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About

ABOUT WEATHERVANE RESTAURANT

Once a Mill,
Now a Marvel

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With a distinct sense of place and a passion for flavor, Weathervane Restaurant brings together refined cuisine and waterfront dining to Charlevoix. We’ve developed a deep connection to the Great Lakes, felt in every detail from the views to the menu.

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A LITTLE LESSON IN A BIG HISTORY

It All Started With Grain

Before the 20th century, this Charlevoix site housed a grist mill where local farmers delivered grain. Schooners docked along the Pine River Channel, transporting flour to ports across the Great Lakes. This marked the beginning of the property’s deep connection to both land and water.

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A LITTLE LESSON IN A BIG HISTORY

A Visionary Reimagines

In the 1950s, local architect Earl Young transformed the mill into a restaurant, removing the top floors and curving the new roof like a gull’s wing. He incorporated Onaway stone, Copenhagen street lamps, and nautical artifacts, including a shipwreck bar and a 9-ton keystone fireplace shaped like Michigan’s lower peninsula.

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A LITTLE LESSON IN A BIG HISTORY

Legacy by the Lake

Today, this landmark restaurant has cemented its legacy in Charlevoix, becoming a local favorite for meals of any type. The Weathervane now invites new guests to experience what has made this restaurant special throughout the years.

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Our Home,
Our Community

Since opening its doors in the mid-1950s, the Weathervane has been a gathering place for Charlevoix. More than a restaurant, it has been part of the town’s fabric for generations- where neighbors meet, families celebrate, and visitors experience local hospitality. The Weathervane continues to support and participate in community events, partner with local organizations, and welcome the people who make Charlevoix such a special place. Its long history and steady presence reflect a lasting commitment to the community it proudly serves.