Run down to the bottom of the dunes, and then crawl your way back up!

A little out of the way, but definitely worth the trip if you take an extra day (or night!).

A great city with plenty to see and do. Make sure you check out their visitor website for all the details (There are just too many options for us to list them all here). It is just 30 minutes away from the reception!

Not only do they offer mini-golf, but you can also go zip lining, drive bumper boats, and drive go-carts. This is less than a mile east of the Hampton Inn in Traverse City.

There are several ice cream shops in Traverse City. This is less than a mile from the church. The wedding party will likely be stopping here for a celebratory ice cream treat after the ceremony.

Located on the northern tip of southern Michigan this is one of the oldest lighthouses on the Great Lakes. There is an admissions fee.

This decommissioned lighthouse offers visitors a glimpse into the life of a light keeper. Self guided tours are offered. There are is also a gift shop and several hiking trails.

This portion of Michigan is known for its cherries. This store, just minutes from the Homestead Resort, offers over 200 cherry products to sample and purchase. It also offers wine tastings and has a cafe.

This portion of Michigan is also known for its wine. There are several great options to check out.

Traverse City offers several great options regardless of whether you are a looking for great cup of coffee in the morning or just want to relax for a while in between activities.

This could be a fun, relaxing, and family friendly activity to do before the wedding. The market is open Wednesday and Saturday mornings.

If you are driving around the southern end of Lake Michigan this would be a fun way to break up the drive. The city embraces its Dutch heritage and attractions include several windmills, Nelis' Dutch village, Big Red Lighthouse, Holland State Park, and Tunnel Park Beach

This would require an extra day or two. But we are only a few hours and a boat ride away from beautiful Mackinac Island. There are many attractions here including horse-drawn carriage rides and the Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse. Additionally, Sunday is the last day of the world famous Mackinac Fudge Festival (https://www.mackinacisland.org...).

There are several attractions as you drive from Chicago to Traverse City along the eastern coast of Lake Michigan. Here is a potential tour of the parks and lighthouses during this trip. (Cities are italicized)

- New Buffalo : This city has has two great parks: Warren Dunes State Park and Galien River County Par.

- St Joseph : While you are here you can see the North Pier Outer and Inner Lighthouse as well as visit the beautiful Silver Beach County Park.

- South Haven and Saugatuck : Both of these cities allow you to visit the great Michigan sand dunes and lighthouses. South Haven has the Van Buren State Park and the South Pier Head Light (lighthouse). Saugatuck has the Saugatuck Dunes and the Kalamazoo River Lighthouse.

- Grand Haven : Grand Haven offers several attractions including the Grand Haven State Park and Beach, the Grand Haven Boardwalk, and two lighthouses.

- Muskegon : If you want to stretch your legs, the Pere Marquette Park Beach is a great stop.

- Ludington : There are several options here including the Sterns Park Beach, Ludington State Park Beach, the North Breakwater Lighthouse, and Big Sable Point Lighthouse.

A map of these locations is shown.