TRAVERSE CITY SAILING FIELD GUIDE
Fireworks from the Deck: Manitou’s Night Sail on Grand Traverse Bay
A two-hour evening cruise from Discovery Pier aboard the tall ship Manitou for sunset and Cherry Festival fireworks viewing, with options to help raise sails or take the wheel.
Fireworks from the Deck: Manitou’s Night Sail on Grand Traverse Bay.
Board the historic tall ship Manitou and slip into Grand Traverse Bay as daylight fades — a short, 2-hour evening sail that trades the city vantage for a waterborne perspective on Traverse City’s waterfront and the Cherry Festival fireworks. Guests can relax on deck or join the crew in setting 3,000 square feet of sail as the ship moves under wind power, then return to Discovery Pier after an intimate night on the water.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Tall-ship sailing aboard Manitou
Once clear of the dock, Manitou’s crew invites guests to help set 3,000 square feet of sail; the engine is shut off and the vessel glides under wind power as the captain and crew steer for the best experience.
A front-row seat for Cherry Festival fireworks
The cruise sails lower West Grand Traverse Bay for sweeping views of the Traverse City waterfront — including landmarks like the historic Park Place Hotel and the Great Lakes Maritime Academy’s training vessel State of Michigan — and positions guests to watch the Cherry Festival fireworks from the water.
Hands-on sailing and friendly local crew
The atmosphere is casual and interactive: crew members welcome conversation, explain the boat, and invite passengers to assist with lines or, conditions permitting, take a turn at the wheel; beverages and snacks are available for purchase on board.
What the day feels like
What the two-hour evening sail feels like
You board at Discovery Pier, cast off, and once clear of the dock the crew asks for volunteers to help hoist the sails. With the engine off the ship moves to wind and waves; the captain and crew set course to afford the best views of the city and the scheduled fireworks. Fireworks typically start at 10:30 pm, and after the display Manitou brings passengers safely back to Discovery Pier at the end of the two-hour experience.
THE SHIP
Tall-ship sailing aboard Manitou
Once clear of the dock, Manitou’s crew invites guests to help set 3,000 square feet of sail; the engine is shut off and the vessel glides under wind power as the captain and crew steer for the best experience.
THE VIEW
A front-row seat for Cherry Festival fireworks
The cruise sails lower West Grand Traverse Bay for sweeping views of the Traverse City waterfront — including landmarks like the historic Park Place Hotel and the Great Lakes Maritime Academy’s training vessel State of Michigan — and positions guests to watch the Cherry Festival fireworks from the water.
THE CREW
Hands-on sailing and friendly local crew
The atmosphere is casual and interactive: crew members welcome conversation, explain the boat, and invite passengers to assist with lines or, conditions permitting, take a turn at the wheel; beverages and snacks are available for purchase on board.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this sail is for — and how ticketing applies.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Beverages and snacks are available for purchase on board; gratuity is not included in the fare and is appreciated by the crew.
Light refreshments are offered for sale during the cruise; plan accordingly as these are not included with your ticket.
Gratuity is not included in the price of your sail and is left to passenger discretion.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the Manitou Fireworks Sail?
The cruise lasts approximately two hours.
Where do we meet for the sail?
Passengers board at Discovery Pier.
When are the fireworks sails offered?
Fireworks sails are scheduled for July 4 and July 11 with a 9:30 pm departure for the evening cruise.
Can I help raise the sails or steer the ship?
Yes — guests are invited to assist with raising Manitou’s sails and may take a turn at the wheel if conditions allow.
Are food and drinks included with the ticket?
No; beverages and snacks are available on board for purchase, and gratuity is not included in the ticket price.
Who operates the Manitou Fireworks Sail?
The evening sail is operated by Traverse Tall Ship Sailing aboard the tall ship Manitou.