Scenic hiking trail in Sleeping Bear Dunes with views of Glen Lake and the surrounding dunes landscape.

Tucked away in Benzie County, this lakefront gem gives families a quiet escape from busier Traverse City beaches. The park sits right on Crystal Lake's pristine shoreline, where kids can splash in shallow waters while parents actually relax. A network of easy trails winds through towering pines and hardwoods,…

Two distinct trails wind through the rolling hills north of Traverse City, each with its own personality. Nipissing Trail takes you through dense hardwood forests where deer paths cross the main route, while Trillium Ridge climbs to higher ground with glimpses of Grand Traverse Bay through the canopy. Both trails…

Tucked away in Grand Traverse County, Grace Macdonald Park is one of those hidden gems that locals love to share. The trails wind through beautiful hardwood forests and open meadows, perfect for families wanting an easy hike without the crowds. Your dog will love exploring the scents along the well-maintained paths,…

The Dry Hill Trails are an 11 mile multi-use trail system reached from the St. Pierre Trailhead. Part of Arcadia Dunes: The C.S. Mott Nature Preserve.

A large nature preserve near Arcadia featuring towering dunes, trails, and Lake Michigan shoreline.

A scenic hiking trailhead near Maple City offering beautiful views and access to trails within Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.

A community park in Acme Township offering waterfront access, green space, and recreational facilities.

Community park in Frankfort with open green space, playground equipment, and a neighborhood gathering spot.

The Benzie Conservation District manages some of northern Michigan's most pristine natural areas, creating exceptional hiking opportunities throughout Benzie County. Their trail systems wind through diverse ecosystems - from dense hardwood forests to wetland boardwalks where you can spot great blue herons and painted…

Multi-use trail system on Longstreet Road near Benzonia offering hiking, biking, and cross-country skiing along the Betsie River.

The Betsie Valley Trail transforms a former railroad corridor into 22 miles of smooth, crushed limestone path perfect for families and their four-legged companions. This rail-trail cuts through Benzie County's diverse landscape, connecting Frankfort to Thompsonville with gentle grades that make it accessible for all…

Crystal Lake's crown jewel sits right in the heart of Beulah, where sugar-sand beaches meet some of Michigan's clearest waters. This expansive public beach draws families and their four-legged companions to its gentle shoreline, where kids can splash safely in the shallow areas while adults soak up the sun. The beach…

Saddle up for trail rides through some of Grand Traverse County's most scenic countryside at Boardman Valley Stables. These guided horseback adventures wind through rolling hills, dense woodlands, and open meadows just minutes from downtown Traverse City. The well-trained horses suit riders of all skill levels, while…

Brown Bridge Quiet Area lives up to its name with peaceful trails that wind through dense hardwood forests and open meadows in Grand Traverse County. The well-maintained paths make this spot perfect for families with kids who want to explore Northern Michigan's natural beauty without tackling challenging terrain.…

The Cedar River winds through this hidden gem in Grand Traverse County, where local families have been creating memories for generations. Native Ottawa tribes once traveled these same riverbanks, and you can still see the ancient cedar groves that gave this area its name. The gentle trails wind through wetlands and…

Conservation area near Lake Ann with trails along Cedar Run Creek through forest and wetland habitats.

Protected natural area on South Leelanau Highway with trails through diverse habitats near Empire.

A dramatic natural area near Leland featuring towering clay bluffs and Lake Michigan shoreline.

Adventure calls from the treetops at this unique outdoor experience in Grand Traverse County. Climb A Tree takes hiking to new heights with guided tree climbing adventures that let you scale towering hardwoods using professional rope systems. Kids and adults alike can safely ascend majestic oaks and maples, reaching…

Hiking trail in Sleeping Bear Dunes winding through forested areas and offering peaceful nature walks near Glen Arbor.

A Leelanau Conservancy preserve near Traverse City featuring trails through diverse natural habitats.

Waterfront park on East Grand Traverse Bay with beach access, picnic areas, and scenic bay views.

East Creek Reserve transforms biking into an adventure that works for every family member. The trail system winds through diverse terrain where kids can build confidence on gentle slopes while parents tackle more challenging sections. What sets this Grand Traverse County destination apart is its thoughtful design -…

Protected natural area in Benzie County featuring Lake Michigan dunes and hiking trails. Preserved coastal ecosystem managed by the land conservancy.

Tucked along the shores of Elk Lake in Antrim County, this gem of a day park delivers everything families need for a great outdoor adventure. The trails wind through mixed hardwood forests and open meadows, giving you glimpses of the lake through the trees. Kids love the easy terrain, and dogs can explore alongside…

Community park in Long Lake Township with playgrounds, trails, and green space for outdoor recreation.

Natural creek area in Long Lake Township offering quiet outdoor exploration and wildlife viewing.

Pine needles crunch underfoot as you wind through Bellows Park's gentle trails, where towering maples and oaks create a natural canopy that filters sunlight into dancing patches on the forest floor. This Benzie County gem draws families with its easy-going paths that meander past wildflower clearings and moss-covered…

A community park in Traverse City providing neighborhood green space and recreational facilities.

A lakeside park on Arbutus Lake offering beach access and recreational space near Traverse City.

Environmental education center on Cass Road offering nature programs, trails, and conservation resources for visitors and schools.

505-acre Grand Traverse County nature reserve along the Boardman River with about 7 miles of trails and boardwalks; home of the Boardman River Nature Center on Cass Rd. Some trails are currently closed.

Natural preserve on Green Point Road near Frankfort with trails through dunes, forest, and Lake Michigan shoreline.

Local park in Long Lake Township offering green space and neighborhood recreation along North Long Lake Road.

What started as a retired farmer's dream to share his beloved woodlands has become one of Traverse City's most treasured family hiking destinations. Hickory Meadows winds through 85 acres of mixed hardwood forest, where towering hickory trees create a natural cathedral overhead. The well-maintained trail system was…