Summer Activities/Itinerary

Question

Grandparents have rented a home for five nights in the Traverse City area next July. We will be of course hanging out with family, but our immediate family with four young adults (24, 22, 20, 18) LOVE vacations with tons of things to do and little downtime. When they heard we were going to Traverse City, they were a little bummed as it seems boring to them, but I promised to find lots of things to fill their time. Can you possibly give me as many ideas as possible of things we can do while we are there? One day they would like to golf so the best golf course? One day I was thinking we could do a day trip to Mackinaw Island but not sure what to do when we get there. Of course the beach. Any and all things you can think of would be appreciated as they are the type that always ask...what's next? Also if possible an order/itinerary to how to fit things in? I know it's supposed to be a relaxing vacay but will only be for me if they have lots to do ;) Thank you!

Answer

Traverse City is a fantastic base for a summer vacation, and while it may seem “quiet” compared to big cities, there are plenty of activities to keep young adults busy and engaged. With five nights, you can mix outdoor adventures, water activities, golf, food and wine experiences, and a day trip to Mackinac Island for a varied and active itinerary.

Here are ideas and suggested order for your stay:

Day 1 – Arrival and Downtown Exploration: After arriving, spend some time exploring downtown Traverse City. Enjoy local shops, galleries, and coffee shops. For dinner, try a restaurant on Front Street or near the riverfront.
Day 2 – Beach and Water Activities: Spend the morning at Clinch Park Beach or West End Beach for swimming, sunbathing, or paddleboarding. In the afternoon, consider renting kayaks or stand-up paddleboards on the Boardman River or nearby lakes. Evening: Casual dinner downtown and perhaps a sunset walk along the waterfront.
Day 3 – Golf Day: For your golf-loving family members, book a tee time at Grand Traverse Resort & Spa – The Bear or The Wolverine Course, both highly rated courses with beautiful scenery. Non-golfers can enjoy the resort spa, indoor pool, or explore nearby local shops and wineries. Evening: Group dinner at the resort or nearby restaurants.
Day 4 – Day Trip to Mackinac Island: Drive to Mackinaw City (approximately 2.5 hours) and take the ferry to Mackinac Island. Once there:

Rent bicycles or take a horse-drawn carriage tour around the island to see historic sites, such as Fort Mackinac.
Sample famous Mackinac fudge at local shops along Main Street.
Walk along the shoreline trails or visit Arch Rock for scenic views.
Consider lunch at a local café and maybe an ice cream stop before taking the ferry back to the mainland.

Day 5 – Outdoor Adventure and Wine/Cider Tour: Consider a morning hike in Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore for stunning overlooks of Lake Michigan. In the afternoon, take a winery, brewery, or cider tour along the Old Mission or Leelanau Peninsula. These tours are scenic, educational, and offer tasting experiences suitable for adults over 21.
Day 6 – Leisure and Departure: Spend your last morning at a nearby farmers market, local boutique shopping, or a short hike along the Boardman Lake Trail before departing.

Additional activities and options to fill downtime or adjust the itinerary:

Paddleboarding or jet skiing on Grand Traverse Bay or nearby lakes.
Ziplining or adventure parks for thrill-seekers (some options are available in the region).
Fishing charters on Grand Traverse Bay or smaller inland lakes.
Biking trails around Traverse City or scenic drives along the Leelanau and Old Mission Peninsulas.
Summer festivals or outdoor concerts if they coincide with your visit.
Mini-golf or go-kart tracks for fun group activities.

Tips for a smooth trip:

Book golf tee times, Mackinac Island ferry tickets, and any winery or brewery tours in advance, especially for summer weekends.
Plan for early departures to maximize your time at popular destinations like Mackinac Island or Sleeping Bear Dunes.
Consider splitting activities to accommodate both active and more relaxed family members, allowing flexibility for everyone to enjoy their preferred pace.

In summary, with careful planning, Traverse City can be an active and engaging destination for young adults and families alike. Combining beaches, golf, outdoor adventures, winery tours, and a day trip to Mackinac Island provides a diverse itinerary with minimal downtime and plenty of memorable experiences.