Chip’s guidebook to Northern Michigan
Activities
Awesome trails and nature center, including multiple boardwalk trails along Finch Creek & Grass River.
58 locals recommend
Grass River Natural Area
6500 Alden HwyAwesome trails and nature center, including multiple boardwalk trails along Finch Creek & Grass River.
Beautiful beach with play area for kids, walkable to downtown for shops and food
12 locals recommend
Veterans' Memorial Park
410 River StBeautiful beach with play area for kids, walkable to downtown for shops and food
One of the most stunning views within the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Enjoy the hike through the woods and pop out at a breathtaking view overlooking Lake Michigan and the Manitou islands.
93 locals recommend
Pyramid Point Trail
Basch RoadOne of the most stunning views within the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Enjoy the hike through the woods and pop out at a breathtaking view overlooking Lake Michigan and the Manitou islands.
A beautiful beach along the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore with a stream running into Lake MI. Swim in the lake or watch for warblers and Bald Eagles!
22 locals recommend
Esch Beach
Esch RoadA beautiful beach along the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore with a stream running into Lake MI. Swim in the lake or watch for warblers and Bald Eagles!
Hike through the woods and along the sand dune bluffs for some gorgeous views of the Sleeping Bear Dunes & Lake MI.
46 locals recommend
Empire Bluff Trailhead
Empire Bluff TrailHike through the woods and along the sand dune bluffs for some gorgeous views of the Sleeping Bear Dunes & Lake MI.
Walk around the historic and hauntingly beautiful Commons in TC. It used to be an expansive psychological hospital turned into shops, restaurants, and condos.
130 locals recommend
The Village at Grand Traverse Commons
1200 W Eleventh StWalk around the historic and hauntingly beautiful Commons in TC. It used to be an expansive psychological hospital turned into shops, restaurants, and condos.
Enjoy this accessible Up North city right on Little Traverse Bay. Walk the downtown, explore the harbor, and walk down the pier to enjoy a breathtaking sunset. Visit Bay Harbor for more shops and harbor views or Petoskey State Park for a beautiful beach experience.
130 locals recommend
Petoskey
Enjoy this accessible Up North city right on Little Traverse Bay. Walk the downtown, explore the harbor, and walk down the pier to enjoy a breathtaking sunset. Visit Bay Harbor for more shops and harbor views or Petoskey State Park for a beautiful beach experience.
Taste some wine on the rooftop looking over the beautiful Old Mission Peninsula
79 locals recommend
Chateau Chantal Winery and Inn
15900 Rue DevinTaste some wine on the rooftop looking over the beautiful Old Mission Peninsula
Grab some ice cream across the street at McDonald's and watch a beautiful sunset while the kids play in the sand or at the playground.
11 locals recommend
Bayside Park
5705 Munson AveGrab some ice cream across the street at McDonald's and watch a beautiful sunset while the kids play in the sand or at the playground.
Food scene
Traverse City
Delicious food scene, beautiful downtown, gorgeous waterfront
Little G's Fusion Cuisine
531 W Front StOne of our favorite restaurants in TC
The original Short's brewery in the quaint downtown of Bellaire. Enjoy some brewpub fare and walk to ice cream afterwards!
207 locals recommend
Short's Brewing Company Bellaire Pub
121 N Bridge StThe original Short's brewery in the quaint downtown of Bellaire. Enjoy some brewpub fare and walk to ice cream afterwards!
Brasserie Amie
160 East Front StreetOne of our favorite restaurants in TC!
Visit the cute little downtown of Petoskey and stop in to Roast & Toast for a cup a joe & a delicious sandwich, then walk down to the harbor for a beautiful view of Little Traverse Bay
30 locals recommend
Roast & Toast
309 E Lake StVisit the cute little downtown of Petoskey and stop in to Roast & Toast for a cup a joe & a delicious sandwich, then walk down to the harbor for a beautiful view of Little Traverse Bay
A good brewpub in downtown Elk Rapids. Go out to dinner and then enjoy a stunning sunset over Grand Traverse Bay.
20 locals recommend
Cellar 152
152 River StA good brewpub in downtown Elk Rapids. Go out to dinner and then enjoy a stunning sunset over Grand Traverse Bay.
Seriously, treat yoself to some honey lavender ice cream. For reals. Just do it. You're welcome.
18 locals recommend
Milk & Honey
240 E Front StSeriously, treat yoself to some honey lavender ice cream. For reals. Just do it. You're welcome.
Apache Trout Grill
13671 S W Bay Shore DrSightseeing
Torch lake is one of the most beautiful lakes in the country. You gotta see it.
28 locals recommend
Torch Lake Sandbar
Torch lake is one of the most beautiful lakes in the country. You gotta see it.
Shalda Creek
Secluded beach with a beautiful creek on Good Harbor Bay
Leland, aka "Fishtown" on the Leelanau Peninsula. Explore the historic town, sample some fresh fish, and eat right on the water!
145 locals recommend
Leland
Leland, aka "Fishtown" on the Leelanau Peninsula. Explore the historic town, sample some fresh fish, and eat right on the water!
Tunnel of Trees
Michigan 119A must-do during as part of a Fall color tour