City Guides: Things to do While Boating in Traverse City, Michigan
With stunning landscapes and a wide array of attractions and outdoor recreation, Traverse City has established itself as a sought-after destination for boaters and travelers seeking a perfect mix of relaxation and exploration from private boat dock rentals. Located on Grand Traverse Bay on Lake Michigan, Traverse City is northwest of Bay City, which is situated along Lake Huron.
Let’s dive into things to do in Traverse City.
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
Photo: Anne Hornyak/Wikimedia/CC by SA 2.0
Traverse City is synonymous with natural beauty. The city is surrounded by lush forests, rolling hills, and the crystal-clear waters of Lake Michigan. One of the crown jewels of the area is Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. These towering sand dunes, overlooking Lake Michigan, provide awe-inspiring vistas and thrilling opportunities for hiking, sandboarding and capturing stunning sunsets. The Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive, within the park, takes visitors on a journey through dense forests, sand dunes and panoramic views.
National Cherry Festival
Photo: National Cherry Festival/Facebook
Traverse City proudly bears the title of "Cherry Capital of the World.” The region's fertile soil and temperate climate create the perfect conditions for cherry orchards to thrive. Every July, the National Cherry Festival takes over the city with a week-long extravaganza. Visitors can indulge in cherry-themed treats, watch parades and enjoy live entertainment. For a more immersive experience, several local orchards offer cherry-picking activities, allowing visitors to pluck the ripest fruit straight from the trees. This is a super fun event for the whole family to enjoy from private boat slips for rent.
Wineries and Breweries
Photo: Filling Station Microbrewery/Facebook
The area surrounding Traverse City boasts a burgeoning wine scene with numerous wineries producing world-class vintages. The Old Mission Peninsula and Leelanau Peninsula are home to a variety of wineries offering tastings against the backdrop of sprawling vineyards and stunning lake views.
Beer enthusiasts won’t be disappointed either, as Traverse City has a thriving craft beer scene. With a multitude of microbreweries and taprooms, visitors can savor a diverse range of handcrafted brews at locations such as The Filling Station Microbrewery, Silver Spruce Brewing Company and Fresh Coast Beer Works.
Art Galleries and Museums
Photo: Dennos Museum Center/Facebook
Traverse City's cultural scene is as vibrant as its natural surroundings. The city is home to various art galleries, studios and theaters that showcase local talent. The Dennos Museum Center, located on the campus of Northwestern Michigan College, features an impressive collection of Inuit and Native American art, as well as contemporary exhibitions of paintings, sculpture and photography.
Outdoor Recreation
Photo: Ginothewall30/Wikimedia/CC by SA 3.0
Outdoor enthusiasts will find Traverse City to be a playground of opportunities to experience from private boat lift rentals. Whether it's boating on Grand Traverse Bay, fishing on the numerous lakes and rivers or hiking through the expansive network of trails, the city caters to a wide range of outdoor pursuits. During the winter months, the area transforms into a snowy wonderland, inviting visitors to partake in activities such as skiing, snowboarding and snowshoeing.
The next time you’re looking for things to do from private boat docks for rent near Traverse City, take a look at our list. Let us know your favorites!
