Explore the Area
Michigan is filled with breathtaking places to explore, from scenic trails to sparkling lakes. One of our favorite things about hosting is sharing those incredible spots with our guests. Let us show you some of the must-see places that make Michigan so special! Some guests prefer to stay closer to home and others don't mind venturing a little further, so we've included travel times from the cabins for you!
Downtown Traverse City
Distance: 15 minutes • 9 miles
Traverse City is a lively destination nestled along Grand Traverse Bay, known for its annual National Cherry Festival featuring parades, air shows, and all things cherry. The charming Front Street shopping district offers unique boutiques, local shops, and galleries, while the city’s many wonderful restaurants serve up everything from farm-to-table cuisine to international flavors. With its vibrant events, delicious dining, and welcoming atmosphere, Traverse City is the perfect place to explore and unwind! If you enjoy antique shops, my favorite antique shop is Wilson's on Union Street!
Grand Traverse Commons (Historic Traverse City Asylum)
Distance: 21 minutes • 11.5 miles
The Village at Grand Traverse Commons is full of wonderful restaurants, shops and galleries and is a great way to spend a day. It's also one of the largest historic renovation projects in the country. This massive building was once the Traverse City State Psychiatric Hospital, that operated from 1881 to 1989! Since its closure, it has been renovated and repurposed to create this lovely shopping district. If you are a history buff, don't forget to take sign up for a tour of the building and its famous tunnels!
Old Mission Peninsula
Distance: 15 minutes • 9.1 miles
Old Mission Peninsula separates East and West Traverse Bay. It is home to a number of wineries and breathtaking views of both bays. Many people drive down the middle of the peninsula but turn off your GPS and meander along the shoreline to take in the gorgeous views! When my husband and I take this drive, I make him pull over at least 10 times to take pictures! Don't forget to stop by the tasting rooms of your favorite wineries while you're out here! Mission Point Lighthouse can be found at the end of the peninsula.
Mission Point Lighthouse
Distance: 34 minutes • 26.2 miles
Michigan is known for its great many lighthouses all along the lakeshore that used to help guide sailors in the dark. This lighthouse is at the tip of the Old Mission Peninsula. The beach is very shallow here, and there are pictures inside the gift shop of how the beach changes when the water is high and low.
Sleeping Bear Dunes
Distance: 43 minutes • 33.1 miles
A stunning natural gem along Lake Michigan’s shoreline, Sleeping Bear Dunes offers breathtaking views, hiking trails, and a chance to climb towering dunes. It is also home to my favorite beach (pictured here). This beach is accessible by parking at the Sleeping Bear Heritage Trailhead and then following the trailhead into the woods. When you emerge on the other side (less than a mile walk), you will be greeted with a beautiful Lake Michigan beach!
Fishtown (Leland Historic District)
Distance: 50 minutes • 35.6 miles
Leland's Historic District includes a fishing area known as Fishtown. Wood structures mostly built before 1930 line both sides of the Leland River that used to mostly be commercial fishing and smoking shacks. Today it is largely shops and restaurants though some fishermen still use the dock and structures for fishing today.
Mackinac Island
Distance: 2 hours 20 minutes • 119 miles
Step back in time on Mackinac Island, where no cars are allowed. Explore the island by bike or horse-drawn carriage, visit historic forts, and enjoy the famous fudge! You will need to take a ferry to the island. Drive time shown is 2 hours to Shepler's Ferry and a 20-minute ferry ride.
Tahquamenon Falls
Distance: 3 hours 18 minutes • 197 miles
These majestic waterfalls in the Upper Peninsula are a sight to behold. Enjoy hiking trails, scenic views, and the calming sounds of rushing water. If you're feeling pretty adventurous, the hike between the lower and upper falls is about 4 miles and is a must-see while you're there!