Traverse City, Michigan
Top Spots in and near Traverse City
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Traverse City, Michigan
Whiskey Blending at Mammoth Distillery
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 ...Read more -
Traverse City, Michigan
Fat Tire Biking on the Vasa Pathway
10 miIf 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 ...Read more -
Maple City, Michigan
Paddle Glen Lake
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...Read more -
Traverse City, Michigan
Mission Point Lighthouse
0.2 miMission 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...Read more -
Traverse City, Michigan
Hike Old Mission Peninsula Park
6 mi / 183 ft gainAt 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...Read more -
Leland Township, Michigan
Paddle Board Lake Michigan from Leland Harbor
5.0For 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...Read more -
Leland, Michigan
Camp on South Manitou Island
5.0South 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...Read more -
Kingsley, Michigan
Hike the Rollways on the North Country Trail
4.03 miPark 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 ...Read more -
Maple City, Michigan
Hike Pyramid Point Trail
4.32.8 mi / 570 ft gainBeginning 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.Read more -
Maple City, Michigan
Winter Hike Pyramid Point Trail
2.8 mi / 570 ft gainThe 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...Read more -
Empire, Michigan
Drive the Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive
5.0A seven mile drive that offers views that are unbelievable. There are twelve stops along the way that correspond with an interpretive guide that is found at the beginning of the drive. The drive takes you through multiple landscapes. The points of interest are as follows:1. Covered Bridge2. Glen...Read more -
Empire, Michigan
Hike to Big Glen Lookout
5.04.4 miStart 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...Read more -
Honor, Michigan
Hike Empire Bluff Trail
5.02 miThis moderately hilly boardwalk hike takes you to scenic viewpoints above Lake Michigan. The Sleeping Bear Dunes do not fail to impress, particularly at sunset.Read more -
Honor, Michigan
Winter Hike Empire Bluff Trail
1.5 mi / 170 ft gainJust outside the village of Empire is where this venture starts. This hike may be the most famous hike in the area. The Empire Bluff Trail provides incredible views of the Sleeping Bear Sand Dunes, South Bar Lake and Lake Michigan! The hike is slightly hilly, and stays primarily in the trees. At ...Read more -
Glen Arbor, Michigan
Hike Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
4.43.5 miThere are two approaches to conquering the Dune Climb at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. You can run to the top (the preferred method for those under the age of 10). Or, you can slowly trek up the side of this seemingly vertical wall of sand, breathing and sweating heavily, cursing each l...Read more -
Empire, Michigan
Sleeping Bear Dunes Overlook
0.26 mi / 72 ft gainLocated along the Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive within Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, this lookout towers over Lake Michigan and provides sweeping vistas of the lake and the surrounding lakeshore and peninsula. After parking in the lot, head along the paved path to the overlook. Once the...Read more
Top Activities
Camping and Lodging in Traverse City
Buckley, Michigan
Traverse City KOA
Traverse City KOA is located in a heartwarming country setting only 15 miles from Traverse City, known as the Cherry Capital of the World...
Empire, Michigan
D.H. Day Campground
Overview
D.H. Day Campground is located in the northern district of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, on the lower peninsula of Mic...
Glen Arbor, Michigan
D.H. Day Group
Overview
D.H. Day Group Campground is a tent-only facility located in the heart of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, about one mile...
Honor, Michigan
Platte River Campground
Overview
Platte River Campground is located in the southern district of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, on the lower peninsula of...
Lake Township, Michigan
Gleasons Landing
Overview
Gleasons Landing is a very popular campground on the banks of the Pere Marquette River. With a selection of shaded and secluded ...
Leland, Michigan
South Manitou Group
Overview
South Manitou Group Campground is a tent-only backcountry facility on South Manitou Island in Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakes...