The Traverse City area is home to beautiful, historic lighthouses. However, these structures were not built just for aesthetic purposes; they fulfilled a pivotal role in trade and commerce as Traverse City grew as a hub for lumber and agriculture in the 1800s. Let’s dive into the history of these landmarks, their design elements, and the best times to plan a visit.

^{The Crucial Role of Lighthouses for the Great Lakes}

The lighthouses of Northern Michigan were vital infrastructure, transforming the dangerously unpredictable Great Lakes waters into a functional commercial route. During the height of the late 19th-century Great Lakes shipping boom, the Traverse City area depended almost entirely on ships for exporting timber and importing critical winter provisions for Michigan residents.

Grand Traverse Lighthouse and Mission Point Lighthouse were established in 1852 and 1870, respectively, to combat the numerous shipwrecks caused by the treacherous currents of the Manitou Passage. These lighthouses served as "traffic lights" for the Great Lakes. These beacons provided mariners with the mathematical precision needed to fix their location, even through dense fogs and heavy lake-effect snowfall.

By improving safety standards and shipping costs for Michigan businesses, the lighthouses became a valuable economic asset for the growing communities around Grand Traverse Bay.

^{Mission Point Lighthouse: Overview & Design}

Mission Point Lighthouse, a prime example of the "schoolhouse" maritime architectural style, was finished in 1870. This design, favored by the U.S. Lighthouse Board, skillfully combined living quarters and the navigational tower. Its structure consists of a modest, wood-frame dwelling topped by a square wooden tower. This configuration allowed the keeper to move between their domestic duties and professional responsibilities without having to endure the harsh weather of the Old Mission Peninsula.

This lighthouse was equipped with a smaller lens, precisely calibrated to cast a fixed white light across the shallow, boulder-strewn waters of Grand Traverse Bay. Furthermore, the lighthouse's white exterior served a dual purpose: it protected the wood from corrosive lake spray and created a high-contrast "daymark" against the dark green cedar and pine forests, ensuring the point was a visible landmark for mariners even during daylight hours.

^{Grand Traverse Lighthouse: Overview & Design}

The Grand Traverse Lighthouse, also known as the Cathead Point Light, has guarded the northern entrance of the Manitou Passage since its establishment in 1852 and subsequent rebuilding in 1858.

Its architecture mirrors the "schoolhouse" design found at Mission Point, featuring a brick dwelling and tower integrated into a single structure. This design was crucial for keepers, allowing them to tend the light without having to brave the extreme weather outdoors.

A distinctive square tower, topped with a cast-iron lantern room, once housed a powerful fourth-order Fresnel lens capable of projecting light almost 15 miles across Lake Michigan. To provide an acoustic warning when dense lake-effect fog obscured the light, the station was renovated to add a robust fog signal building. Recognizable by its red roof and large metal trumpets, this separate structure utilized steam power and sound to guide passing ships when the light was not visible.

^{Local Legends & Ghost Stories}

The lighthouses of the Grand Traverse region have generated a substantial amount of local folklore, often centered on the "lingering presence" of former keepers. At Mission Point Lighthouse, visitors and staff have frequently reported inexplicable activity in the upstairs living quarters, including the sound of footsteps and the discovery of moved objects. These occurrences are normally attributed to the spirit of Sarah Lane, who served as an unofficial assistant keeper alongside her husband in the late 19th century. 

The Grand Traverse Lighthouse is known for its "phantom keeper" folklore. Visitors report smelling cherry pipe tobacco or hearing heavy boots on the stairs, even after the lighthouse’s lens became automated. Historians believe these legends reflect the original keepers' deep, solitary commitment and enduring psychological attachment to their life-and-death duty, a connection vital to the area's cultural identity.

^{Best Times to Visit to View the Lighthouses}

^{The best time to visit these historical lighthouses is from late May through October, when the towers are open. Photographers may prefer the less crowded "shoulder seasons" (late spring and early fall) for shots featuring blooming orchards or autumn foliage. Mission Point and Grand Traverse Lighthouses typically offer daily tours, with late afternoon "golden hour" photography opportunities. While museums close by November, except for special events, the parks are open year-round, offering a stark view of the isolation faced by 19th-century keepers.}

^{Stay at Grand Traverse Resort and Spa}

^{Grand Traverse Resort and Spa provides the ideal home base for exploring Northern Michigan's lighthouses. Its convenient location near these historic landmarks, along with a wide variety of accommodation options and excellent resort amenities, makes it the perfect destination for a scenic lakeshore getaway.}

Book Your Stay

Northern Michigan during the holiday season is nothing short of magical. With snow-covered forests, sparkling lights, and festive celebrations throughout the area, it’s the perfect place to enjoy a winter escape. Whether you’re dreaming of a cozy weekend by the fire or planning a getaway filled with great food, shopping, and outdoor adventures, Traverse City offers something for every type of traveler.

^{Traverse City During the Holidays}

December in Traverse City is packed with holiday cheer. Throughout the month, you’ll find festive pop-ups, seasonal markets, and family-friendly events around Traverse City and its neighboring communities. From the annual Holiday Tree Stroll to light shows and photos with Santa, there’s no shortage of ways to celebrate. Visitors can also enjoy holiday-themed performances, winery events, and special menus at local restaurants.

Explore Traverse City

^{Outdoor Holiday Adventures}

^{Northern Michigan’s natural beauty truly shines in the winter months, and outdoor enthusiasts will find no shortage of adventures in Traverse City. Nearby skiing and recreation areas offer downhill skiing, snowboarding, and tubing, while local trails are perfect for snowshoeing or cross-country skiing. You can even rent snowshoes and cross-country skis when you stay at the Resort. If you prefer a slower pace, take a scenic winter hike or simply enjoy the peaceful snow-covered landscapes that make this region so special.}

^{View Winter Activities}

^{Stay at Grand Traverse Resort and Spa’s Santa Suite}

For a holiday experience unlike any other, book a stay in the Santa Suite at Grand Traverse Resort and Spa. This festive family suite is fully transformed for the season, complete with holiday decor, cozy touches, and plenty of charm. It’s an unforgettable way to celebrate with loved ones.

Beyond the suite itself, the entire Resort is brimming with holiday spirit. Enjoy seasonal decorations throughout the lobby, browse holiday specials in The Gallery of Shops, treat yourself to a seasonal spa experience, or even add a Christmas tree to your room during your stay. With exceptional amenities and winter activities at your doorstep, Grand Traverse Resort and Spa is the ideal destination for a memorable holiday getaway.

Explore the Resort’s Holiday Happenings 

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If you’re visiting Northern Michigan in the fall, you’re in for stunning seasonal views. The rolling hills, scenic highways, and lakeside towns around Traverse City come alive with vibrant reds, oranges, and golds. Whether you’re staying at Grand Traverse Resort and Spa or exploring the region for the day, these nearby scenic drives highlight the very best of Michigan’s fall colors.

Peak color typically appears from mid to late October, depending on the weather, so plan your trip accordingly for the most vivid scenery.

^{Old Mission Peninsula}

^{Just a 15-minute drive from the Resort, Old Mission Peninsula offers some of the most breathtaking panoramic views in the region. The 19-mile drive along M-37 leads you north through rolling vineyards, orchards, and forests bursting with fall color. Plus, it’s all bordered by the shimmering waters of Grand Traverse Bay. Stop by local wineries such as Brys Estate, Chateau Chantal, or Mari Vineyards to sip local wines while overlooking the foliage-covered hills. If the weather’s mild, relax on a patio and soak up the crisp fall air before continuing north to the Mission Point Lighthouse for a quiet lakeside walk.}

^{M-22 Coastal Drive}

A trip to Northern Michigan isn’t complete without a drive on M-22. This 116-mile loop winds along Lake Michigan’s shoreline through charming small towns and wooded stretches full of color in the fall.  Stop in the charming towns of Suttons Bay, Northport, and Glen Arbor to shop local boutiques, enjoy a cozy lunch, or simply experience the charm of each spot. In the fall, this drive is arguably the best place to see fall colors in Michigan. 

^{If you’re interested in making the full trip along M-22, learn more about the route here.}

^{Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore}

^{Located right on the M-22 route, Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore combines dune landscapes with incredible fall foliage and lake views. Less than an hour from the Resort, it’s an easy day trip packed with beauty. Drive the Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive, a 7.5-mile loop featuring forested roads and panoramic overlooks. Stop at Overlook 9 and 10 for sweeping views of the dunes cascading into Lake Michigan.}

^{Leelanau Peninsula}

Also along M22, the Leelanau Peninsula is a beautiful drive of cute towns and scenic wineries. Stop through Suttons Bay, explore the Leelanau wine trail, or just enjoy the drive up the peninsula. 

^{One can’t-miss stop is Leland’s Fishtown, a historic fishing village tucked along the Leland River where it meets Lake Michigan. Known for its wooden shanties, fishing tugs, and smokehouses that line the docks, Fishtown is the perfect place for a day trip. Browse local shops, enjoy a sandwich from The Village Cheese Shanty, and walk to Van’s Beach for beautiful lake views before heading back.}

^{Surround Yourself in the Fall Foliage at the Resort}

^{No matter which route you explore, Grand Traverse Resort and Spa makes the perfect home base for a cozy fall getaway. Enjoy on-site dining, relaxing spa treatments, or a round of golf surrounded by color-changing trees. There’s no shortage of things to do in Traverse City in the fall when you stay at the Resort.}

^{Stay at the Resort}

One of the best ways to take in the true beauty of northern Michigan is to explore its many natural and paved hiking and bike trails, literally guiding you through (and to) some of the most pristine views and experiences in the world. 

From wooded explorations to wide-open spaces, through the city, the dunes and, of course, Lake Michigan, there is a trail perfectly suited for everyone from the solo adventurist to the family casually enjoying the day together. 

When most people think of hiking and biking in northern Michigan, they think of the summer and fall—with good reason, as it would be hard to find anything as beautiful as Traverse City at those times of year—but many trails are open year-round, allowing those who love winter recreation, like cross-country skiers, an exceptional experience. You should check before you go, though, just to make sure the trail you hope to traverse is open.

For beer and wine aficionados, northern Michigan is one of the best places to tour vineyards and breweries, with the revered-in-viticulture 45th parallel right there and a collection of breweries lauded for their creative (and hoppy) brewing.

^{Traverse City Hiking Trails}

We’ll start where many visitors to Traverse City start: Sleeping Bear Dunes National Park (it’s also known as the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, which became a national park in 1970). Miles of hiking trails, including the Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail and Pyramid Point Trail, take visitors to and through the dunes to some of the most stunning freshwater beaches in the world. 

The Miller Creek Nature Preserve is a great option for a walk through a forest, and the paved TART Trail gives you access to beaches, parks and restaurants over its 10.5 miles. The TART Trail is ideal for just about any non-motorized transportation and is frequented by walkers, joggers, bicyclists and in-line skaters.

^{Traverse City Bike Trails}

The TART Trail is a good place to start when looking at can’t-miss bike trails. For those who need bikes, rentals are available at multiple locations on and near the trail. Added to the TART Trail in 2022 is the Boardman Lake Trail, which gives cyclists four miles of paved, boardwalk and gravel paths through urban and wooded settings, as well as bridges over the Boardman/Ottaway River.

If you’re looking for a guided tour of the local trails, Grand Traverse Bike Tours and Paddle TC can help you out.

The Betsie Valley Trail in Benzie County has 27 miles for bicyclists to explore and several options to stop along the way to enjoy a spectacular view, find a meal at a local restaurant or visit one of the area’s wineries or breweries.

^{Traverse City Wine Tours}

The Traverse Wine Coast produces grapes and wines that are uniquely Up North. The Leelanau Peninsula American Viticultural Area (AVA) and Old Mission Peninsula AVA produce more than 60% of Michigan’s grapes and, as an aesthetic bonus, overlook Grand Traverse Bay. 

You can guide yourself through both areas, visit a wine-trail event or schedule a tour to take you through The Leelenau Peninsula Wine Trail or Wineries of Old Mission Peninsula and sample some award-winning wines. Wine-trail events and tours are held year-round.

^{Traverse City Breweries}

We could simply list several of the highly regarded breweries in Traverse City, but it’s much more satisfying to experience them. The quintessential Traverse City brewery tour is the TC Ale Trail, which supplies you with a passport to be stamped as you visit each of the area’s craft breweries.

If you want to combine your appreciation for craft beer with other fun outdoor activities, the Kayak, Bike & Brew Tour is a great idea for how to spend a day in Traverse City. The four-hour tour has you on bike trails, rivers and, of course, stops at three breweries. The TC Cycle Club is another great way to experience Traverse City while sampling its hoppy goodness.

^{Your Home Base: Grand Traverse Resort and Spa}

Knowing you have a relaxing, luxurious, amenity-rich place to return after a day of hiking, biking or touring the area’s wineries and breweries enhances your entire experience. Grand Traverse Resort and Spa is close to Traverse City trails and tours and is the perfect place to unwind. Book now to begin your northern Michigan experience.

Northern Michigan boasts some of the Midwest's most stunning beaches with pristine shorelines and picturesque lakeside towns. Ideal for swimming, sunbathing, or simply immersing yourself in nature, these beaches offer something for everyone. Let’s dive in and explore the beaches waiting for you up north.

^{Beaches Along Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore}

As one of the Great Lakes, Lake Michigan’s coastline is a treasure trove of charming beaches that perfectly blend serenity and rugged nature. Arguably, the most well-known spot is the beaches along the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Like the name implies, there are a number of beaches in the area that feature massive dunes, making for a beautiful backdrop as you enjoy the beach.

Popular spots like Esch Beach, North Bar Lake beach, and Good Harbor Beach are known for their crystal-clear waters, sweeping views, and natural beauty. These beaches offer a quintessential Northern Michigan experience, ideal for families looking to relax, explore, and soak up the scenery.

^{Best Family-Friendly Beaches in Northern Michigan}

Northern Michigan hosts a plethora of family-friendly beaches for all ages to enjoy. For families with younger children, we recommend Clinch Park in Traverse City. Kids can safely play in the calm waters of Grand Traverse Bay or have fun at the park’s playground. For added convenience, a snack bar and restrooms are also on-site.

^{A more adventurous family-friendly option is Traverse City State Park Beach. This beach not only offers a playground, but also sits alongside the scenic TART Trail—a great place to take a break and cool off during a family bike ride.}

^{Hidden Gem Beaches in Northern Michigan}

The surrounding region of Traverse City houses some lesser-known, yet beautiful beaches that can offer a more secluded getaway. One of these hidden gems is Peterson Road Beach, tucked away in the heart of Sleeping Bear Dunes. Peterson Road Beach is quiet with clear water for swimming and gorgeous views of the dunes. A fun way to end the day is to roast marshmallows on the beach! Just be sure to follow the park’s rules: keep the flames and embers away from vegetation and put the fire out with water once you’re done.

^{Slightly east of Traverse City at the end of Yuba Park Road is Sayler Park, located along East Grand Traverse Bay. This is the perfect beach for anyone looking for minimal crowds with maximum fun. This public beach has a volleyball net, a horseshoe pit, two grills, and playground equipment.}

^{Grand Traverse Resort and Spa’s Private Beach Access}

^{With its private beach access and other luxurious amenities, Grand Traverse Resort and Spa is truly paradise. The Beach Club offers exclusive access to the Resort’s private beach, an outdoor pool, and a convenient on-site snack bar. For thrill seekers, there are also watersport rentals from Blue Sky Rentals available to rent on the beach. Blue Sky Rentals offers jet skis, pontoon boats, kayaks, paddleboards, and water trampolines, so there is truly something for everyone.}

^{Bask in the Sun at Our Beach Club}

^{Grand Traverse Resort and Spa’s Beach Club is available for all Resort guests to enjoy. Private beach access, relaxing waves, watersport rentals, and sunshine await– all that’s left is for you to book your stay.}