Chums Corners is a peaceful lakeside town near Grand Traverse Bay offering easy access to hiking, paddling, biking, and bird watching. Its quiet trails and calm waters make it a great spot for outdoor lovers seeking a slower pace.
Chums Corners is a peaceful lakeside town near Grand Traverse Bay offering easy access to hiking, paddling, biking, and bird watching. Its quiet trails and calm waters make it a great spot for outdoor lovers seeking a slower pace.
Outdoor Adventures in Chums Corners, Michigan
Located on the eastern shore of Grand Traverse Bay, Chums Corners provides a quiet base for outdoor activities in a lesser-known part of northern Michigan. This small town offers access to water and land exploration amid serene natural settings.
Discover the unique natural wonders, summits, and scenic landmarks that make Chums Corners, Michigan special.
★ 8.5⌖ 6.51 milesExplore stunning landscapes in Traverse City, MI. Visit the Sleeping Bear Dunes with panoramic views of Lake Michigan. Enjoy hiking and wine tasting. Accessible by car and busy in summer.
★ 9.1⌖ 21.66 milesEasyExplore the Empire Bluff Trail, a 1.5-mile easy hike in Empire, MI. Enjoy breathtaking views of Lake Michigan and dunes. Perfect for hiking, photography, and birdwatching. Best visited in spring and fall for mild temperatures.
★ 8.8⌖ 22.45 milesExplore Sleeping Bear Heritage Trailhead in Empire, Michigan. This area offers hiking, biking, and kayaking with stunning views of Lake Michigan and sand dunes. Best visited in spring and fall to enjoy milder weather and less crowds.
★ 8.6⌖ 23.71 milesExplore the majestic dunes of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore near Empire, MI. Enjoy sightseeing and photography with expansive views. Best visited in spring or fall for mild weather. Watch out for steep dune descents.
★ 7.6⌖ 23.92 milesModerateEnjoy sand climbing at the Dune Climb near Glen Arbor, MI, at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. This moderate climb rewards with stunning views of Lake Michigan. Perfect for family outings, with opportunities for picnicking and photography.
★ 8.2⌖ 24.10 milesExplore Torch Lake in Northern Michigan with its clear turquoise waters ideal for paddleboarding, boating, and fishing. Access by drive-in with public launches and warm shallow sandbars for swimming. Best visited late spring through early fall, it offers family-friendly outdoor fun with scenic views.
★ 8.2⌖ 24.10 milesHike the Dunes Trail in Glen Arbor for stunning views over Lake Michigan. Enjoy photography, hiking, and relaxation on this natural gem. Ideal from late spring to early fall.
★ 8.7⌖ 24.98 milesExplore the 2.8-mile Sleeping Bear Point Trail near Glen Arbor, Michigan. This trail offers a mix of challenging dune climbs and stunning lake views, frequented by bird watchers and picnickers. Visit in late spring to early fall for optimal weather and fewer crowds.
★ 7.8⌖ 27.43 milesModerateHoudek Dunes Natural Area near Leland, MI, offers a moderate hike through unique sand dunes and forests, ideal for birdwatching and photography. Visit in fall for cool weather and vibrant colors. This quiet spot highlights dune ecology and seasonal beauty with limited crowds.
★ 7.5⌖ 30.47 milesEasyOnomonee Road Beach near Northport, MI, offers easy access to a wide sandy lakeshore ideal for swimming, kayaking, birdwatching, and peaceful walks. Best visited late spring to early fall, it provides a tranquil setting with calm waters and scenic views, perfect for families and nature lovers.
★ 6.5⌖ 33.51 milesExplore South Manitou Island in Glen Arbor, Michigan, accessible by ferry. Enjoy hiking, camping, and lighthouse tours with panoramic views. A serene and historic destination offering a peaceful retreat for nature lovers and backcountry explorers.
★ 9.2⌖ 34.18 milesModerateExplore the stunning Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore with its iconic 450-foot dunes and spectacular vistas of Lake Michigan. Ideal for hiking and sightseeing, the park is moderately difficult, best in Spring and Fall, and bustling during summer.
Discover the top adventure activities and curated experiences in Chums Corners, Michigan, verified by our editors to help you make the most of your trip.
Book unforgettable outdoor adventures, guided tours, and gear rentals with verified Local Experts in Chums Corners, Michigan.
⌖ 1.4 miDay and multi-day kayak and stand‑up paddleboard rentals provide life vests and oars so you can paddle the region’s lakes at your own pace.
⌖ 1.6 miA three‑week Wilderness Water Experience from Memories Traverse City that delivers pontoons, jet skis, kayaks and SUPs across Grand Traverse and Leelanau County—this guide explains what to bring, where you can launch, and who it’s best for.
⌖ 1.6 miAn eight-hour, operator-delivered rental that puts a wide fleet — from double-decker pontoons to jet skis, kayaks and SUPs — onto the lakes of Grand Traverse and Leelanau counties.
⌖ 1.6 miOne-week rentals of a nine‑craft fleet delivered across Grand Traverse and Leelanau counties — this guide explains what to bring, where you can launch, and the operator rules to know before you go.
⌖ 1.6 miA compact guide to two-day watercraft rentals in Traverse City — what to expect, craft options, delivery to popular lakes, and the essentials to bring for a safe, memorable outing.
⌖ 1.6 miA two-day rental of the 2025 Polaris Slingshot from Memories Traverse City that pairs open-air thrills with shoreline and wine-country drives—this guide explains what to expect and how to prepare.
⌖ 1.6 miPremium electric bikes rented by Memories Traverse City, based near Grand Traverse Resort, offer direct access to a scenic stretch of the TART Trail for an easy way to explore Williamsburg and the Traverse City area.
⌖ 1.6 miGuided and self‑paced rides on brand‑new 2026 Polaris snowmobiles through forest trails near Grand Traverse Resort, Kalkaska and Fife Lake — this guide explains what to expect, who can go, and what to bring.
⌖ 1.6 miA two-week rental of the 2025 Polaris Slingshot for open-air driving along Traverse City's lakeshores and through Michigan wine country, with clear guidance on driver, passenger, and packing requirements.
⌖ 1.6 miA focused guide to exploring Traverse City’s shoreline and wine country from the cockpit of a two-seat Polaris Slingshot—what to expect, what to pack, and who this rental suits.
⌖ 1.6 miA 1.5-hour guided UTV tour through peak fall foliage around Traverse City that uses Polaris Ride Command navigation and includes optional hot cocoa and photo stops — this guide helps you know what to expect.
⌖ 1.6 miA 2-hour guided UTV outing in Traverse City that follows peak fall foliage routes, uses Polaris Ride Command for navigation, and includes an optional hot cocoa and photo stop.
⌖ 1.6 miA concise guide to Memories Traverse City's three-hour watercraft rentals—what craft are available, where they’ll deliver, and what to pack for a safe, memorable lake day.
⌖ 1.6 miThree-day watercraft rentals from Memories Traverse City covering pontoons, double-deckers, jet skis, kayaks and SUPs, with delivery across Grand Traverse and Leelanau County.
⌖ 1.6 miA four-day rental program delivering pontoons, jet skis, kayaks and SUPs across Grand Traverse and Leelanau County—this guide explains what’s available, where deliveries go, and how to prepare.
Make the most of your visit to Chums Corners, Michigan with these essential planning tips, seasonal events, and protected lands.
Chums Corners, Michigan is surrounded by incredible protected natural lands offering pristine trails, wildlife habitats, and wilderness conservation.
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is a stunning protected area on the northeast shore of Lake Michigan, renowned for its massive sand dunes and scenic vistas. It offers visitors an array of outdoor activities set against the breathtaking backdrop of clear blue waters and verdant forests.
Peninsula State Park is one of Wisconsin's largest and most visited state parks, offering diverse outdoor activities along the beautiful coastline of Green Bay.
Bring insect repellent during warmer months—midges can be common near the bay.
Check weather before paddling; bay conditions can change quickly.
Nearby Traverse City offers full amenities for supplies and dining.
Winter gear is essential for snowshoeing and exploring the quieter trails.
Always check local regulations, fire restrictions, trail conditions, and weather forecasts before setting out on any adventure in Chums Corners, Michigan. Respect nature, wildlife, and fellow adventurers by following Leave No Trace principles.