YEAR-ROUND OUTDOOR PURSUITS.
It’s not exactly a secret that the Grand Traverse Region offers unparalleled options for outdoor recreation in all four seasons. For residents not bound to weekends and vacations, the options are endless.
“Best Staycation in all 50 states” – Tripsavvy
Traverse City residents, Haley & Sam, relocated to northern Michigan after years living in Hawaii. Hear from them about what they love about living here, and how they appreciate the seasons living on the shore of Lake Michigan.
Many – but not all – Regional recreational resources
The TART Trails network currently consists of several multi-use trails in Grand Traverse and Leelanau counties as well as a cross-town bike route
The Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy has protected more than 44,000 acres of land and 140 miles of shoreline along the region’s exceptional rivers, lakes, and streams.
Miles of sand beach, bluffs that tower 450’ above Lake Michigan, lush forests, clear inland lakes, unique flora and fauna make up the natural world of Sleeping Bear Dunes.
Explore our 28 natural areas and preserves, offering hiking, biking, paddling, skiing, snowshoeing, and more.
The City of Traverse City Parks and Recreation Division provides a wide array of park facilities and programs for its citizens and guests to enjoy, including the Hickory Hills Recreation Area.
The Grand Traverse County Parks and Recreation Network (PRN) is a network of partners that promote healthy lifestyles and an active community through the programs, parks, and places they manage.
Mt. Holiday, a nonprofit organization, provides four seasons of outdoor recreation.
The Traverse City Track Club promotes and encourages health, fitness, fellowship, community service, family recreation, and competition via running and walking. We welcome all ages and abilities.
Norte is dedicated to building stronger, better connected, and more walk/bike-friendly communities by empowering the young and young at heart.
The mission of Vasa Ski Club is to promote
access and enjoyment of Nordic skiing through
instruction, recreation, and community.
The Grand Traverse Ski Club is a volunteer-run, non-profit club dedicated to offering quality instructional ski and ski racing programs for skiers ages 5-14 at an economical price.
The Pit Spitters are the minor league baseball team of the Grand Traverse region. Based out of Traverse City, Michigan, the Pit Spitters play their home games at Turtle Creek Stadium in nearby Blair Township.
The Grand Traverse County Parks and Recreation site offers reservations, maps & directions, and information on senior centers, and more.
Wheels on Rails is an exciting new outdoor experience here in beautiful Traverse City, Michigan. Join for a one-of-a-kind 6 mile tour utilizing custom made Rail Bikes. The tours take place on out-of-service rail lines and run through the woods of southern Traverse City. They provide an opportunity to allow individuals, couples, and families to enjoy a new pedaling experience along Traverse City on existing rails, while making long lasting memories of this unique experience.
Traverse Area Community Sailing’s mission is to provide sailing opportunities for the Grand Traverse Region.
“The Best HIkes in the U.S.“ – Condé nast Traveler
MEET YOUR NAVIGATOR.
ROGER AMUNDSEN
My top tip? When you live here, you have to find a way to get outside and enjoy the snow. Winters here are both really magical and sometimes awful, and it helps to have a strategy.
I’M REALLY EXCITED ABOUT ALL THE WAYS TO GET OUTSIDE IN NORTHERN MICHIGAN. OVER WINTER, WE DO A LOT OF HIKING AND I LOVE THAT IT’S SOCIALLY ACCEPTABLE TO STAY IN AND BE COZY. IN THE SUMMER, YOU CAN CAN CATCH ME ON MY BIKE, TRAIL RUNNING, OR MORE OFTEN THAN NOT, SWIMMING.
Best outdoor hidden gem? Maple Bay Natural Area
FOUR SEASONS. LAKE EFFECT.
Photography by Allen Kent Photography and Sam & Laura Brown.
