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(All photos courtesy of Lake Michigan Whale Migration Station. No claims are made for their accuracy.) The volunteers at the Traverse City Visitor Center can almost always come up with advice for baffled tourists who need directions. However, one question consistently leaves them speechless. It’s the one about whale-watching tours.

Each summer, millions of visitors throng to the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore  to prowl its miles of sandy beaches, climb its towering 400-foot dunes and swim in the jewel-bright waters of Lake Michigan. Far fewer travelers think to visit the dunes in winter, but those who make the effort find it uniquely rewarding.

There’s a saying up here in the dune country. The sand gives, and the sand takes away.

If you’re a Sleeping Bear Dunes   veteran, chances are you’ve run up and down the Dune Climb or biked along the Heritage Trail . You’ve probably hiked to the top of the Empire Bluffs  or visited the Good Harbor Bay Beach , looking to find that famous beauty and stunning serenity that the National Lakeshore holds for anyone who needs it. However, it may be just a bit harder to find that serenity when you’re surrounded by people sprinting down a giant sand dune, flailing their arms and yelling like maniacs. But hey – we’ve all been there. We know how much fun it is!  

It’s easy to get overwhelmed on vacation, and even easier to spend more money than you have. Luckily, Traverse City has plenty of options for families on a budget – and we’ve found the most fun, easy, and beautiful ways for you to enjoy one of the best cities America has to offer. 

It’s beautiful winter weather this year -- wonderful weather for a few hours of Nordic skiing or snowshoeing on some of the Traverse City area’s many lovely trails.

By MIKE NORTON Hiking in the Traverse City area can be fun in every season, but spring is one of the best times to be out on the trail! Why? Well, partly because it’s such a delight to be out on the

Tell us a little about what a "Sports & Group Account Executive" does at Traverse City Tourism. I love the versatility of my job. On any given day I can be found researching area venues for events,

Tell us a little about what the Director of Publications & Ad Sales does at Traverse City Tourism? As part of the marketing team, I am in charge of design which includes the Visitor Guide ,

Fall is my favorite season, and the Traverse City area abounds in places where you can almost always find great color.