Even if you think you’ve seen and done it all in Northern Michigan, there’s always new excursions popping up! From clear kayaks to wilderness exploration – here are 3 new outdoor adventures to help you enjoy even more of Northern Michigan’s natural beauty.
Hike Michigan’s Wilderness with Sleeping Bear Tour Co.
Ever dreamed of wandering off-trail and into the wilderness while on a hike? With Sleeping Bear Tour Co., you finally can! Experience a one-of-a-kind tour into Michigan’s wilderness led by a professional guide and former Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore park ranger. With over 50 years of Michigan expertise, you will have the opportunity to learn about the landscape around you as you explore it.
Walk along the sparkling shorelines of Lake Michigan and explore nearby wetlands, walk barefoot through sandy paths and climb natural, backcountry dunes, or hike back in time through primitive forests and gain a cultural Anishinaabe perspective of the land. With 3 different hiking experiences to choose from, each varying in length and intensity for hikers of all ages and abilities, your hike can be catered to whatever experience you prefer. Regardless of what adventure you choose, you will emerge with a better understanding and greater appreciation for Michigan’s natural landscape.
*Note that a National Park Pass is required for all tours that take place within the park boundaries.
Learn more about Sleeping Bear Tour Co.
Cruise the Lakes with Clear Water Kayaks
Paddle through Michigan’s crystal blue waters in a clear bottom kayak, the completely see-through watercraft that doesn’t let you miss a single sight: above or below you! Offering tours and rentals in Traverse City, Elk Rapids, and on Torch Lake, Clear Water Kayaks offers an unforgettable experience that you’ll undoubtedly be talking about for weeks, months, and years to come!
Book the ‘Food, Booze, and Cruise’ tour in Elk Rapids and enjoy a delicious lunch, drinks from Shorts Brewery and a few hours of sun out on the water. More experienced kayakers can also choose from a fall colors tour and a twilight tour with LED-equipped light-up kayaks in Traverse City. Or, if you’ve already got your own adventure in mind, book a rental by the hour, day, or for the entire weekend. What are you waiting for? Experience this one-of-a-kind kayaking experience, only in Northern Michigan!
Learn more about Clear Water Kayaks.
Photo by Clear Bottom Kayaks
Experience the Leelanau Peninsula with LyfMotiv Adventures
Passionate about sharing the Northern Michigan lifestyle and landscape with others, an adventure-loving Leelanau couple founded a touring company that would highlight and create some of the best excursions in the Traverse City and Leelanau area. This summer, LyfMotiv Adventures is proud to offer locally immersive, outdoor lifestyle experiences with expert guides. Book guided bike, sailing, and hiking tours, including day sails and rides, sunset sails, and combination tours!
Enjoy tours like the Leelanau Bike and Sailing Adventure, which offers guests an exhilarating e-bike ride along the Leelanau Recreational Trail, and a relaxing sailing ride on crystal waters of West Grand Traverse Bay. The 2+ hour bike ride will make an hour-long stop at Shady Lane Winery, where guests can relax and enjoy a glass of wine and purchase refreshments for their upcoming sailing excursion. Afterwards, a sailboat will meet guests to carry them away on the wind for 2+ hours of bliss that only a Northern Michigan lifestyle can provide. Swim, relax, bask in the sun as a team of professionals shows you a sample of Leelanau life.
Learn more about LyfMotiv Adventures.
