Things to do in Traverse City, Michigan (MI): The Best Outdoor Activities

Traverse Area Recreation & Transportation (TART) Trails is a system of paved and dirt trails for walkers, hikers, bikers, skaters and skiers in Northern Michigan. Trails are open year-round and available for many users and uses. Many of the paved trails offer access to local breweries, wineries, coffeehouses, restaurants and other area attractions such as lakes, rivers and beaches. Many of the dirt trails offer world class mountain biking and hiking opportunities for users of various skill levels. Numerous area bike shops offer rentals for any type of technical or recreational riders. Dogs are also welcomed on the trails and must be leashed and cleaned up after.

We operate fishing charters around the greater Grand Traverse Bay area including fishing East and West Grand Traverse Bays. Fishing Lake Michigan from ports located in Leland and Frankfort. With over 15 years of professional fishing experience, we welcome families and anglers of all skill levels to enjoy and experience the waters that we have grown up boating and fishing on.

Sailing Yacht Scout will whisk you away on a luxurious private cruise for up to 6 guests. Sail the spectacular waters of Grand Traverse Bay for a few hours or take the whole day and head over the horizon. For added adventure, enjoy our overnight package; including 3 hr. sunset sail,

Join us aboard the 114' SCHOONER MANITOU as we ply the sparkling waters of Grand Traverse Bay. Sailing out of Traverse City, MI, Manitou offers four two hour sails per day. Help haul sail, take a turn at the wheel, or just sit bax and relax. During the month of September Manitou plies the waters of northern Lake Michigan and Grand Traverse Bay on four and five day windjammer cruises. Step back in time as we visit the islands, bays, and coastal villages of this magical region.

Sail with us and experience the beauty of West Grand Traverse Bay right from the water (bring your camera, these views are too good to miss!) Michele, our 37 foot Center Cockpit O’Day sailboat will take guests on a stable, safe ride combining the exhilaration of fresh air and waves on our deck with the sunshine up above. Whether you’re looking for something the whole family can enjoy or a romantic evening out for two, your sail on Michele is sure to be a memorable highlight. See some of the Bay’s most beautiful views up close and personal ~ it could be Old Mission Peninsula with its panoramic vineyards, the skyline of downtown Traverse City, or even one of the Cherry Festival’s concerts at open space! Our sailing excursions are consistently rated among the top things to do in Traverse City, and our thousands of happy guests can testify.

Flyboard TC is Northern Michigan's premier flyboard academy and dealer of Flyboards. Providing flyboard instruction/rental to newcomers, flyboard training, and sale of flyboards. Come enjoy the beautiful East and West Grand Traverse Bay while flying above the water on one of our Zapata Racing Flyboards.

Charter Fishing beautiful Traverse City, Michigan! Captain Brady Anderson has been fishing the waters of Traverse City his whole life. He truly enjoys taking each skill level of angler out daily, from the most seasoned of anglers to your first time! Offering three trips daily which times will change through the season generally 6am, noon, and 6pm are a good guide line. Traverse City offers fantastic fishing for Salmon, Trout, Steelhead, Brown Trout, and Cisco. All tackle is provided

Join us on our 31' Tiara on the shimmering Traverse City East Bay for the fishing adventure of your summer and tales you'll tell for a lifetime! The East Bay offers Lake Trout, Salmon, Brown Trout and Steelhead. Trip times adjust seasonally, but generally four hour excursions at 6:00 am, Noon, and 6:00 pm. Longer trips are available upon request. Nominated for Small Business of the Year 31′ Tiara with top of the line equipment Lake Trout, King Salmon, Brown Trout and Steelhead Four hour excursions at 6:00 am, Noon, and 6:00 pm Longer trips are available upon request Each charter can accommodate six clients and all experience levels All equipment, cleaning, pop/water, and a photo souvenir are included About the Captain A Traverse City native, Captain Adam Collett has fished the pristine wilderness lakes in Manitoba and Saskatchewan, the flats in the Florida Keys, and trout streams in Montana…even catfish in the Mississippi! But the waters of our beloved East Bay continue to capture his heart. Captain Collett is a adamant supporter of the Grand Traverse Area Sport Fishing Association. He applauds the GTASFA’s efforts in meeting with the DNR to help regulate responsible fishing. A reasonable limitation on total catches per year will allow a healthy and prolific fishery to continue for decades as well as protecting our waters from invasive species. Competitive by nature, Adam takes every charter trip as a personal challenge; yours will be no exception. A father of two, he takes particular delight in watching the spark in the eye of a child as he or she lands their first big fish. His goal is to teach the youngsters how to fish and love the water all while fishing safely and…with patience!

Helicopter Tours in Traverse City, Old Mission Peninsula, Sleeping Bear Dunes, Glen Lake, Glen Arbor, and more. Select one of our tour packages or create your own flight.

In the heart of Traverse City, on the shores of West Bay, Paddle TC sits, readying bikes, paddleboards and kayaks for your enjoyment. Paddle TC rents ‘people powered fun’ to encourage you to be outside, active and create lifelong memories as you enjoy the great expanse of Traverse City.