Local Attractions Near Tamarack Lodge

Explore the Best of Traverse City, East Bay & Northern Michigan

Tamarack Lodge is perfectly located on East Grand Traverse Bay, placing guests within minutes of Traverse City’s top attractions, beaches, wineries, trails, festivals, and family-friendly activities. Whether you’re visiting for a summer beach vacation, fall color tour, winter getaway, or spring escape, you’ll find endless things to do near Tamarack Lodge year-round.

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A person kayaking on calm ocean waters under a pastel-colored sky with light clouds.

Beaches & Waterfront Attractions Near Tamarack Lodge

Guests staying at Tamarack Lodge enjoy Traverse City’s largest private beach on East Bay, along with easy access to public beaches, parks, and waterfront recreation.

Nearby beach and water attractions include:

  • East Grand Traverse Bay beaches (including Tamarack Lodge’s private beach)

  • Traverse City East Bay shoreline

  • Kayaking on East Bay

  • Paddleboarding on Grand Traverse Bay

  • Jet ski rentals in Traverse City

  • Sailing on Grand Traverse Bay

  • Watching the sunset over East Grand Traverse Bay

  • Swimming beaches Traverse City

  • Family-friendly beaches throughout Traverse City

Top nearby waterfront spots:

  • Clinch Park Beach

  • Bryant Park

  • Sunset Park

  • Haserot Beach

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Wineries, Breweries & Distilleries Near Tamarack Lodge

Traverse City is nationally known for its wine, beer, and craft spirits, especially Old Mission Peninsula and Leelanau Peninsula.

Popular nearby wineries & beverage destinations:

  • Traverse City wine tours

  • Old Mission Peninsula wineries

  • Leelanau Peninsula wine trail

  • Traverse City brewery tours

  • Craft distilleries in Northern Michigan

  • Cherry wine from cherries grown in Traverse City

  • Late Harvest Riesling from Old Mission Peninsula wineries

  • Sparkling wine produced in Leelanau County

Must-visit locations:

  • Old Mission Peninsula

  • Leelanau Peninsula

  • Chateau Grand Traverse

  • MAWBY Vineyards

  • Mammoth Distilling

A couple sitting on a large fallen log on a sandy beach, facing the water, with sparse trees and a cloudy sky in the background.

Outdoor Recreation & Nature Attractions in Traverse City

Northern Michigan is a four-season outdoor destination with trails, parks, and scenic overlooks in every direction.

Outdoor activities near Tamarack Lodge:

  • Hiking throughout Traverse City

  • Bike trails on the Traverse Area Recreational Trail

  • Kayak rivers in Northern Michigan

  • Charter fishing in East Grand Traverse Bay

  • Fly fishing in Traverse City rivers and tributaries

  • Snowshoeing in Traverse City

  • Cross-country skiing in Traverse City

  • Fall color tours across Northern Michigan

  • Scenic drives throughout Traverse City

Top natural attractions:

  • Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

  • Boardman Lake & Boardman River

  • Old Mission Peninsula Scenic Drive

  • Tunnel of Trees

Group of five adults smiling and holding glasses of wine at Traverse City Food & Wine event, standing in front of a green leafy backdrop with a sign.

Festivals & Seasonal Events in Traverse City

Traverse City hosts nationally recognized festivals and community events throughout the year.

Annual events near Tamarack Lodge:

  • National Cherry Festival

  • Traverse City Food & Wine Festival

  • Traverse City Film Festival

  • Traverse City Comedy Festival

Concerts near Tamarack Lodge:

  • Interlochen Arts Academy Summer Concert Series

  • The Alluvion: Rotating local artists and acts

Performing arts and shows near Tamarack Lodge:

  • City Opera House

  • Old Town Playhouse

  • Interlochen Arts Academy

Museums near Tamarack Lodge:

  • Dennos Museum

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Shopping, Dining & Downtown Traverse City

Downtown Traverse City is just minutes from Tamarack Lodge and features walkable shopping, dining, and entertainment.

Things to do downtown:

  • Downtown Traverse City shopping

  • Enjoy restaurants on Front Street

  • Boutique shopping on Front Street in Traverse City

  • Local art galleries throughout Traverse City

  • Coffee shops in Traverse City

  • Farm-to-table restaurants in Traverse City

  • Rooftop dining in Traverse City

Key downtown locations:

  • Front Street

  • Village at Grand Traverse Commons

Rooftop dining and bars near Tamarack Lodge:

  • Blush Rooftop Terrace at Alexandra Inn

Aerial view of a baseball stadium filled with spectators and players, with parking lots surrounding the venue on a sunny day.
Children playing a game at an arcade with a large Rube Goldberg machine involving colorful tubes, pulleys, and balls.
A young boy in a red shirt and black shorts zip-lining across a park with trees, a river, and rocks.
Indoor rock climbing gym with artificial climbing walls, including a large overhang section, and a sitting area with three people inside.

Family-Friendly Attractions Near Tamarack Lodge

Tamarack Lodge is a favorite for multi-generational vacations with activities for all ages.

Top family spots:

  • Dennos Museum Center

  • Great Lakes Children’s Museum

Top ice cream spots near Tamarack Lodge:

  • East Bay Pizza

  • Moomer’s Ice Cream

  • Kilwin’s

Family-friendly mini-golf nearby:

  • Pirate’s Cove Mini-Golf

  • River Club Glen Arbor

Top family-friendly indoor activities nearby:

  • K1 Racing Traverse City

  • Traverse City Curling Club

  • Traverse City State Theater

  • Incredible Mo’s: Bowling, Arcade, Laser Tag

  • ELEV8: Indoor Rock Climbing

  • Traverse City Pit Spitters Baseball

A young child standing at the water's edge on a sandy beach, facing the ocean with arms raised, wearing a blue bandana, a white T-shirt with a cartoon character on the back, and colorful swimming trunks.

If you are searching for:

  • Traverse City beachfront resorts

  • East Bay Traverse City hotels

  • Family resorts in Northern Michigan

  • Waterfront hotels Traverse City

  • Hotels near Old Mission Peninsula

  • Resorts near Traverse City wineries

Tamarack Lodge offers:

  • Direct beachfront on East Grand Traverse Bay

  • Indoor pool, hot tub, sauna, and fitness center access

    • Pool, hot tub, and sauna opening July 2026

  • Condominium suites & hotel rooms

  • Family-owned Northern Michigan resort

  • Easy access to downtown Traverse City and area attractions

Why Stay at Tamarack Lodge?

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