Chautauqua Trail Annual Meeting: August 7 – 11, 2025

The Bay View Association is thrilled to host the Annual Chautauqua Trail Meeting from August 7–11, 2025, as part of our momentous 150th Jubilee celebration! Founded in 1875, Bay View is a National Historic Landmark and a cherished Chautauqua community, offering a vibrant blend of education, performing arts, worship and religious life, and recreation. We can’t wait to share our historic campus and celebrate this milestone with you.

Register Today

You may register for the meeting, and pay the $175 meeting fee below.

The $175 registration fee covers all events and activities outlined in the schedule, including meals where indicated, except Sunday brunch at Stafford’s Bay View Inn.

Please ensure your membership with the national organization is current. To pay your membership fee, visit https://forms.chq.org/chq-trail/.

Accommodations

Staying on Bay View’s beautiful campus offers an authentic experience as a Chautauquan:

  • Terrace Inn: Just a 3-minute walk from the heart of campus.
  • Stafford’s Bay View Inn: A charming option on Lake Michigan, only 10 minutes away on foot. A block of rooms will be held until June 13, 2025.
  • Woman’s Council Building: Single women are welcome to stay here for $65/night (limited availability). Accommodations are communal, with shared living spaces and a welcoming atmosphere that encourages connection with other attendees. This is an excellent opportunity to experience Bay View’s sense of community while staying in the heart of the Chautauqua experience. To reserve, contact Kathy Duquette at (734)239-3495 or kduquette@umich.edu.

For those who prefer the hospitality of a Bay View cottage, a limited number of home stays with cottagers are available. These offer a unique chance to experience Bay View as a resident and foster lasting connections with fellow Chautauquans. Contact Robin Pettersen at robinpett@att.net or (608)698-3342 to secure a home stay.

Off-campus options include nearby hotels like the Quality Inn ((231)347-3220, 5-minute drive) and Best Western ((231)347-9050, 10-minute drive).

Please note: Bay View does not own or operate the Terrace Inn, Stafford’s Bay View Inn, or other area hotels. These are owned by our partners, and Bay View does not influence or control their availability or pricing. The Petoskey area is a popular resort destination, especially in the summer months. Though we have reserved some rooms, we strongly encourage you to make your reservations early to secure your preferred accommodation.

Travel Details

The closest airport is Pellston Regional Airport (a 30-minute drive), with additional options at Traverse City Cherry Capital (1.5 hours) and Detroit Metro (4 hours). Parking is available on campus for those driving.

Meeting Highlights

Our schedule features inspiring speakers, engaging activities, transformative concerts, and opportunities to connect with the Chautauqua community:

  • Thursday, August 7: Robin Wall Kimmerer, nationally acclaimed author, biologist, and conservationist, will deliver a presentation in Hall Auditorium.
  • Friday, August 8: Enjoy a tour of Bay View’s historic landmarks, followed by a special evening concert of American Spirituals.
  • Saturday, August 9: Join us for a scenic ferry ride, followed by a dessert reception hosted in various Bay View cottages.
  • Sunday, August 10: Celebrate our shared Chautauqua traditions with Assembly Worship in Hall Auditorium featuring Rev. Luke Powery, a delightful brunch, and recreational activities on campus, ending with our final concert.

For the full meeting itinerary, travel tips, and housing details, please see the schedule below:

Questions?

Robin Pettersen, Chair of the Friends of the Chautauqua Trail Committee, is happy to assist. Contact her at robinpett@att.net or (608)698-3342.

This will be a meeting to remember, blending the enduring legacy of Bay View with the fellowship and inspiration of the Chautauqua Trail. We look forward to welcoming you to our 150th celebration!