Elevated and panoramic view of the Sleeping Bear Dunes shoreline, with the dunes far in the distance.
Every travel destination in the world strives to brand themselves as ‘distinctive’, in one way or another. Today, travelers want EXPERIENCES – people want to do things! It’s a great advantage to be known for great beaches, or maybe outdoor activities/adventures, or perhaps art, food, and wine related experiences. When you are known to lead in multiple experience categories, you have the chance to achieve the greatest distinction that any “area” can earn – to be a leading vacation or retirement destination. The Sleeping Bear Dunes – Traverse City area is Michigan’s #1 vacation AND retirement destination, and exists on many Top 10 appearances nationally from beauty, family vacations, adventure and more. Earning this distinction clearly means that people prefer to spend their most precious time here over anywhere else in Michigan.
With over a century of experience hosting vacationing families, the surrounding area continues to welcome many of its regular guests. Now, they come via all means of transportation from all across the US and several countries. The plentiful activities, the engagement of the small town community, the unique mix of entertainment and events is what seems to bring everybody back. When you are a tourist, you are a spectator. When you vacation here, your are a participant, you are engaged. You can’t help but to feel connected to the community and all it has to offer and enjoy.
Here are a few ideas to add to your daily routine. Want more? See our Things To Do page.
Mornings
Spend your morning at a farm market or hiking/biking a trail. You may head to the water for a peaceful paddle or walk along the beach. Ever find a Petoskey stone?
Lunch
Explore one of the many food experiences the area has to offer. Fresh ingredients and the creative flare are abundant. Maybe you pack a picnic for the day’s adventure – or, have someone pack it for you.
Early Afternoon
There is something here for everyone: art, shopping, and exploring. Or, you may prefer the adventure of a river trip (kayak or tube), hike the dune climb and adjoining trails leading to Lake Michigan.
Late Afternoon
Hit one of the beaches! Walk the beach, play in the water, tryout a paddle board or just relax. An outdoor concert on a mountain, atop of the dunes, in the park.
Early Evening
This is a great time to kick back and relax a little and enjoy some new discoveries and old favorites found at the morning’s farm market while you prepare dinner and share a few laughs from the day. Explore one of the area’s many entertainment options.
After Dark
Daylight lasts until 10pm from June into September, so there’s plenty of time after dinner to take in the sunset. Afterwards is time to enjoy a fire and gaze at more stars than you thought ever possible.The best advice I can give someone is; “Come, enjoy and make it your own.” This is a place with more ways of keeping yourself busy and eager to return than any other I’ve been to in the world. Explore! While it is great to learn that local knowledge and tips from the experienced visitors – there’s nothing like making your own discoveries.
All simple and best,
Gary Becker
Owner of Indigo Bluffs
Hi! The picture looks like Pyramid Point?! My name is Elbridge (Tom) Price. We spoke by phone today and I’m awaiting your email (From Kristin). Our family has had a very long presence in the Grand Traverse/Leelanau area. Our grandparents also vacationed at Watervale. And lived full-time on the Peninsula Drive, not too far from Bowers Harbor. Dad attended school at the Homestead… it was a dorm way back when. So… appreciate your website.
As soon as I found this site I went on reddit to share some of the love with them.