25 minutes from downtown Traverse City, 20 minutes from the park's main entrance, and close to some of the best wineries, breweries, and outdoor experiences in the Midwest.
When you stay at Birch + Still, Lake Ann is your home base. Here's a local's guide to making the most of it.
National Park
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
~20 minutes from Birch + Still
One of the most iconic landscapes in the Midwest, voted "Most Beautiful Place in America" by Good Morning America viewers. The national lakeshore covers 71,000 acres of dunes, forests, beaches, and Lake Michigan shoreline.
The Dune Climb
Everyone's first stop: a steep, open sand face near Glen Haven. The round trip takes 30 to 45 minutes depending on your pace. Go early to beat the parking crunch on summer weekends.
Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive
A 7.4-mile one-way loop by car, bike, or foot. The Lake Michigan overlooks are genuinely breathtaking. Don't miss the Dune Overlook at stop #9.
Sleeping Bear Point Trail
A quieter 2.8-mile loop through forest and sand blowouts ending at a rarely crowded Lake Michigan beach. Bring water and sunscreen.
Lake Ann Beach
Right at your doorstep: a 4-minute walk along a marked trail from Birch + Still's back door. Perfect for a morning swim or a sunset stroll.
Kayaking the Platte River
Kayaks and paddleboards are available on-site at Birch + Still, or float the Platte River out to Lake Michigan (about 2 hours one-way). Riverside Canoe Trips near Honor, MI handles shuttles and rentals if you want to do the full river run.
Wine Country
Leelanau and Old Mission Peninsulas
30 to 45 minutes from Birch + Still
Michigan's wine country has quietly become world-class. The Leelanau Peninsula and Old Mission Peninsula together host more than 40 wineries across about 60 miles of stunning lakeside landscape. The cool-climate varietals (Riesling, Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir, and sparkling wines) are genuinely excellent.
Rove Winery
Stunning hilltop property with panoramic vineyard views, a beautiful tasting room, and some of the region's most celebrated wines.
Brengman Family Winery
A family-owned Leelanau gem known for their Pinot Gris and Pinot Noir. Beautiful grounds and a relaxed, welcoming tasting experience.
Mawby Sparkling
Michigan's premier sparkling wine producer. If you love bubbles, this is a must. Book ahead as the tasting room fills fast.
Shady Lane Cellars
A historic farm estate with one of the loveliest tasting rooms on the peninsula. Outstanding Rieslings and a serene setting.
Dune Bird Winery
A newer standout already earning fans for their fresh, approachable style and striking label design.
Verterra Winery
Known for their crisp whites and one of the more scenic locations on the northern end of the peninsula.
Breweries
Local Favorites
5 to 20 minutes from Birch + Still
Lake Ann Brewing Co.
Practically in your backyard. A beloved local spot with rotating taps, casual atmosphere, outdoor seating, and genuinely good food. The kind of place where you go for one pint and stay for three.
Loco Boys Brewing
A brewery and scratch Mexican kitchen tucked into Traverse City's Slabtown neighborhood on West Front Street. Opened in 2023, it's quickly become one of the more exciting spots in the TC craft scene: good beer, great food, lively atmosphere. Hours: Mon to Wed 3 to 9pm, Thu 3 to 10pm, Fri to Sat 12 to 10pm, Sun 12 to 9pm.
Right Brain Brewery
Quirky and creative, known for experimental beers and a no-frills taproom on the north side of TC.
North Peak Brewing
A more polished experience with a full restaurant menu, solid flagship beers, and a downtown location perfect after a day of exploring.
Earthen Ales
Small-batch and craft-focused, with some of the most interesting beers in the region. Low-key taproom, worth seeking out.
Arts & Culture
Performances, Festivals, and Strolls
Interlochen Center for the Arts
One of the world's premier arts academies, hosting public concerts throughout summer. The amphitheater in the pines is magical. Check their schedule before you arrive.
Traverse City Film Festival
Acclaimed regional film festival with premieres, panels, and events across 5 days in Traverse City.
National Cherry Festival
Traverse City's biggest annual event. Parades, concerts, cherry-everything food, and massive crowds. Plan around it or lean into it.
The Village at Grand Traverse Commons
A sprawling Victorian-era former state hospital campus reimagined as shops, restaurants, a winery, and artist studios. Worth an afternoon wander.
Outdoor Recreation
On the Water and the Trails
Kayaking and Paddleboarding
Kayaks and paddleboards are provided on-site at Birch + Still. Take them out on Lake Ann (4-minute walk from the back door). For a longer adventure, float the Platte River out to Lake Michigan; Riverside Canoe Trips near Honor, MI handles rentals and shuttles for the full river run.
Cycling
The TART Trails network connects Traverse City to surrounding areas. The Leelanau Trail is a paved rail-trail running right through wine country.
Fishing
Lake Ann is known for bass and pike. The Platte River attracts salmon and steelhead in fall.
Winter Sports
Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing at Sleeping Bear Dunes, plus downhill skiing at Crystal Mountain (~30 min).
Golf
Arcadia Bluffs and Crystal Mountain courses are within 30 to 45 minutes. Both world-class.
Shopping & Strolling
Walkable Towns Worth Wandering
Traverse City's Front Street
Boutique shopping, art galleries, and local restaurants. Parking fills fast in summer. Try the free Old Town lot and walk in.
Suttons Bay
Charming Leelanau Peninsula town with excellent independent shops and a beautiful waterfront.
Glen Arbor
The village closest to Sleeping Bear Dunes: a handful of good shops and restaurants worth a wander after the park.
Local Eats
Restaurants Worth Knowing
Red Door Coffee Shop
The go-to morning spot near the property. Great coffee, friendly locals, the perfect start to a dunes day.
The Stone Oven
Beloved local bakery and café with outstanding bread, pastries, and sandwiches. A northern Michigan institution.
Oaky's Tavern
Casual, welcoming, and local through and through. Great for a laid-back dinner after a day outdoors.
Hofbrau Steak House
The classic northern Michigan steakhouse experience. Perfect for a celebratory dinner with the group.
The Roadhouse Mexican Bar & Grill
Reliably good Mexican food with a fun atmosphere. A crowd-pleaser for big groups.
