Top things to do near Grand Traverse Resort and Spa
Top things to do near Grand Traverse Resort and Spa include enjoying the resort’s pools and Indoor Water Playground, booking a treatment at Spa Grand Traverse, and taking day trips to Old Mission Peninsula wineries or Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. On-site options also include championship golf, the private Beach Club on East Grand Traverse Bay, and multiple restaurants and lounges.
In this guide
Pools, Indoor Water Playground and family swim time
Grand Traverse Resort and Spa has two indoor pools, two outdoor pools and an Indoor Water Playground inside the Health Club complex. One indoor pool hosts lap swim in the mornings before the slide opens.
The indoor family hot tub is kept at a lower, child-friendly temperature; two outdoor hot tubs near the Health Club are reserved for adults only.
- Lap swim hours available each morning (check with the Health Club for current schedule).
- Indoor slide opens after morning lap swim hours.
- Seasonal outdoor pools and the Beach Club pool operate roughly in late May–early September (dates vary by year).
| Pool type | Notes |
|---|---|
| Indoor pools | Two; one offers lap swim then a slide |
| Outdoor pools | Two seasonal pools; Governors' Pool overlooks the golf course |
| Indoor Water Playground | Part of Health Club; family-focused features and lower-temp hot tub |
Spa Grand Traverse — book ahead
Spa Grand Traverse is the on-site spa with treatment rooms (including couples rooms) and a menu of facials, massages and body treatments. Reservations are required for spa treatments.
Spa hours vary by day; note that children under 16 are not permitted for massage and body care services, and guests under 17 require a guardian in the spa.
- Signature facials and a range of massage styles are listed on the spa menu.
- Serenity Day Pass provides access to pools, hot tubs, dry sauna and relaxation areas (check spa for availability and details).
- Make reservations in advance for peak times and for couples' treatments.
| Spa detail | Fact |
|---|---|
| Treatment rooms | 12 rooms including couple rooms |
| Hours | Varies by day (check spa for current schedule) |
| Age rules | Under 16 not permitted for massage/body care; guardian required under 17 |
Golf: three championship courses and academy
The resort features three championship 18-hole courses (54 holes total), including The Bear, The Wolverine and Spruce Run. Tee times must be reserved in advance.
A year-round golf academy is available for lessons and practice; the Clubhouse has The Grille for casual meals after a round.
- Courses: The Bear (Jack Nicklaus design), The Wolverine (Gary Player design), Spruce Run (Bill Newcomb design).
- Reserve tee times through the resort; check the golf shop for lesson availability.
| Course | Designer / note |
|---|---|
| The Bear | Jack Nicklaus signature design |
| The Wolverine | Gary Player design |
| Spruce Run | Bill Newcomb design |
Beach Club and East Grand Traverse Bay access
The resort operates a private Beach Club on East Grand Traverse Bay; guests can use the beach area and seasonal Beach Club deck. Fin’s Sandbar at the Beach Club provides casual food and drinks during the season.
Beach Club access and some beach amenities are seasonal; the Beach Club typically closes for the season in late September.
- Beach Club features a deck and seasonal pool area open to resort guests and qualifying members.
- Boat rentals and lakeside activities may be available through Beach Club operators (check with the resort for current offerings and schedules).
| Beach detail | Notes |
|---|---|
| Season | Seasonal access; closes for the season in September |
| On-site dining | Fin’s Sandbar serves casual pool/beach bites |
| Access | Included for resort guests; check resort for membership or program condo rules |
On-site dining, lounges and bars
Dining options inside the resort include Aerie Restaurant & Lounge (located on the 16th floor of the Tower), NIIJII Restaurant, Jack’s Taproom, The Den, Grand Lobby Bar and Marketplace. Hours vary by venue and can be affected by private events.
Aerie offers dinner and Sunday brunch with panoramic views; reservations are recommended for popular times such as sunset service.
- Aerie Restaurant & Lounge: dinner Wed–Thu and Fri–Sat; Sunday brunch hours listed on the resort site.
- NIIJII: Anishinaabe-inspired menu with breakfast and dinner; family-friendly options and dietary accommodations.
- Jack’s Taproom: pub fare and craft beer; The Den offers entertainment including ax throwing.
| Venue | Typical offering |
|---|---|
| Aerie Restaurant & Lounge | Contemporary American; panoramic bay views; reservations recommended |
| NIIJII Restaurant | Anishinaabe‑inspired American; breakfast and dinner |
| Jack’s Taproom / The Den | Pub fare, craft beer, entertainment (The Den includes ax throwing) |
Day trips: Old Mission Peninsula, Sleeping Bear Dunes and nearby attractions
Old Mission Peninsula wineries are a short drive from the resort and make for a half‑day wine tasting loop; Chateau Grand Traverse and Brys Estate are examples of nearby wineries. The peninsula’s roads and views are often recommended for scenic drives.
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is a popular full‑day excursion from the resort; visitors commonly allow several hours for dune overlooks, the Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive and short hikes.
- Old Mission Peninsula: about a 10-mile drive; plan tastings and watch seasonal hours for wineries.
- Sleeping Bear Dunes: roughly 30–45 minute drive depending on route; allow several hours for stops.
- Other nearby attractions: Mission Point Lighthouse, Grand Traverse Butterfly House, Music House Museum and downtown Traverse City (about 20 minutes by car).
| Destination | Typical travel time from resort |
|---|---|
| Old Mission Peninsula (wineries) | About 10 miles / short drive |
| Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore | Approximately 30–45 minutes |
| Downtown Traverse City | Roughly 20 minutes by car |
