Practical tours abound in Michigan’s northern gem, Traverse City. While several options exist, three stand out for quality and value: The wine country tours excel with expert local knowledge and stops at premium vineyards. Historical ghost lantern walks bring the city’s past to life with authentic stories and careful research. Nature excursions, especially during fall colors, showcase the region’s natural beauty while providing educational value.
We especially appreciate the wine tours for their comprehensive tastings and included transportation, while the ghost walks earn praise for going beyond typical tourist tales. The nature tours consistently impress with well-planned routes and knowledgeable guides.
Let’s examine the most worthwhile tour options in Traverse City:
Good To Know
- Designated driver wine tours offer personalized service, flexible itineraries, and high customer satisfaction with a 95% recommendation rate.
- Private winery and brewery tours provide a tailored half-day adventure visiting up to four local establishments in a private air-conditioned vehicle.
- Scenic nature tours, such as the private fall color tour and lake discovery tours, showcase Traverse City’s natural beauty with knowledgeable guides and essential amenities.
- Unique local experiences, including the Hi-5 Rickshaw Tour and Historical Ghost Lantern Tour, offer personalized and immersive ways to explore the city.
- Personalized and private tours led by experienced, licensed, and insured captains provide engaging and memorable adventures tailored to individual groups.
Designated Driver TC – We Drive Your Car For Wine Tours
What makes Designated Driver TC a top choice for wine tours in Traverse City? For starters, the company offers a personalized designated driver service at a reasonable cost, starting at just $55 per person.
With an impressive 4.8 overall rating from 171 reviews and a 95% recommendation rate, Designated Driver TC has earned a Badge of Excellence for its excellent service.
During the 5-hour tours, customers can enjoy a flexible schedule with several timeslots available, and the company offers free pickup within 10 miles of downtown Traverse City.
Drivers are friendly, knowledgeable, and accommodate any itinerary changes or local recommendations. Customers also appreciate the convenience of leaving their purchases in their own vehicles.
While there have been a few negative experiences reported, the company’s efforts to communicate with customers prior to the service have been recognized.
Read our full review: Designated Driver TC – We Drive Your Car For Wine Tours Review
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Historical Ghost Lantern Tour Downtown Traverse City Magnant
Tucked away in the heart of downtown Traverse City, the Historical Ghost Lantern Tour offers an immersive exploration of the city’s eerie past.
This 101-reviewed tour, boasting a 93% traveler recommendation, takes guests on a captivating journey through some of Traverse City’s most haunted sites, including the Whiting Hotel, Traverse City Opera House, Perry Hannah House, and Hannah Park.
Equipped with real ghost-hunting gear, the private tour ensures each guest receives the guide’s undivided attention. Blending history and thrilling ghost stories, the tour provides an entertaining experience for a maximum of 18 travelers per outing.
Beginning outside the Higher Self Bookstore and ending at the Perry Hannah Plaza, the 100% outdoor walking tour is wheelchair and stroller accessible, with easy access to public transportation.
While some guests found the tour less scary than expected, focusing more on historical insights, the overwhelming majority praised the knowledgeable and charismatic guides.
With a Badge of Excellence award, this ghost lantern tour is a must-try for those seeking a unique and captivating glimpse into Traverse City’s haunted history.
Read our full review: Historical Ghost Lantern Tour Downtown Traverse City Magnant Review
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Private Traverse City Winery or Brewery Tour
A private Traverse City winery or brewery tour offers an immersive and personalized exploration of the region’s vibrant beverage scene.
With a 96% traveler recommendation and 28 reviews, this half-day adventure is tailored to your group’s preferences, allowing you to visit up to four top-rated local wineries or craft breweries.
You’ll travel in a private, air-conditioned vehicle, with the option to meet the tour directly or be picked up from a convenient location.
The tour departs and returns to the Grand Traverse County Civic Center, providing easy access and a familiar endpoint.
While the tour includes the air-conditioned vehicle, alcoholic beverages aren’t included in the cost.
However, you’ll have the opportunity to enjoy wine or beer flights and snacks at each location, with a cooler available on board for any beverages you’d like to bring.
The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, but it’s stroller-friendly and welcomes service animals.
Read our full review: Private Traverse City Winery or Brewery Tour Review
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Hi-5 Rickshaw Tour Traverse City – First Thing You MUST Do in TC!
For those seeking a unique and immersive way to explore the heart of Traverse City, the Hi-5 Rickshaw Tour offers an exceptional experience. Recommended by 93% of travelers, this private pedicab tour covers five key areas of the city, providing valuable insights into local history and culture.
Participants will enjoy a personalized tour with a knowledgeable driver, exploring various neighborhoods and the scenic waterfront ambiance.
The tour includes a pedicab, driver, a Local Downtown Discount Booklet, and all fees and taxes. Gratuity for the guide is appreciated but not included. The meeting point is 101 W Grandview Pkwy, Traverse City, MI 49684, with flexibility for in-town pickups. The tour concludes back at the starting point.
While the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible and infants must sit on laps, most travelers can participate in this private experience.
With an overall rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars, the Hi-5 Rickshaw Tour in Traverse City is a must-do activity that offers a unique and engaging way to explore the city.
Read our full review: Hi-5 Rickshaw Tour Traverse City – First Thing You MUST Do in TC! Review
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Proposal and Engagement Sunset Wine Tour in Traverse City
The Proposal and Engagement Sunset Wine Tour in Traverse City offers couples a truly romantic and memorable experience.
Couples will enjoy private transportation in a luxury SUV, guided by wine enthusiasts and university graduates. The tour includes a complimentary bottle of bubbly, making it the perfect setting for popping the big question.
While wine samples and splashes are included, participants can also purchase food, flights, and bottles at an additional cost. The tour starts at 10:30 AM and ends at 3:30 PM, with the first winery visit by 11 AM.
The meeting point is near Middlecoast Brewery, and the tour concludes back at the same location. This experience is law enforcement, first responder, and military friendly, and most travelers can participate.
Couples can receive a confirmation at booking and take advantage of the free cancellation policy up to 24 hours before the tour.
With a 5.0 overall rating based on a single 5-star review, the Proposal and Engagement Sunset Wine Tour in Traverse City is a must-consider for couples.
Read our full review: Proposal and Engagement Sunset Wine Tour in Traverse City Review
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Traverse City Sunset Wine Tour on Old Mission Peninsula
Offering a picturesque setting and an array of renowned wineries, the Traverse City Sunset Wine Tour on Old Mission Peninsula provides an exceptional opportunity to savor the region’s finest vintages.
Operated by the highly-rated Movie Stars Wine Tours, this semi-private excursion ferries guests in air-conditioned luxury SUVs to multiple wineries and a distillery, showcasing the area’s captivating landscapes.
Led by knowledgeable local guides, the 4-5 hour tour allows guests to sample a variety of wines while learning about the unique experiences each winery offers.
With a maximum of 20 travelers, the tour provides a personalized touch, and groups of 6 or more even receive a complimentary bottle of wine.
Boasting a 5-star rating across 108 reviews, the tour is praised for its attentive service, scenic views, and relaxed pace, making it an ideal way to discover Traverse City’s vibrant wine scene.
Read our full review: Traverse City Sunset Wine Tour on Old Mission Peninsula Review
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5-hour 4-winery Traverse City Wine Tour on Old Mission Peninsula
Although the Traverse City Sunset Wine Tour on Old Mission Peninsula offers a captivating experience, the NON BUS 4 Winery Traverse City Wine Tour on Old Mission Peninsula provides a more intimate and personalized exploration of the region’s renowned wineries.
With a 99% recommendation rate from 168 travelers and a Badge of Excellence, this private tour stands out for its expert wine guides, luxury transportation, and semi-private group size. Guests can expect complimentary wine samples, the option to purchase flights and bottles, and a complimentary bottle for groups over 6.
The tour conveniently departs from downtown Traverse City and arrives at the first winery by 11 AM. While not wheelchair accessible, the tour welcomes service animals and is near public transportation.
With overwhelmingly positive reviews highlighting the knowledgeable guides and beautiful scenery, this tour offers an exceptional wine tasting experience on the Old Mission Peninsula.
Read our full review: 5-hour 4-winery Traverse City Wine Tour on Old Mission Peninsula Review
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Private Fall Color Tour of Lake Leelanau With Licensed Guide
What better way to experience the breathtaking autumnal splendor of Lake Leelanau than on a private guided tour? Operated by H2GO Charters, this fall color tour offers a unique opportunity to explore the scenic waterway with a licensed, knowledgeable guide. The tour is private, ensuring your group has the undivided attention of the captain.
Starting from the South Perrins Landing Drive in Solon Township, the tour takes you north out of Traverse City, following Cherry Bend Road and Fouch Road to the meeting point. Along the way, you’ll be treated to stunning views of the lake’s vibrant fall foliage.
The tour includes bottled water, a cooler, life jackets, and even blankets to keep you comfortable. For those 18 and older, snacks, soda, and alcoholic beverages are also provided.
With a 4.6/5 rating from 5 reviews, this tour is highly recommended for its exceptional experience and knowledgeable guide, Jeff. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, this private fall color tour is a must-do activity in Traverse City.
Read our full review: Private Fall Color Tour of Lake Leelanau With Licensed Guide Review
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Private 4 Hour Choose Your Lake Discovery Tour in Traverse City
This private 4-hour tour allows visitors to discover the picturesque lakes surrounding Traverse City. Operated by H2GO Charters, the tour has a 5.0-star rating and includes all the essentials for a day on the water.
Guests can choose from various lake options and will be met by a USCG-licensed and insured captain at a pre-determined meeting point, whether it’s a public boat launch or a lakefront rental property.
The tour provides bottled water, ice, and coolers, as well as water floats and USCG-approved life jackets. While alcoholic beverages, soda, and snacks aren’t included, guests are welcome to bring their own.
The 4-hour experience starts at noon and ends back at the meeting point. Private and exclusive to the group, this tour requires a moderate level of physical fitness, and guests mustn’t have any serious medical conditions.
Read our full review: Private 4 Hour Choose Your Lake Discovery Tour in Traverse City Review
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Lake Leelanau 4 Hour Tour
The Lake Leelanau 4 Hour Tour is an immersive excursion that allows visitors to explore the picturesque Lake Leelanau. Operated by the highly-rated H2GO Charters, the tour boasts an impressive 100% recommendation rate from past travelers.
With a USCG-licensed and insured captain at the helm, guests can expect a safe and enjoyable journey.
The tour includes a range of amenities, such as bottled water, ice and coolers, and USCG-approved life jackets, ensuring a comfortable experience. Guests can also bring their own alcoholic beverages, snacks, and soda/pop to enhance the outing.
The tour departs from the convenient Perrins Landing Drive location and returns to the same point after four hours of exploration.
Reviewers praise the tour’s captain, Jeff, for his professionalism and accommodating nature, even in less favorable weather conditions.
The private nature of the tour guarantees a personalized experience, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a unique and memorable adventure in Traverse City.
Read our full review: Lake Leelanau 4 Hour Tour Review
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6 Hour Tour in Lake Leelanau
A 6-hour tour on the serene Lake Leelanau offers visitors a comprehensive exploration of this picturesque waterway in Traverse City.
Accommodating a maximum of 8 travelers, the tour includes essential amenities like bottled water, coolers with ice, and USCG-approved lifejackets. Guests can enjoy alcoholic beverages (for those 21+) and a selection of snacks and sodas during the journey.
The tour departs from the South Perrins Landing Drive meeting point, with directions provided for a smooth arrival. The experienced, licensed, and insured captain ensures a safe and enjoyable experience for all participants.
Moderate physical fitness is required, and no serious medical conditions are permitted. This tour provides an immersive lakeside adventure, allowing visitors to fully appreciate the natural beauty of the region.
With confirmation received upon booking and a flexible pickup location, the Lake Leelanau 6-Hour Tour is a must-try activity for those seeking an engaging and memorable experience in Traverse City.
Read our full review: 6 Hour Tour in Lake Leelanau Review
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The Sum Up
Traverse City offers a variety of guided tours to suit every interest. From wine tasting and brewery tours to historical ghost walks and scenic fall color excursions, there’s something for all. Whether you’re looking for a romantic sunset cruise or an adventurous rickshaw ride, Traverse City’s tour options provide a unique and memorable way to explore the region’s natural beauty and cultural heritage.