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The Northeast region of Michigan is in the northeast corner of the Lower Peninsula, and the region borders Lake Huron. To the north, the area is connected to the Upper Peninsula by the 5-mile long Mackinac Bridge. The area's primary industry is tourism, including many seasonal residents. Visitors are attracted to the region for the small and medium sized cities, many state and national forests, lakes and rivers, and of course the shoreline of Lake Huron. Cheboygan is a popular destination in this region, as well as Gaylord further inland, which also has several lakes, Michigan state parks and protected areas, as well as 17 golf courses. Mackinac Island is also a popular destination, which is located between the Upper and Lower Peninsulas in the Straits of Mackinac. The northeast coast is considered to be less developed than the northwest coast. Agriculture is also a small part of the region, including potato and dry bean farms, and there is also a small industrial base, with manufacturing facilities for hardboard, chemical industries, ironworks and one of the largest salt plants in the world, located in Manistee.

Cheboygan County is located in the northwest corner of the region, and borders Lake Huron to the north. The name comes from the same origin as the Cheboygan River, believed to some from a Native American word meaning "sewing needle" or "place of ore." Cheboygan is the only city in the county and is the county seat. There are many small unincorporated communities and townships in the county. There are a number of marinas in the county on Lake Huron, and is an ideal place for boating and fishing. In addition to state parks and forests, with hiking trails, hunting and camping, Michigan Great Lakes Water Trails are available for canoeing and kayaking trails. The county features six golf courses and golf clubs. There are eight historical markers recognized by Michigan in this county, most notable are Forty Mile Point Lighthouse/Graveyard of ships, Newton-Allaire House, Old Cheboygan County Courthouse, Jail and Sheriff's Residence and some churches. The Mackinac Bridge, connecting to the Upper Peninsula, is located in this county.

Otsego County is located just south of Cheboygan County in the western part of this region. Gaylord is the only city and the county seat, but there are several other unincorporated communities and townships. There are several ideas of where the name of the county originates, most likely being from a Native American word meaning "place of rock." Otsego is the 5th smallest county by total area in Michigan. It has more than 370 lakes, with most of those being in the southern part of Otsego County. Otsego Lake near Gaylord is the largest, and there are nearly 20 other large lakes throughout the county. Headwaters of Au Sable River, Black River, Manistee River, Pigeon River and Sturgeon River are in this county, with Au Sable River watershed being the largest watershed in the county. Much of the county is also covered in pine and northern hardwood forest.

Alpena County is located in the eastern part of the Northeastern region of Michigan, and borders Lake Huron and Thunder Bay to the east. The city of Alpena is the only city and is the county seat. Most of the county's waterways drain into the Thunder Bay River and its tributaries. Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary is adjacent to the county and Mackinaw State Forest covers large areas of Alpena County. Several islands in Thunder Bay are part of Michigan Islands National Wildlife Refuge, and there are also several island lighthouses. The area also features Long Lake and Grand Lake, and there are seven recognized historical markers in Alpena County. Alpena Community College is located in this county.