Can I be honest with you for a sec?

At a very young age, I didn’t love where I lived. And I’m not talking about my house or the family, friends, and people in my circle. I’m talking about the state.

Michigan.

Growing up in the Great Lakes State left me longing for more. More sun. More summer. More adventure. Mountains. Palm trees. Skyscrapers. City life. And stuff I only read about in books.

After spending the first 30 years of my life in Michigan, I made a drastic move to Florida, where I lived for five years. And then, God led me to Tennessee where I’ve lived for the past seven years now. Both Florida and Tennessee suited me well, and (never say never, but) lets just say that I don’t ever see myself moving back to the Midwest.

Still, I can’t deny that Michigan is a beautiful state. It only took me moving away to begin acknowledging this truth. But it wasn’t till our recent trip to Northern Michigan and the Upper Peninsula that I can say with complete sincerity that my home state is a hidden gem—in three of the four seasons. (Sorry, winter!)

So, let’s talk about the trip. If a visit to Michigan isn’t on your list, it should be. And if it is, I’m here to help.

Keep reading for must-see spots in the Traverse City area, located in the northwest part of Michigan’s Lower Peninsula.

CLICK HERE for my top Upper Peninsula recommendations.

Unique Airbnb Rental Near Traverse City Michigan

We stayed in this dome house, about 15 minutes from Glen Arbor and Sleeping Bear Dunes. If stairs don’t scare you, this hidden gem of a rental property is for you. Nestled in the woods, the home was peaceful and remote, yet still close to town and the stunning Lake Michigan shoreline. We also enjoyed a beautiful view of Glen Lake from the second floor deck.

Why You Should Visit Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

Imagine an ocean, desert, coastal cliffs, and a pristine forest all in one place—and that’s Sleeping Bear Dunes.

For $25 per private vehicle (or an America the Beautiful—the National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass), you get access to all of the above along the northwest coast of Michigan’s Lower Peninsula. If you do need to buy a pass at the gate or online before you arrive, it’s valid to use for seven consecutive days.

Read more about the various pass and fee options here.

Highlights of Sleeping Bear Dunes include:

• 450-foot sand bluffs
• The Dune Climb
• 7-mile Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive
• Sleeping Bear Dune Lake Michigan overlook (stop #10 on the scenic drive)
• Several hiking trails

I’ve visited plenty of national parks and recreation areas, and truly, this is one of the most unique I’ve experienced!

THE TRAVEL ESSENTIALS I NEVER LEAVE HOME WITHOUT

*This is an Amazon Affiliate link. If you click and purchase, I earn a small commission.

Best Towns to Visit in Northwest Michigan (Lower Peninsula)

While there is PLENTY to do in Northern Michigan, these are my top three locations — all within easy driving distance of our Airbnb and Sleeping Bear Dunes. Each place is perfect for an afternoon adventure or a full day trip.

Leland “Fishtown” Michigan

Leland is a historic town located on the Leelanau Peninsula between Lake Michigan and Lake Leelanau.

When researching places to stay in the area, we considered Leland as our home base. One look at Falling Waters Lodge and you’ll see why. Unfortunately, there were no apartments available for our specific dates, so be prepared to book well in advance during peak season.

We spent a full afternoon in Leland, exploring the Fishtown district along the river and the shops along the town’s main street.

Petoskey Michigan

I wish we had more time to explore this picturesque Lake Michigan town. We stopped for lunch on our way to the Upper Peninsula, and the charming shops and lakeside parks were calling my name. Petoskey is definitely on my list for next time—along with the goal of finding my own Petoskey stone.

Charlevoix Michigan

This trip did not include a stop in Charlevoix, but we drove through and I was intrigued.

Situated on a small stretch of land between Lake Michigan and Lake Charlevoix, this historic town features a lighthouse and pier, a popular beach, boat tours on Lake Charlevoix, and a ferry to Lake Michigan’s Beaver Island.

Petoskey and Charlevoix are only 17 miles apart, too, making it easy to experience both towns in one trip.

Traverse City Michigan

Traverse City is the largest “city” in the northwest part of the Lower Peninsula. If you’re looking for chain restaurants, major grocery stores, and generally more options for food and shopping, this is where you’ll want to go.

If you prefer to fly into the area, Traverse City is also your best option with Cherry Capital Airport (TVC) just two miles outside the city.

Of course, Traverse City is not entirely commercialized. We drove there for dinner one night, and the historic downtown near Grand Traverse Bay felt quaint and inviting on a random Monday night.

Hidden Gem Beach on Lake Michigan

Bohemian Road Beach on Good Harbor Bay.

Sleeping Bear Dunes aside, this off-the-beaten-path beach is a must if you want a peaceful, unspoiled experience without the crowds.

Bohemian Road dead-ends into a small parking area with easy (and free) access to the beach.

The water near the shoreline is crystal clear, revealing smooth, rounded rocks and pebbles beneath the shallow waves.

Stones of various sizes are also littered along the beach, making it ideal for rock hunting. Unfortunately, I didn’t find a Petoskey stone, but this is a known spot for finding them in the wild.

And you can’t beat the panoramic views across Lake Michigan!

In case you missed it above, I also recapped our time in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan during the second half of our trip. Read about our U.P. experience here.