20 Attractions to Explore Near Old Mission State Park

Lighthouse Park, is a majestic site to behold. This stunning landmark is situated between East and West Grand Traverse Bay, offering visitors breathtaking views of the crystal clear waters. With more than 32 acres of trails and beaches, this park provides plenty of opportunities for recreational activities like swimming, hiking, picnicking, and bird watching. There is also an 1873 lighthouse which has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Grand Traverse Bay is nestled in Charlevoix County and offers a wealth of natural beauty and recreation opportunities. From the stunning sandstone bluffs that rise up high above the crystal clear waters of Lake Michigan to the quaint waterfront towns scattered around the bay, every corner of this area is alive with character and charm. Popular activities include swimming, fishing, kayaking, and camping, with many local parks and marinas catering to all visitors.

Suttons Bay Beach is a picturesque spot located in the beautiful Leelanau County of Michigan. With incredible views of Lake Michigan and plenty of colorful beach sand, it's no wonder that this beach impresses all who visit. Visitors to Suttons Bay Beach can relax on the warm beach all day long or take a leisurely stroll by the shore. The nearby boardwalk is great for taking a romantic stroll with that special someone, or simply enjoying the view and fresh air.

Torch Lake, draws tourists from all over the world year-round. This deep blue lake is renowned for its stunning views and great fishing. Visitors come to enjoy swimming, boating and kayaking on the lake's crystal-clear waters or simply bask in the sun along its stunning 18-mile long coast line. With surrounding forests full of sparkling whitetail deer, elk and more than 300 species of birds and wild animals, it's easy to lose yourself with nature here.

Chateau Grand Traverse is a winery located in Grand Traverse County. It produces a variety of award-winning wines that are renowned for their quality, flavor and complexity. The winery also offers educational programs and tastings where visitors can learn about some of the finer points of wine tasting. As well as its great range of wines, guests can enjoy full restaurant meals and outdoor activities at the tasting room or on the beautiful grounds surrounding the winery.

Lake Leelanau is a sight to behold. With its breathtaking views of rolling hills and evergreen forests, you can't help but fall in love with the area at first glance. The lake itself sprawls out across 17 miles of shoreline and has many access points along its length for boating, fishing, and swimming. If venturing into this natural wonder is not enough for you, there are plenty of other activities to enjoy such as golfing, shopping, or exploring local vineyards.

Christmas Cove Beach is a picturesque spot that's perfect for swimming, boating, kayaking, and more! The crystal blue water shimmers during the day while the nearby lighthouse maintains a cozy presence as you walk across the white-sand beach. There’s also many historic sights to explore too. On top of that, there are breathtaking sunsets seen from the shoreline and campers will be delighted with plenty of local camping grounds nearby.

Lake Skegemog, is a stunningly beautiful sight to behold. Nestled among rolling hills and evergreen forests, the lake is over 6500 acres wide and has a healthy fish population that makes it a prime spot for anglers. A public boat launch allows quick access so you can be fishing on the lake in no time at all. The banks provide gorgeous scenery, with lush forest canopy and plenty of sandy beaches to relax on.

Lake Skegemog is the perfect spot for outdoor activities. From fishing and hunting to kayaking and swimming, this lake has something for everyone. Whether you're a beginner or an expert outdoorsman, there is something to do here. It's also the perfect place to relax and enjoy its stunning views of cedar trees, pine woods and sandstone cliffs. With its crystal-clear water, you can peacefully explore the depths of this majestic lake where you will find plenty of panfish species.

Mission Point Lighthouse is a well-preserved part of the state's history. This lighthouse was built in 1870 to replace an 1830s wooden tower, and used for navigation on the west arm of Grand Traverse Bay until 1980. Located on Cathead Point, it stands 34 feet tall with a Signature Fresnel lens. The current structure is painted white with brown trim and sits atop a white retaining wall that contains former boathouse entrances. All around the lighthouse are sprawling manicured gardens.

The Leelanau Peninsula is known for its stunning landscape and varied recreational activities. Spanning nearly 65 miles along the coast of Lake Michigan, the peninsula boasts picturesque sand dunes, miles of beaches, lush vineyards and orchards, and rugged outdoor trails. Visitors to the area can explore one-of-a-kind lakeside towns like Leland or Northport while sampling local delicacies or take a trip up M-22 to experience incredible views of rolling countryside.

Leelanau State Park is a tranquil oasis of natural beauty. Visitors can enjoy attractions like a historic lighthouse, or walk the beach where they will be surrounded by rolling sand dunes and have breathtaking views of Lake Michigan and the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Families will appreciate the park's modern camping facilities and its extensive trail system, perfect for exploring or jogging. It's also a great spot for fishing or birdwatching - many species call the park home.

The Grand Traverse Lighthouse offers a unique glimpse into maritime history. This historic beacon has been providing guidance to sailors along the Manitou Passage since 1858. Boasting spectacular views of Lake Michigan, with its beige-colored steel tower stretching 88 feet skyward, it is one of only a handful of Michigan lighthouses that still contains much of its original hand-crafted features, including spiral staircases and deep bronze bivalve lenses.

Leelanau Trail is a beautiful stretch of former railroad extending along the northwest coast of Lake Michigan. This 20-mile long trail extends from Suttons Bay to Northport and passes through many of the charming towns within the county. Taking a stroll or bike ride along this trail provides stunning views of the lake and conservation areas along its path. The natural landscape with vast rolling sand dunes, towering trees, and soft grassy fields is perfect for those seeking outdoor adventures.

The Dennos Museum Center is the perfect destination for those who appreciate fine art and culture. It houses an impressive collection of historical and modern art from around the world, including pieces from Native American tribes as well as interactive exhibitions. Visitors also have access to a wide variety of educational activities such as lectures, workshops, classes and more. There's even a sculpture garden for visitors to wander through and explore during their visit.

Bryant Park is an incredible spot in Grand Traverse County. This park is a truly idyllic place to enjoy nature and spend time with friends and family. It stretches across 760 acres of meadows, pastures, wetlands, and a variety of habitats for native wildlife species. The views here are breathtaking; visitors can observe white-tailed deer frolicking in the meadows, turkeys and other birds passing through, and even beavers meandering along the edge of one of the many ponds.

Sunset Park is a beautiful park located in Grand Traverse County, Michigan. Famous for its stunning lake views and picturesque hiking trails, it's quickly becoming one of the most popular getaways in the area. With plenty of amenities, there's something for everyone here - fishing, swimming, boat launches, camping sites and much more to enjoy year-round. A picnic area with grills provides the perfect spot for families and friends to gather.

Clinch Park is an absolute paradise for the outdoorsy types. Located on the northern tip of East Grand Traverse Bay, it is a popular destination for local families. With gorgeous views and loads of activities to choose from such as fishing, swimming, boating, picnicking and even volleyball net stands, there is truly something for everyone here! Added features to the park include a boat launch, playgrounds and bathrooms which makes this recreation area family-friendly.

The City Opera House in Grand Traverse County, Michigan is an amazing venue with a rich history. In 1890, it was originally opened as a theatre that showcased vaudeville acts and motion pictures, making it one of the few theatres west of Lansing at the time. Today, this iconic destination still operates as a theatre and event center, delighting locals and visitors alike with world-class live performances from Broadway shows to local artists.

Keith J. Charters Traverse City State Park is a stunning nature escape that offers diverse activities for visitors of any age. Boating and swimming are popular choices, but guests can also spend the day canoeing or fishing on the East Bay of Grand Traverse. For visitors looking for outdoor adventure, several trails line the park for hiking and biking. Towering trees and rolling meadows add to the charming beauty that follows throughout the park making it a great spot for wildlife watching.