A recommended day trip: Sleeping Bear Dunes or Old Mission Peninsula winery loop
Both are doable as day trips from Grand Traverse Resort and Spa. Sleeping Bear Dunes is best as a half- to full-day scenic and outdoor stop (dune climbs, overlooks, Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive); the Old Mission Peninsula winery loop is a shorter, relaxed half-day or afternoon tasting route with roughly 10–11 wineries and easy driving back to the resort.
In this guide
Which to pick: activity level and timing
Choose Sleeping Bear Dunes if you want hiking, dramatic dune overlooks, and a longer scenic drive — plan for a half- to full-day outing. The Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive alone takes about 45 minutes without stops, and most visitors spend two hours or more there.
Choose the Old Mission Peninsula winery loop for a gentler day: tasting rooms, short drives between stops, and late-afternoon sunsets over the bay. Old Mission is closer to the resort and works well as a half-day or afternoon loop.
- Sleeping Bear Dunes: more walking/climbing, longer drives, 25–35 miles west of Traverse City.
- Old Mission Peninsula: wine tasting, shorter drives (about 9.7 miles from the resort), roughly 10–11 wineries along an 18–19 mile peninsula.
- Time needed: Sleeping Bear — half to full day; Old Mission — half day to afternoon.
| Option | Typical Time | Activity Type |
|---|---|---|
| Sleeping Bear Dunes | Half–Full Day | Hiking, scenic drives, overlooks |
| Old Mission Peninsula winery loop | Half Day / Afternoon | Wine tasting, short drives, vineyard views |
Practical route from Grand Traverse Resort and Spa
The resort address is 100 Grand Traverse Village Boulevard, Acme, MI. Old Mission Peninsula is about a 10-minute drive (roughly 6 miles) toward the peninsula’s base; Sleeping Bear Dunes is farther west and typically requires a 30–45 minute drive from Traverse City.
The resort offers a complimentary shuttle to Cherry Capital Airport and seasonal shuttles to the Beach Club and Turtle Creek Casino; off-property travel to Sleeping Bear or Old Mission requires a car, rideshare, or arranged transportation.
- Driving: expect about 10–20 minutes to Old Mission Peninsula from the resort, and about 30–45 minutes to Sleeping Bear Dunes’ visitor areas.
- If you don’t drive: arrange a car, taxi, or rideshare. Resort shuttles do not routinely run to these excursion points.
- Bring layers: lakeshore weather can change quickly, and both destinations are more exposed than the resort grounds.
| From resort | Approx. time | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Old Mission Peninsula | About 10–20 minutes | Easy loop; many wineries close by |
| Sleeping Bear Dunes (Philip A. Hart VC / Pierce Stocking Drive) | About 30–45 minutes | Longer day; plan for stops and short hikes |
Recommended Sleeping Bear Dunes plan
Focus your visit around the Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive and one or two short hikes or overlooks. Allow two to four hours if you plan to climb dunes or do multiple stops, more if you want a longer hike or a beach stay.
Bring water, sun protection, and footwear for sand. Facilities at the visitor center and key overlooks are seasonal; check local hours before you go.
- Start early to avoid crowds and parking delays at popular overlooks.
- Drive M-22 for additional shoreline views if you have time.
- Expect variable sand and wind conditions; dune climbs can be strenuous.
| What to do | Time estimate |
|---|---|
| Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive (with overlooks) | 45–90 minutes (without long hikes) |
| Dune climbing / beach time | 1–2+ hours depending on interest |
| Visitor center stop | 15–30 minutes |
Old Mission Peninsula winery loop — where to go
Old Mission Peninsula is a narrow 18–19 mile wine peninsula noted for cool-climate wineries and views over Grand Traverse Bay. The peninsula is about 9.7 miles from Grand Traverse Resort and Spa and typically hosts roughly 10–11 wineries.
A winery loop lets you hit several tasting rooms in an afternoon; many wineries are clustered so drives between stops are short. Check each winery’s hours and whether reservations or tasting fees are required.
- Notable wineries often visited on the loop include Chateau Grand Traverse, Chateau Chantal, Brys Estate, 2 Lads Winery, Bowers Harbor Vineyards, and Black Star Farms (availability varies).
- Plan for 2–4 stops in an afternoon — more if you want longer tastings or a winery lunch.
- Consider a designated driver or a guided wine-tasting shuttle if you plan multiple tastings.
| Sample loop order | Why stop |
|---|---|
| Chateau Grand Traverse | Historic producer with tasting options |
| Chateau Chantal | Winery plus views and food options |
| Brys Estate / Bowers Harbor | Smaller producers with cellar-focused wines |
How to time the day and dining back at the resort
If you choose Sleeping Bear, leave mid-morning and return in the early evening. For Old Mission wine tasting, a late afternoon loop pairs well with sunset views over the bay and dinner back at the resort.
At the resort, you have several dining choices: Aerie Restaurant & Lounge (16th floor) for dinner and sunset views, NIIJII Restaurant for breakfast and dinner, or Jack's Taproom for a more casual meal. Reservations are recommended for Aerie on busy nights.
- Aerie Restaurant & Lounge hours: dinner Wed–Thu 5:00–9:00 pm; Fri–Sat 5:00–10:00 pm; Sunday brunch 10:00 am–2:00 pm — reserve in advance when possible.
- If you arrive back hungry after a winery loop, Jack’s Taproom offers pub fare with family-friendly hours.
- Check the resort’s shuttle schedule if you plan to use the Beach Club or need transport to nearby spots.
| Dining choice | Best for |
|---|---|
| Aerie Restaurant & Lounge | Sunset dinners and scenic views |
| NIIJII Restaurant | Breakfast or dinner with cultural menu touches |
| Jack's Taproom | Casual family-friendly meals |
What to pack and hotel room pick for the trip
Pack water, sunscreen, layered clothing, comfortable shoes for walking or dune climbing, and a jacket for bay breezes. Bring a tasting note pad if you’re doing multiple winery stops.
Choose a room type based on who’s traveling with you. Families may prefer the Shores One Bedroom Condo or Valleyview One Bedroom Condo (both with sofa beds). Couples or solo travelers often choose a Tower Deluxe King Bed or Deluxe Room, Bay View for views over the grounds and bay.
- Rooms to consider by name: Tower Deluxe King Bed; Deluxe Room, Bay View; Shores One Bedroom Condo; Valleyview One Bedroom Condo; Deluxe Studio, with Sofa bed, Balcony, Beachside (Shores Studio Condo).
- If you want easy access to Aerie’s 16th-floor views, request a Tower room when available.
- Check-in is 4:00 PM and check-out is 11:00 AM; front desk is 24 hours.
| Room name | Why choose |
|---|---|
| Tower Deluxe King Bed | Single king bed and Tower location; easy Aerie access |
| Deluxe Room, Bay View | Bay views, suits up to 4 guests |
| Shores One Bedroom Condo | Queen bed plus sofa bed and kitchenette for families |
