Petoskey Adds to Fun Trail-side Art Offerings on Wheelway

Shared experiences, enhanced sense of place, and community pride are all benefits of public art installations. They can increase tourism while helping burnish a community’s identity. Trail-side art also adds to trail users’ experiences.

Petoskey recently added to a growing array of public art in Bayfront Park. A large bronze sculpture (by Gillie and Marc) of a deer and rabbit sitting on a park bench will be officially welcomed with a ribbon cutting ceremony on Friday, Aug. 28, 5–6 p.m. The sculpture is located across from the waterfall on the lake side of East Bayfront Drive.

In 2024, the City of Petoskey Art Commission took a bold step when it commissioned a native species fish mural in the pedestrian underpass at Bayfront Park. This colorful bit of civic artwork, located just off the Little Traverse Wheelway, has enjoyed immense positive feedback from visitors and residents alike, according to Petoskey Mayor John Murphy.