Tall Ships and Boating

Schooner Manitou on Grand Traverse Bay

Surrounded by navigable water, Traverse City is the ideal starting point for any boating adventure. Nestled at the base of the twin Grand Traverse Bays, the city hosts several marinas and boat rental businesses. Take your choice from cabin cruisers, catamarans, personal watercraft, sailing surfboards, ski boats, pontoon boats or one of the picturesque tall ships. Get on the water and enjoy the nautical life. Traverse City is home to one of the very few maritime academies in the United States, and you may very well see cadets piloting the State of Michigan, a former seagoing vessel converted for Great Lakes use. Ocean-going cruise ships occasionally visit town and moor just yards from downtown!

Tall ships

The big schooners, sloops and frigates that played such an important role in the history of the Great Lakes – are a colorful part of Traverse City’s landscape. In fact, Traverse City has more of these imposing sailing vessels than any other port in Michigan.

Some are historical replicas of 18th and 19th century ships, available for dockside tours and (if you’re lucky enough to be in the right place at the right time) a free ride around the Bay. One is a floating science classroom where you can learn about the area’s aquatic environment, another is a unique bed-and-breakfast.