While staying at The Torch Lake Bed & Breakfast there is plenty you can do to keep your days full of fun. Torch Lake is surrounded by some great locations that make for the perfect day trips. If you have sufficient time while you are with us, some locations that you must add to your list of day trips are the Sleeping Bear Dunes, Mackinac Island and the Mackinaw Bridge, Leland Fish Town wineries, Traverse City mission peninsula wineries, and a driving tour with the Cruise the Breezeways Cruise.
Sleeping Bear Dunes is about 1 hour 20 min from our B and B. We refer to the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore as the “mountains of sand”. A few years ago, the dunes were named the “Most Beautiful Place in America” on ABC's Good Morning America. In fact, visiting the Sleeping Bear Dunes has become one of the top favorite activities while in the Traverse City area.
The lakeshore featuring a breathtaking landscape has been a part of the National Park since 1970. The freshwater beaches, miles-long hiking trails, islands surrounded with wilderness, will make you want to extend your stay. For those who love hiking their way as they explore the beauty of nature, the paved Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail is the perfect pathway. It runs from the north of the park to its south end. You can also check with the local experts to learn about the secret spots in the trail and paths less explored but worth trying out.
Located in northern Michigan’s Leelanau and Benzie counties, along the shores of Lake Michigan, the Sleeping Bear Dunes are just a short drive from Crystal Mountain. The national park is approximately 70,000 acres with 35 miles of Lake Michigan shoreline. It also includes the North and South Manitou Islands. You will find 460 feet high sand dunes, castaway islands, forests filled with birch, maple and pine trees, and hills covered beautifully in carpets of colorful flowers. Plan your trip such that you don’t miss the sunset because it is worth watching from the National Lakeshore.
Image source: Traversecity.com
The forests, islands, magical sunsets, and the rich nature of the area convince thousands of tourists to visit northern Michigan's Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, annually. The towering dunes and the secluded beaches will make you glad that you chose to stop by and you just might be coming back again.
Located about one and a half (1½) hours away from The Torch Lake Bed & Breakfast is the Mackinaw Bridge and Mackinac Island. Many of our guests love going there for a day. Designed by David B. Steinman, it is one of the top most beautiful bridges in the world. After taking 48 months for completion and an expenditure of approximately 1 Billion dollars, it opened in November 1957.
The Mackinac Bridge is the world’s 4th longest suspension bridge, also sometimes referred to as the “Big Mac” or the “Mighty Mac” boasting a length of 8,614 feet and a total span of approximately 5 miles. The Macknaw Bridge brings together the Mackinaw City and St. Ignace communities by connecting the Upper and Lower Peninsulas of Michigan.
The bridge towers are 554 feet above the water and the main bridge cables are made from 42,000 miles of wire, especially designed to withstand the sudden changes in temperature, weight on the bridge, and the high winds. During severe weather conditions, the central deck can move up to 35 feet, and depending on the wind direction it can shift to one side.
Image source: Mackinac.com
I-75 is the highway crossing the Mackinac bridge. It has been recorded that an approximate of 500,000 vehicles cross the bridge during the summer, however, the number drops dramatically in January. Some other fun facts about the Mackinaw Bridge especially its construction is:
A total of 7,500 men and women worked in quarries, mills, and shops during its construction.
89,000 blueprints and architecture drawings were made for it.
350 engineers worked on the bridge.
The bridge weighs 1,024,500 tons.It is 522 feet high.
4,851,700 steel rivets were utilized.
1,016,600 steel bolts were utilized.
71,300 tons of structural steel was used.
931,000 tons of concrete was used.
42,000 miles of cable wire was used.
Bicycles are prohibited on the Mackinac Bridge except for during the Big Mac Shoreline Tour.
The first car to cross the Mackinac Bridge was the 1951 Chevrolet Styleline Deluxe owned by Albert Carter.
Every year, there is an annual Mackinac Bridge Walk on Labor Day when two lanes of traffic are closed and 50-80 thousand people led by the Governor of Michigan walk over the bridge.
It is a major diverse tourist destination in the summers for bird-watchers, bridge enthusiasts, and photographers.
Bridge fares begin at $2 per axle.
Mackinac Island is one of the most unique places to visit. Many of your guests take day trips to
enjoy this wonderful carless island. Yes, it is true there are no motorized vehicles on this island.
Taking you back in time when horse and buggies were the main form of transportation.
What a perfect way to experience the wonder of an unspoiled island. Renting Bikes and horse drawn carriages to explore this beautiful Island is a perfect way to spend the day. It is so much fun to rent a horse and tour the Island. There are two military forts and some of the oldest buildings in Michigan. The Victorian architecture is abundant on this Island. Worth experiencing is St Ann’s Church, Fort Holms, Mackinac Butterfly Conservatory, Biking Riding around he 9-mile Island is a highlight. Biking Down main street. Visiting the Grand Hotel where the movie Somewhere in Time was filmed. Ferries can be found before you go over the
Mackinaw Bridge in Mackinac City or after you cross the Mackinaw Bridge in Saint Ignas.
You can easily find Tickets and Schedules on line.
Staying at our B and B surely comes with lots of opportunities to explore new towns and make lasting memories. Another fun place to add to your list is the Leland fish town. The town is a major attraction and especially popular for its wineries. Located just a bit more than a half hour ride away from Traverse city are the historic fishing shanties of Leland settled along the Sleeping Bear Dunes. It is a destination surrounded by the breathtaking blues of Michigan Lake and a beautiful waterfall.
Whether you are looking for an adventure filled weekend with lots of outdoor activities or a romantic getaway, you will find it all there. Listen to the soothing rumble of the waterfall as you savor some tasteful fish at one of the waterfront restaurants. Go for boating excursions or just enjoy some quiet romantic time soaking in nature.
The charming little fishing and resort town of Leland is surrounded by stunning beaches. You will not be disappointed by your finding here. The town offers several options for waterfront dining that offer amazing food choices based on the catch of the day. You will also see cute little gift shops, local art galleries to adore, and of course commercial fishing charters. For those not interested in fishing, exploring nature, checking out the art galleries and sunbathing and sipping cocktails at the Cove Restaurant is a sufficiently happy experience.
Image source: Travel-mi.com
Leelanau County was established in 1863, and its county seat Leland Michigan is known as a historic fishing village with a charming downtown. Leland is hot in the summers and quite cold in the winter, like the rest of Michigan. The best time to visit it, however, is between the months of June and August. Although, for tourists interested in experiencing the fall colors of Michigan, it is best to visit Leland in the autumn when it is exhibiting the vibrant tones of fall in all their glory.
Furthermore, the Traverse City mission peninsula wineries are another great region to witness some of the most fabulous views offered by the Grand Traverse Bay. The 2 Lads Winery is the northernmost winery offering some great lakevies and an amazing wine tasting experience. They educate and entertain their drinkers, so they truly enjoy every sip.
The Mari Vineyards is one of the newer wineries in the peninsula, however, it has already made its name with its medieval weaponry and estate grown wines. Right beneath the tasting room in the Mari Vineyards, run the underground cellars. Whenever you visit, you can choose between tasting or taking a tour or doing both. We suggest you might as well do both.
Lastly, but something you must not miss out on while in the area, is to take a colorful driving tour of Cruise the Breezeways Cruise in the fall. Fall in Northern Michigan is rightfully termed to be the most magical time of the year. Fall here will leave you mesmerized with the vibrant landscape fully carpeted in bright yellows, and reds and orange tones. A tour with the Breezeway Cruise will be a beautiful experience of the most scenic drive, witnessing warm hues of foliage and the breathtaking countryside. The Breezeway, also called C-48, is a 25 mile rural drive that takes you past fields, farms, forests, farm markets, parks, hiking trails, and other amazing attractions.
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