Warm days and crisp nights make it a great time to experience the beauty of early autumn around the Sleeping Bear Dunes region.
Delight in bike riding, wine tasting, and sightseeing during September, when the sun still shines brightly and the Milky Way bursts with stars. Goldenrod sets the fields ablaze as the leaves start to change and grapes ripen in vineyards.
The summer crowds have subsided, and the temperature is still warm enough for an occasional beach day. Call up your friends for a girlfriend’s getaway, book that romantic retreat, or make it a solo escape!
Leelanau Peninsula wine tours
Touring Leelanau’s area wineries is a popular fall activity, and wineries on the Leelanau Peninsula Wine Trail let you sip like a VIP during the month of September.
Harvest Days
During Harvest Days, participants can take advantage of the exclusive wine club benefits unique to each winery. Benefits include everything from complimentary flights and tastings to case discounts and more.
Harvest Days run through Sept. 30. Cost is $90 +fees per person. Learn more or buy tickets at lpwines.com/harvest-days.
Hunt for the Reds
During October, Hunt for the Reds is a fun way to explore the Leelanau Peninsula on your own schedule, especially during the weekdays when there are fewer crowds. Take your time to sip and sample, and maybe even visit more than once!
Taste test the red varietals that the region has to offer, including well-balanced Cabernet Francs, rich and full Cabernet Sauvignons, complex Pinot Noirs, and velvety Merlots. Ticket holders receive a pour of red wine hand-selected by the winemakers plus $10 in cork cash.
Dates: October 1st-31st. Cost is $35 + fees per person. Learn more or buy tickets at lpwines.com/the-hunt-for-the-reds-of-october.
Bicycle tours
Ironman 70.3, Frankfort, Sept. 15
The Ironman 70.3 triathlon returns to Frankfort, bringing athletes from across the globe to northern Michigan. Cheer on these racers Sunday, Sept. 15 as they swim in Betsie Bay, cycle along M-22, and run 13.1 miles on paved trails between Frankfort and Elberta.
The Frankfort race placed in the Athletes’ Choice Awards, earning 1st in the Global Most Recommended Race and 1st for Best Bike Race. Join in this fun and competitive atmosphere and learn more at ironman.com/im703-michigan. In addition, many roads in and around Frankfort are closed for the race.
Leelanau Harvest Tour, Sept. 21
The 39th annual Leelanau Harvest Tour on Sept. 21 departs from Suttons Bay and makes a great biking adventure for both families and single riders.
With four different routes to choose from, the LHT ride offers something for everyone. The first 9 miles are on the scenic Leelanau Trail, with the routes going on paved roads and trails that pass by many farms, villages, and the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.
Organized by the Cherry Capital Cycling Club, the ride starts and finishes at Suttons Bay Herman Park Pavilion. The ride runs 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and is the cycling club’s largest fundraiser of the year. The tour includes four food stops along the various routes and a picnic lunch with beverages at the finish.
Distance options are 20-, 40-, 64- and 100-mile rides. Learn more about the routes or register at cherrycapitalcyclingclub.org/lht.
Trail Discovery Day, Betsie Valley Trail, Sept. 22
Explore the Betsie Valley Trail 8 a.m.-noon Sept. 22, with a variety of fun activities planned for the first Trail Discovery Day.
Several events will be offered that morning including: North Mitten Event’s Betsie Valley Trail Run/Walk in Thompsonville, Yoga on the Beulah Beach by Life Is Bliss Yoga, and Free Bike Check at Coastline Cycles in Frankfort.
Gather at the Beulah Village Park Pavilion for lunch at 11 a.m. and trail updates at 11:30 a.m. This fun day allows visitors to experience different parts of the 22-mile trail, which runs from Frankfort through Elberta and Beulah to Thompsonville. Enjoy a leisurely bike ride or walk after the festivities! Learn more at betsievalleytrail.org/trail-discovery-day.
And, learn about other area bike trails and opportunities for Bikes and Bites if you get hungry.
Sleeping Bear Dunes events
Star Party, Sept. 14
Come out for the final Sleeping Bear Dunes Star Party of the season 9-11 p.m. Sept. 14 at the Dune Climb parking lot. Free with valid park pass and fun for all ages.
Join park rangers and astronomers from the Grand Traverse Astronomical Society (GTAS) for an evening of stargazing. Rangers will provide information on preserving dark skies, and GTAS will have telescopes set up for visitors to enjoy.
Bonus: Search for fall constellations in our Milky Way as we approach the autumn equinox or howl at the Harvest Super Moon Sept. 17 (also the night of a partial Lunar Eclipse).
Several planets are in opposition this month, which means they are closest to the Earth and highlighted by the sun. This is a great time to view these planets with the help of a telescope.
The national lakeshore is open for stargazing and Dark Sky exploration year-round. The Star Party will be canceled if the sky is not visible due to cloudy conditions. Call 231-326-4700, ext. 5005, for a voicemail message with updates.
National Public Lands Day, Sept. 28
Visit the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore for free on Sept. 28 in honor of National Public Lands Day.
Held annually on the fourth Saturday of September, National Public Lands Day is the nation’s largest single-day volunteer effort for public lands. It’s a day to show our appreciation for these unique places through volunteer projects and support conservation efforts.
But it’s also designed to promote exploration and enjoyment of America’s public lands for education, recreation, and overall health. This means you can hike the many trails, access the points of interest on Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive, ride the Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail, and explore the historic buildings throughout the national lakeshore - all at no charge.
Lighthouse tours
If you prefer history and picturesque views of the area landscape, both Point Betsie Lighthouse north of Frankfort and the Grand Traverse Lighthouse at the tip of Leelanau Peninsula remain open for tours into the fall.
Point Betsie Lighthouse offers self-guided tours through October 13. The tour includes the original 1858 lighthouse keeper’s residence and a climb up the 34-step tower with views up and down the lake Michigan shoreline. You can also visit the Boathouse Museum and Fog Signal Building.
Property is closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (noon-5 p.m. Sunday). For more information, visit pointbetsie.org.
Grand Traverse Lighthouse, inside Leelanau State Park, is open daily 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. through October and weekends in November. Visitors can tour the restored keepers dwelling and climb the lighthouse tower for a beautiful view of Lake Michigan and Grand Traverse Bay.
State Park Pass required for entry to Leelanau State Park. For more information, visit grandtraverselighthouse.com.
Marla R. Miller is a freelance travel writer and content writer who enjoys exploring the Sleeping Bear area. Visit her website at marlarmiller.com.