Bellaire, Michigan

Just about an hour north of Traverse City in the village of Bellaire lies Schuss Mountain at Shanty Creek Resorts! The mountain offers 53 runs with several base areas. The terrain is applicable for any type of skier, whether you are a beginner or a more advanced rider. We spent the majority of ou...

At the end of the Old Mission peninsula sits Mission Point Lighthouse. The lighthouse is surrounded by 5 acres of wooded township and many acres of state land! Upon arriving you can explore the shores just below the lighthouse - there can intriguing iceberg islands forming at the edge of the wate...

Mission Point Lighthouse is situated between the East and West Grand Traverse Bays, about 20 minutes north of downtown Traverse City. This historic lighthouse offers stunning views of Grand Traverse Bay in Lake Michigan. There is a parking lot located a few hundred feet away where visitors can p...

The trailhead for the snowshoe trail is located across the street from the Boyne Cross Country Ski center parking lot.  The trail starts out by winding through the woods sandwiched between the Boyne Mountain Resort maintenance facility and a road, so you’ll hear traffic and equipment noise for th...

If you’re looking for a place to fat bike ride in the area, then this is the spot for you! To access the Vasa Pathway you’ll want to head to Timber Ridge Resort, feel free to park in the main area. From the southeast corner of the Timber Ridge Resort, you will be able to jump on the pathway. You ...

Located just south of Charlevoix is Fisherman's Island State Park. The park offers miles of biking/hiking trails, and campsites directly on the beach of Lake Michigan.  Although located just outside of town, there is no service in this area, leaving you completely cut off from the outside world. ...

Now, this is something you probably haven't tried yet. Whiskey blending! The experience with Mammoth Distillery was stimulating, educating and so much fun! Technically we were actually blending bourbon - which we learned all bourbon is whiskey but not all whiskey is bourbon. You’ll sit down with ...

South Manitou Island is situated off of the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore in Lake Michigan. The island is only accessible by a two-hour ferry ride, which leaves once a day from Leeland.Upon arriving at the island boat dock, you'll soon realize this isn't an ordinary experience. South Man...

For a day on the water, off the shores of Lake Michigan head to Leland. Park in the marina and load onto your paddle boards from the boat ramp. You'll quickly find your way out of the marina, in which you can head right, left or to open water. Either way you'll find accessible beaches and clear s...

Beginning at the trailhead, the 2.8 mile round trip takes you on a gravel/sand trail up 570 feet. The trail slowly winds uphill until you hit an opening at the top that looks out at the Sleeping Bear Dunes and down on Lake Michigan. 

The trail beings at the parking lot, it takes about 20 minutes to get to the famous overlook, about a 570 foot elevation gain. As you start the trail, after about .4 miles you will find a juncture off to your right, stay straight and it will lead you to the overlook. After you take in the sweepin...

A pristine lake thats just waiting to be explored by kayak, SUP, canoe or boat (keep in mind that power boats are allowed on this lake). The water is amazingly clear and a beautiful shade of aqua blue. During the summer months, the air temperature remains relatively cool and makes for perfect, lo...

Park at the High Rollway Observation Deck in Kingsley. There's actually two parking lots that you will come to on a dirt road. I suggest parking at the eastern most lot (drive straight instead of making a final right turn). There are two primary wooden platform lookouts near the parking lots. Be ...

North Manitou Island Loop is a loop trail that takes you by a lake located near Maple City, Michigan.

Start at the Alligator Hill trail head and make your way up the hill for roughly .1 of a mile until you hit a marker. Turn left at the sign and keep on the trail for another 1.3 miles. You will hit a scenic lookout called Islands Lookout which you can stop and get pictures at. From there you will...

Park your car at the Sleeping Bear Point Trailhead in Glen Haven, Michigan, once parked find your way to the sign for point of reference with the map. You'll find that the Ghost Forest Trail is a 2.8 mile loop. You can start the loop at the trailhead which is near the bathroom, or at the sign whe...