Things To Do in Traverse City

As the trees take on the fiery hues of autumn, the pilots at Grand Traverse Balloons help guests watch the transformation from the best seat in the house—a basket. For the last 25 years, the Fall Color tour soars above the tree line, awarding hot air balloon passengers a view of the forest at heights between 2,000 and about 3,000 feet. The tours aren't limited to the season, either, as the Federal Aviation Administration–certified staff flies its inflatable fleet year-round.

Group rides take up to 10 people for one-hour jaunts over Traverse City and the surrounding countryside of northern Michigan. The seven-story balloons float over scenic stretches of lakes, bays, vineyards, and woodland.

In addition to group flights, the pilots also host private charters and tethered rides, for which a balloon is tied to the ground and soars up to 150 feet and down again on a vertical path. But no matter what, every aerial errand ends the same way—with the captain celebrating a successful landing by sharing champagne and razzing the nearest flightless bird.

• Friday, July 8 from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. • Saturday, July 9 from noon to 6 p.m.

Drawing on the latest work in sports psychology, the coaches at Zonifi clinic enrich the three main components of a high-school athlete's mental performance: energy, attitude, and focus. During drills and exercises, they present strategies for generating and conserving stamina, maintaining a positive outlook, limiting distractions, and staying clearheaded under pressure.

Pine River Paddlesports Center provides equipment and a private campground to give city dwellers and nature lovers a chance to breathe the fresh air of the Manistee National Forest. The Pine River campground charms tootsies with natural grass and soothes fussy eardrums with birdsong, burbling river water, and smooth-jazz-playing squirrels. A fire ring and an adjustable grill allow for a hot-dog roast in the evening and an egg fry in the morning. Perfect for sunlight-soaked family thrills, a host of activities—including a climbing wall and a Frisbee golf course—abut the placid campground.

Founded by Traverse City natives Sam Porter and Abby Walton Porter, Porterhouse Productions operates several festivals and special events in the northern Michigan region. The company has run the annual Traverse City Microbrew & Music Festival, an Evening with Mario Batali, and other recreational events, from concerts to culinary events.

The River Traverse City sits in the heart of Travers City’s Clinch Park. Just behind Con Foster Museum we handle bike rentals, kayak rentals, serve snack food and provide beach gear! We look forward to showing you another side of Traverse City from the trails, to the currents of the Boardman River. Fun for all ages.

Inspired by extreme sports, the Muck Ruck is a 2-, 4-, or 7-mile race through mud-slicked terrain designed to rouse beginners and the physical elite alike. The filthy obstacles vary based on terrain, but typically include 12–20 natural and manmade challenges that send participants climbing ropes, sloshing through chest-deep muddy water, and bobbing for leeches. Xtreme Muck Ruck stresses safety with each event, as all obstacles are designed to test your endurance and strength while still being fun. Those seeking to further put their bodies to the test can keep splashing and complete all three courses to join the Xtreme Club 247.