Spouse and Guest Programs

The Traverse City region offers a wide variety of activities for the spouses, children and guests of visiting convention delegates. The staff at the Traverse City Convention & Visitors Bureau will be more than happy to suggest options for tours, activities and events appropriate for children, adults or both. Listed below is a sampling of such programs:

Winery Tours and Tasting
The peninsulas bordering Grand Traverse Bay are quickly becoming internationally known for their vineyards and wine production. Most of these romantic wineries offer scheduled group tours and year-round tastings for adults.

Shopping
The shoreline of Lake Michigan and Grand Traverse Bay are dotted with charming seaport villages offering a tremendous variety of antique shops, galleries, boutiques and restaurants.

Gaming & Casinos
Traverse City is home to two casinos operated by the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians. The casinos offer all the popular table games, as well as slots and video poker. Value-added, player packages are available.

Boat Cruises
From vintage tall ships to sporty catamarans... from sailing Grand Traverse Bay to cruising to the Manitou Islands, a day or evening spent on the water can be a fun experience for adults and children alike.

Water Sports
With the abundance of sandy beaches, inland lakes and rivers, it comes as no surprise that water activities are the most popular form of recreation in Traverse City. Canoeing, rafting and tubing are the popular pastime on the many rivers, while "personal watercraft" rentals and parasailing are popular on Grand Traverse Bay.

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
Guided nature walks, dune climbing, canoeing and fabulous scenery are a few of the attractions when visiting this extremely popular, 70,000-acre park. Programs available to suit both children and adults.

Hiking, Biking and Skating
Numerous trails provide miles of paved and unpaved trails, which wind through our scenic countryside and popular nature preserves. Group bike tours and educational hikes are available. Participants of all ages are welcome.

Winter Sports
With miles of cross-country and snowmobile trails just minutes from town, Traverse City is as popular for winter recreation as it is for summer sports. Group activities can be arranged.

Museums
The Music House Performing Museum and the Dennos Museum Center both provide the opportunity for special programs. The Great Lakes Children's Museum, located in downtown Traverse City, offers "hands-on" educational programs for the kids.

Fishing and Charter Boats
From guided fly fishing on one of the area's world-class rivers, to charter boat fishing for salmon, steelhead and lake trout, fishing in the Traverse City area can provide memorable experiences for fishermen of all ages and abilities.

Activities
Traverse City is especially popular with the kids who enjoy miniature golf, go-carts, bumper boats and water slides. A perfect option for children's programs during the summer months.