Traverse City Itinerary for Groups

Take a Journey Through Traverse City’s Scenic Beauty and Cherry Delights

Traverse City is an ideal destination for groups. It is home to award-winning wineries, excellent eateries, hundreds of miles of hiking trails, historic lighthouses and, of course, some of the best cherries on the planet.

Enjoy These Great Traverse City Attractions and More

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
Glen Arbor
Cherry Republic
Old Mission Peninsula
Third Coast Fruit Company
Western Avenue Grill
Rove Winery

Traverse City Day-to-Day Itinerary

Day 1 of Things To Do in Traverse City

Possibly the most beautiful place in the United States awaits at the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. These dunes comprise 65 miles of the Lake Michigan shoreline and contain the largest freshwater dune system in the world. The tallest point is 450 feet tall soaring over Lake Michigan and the park was voted America’s Most Beautiful Place by Good Morning America viewers.

Start at the Visitor’s Center for an overview of the park with a ranger to learn the history and see the layout of the Park. A 26-minute video will inspire you to connect with the land and its people as well as gain a better understanding the importance of preservation.

If reserved and available, a guide (National Park Ranger or Sleeping Bear Tour Company guide) will escort you through the Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive which offers sweeping views of Lake Michigan and the Manitou Islands.

Glen Arbor is the home of the world headquarters of the Cherry Republic. Sampling of cherry products is encouraged and meal options are available. There is no charge to simply stop by and visit the gardens, sample, and shop, there is a nominal fee for winery tasting and ice cream. The Cherry Public House, Western Avenue Grill, and Boonedocks are options for group or on-your-own meals.

If you need more activities on the trek back to Traverse City include stops at a Leelanau winery Rove Winery is right on the way, or a local farm stand, Gallagher’s Farm Market is a favorite – depending on the time of year.

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Day 2 Starts on Old Mission Peninsula

After breakfast at the hotel cherry blossoms, history, and lighthouse exploration await.

Take the beautiful drive north on Old Mission Peninsula. Dotted with cherry trees, lavender farms, and vineyards, it is a one-of-a-kind jewel of Northern Michigan. At the tip of Old Mission Peninsula, you can visit the Old Mission Lighthouse and walk along the beach. The lighthouse was built in 1870 to warn ships away from the dangerous shoals extending into Grand Traverse Bay at the tip of Old Mission Peninsula.

Visit the Village of Old Mission where it all began with a historical tour of the Doughtery Mission House. Lunch is available at the Peninsula Grill, Jolly Pumpkin Restaurant, Brewery & Distillery, or order box lunches from the Bad Dog Deli to eat al fresco at Bowers Harbor Park.

A visit to Third Coast Fruit Company will bring you up close and personal with the cherry blossoms and an opportunity for photo ops with these gorgeous beauties. This sixth-generation family farm offers a wide variety of cherries, seasonal local fruit, and donuts. They also offer lunch at the farmhouse, step-on historical farm tours, and full in-the-field farm tours.

Round out the day with a winery visit and tasting – if you want an extra special event, book a wine-pairing dinner at Chateau Chantal.

Group meal options are available, please give Marlene a call at 231-525-0558.

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Day 3 End the Tour on a Beautiful Note

After breakfast at the hotel a stop at the Music House Museum will round out your tour on a beautiful note.

Recognized by Forbes.com as one of the ten reasons to visit Michigan’s Lower Peninsula, the Music House Museum offers a unique collection of instruments that provide guests with a walk through the history, the artistry, and the engineering of automated music. In the museum, the 1922 Theofiel Mortier Dance Organ is called the “Amaryllis” and is named by its builder for the flower pictured in the topmost panels in his eldest daughter’s hair. Be sure to look for it.