Things to Do in Northwest Michigan in 2025

Photo provided by Pure Michigan/Rob Strong

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Most popular activities in Northwest Michigan

Tours & day trips

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Guided Sightseeing Cruise on West Grand Traverse Bay

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Private & custom tours

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NON BUS 4 Winery Traverse City Wine Tour on Old Mission Peninsula

Free cancellation available

Cruises & boat tours

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Sunset Sail from Traverse City with Food, Wine & Cocktails

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Holiday & seasonal tours

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NON BUS Traverse City Old Mission Peninsula 4 Winery Tour

Free cancellation available

What to do in Northwest Michigan

Discover the most popular places to visit in Northwest Michigan

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

5/5(309 reviews)

Spectacular sand dunes loom over the deep blue waters of Lake Michigan at this national park, where the rivers run clear and the forest rings with birdcalls.

So many options! Choose your own toppings. Can you tell maple bacon is my favorite? I believe this is a franchise from Pittsburgh. There are two locations in Michigan - Portage and Traverse City.

Front Street

4.5/5(722 reviews)

During your visit to Traverse City, you can browse for the perfect souvenirs at Front Street. Stroll along this family-friendly area's beaches, or simply enjoy its restaurants.

Touristy but cute grouping of old fishing shacks and docks near Leelanau.

Historic Fishtown

4.5/5(39 reviews)

You can learn about the history of Leland with a trip to Historic Fishtown. You can enjoy the restaurants while in the area.

Glen Lake

4.5/5(81 reviews)

Commune with nature and explore the great outdoors at Glen Lake during your travels in Glen Arbor. You can enjoy the restaurants while in the area.

In use from 1870 until 1933 this is yet another light house along the shores of Lake Michigan.

Mission Point Lighthouse

4.5/5(160 reviews)

You can learn about the history of Traverse City with a trip to Mission Point Lighthouse. Stroll along the area's beautiful beaches or experience its lively festivals.

Crystal Mountain

4.5/5(61 reviews)

Hit the slopes in Thompsonville with a visit to Crystal Mountain. Stroll along the lakeside or discover the area's mountain views.

Traverse City Beach

Why not spend a lazy afternoon at Traverse City Beach during your trip to Traverse City? Discover the area's lively festivals, or seek out its local tours.

Turtle Creek Casino

4/5(159 reviews)

Why not roll the dice with a visit to Turtle Creek Casino during your travels in Williamsburg? Stroll along the area's beautiful beaches or experience its lively festivals.

Traverse City State Park

4.5/5(263 reviews)

You can take time to visit Traverse City State Park during your travels to Traverse City. Wander the beautiful beaches in this family-friendly area.

Discover the most popular landmarks and neighborhoods in Northwest Michigan

Downtown Traverse City

If you're spending some time in Downtown Traverse City, Clinch Park Beach and Clinch Park are top sights worth seeing.

Slabtown

If you're spending some time in Slabtown, Lake Michigan and Grand Traverse Bay are top sights worth seeing.

Old Michigan state hospital. This tunnel was used for the steam pipes that heated all the buildings. They were similar tunnels that people use to go between the buildings in the winter. Read more https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Traverse_City_State_Hospital

Grand Traverse Commons

While visiting Grand Traverse Commons, you might make a stop by sights like Village at Grand Traverse Commons and Left Foot Charley.

Holiday Hills

If you're spending some time in Holiday Hills, Mt. Holiday Ski Area and Grand Traverse Bay are top sights worth seeing.

Indian Woods

If you're spending some time in Indian Woods, Front Street and Grand Traverse Bay are top sights worth seeing.

Duck Lake Peninsula

While Duck Lake Peninsula might not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Interlochen State Park and Kresge Auditorium.