Top Theme Image
Top Theme Image

Luka & Lauren

August 9, 2025 • Traverse City, MI, USA

Luka & Lauren

August 9, 2025 • Traverse City, MI, USA

We hope that you make our wedding weekend into a relaxing trip to enjoy the beauty of Northern Michigan. We have curated a list of our favorite things to do in the area.


If you're staying for just 36 hours, you can also read

The New York Times: 36 Hours in Traverse City

HIKING

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

9922 W Front St, Empire, MI 49630, USA
(231) 326-4700
Gallery Photo 1

Empire Bluff Trail

Empire Bluff Trail, Honor, MI 49640, USA
(231) 326-4700

One of our favorites due to the beautiful view seen above. This is a mild to moderate hike that is family friendly, with arguable one of the best views in all of Northern Michigan - well, we would argue that.

Clay Cliffs Natural Area: The Leelanau Conservancy

4755 N Manitou Trail, Leland, MI 49654, USA
(231) 256-9665

This trail is very private and it's unlikely to see many hikers. It offers a beautiful view of Lake Michigan and Manitou Islands.

Pyramid Point Trailhead

Basch Rd, Maple City, MI 49664, USA
(231) 326-4700

You will see people doing the Pyramid Point dune climb. This part of the hike is only for experienced hikers.

BEACH

photo

Paddle from Empire Beach to the base of Sleeping Bear Dunes! It's a long paddle but worth it.

Empire Beach

11520 Lake Michigan Dr, Empire, MI 49630, USA

Good Harbor Bay Beach

Located in the northern part of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore at the Lake Michigan end of County Road 651. Going north from Glen Arbor, turn left onto CR-651. Parking is available in the lot and along the roadside.

Mission Point Lighthouse

20500 Center Rd, Traverse City, MI 49686, USA
(231) 645-0759

Although this can be a beach spot, it's more so known for observing the lighthouse and coming here for sunset. The Light House sits on the 45th parallel - so 1/2 way between the equator and the North Pole. If you're lucky, you may also see the Northern Lights from here!

Torch Lake Sandbar

Rapid City, MI 49676, USA

Torch Lake is also known as the Bahama's of the MidWest, renowned for its crystal-clear turquoise waters and picturesque landscapes. We recommend renting kayaks or a boat from Luhr's Landing and then relax down the Torch River into the south end of Torch Lake - which is where the famous sandbar is located.

Glen Lake DNR Boat Ramp

7075 W Day Forest Rd, Empire, MI 49630, USA
(231) 334-7645

Esch Beach

Esch Rd, Honor, MI 49640

Pet friendly beach with beautiful views of Sleeping Bear Dunes with the Manitou Islands in the background.

Platte River Canoe Launch

5038 Platte River Trail, Honor, MI 49640, USA

BIKING

Leelanau Trail Cherry Bend Rd Trailhead

Leelanau Trail, Traverse City, MI 49684, USA
(231) 941-4300

Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail

Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail, Empire, MI 49630, USA
(231) 941-2324

VINEYARDS

Sip the Vino

Northern Michigan is known to have some of the best vineyards! The climate makes it the perfect spot. We highly recommend stopping at some vineyards. We have dedicated an entire tab to this Northern Michigan must.

EXPLORING

Glen Arbor

The quaint town of Glen Arbor, nestled among the Crystal River, the Glen Lakes and Lake Michigan, is a family favorite. There is plenty of outdoor recreational activities and boutique shopping this this town.

Historic Fishtown

203 W River St, Leland, MI 49654, USA
(231) 256-8878

Farmers Market

Between Cass and Union Streets, Traverse City, MI, 49684

Traverse City offers a lovely farmers market on 7:30 AM to noon on Saturdays & 8:00 AM to noon on Wednesdays.

Suttons Bay

Explore the artsy & quaint Suttons Bay. This year ‘round coastal village has a quality all its own…specialty shops, galleries, unique dining experiences, vineyards, historic inns, and family beaches.

Day Trip to Petoskey

Petoskey is about a little over an hour drive from Downtown Traverse City Bay. It is known for it's natural beauty, million-dollar sunsets, historic Gaslight Shopping District, and of course, Petoskey Stone hunting.

Day trip to Mackinac Island

Mackinac Island, MI 49757, USA

Explore the Grand Hotel including the gardens. Bike around the island. Hike Arch Rock. Eat Fudge.