Traverse City Travel Blog

OK, so we don’t exactly need a push to day-trip it to the dunes or to make a day of it at the beach or in the woods—such northern Michigan adventures are always a very good thing for our bodies and minds. But a free pass to access these natural wonders surely helps make the decision all the more of a no-brainer. 

You’ll find no shortage of road and trail running races in the Traverse City area, of varying distances and taking place pretty much every month of the year. If you’re looking to map out your 2020 race calendar--and perhaps check out a new-to-you event in the new decade--here’s a closer look at a few local races.

There’s no better way to see a city, and to feel the character of an area, than by foot. The smells, the sights, the scenery—you get it all when you go for a stroll. Here are a few pedestrian-friendly spots we recommend the next time you’re looking to experience the Traverse City vibe.

Photo: Glacial Hills Trails 

When you’re seeking a day trip that gets you into the woods, and your idea of exploring is going for a spin or feeling the dirt beneath your feet, the Glacial Hills Pathway in Bellaire delivers.

IRONMAN 70.3 Traverse City -- a swim-bike-run event that will bring 2,500 athletes and their families to our city. Whether you’re competing in the triathlon yourself, or you’re gearing up to spectate, we’ve got some insider tips to share (best spot to watch your runner and where to park!) and great ways to make the most of your time spent up north, including a few excellent choices for post-race celebrations.

Go for a bike ride or head to the beach. Hike the dunes or stroll through a quaint coastal downtown. Here in northern Michigan, the day’s possibilities truly are endless -- especially when the sun is shining and the landscape beckons us outside to explore. We want to do it all.

(Photo: nckstagram on Instagram)

Having our four-legged companions join us on the trails makes the experience all the sweeter—there’s just something about being outdoors, watching our tongue-wagging canines so deliriously happy as they sniff and run and check out every turn in the path. Here are a few of our favorite pet-friendly spots to get out in nature and explore:

Overcast, drizzly days and it’s-not-letting-up-at-all kind of afternoons definitely can dampen plans for outdoor excursions. And while I’m all about curling up on the couch with a great read and staying warm and dry inside, sometimes it’s just good to get out and about, regardless of what Mother Nature is dishing out.

Northern Michigan’s wooded, winding trails are second to none, and the Vasa on the east side of Traverse City holds an extra special place in my heart. I grew up with these trails literally in my backyard and years later fell in love with running and mountain biking on these paths meandering through the Pere Marquette State Forest.

Getting out on the trails come winter is its own kind of beautiful experience. A quiet path blanketed with snow, sunshine piercing through the ice-encrusted branches, snowshoes crunching along the path the only sound I hear … and, oh, the fresh, cold air. It’s crisper and cleaner during our most frigid months.