples of beautiful Victorian architecture. Stop by the Chesaning Area Historical Museum for a peek into the history of this interesting town.

Chesaning is a Chippewa word meaning "big rock place", which is a reference to the Big Rock Reserve that the U.S. government established by the banks of the Shiawassee River in the early 1800s. In the mid 1800s the land was sold to settlers who damned the river and built a sawmilll and grinding mill. Surrounded by dense forest, Chesaning grew up as a lumber town.

Today Chesaning is known more for it's festivals and picturesque downtown than anything else. Each year, Chesaning puts on a Showboat Music Festival in July. It was started in 1937 with the hope that people from neighboring towns would come watch a vaudeville-style show in a showboat on the Shiawassee River. Come they did, and they've been coming ever since. Be sure to reserve a room at a bed and breakfast Chesaning Michigan early for this popular event.

Don't miss Curwood Castle in nearby Owosso; this impressive chateau was built as a writing studio by author James Olive Curwood. Curwood Castle Park is as magnificent as the building, and is the location of the Curwood Festival each June.

Chesaning is a great place to explore the farms of Southeast Michigan. Cycle or drive country roads in search of fresh farm stands or u-pick farms. There are a few Michigan wineries near Chesaning - visit them for a tour and wine tasting, and pick up a bottle to enjoy back at the bed and breakfast Chesaning Michigan.