Things To Do
Good Harbor Bay Beach
One of the most beautiful beaches in all of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. The beach has a long sandy shoreline, and just a short walk south is a warm stream running from the woods directly into Lake Michigan, great for wading after a cold dip in the lake. It is the kind of beach that makes you feel like you found something most people drive right past. If you are attending Friday's event on Bodus Road in Cedar, Good Harbor Bay is only about 10 minutes away.
Empire Bluff Trail
A relatively easy 1.5-mile hike with stunning views of Lake Michigan and the dunes. The trail ends at a wooden overlook perched above the water that's truly unforgettable. About 45 minutes from the resort.
Van's Beach
A public sugar sand beach right in downtown Leland, just past Van's Garage at the end of Cedar Street. One of the more unique beaches in Michigan, known for Leland Blue, a rare blue slag stone found nowhere else in the world. Pair it with a stop at Fishtown right around the corner for a perfect afternoon in Leland.
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is the hallmark attraction of Northern Michigan. Sand dunes tower 460 feet above Lake Michigan. Voted the "Most Beautiful Place in America" by Good Morning America viewers. There is something here for every age and energy level. The Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive offers 12 overlook stops with no hiking required, the Dune Climb is a favorite for kids and adults alike, and trails like Empire Bluffs and Pyramid Point deliver some of the most stunning lake views in the Midwest.
Historic Fishtown
A collection of weathered fishing shanties, smokehouses, overhanging docks, fish tugs and charter boats along the Leland River, one of the last working commercial fishing villages on the Great Lakes. Free to walk through, about 40 minutes from the resort. OH, and don't forget to stop by Trish's Dishes, our favorite breakfast and lunch spot for the most delicious paninis you'll ever taste!
Downtown Traverse City
Front Street offers shopping, restaurants, art galleries, and the historic State Theater, lined with souvenir shops, surf shops, and artisan boutiques with Michigan-made goods. Easy to spend a full afternoon here wandering between shops, grabbing food, and ending the night at one of the waterfront restaurants. Everything is walkable and right in the heart of the city. Be sure to grab an Old Fashioned at Grand Traverse Distillery, Michigan's oldest grain-to-bottle craft distillery, known for its Cherry Vodka and Cherry Whiskey made with locally grown Montmorency tart cherries from the Leelanau Peninsula.
Bonobo Winery
Stunning views of West Bay from the patio, one of the most beautiful settings on the whole peninsula. A great first stop for guests experiencing Michigan wine country for the first time. Enjoy the beautiful drive down Old Mission Point, passing all of Northern Michigan's best wineries.
Brys Estate Vineyard & Winery
A secret garden with over 6,000 lavender plants, stunning East Bay views, and an upper deck perfect for a charcuterie board and a glass of wine. Don't miss the famous Frosé on a warm day, it's worth the trip alone. Just a 5-minute drive north of Bonobo Winery.