Often times, we are asked, “What is there to do in your area?” It’s hard to answer that because there is SO much to do and it obviously depends on what you’re most interested in doing. Do you love hiking, biking, golfing, skiing? Do you love touring historical sites? Do you love enjoying fine dining and wineries? Do love just sitting on the beach and enjoying the views? On this page, we hope to help you plan at least a small list of things to do/see/experience while you’re in our beautiful area.

Good Morning America Viewers voted the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore as the Most Beautiful Place in America–and we agree! There are miles of trails to hike (Pyramid Point, Windy Moraine, and Empire Bluffs are Visit Up North staff favorites!), beautiful sandy beaches (make sure to check out Good Harbor and Glen Haven), the The Sleeping Bear Point Coast Guard Station Maritime Museum, drive up high above the dunes on the Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive, and, of course, climb the mammoth face at the official Dune Climb. This just scratches the surface of things to enjoy within the National Lakeshore. Looking for something specific? We can help.

Bon Appetit, Midwest Living, and Livability magazines have all voted Traverse City one of the top “foodie,” towns in the USA. Combine that with the amazing wine country (two peninsulas with dozens of wineries!), if you like to indulge, this is a great spot to do so. Take a self guided foodie tour to enjoy everything from bread, to beer, to chocolate. Both the Leelanau and Old Mission Peninsulas both have many wineries to offer.

Fore! Michigan’s Golf Coast has been voted one of the top 10 golf destinations in the USA. With golfing available for about 7 months of the year (depending on this Michigan weather), plan a trip to play a different course (or two) each day. We can help you plan your best golf itinerary depending on where you’re staying.

Don’t think we’re just a summer destination. Every season has something to offer. In the Spring, the cherry blossoms and Trilliums are must sees as you take scenic drives. And, morel hunters love to try to find those secret spots where they can get their fill of those tasty mushrooms. In the Fall, the foliage colors are spectacular. Plan at least a full day to have a thorough color tour. And, in the winter…

Yes, we have skiing! Cross country and downhill. Head to Crystal Mountain or The Homestead (we have rentals in and near both resorts) for lots of winter fun. Feeling adventurous? Strap on the snow shoes or cross country skis (rentals are available) and head onto one of the Sleeping Bear Dunes trails or VASA trail. Or, if you’d like, simply stay inside with your cup of hot cocoa, toes by the fire!

And, speaking of the outdoors, if you love biking, hiking, and jogging, there are miles and miles of trails in our area. Paved, unpaved, through the towns, or through the woods. The Traverse Area Recreation Trailsoffers trails throughout the Leelanau and Traverse City areas. Bring along your doggie to give them a workout too.

Shop ’til you drop! If shopping is your thing, there are many quaint downtown areas offering fun shops to pick up one of a kind gifts, clothing, art, and more. Elk Rapids, Suttons Bay, Glen Arbor, and (of course) Traverse City offer blocks of shops to find those perfect items.

When all else fails–drive until the map turns blue! Wherever you are in northern Michigan, you are only 5 minutes to a body of water. Kayak or Canoe the Platte, Crystal, or Boardman Rivers. Plan a day on one of the gorgeous inland lakes boating, swimming, or fishing. Big and Little Glen Lakes, North and South Lake Leelanau, Long Lake, Silver Lake–these are all popular. But, don’t forget to visit the smaller (just as nice) lakes like Lime Lake, Little Traverse Lake, and Lake Skegemog. And, they don’t call it a Great Lake for nothing. Lake Michigan and its Grand Traverse Bays boasts miles of sandy beaches and sunsets that will take your breath away.