Grand Traverse: Nature, Trails and Culture by the Water

Grand Traverse combines expansive nature, trails by the water, culture and special culinary experiences. More than 1,600 acres of parkland and 20 miles of trails offer a variety of options for planning your days. In addition, there are the shores of Grand Traverse Bay, river landscapes, museums, concerts and wine tastings. If you are looking for a vacation rental for a varied stay, it is therefore worth first asking which experiences you want to define your trip.

Trails, Shores and Natural Areas

The Maple Bay Natural Area covers 450 acres. Its hiking trails lead to 2,586 feet of shoreline along East Grand Traverse Bay. At the same time, it contains sensitive areas with several endangered plant species. The landscape therefore represents not only physical activity, but also a mindful encounter with nature.

For paved trails, the TART Trail is a good option. The corridor is 10.5 miles long and serves both urban transportation and recreation. At Boardman Lake, the southern starting point of the mostly paved Boardman Lake Loop Trail is located at Medalie Park. There, you can also rent bicycles or kayaks from The River Outfitters. Beitner Park on the Boardman-Ottaway River serves as a launch and take-out point for paddlecraft.

Shorter or more varied activities are also possible: Civic Center Park has a one-mile walking path. In the Natural Education Reserve, a network of trails extends across more than 500 acres in the Boardman-Ottaway River valley. The Vasa Pathway includes 3K, 5K, 10K and 25K loops and is suitable for cross-country skiing, hiking, mountain biking, running and walking, as well as snowshoeing. At the Grand Traverse Commons Natural Area, you can hike, cycle and cross-country ski year-round.

Culture, Concerts and Wine

Grand Traverse can also be explored through its cultural offerings. The Dennos Museum Center includes three changing exhibition galleries, a sculpture courtyard and an interactive Discovery Gallery. The Milliken Auditorium is a concert hall with 367 seats and hosts an annual concert series focusing on world music, jazz and blues. Several outdoor concerts take place at the Civic Center Park amphitheater during the summer.

A historical side is represented by The Village at Grand Traverse Commons, formerly the Traverse City State Hospital. An exclusive tour leads through a brick tunnel dating from 1883. The nature playground behind the center may also be of interest to families; an accessible path leads to a small amphitheater in the woods. The Grand Traverse Conservation District hosts summer camps, field trips and special classes there.

Culinary experiences are also part of the selection. Mari Vineyards offers guided wine tastings and curated wine flights. These are complemented by behind-the-scenes tours of the production facility and underground wine caves. A culinary wine experience combines a guided cave tour with a subsequent seated tasting and seasonal culinary creations. The National Cherry Festival, held annually in Traverse City, Michigan, adds another highlight to the events calendar.

Which Vacation Rental Fits Your Travel Plans?

The rhythm you want for your trip is a useful starting point when choosing your accommodation. Those who want to plan plenty of trails, waterfront landscapes and active days can make the natural areas and routes mentioned above the focus of their stay. Those who prefer culture, concerts and wine can orient their travel plans more toward museums, performances and tours. Families can combine nature experiences, the playground and events without making every vacation day the same.

For additional location options, you can also look at Traverse City and Fife Lake. For an overview of other destinations, Charlevoix County, Baraga County, Otsego, Ogemaw County, Clinton County and Delta County are also available.

For the higher-level travel overview: Michigan.