Bay View in Emmet County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Stafford's Bay View Inn
Registered Michigan Historic Site
Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., August 25, 2016
1. Stafford's Bay View Inn Marker
J. W. Howard completed this spacious inn in 1887, naming it the Woodland Avenue House because of its proximity to that street. Later he called the hotel the Howard House. In 1923 the popular resort became the Roselawn in honor of Horace Rose, innkeeper at that time. Renamed the Bay View Inn, this building is now Stafford's Bay View Inn and is one of the oldest seasonal hotels in continuous operation in the area. Carved out of deeded railroad property next to the village of Petoskey in 1875, the summer colony of Bay View began as a religious retreat. Then it became a cultural and educational center complete with a college and Chautauqua series. This inn is a center of hospitality in the swirl of local summer activities.
Erected 1978 by Michigan History Division, Michigan Department of State. (Marker Number S0151.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Railroads & Streetcars. In addition, it is included in the Michigan Historical Commission series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1887.
Location. 45° 23.172′ N, 84° 55.687′ W. Marker is in
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in Northern Michigan Lower Peninsula, on the Straits of Mackinac, and in one of the Lake Michigan Shore counties. It is also in the American Midwest and on the Great Lakes. Globally, it is in North America, the Great North Woods, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Viceroyalty of New France and also the Northwest Territory.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Epworth Hall (approx. 0.3 miles away); Woman's Council (approx. 0.3 miles away); Hitchcock Hall (approx. 0.3 miles away); Bay View Historical Museum (approx. 0.3 miles away); First Bay View Fire Hydrant (approx. 0.3 miles away); Speaker's Stand (approx. 0.3 miles away); John M. Hall Auditorium (approx. 0.3
Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., August 25, 2016
2. Stafford's Bay View Inn and Marker
Also see . . .
1. 145 Years of Romantic History. Stafford's Bay View Inn website homepage (Submitted on September 7, 2016, by William Fischer, Jr. of Reynoldsburg, Ohio.)
2. The Bay View Association of the United Methodist Church. Association website homepage (Submitted on September 7, 2016, by William Fischer, Jr. of Reynoldsburg, Ohio.)
Photographed by John Garman, August 26, 2024
3. Stafford Bay View Inn and Marker
The Stafford Bay View Inn has received a new paint job, going to an all-white theme.
Photographed by Joel Seewald, April 13, 2026
4. Stafford's Bay View Inn and Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on May 4, 2026. It was originally submitted on September 7, 2016, by William Fischer, Jr. of Reynoldsburg, Ohio. This page has been viewed 724 times since then and 33 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on September 7, 2016, by William Fischer, Jr. of Reynoldsburg, Ohio. 3. submitted on September 17, 2024, by John Garman of Rochester Hills. 4. submitted on April 28, 2026, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan.
