William Field Memorial Hart-Montague Bike Trail
The Hart-Montague Bike Trail consists of 22.5 miles of paved paths for biking, snowmobiling, skating and more!
West Arm of Grand Traverse Bay from high overlook of Old Mission Peninsula in the fall.
Any trip to Northern Michigan must include a visit to Old Mission Peninsula, situated between the west arm and east arm of Grand Traverse Bay. In June 2013, Old Mission Peninsula was voted one of the 10 Most Beautiful Coastal Drives in North America, and rightly so. With Traverse City set in the southern-most section, it’s an easy and enjoyable day trip up M-37 to the tip of the peninsula. At just 22 miles long, you have plenty of time to stop along the way at a local vineyard or restaurant.
With its position close to the 45th Parallel, this is one of the best regions for growing grapes, due to the climate and soil composition. Delicious varieties of Chardonnay, Riesling, Pinot Grigio, Pinot Noir, and Merlot are produced at the eight wineries along Old Mission Peninsula. Take a wine tour, complete with map and the types of wine produced at each winery.
Wineries Include:
The entire Old Mission Peninsula is beautiful, but be sure to stop at Old Mission State Park, in the upper tip. Here you can lie on the pristine beach, hike out to Old Mission Point Lighthouse, and just admire the amazing views. Charming inns can be found in this area, as well as historic buildings from the mid-1800s. Bowers Harbor features a brewery, antiques shop, deli, and various restaurants. Stop into a local food or farm market for the freshest fruits and vegetables…plus Michigan-made items. Driving around the peninsula is one way to travel…but don’t forget your bike! This is the kind of place where you can leisurely and safely ride from point to point while you enjoy the fresh air and views of Grand Traverse Bay.
Old Mission Peninsula–definitely a top destination in Northern Michigan.
The Hart-Montague Bike Trail consists of 22.5 miles of paved paths for biking, snowmobiling, skating and more!
Get some fresh air and exercise during those cold winter months when you hit the Pentwater Pathway for cross country skiing and snowshoeing.
Pere Marquette River, with it’s moderately fast current and clear water, is an extremely popular river for canoeists and kayakers.
West Michigan is home to numerous artists with so many different talents. Groovy music, vivid paintings, gorgeous photography, and more!
Various farm markets around Traverse City offer a bounty of the best-tasting produce around, with many open from May until early fall.
Much of West Michigan is bicycle-friendly, and you’ll find many nice paths on which to ride. It’s great exercise with great scenery to enjoy.