Polaris Slingshot destination guide
Pick your scenery. Plan your day.
Compare 10 destinations near Traverse City, from a short M-22 outing to a full day at the Mackinac Bridge. Choose a main destination, then leave room for the stops that make it yours.
These are approximate driving ranges, not live traffic predictions. Your reservation confirms the actual pickup and return address, which may change your travel time. Driving totals cover the stated destination and the return on a similar route; scenic extensions are listed separately. “Allow with stops” is our suggested total outing time, not a guaranteed rental option.
Before booking, use the directions links, replace the starting point with your confirmed pickup address, and check both legs. Add time for traffic, fuel, photos, meals, parking, and road closures.
| Destination | Drive there | Drive back | Total driving | Allow with stops |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sleeping Bear DunesPierce Stocking Scenic Drive entrance | 45–60 min | 45–60 min | 1 hr 30 min – 2 hr | 4–6 hours |
| Mackinac Bridge & Mackinaw CityMackinaw City waterfront, south of the bridge | 2 hr 15 min – 2 hr 45 min | 2 hr 15 min – 2 hr 45 min | 4 hr 30 min – 5 hr 30 min | 7–9 hours |
| Old Mission PeninsulaMission Point Lighthouse | 35–45 min | 35–45 min | 1 hr 10 min – 1 hr 30 min | 3–4 hours |
| M-22 & Suttons BayDowntown Suttons Bay | 25–40 min | 25–40 min | 50 min – 1 hr 20 min | 2–3 hours |
| Leland & FishtownFishtown in downtown Leland | 40–55 min | 40–55 min | 1 hr 20 min – 1 hr 50 min | 3–5 hours |
| Glen Arbor & Glen LakeDowntown Glen Arbor | 40–55 min | 40–55 min | 1 hr 20 min – 1 hr 50 min | 3–5 hours |
| Frankfort & Crystal Lake areaDowntown Frankfort | 50 min – 1 hr 5 min | 50 min – 1 hr 5 min | 1 hr 40 min – 2 hr 10 min | 4–5 hours |
| CharlevoixDowntown Charlevoix | 1 hr 5 min – 1 hr 20 min | 1 hr 5 min – 1 hr 20 min | 2 hr 10 min – 2 hr 40 min | 4–6 hours |
| PetoskeyDowntown Petoskey | 1 hr 30 min – 1 hr 50 min | 1 hr 30 min – 1 hr 50 min | 3 hr – 3 hr 40 min | 5–7 hours |
| Harbor SpringsDowntown; gateway to the Tunnel of Trees | 1 hr 45 min – 2 hr 5 min | 1 hr 45 min – 2 hr 5 min | 3 hr 30 min – 4 hr 10 min | 6–8 hours |
Dunes & Lake Michigan overlooks
Sleeping Bear Dunes
Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive entrance
- Each way
- 45–60 min
- There + back driving
- 1 hr 30 min – 2 hr
Head west toward Empire, then follow signs to Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive. Park at the overlooks for sweeping dune and Lake Michigan views. This is a paved-road Slingshot outing; vehicles stay on designated roads and parking areas.
Places to stop
- Pierce Stocking overlooks
- Empire for a meal or beach stop
- Glen Arbor if your reservation leaves extra time
The table covers the drive to the entrance and back. Allow another 1–2 hours for the 7.4-mile scenic loop and overlooks. The loop is seasonal, and a park entrance pass is required. Check opening conditions and pass information before leaving.
Allow 4–6 hours for this outing with stops.
A full day at the Straits
Mackinac Bridge & Mackinaw City
Mackinaw City waterfront, south of the bridge
- Each way
- 2 hr 15 min – 2 hr 45 min
- There + back driving
- 4 hr 30 min – 5 hr 30 min
Make the Mighty Mac your main destination for the day. Drive north to Mackinaw City, park near the waterfront, and enjoy bridge views, photographs, and a meal before the return drive.
Places to stop
- Old Mackinac Point waterfront views
- Downtown Mackinaw City
- Optional crossing to St. Ignace, if approved for your rental
These times end on the Mackinaw City side. Crossing to St. Ignace and returning is extra: allow at least 45–60 additional minutes, plus any stops or traffic delays, and budget for tolls in both directions. Check bridge wind restrictions and your rental's route and mileage terms first.
Allow 7–9 hours for this outing with stops.
Lighthouse, orchards & bay views
Old Mission Peninsula
Mission Point Lighthouse
- Each way
- 35–45 min
- There + back driving
- 1 hr 10 min – 1 hr 30 min
Follow M-37 / Center Road up the peninsula toward Mission Point Lighthouse. The road passes orchards and vineyards, with water views along the way. Park at the lighthouse for a shoreline walk and photos.
Places to stop
- Mission Point Lighthouse grounds
- Roadside farm stands in season
- A planned picnic or meal on the peninsula
The lighthouse museum has its own seasonal schedule. Leave time to walk from the parking area, and check opening hours if you want to go inside. Scenic side roads and extra stops add to the return time.
Allow 3–4 hours for this outing with stops.
An easy West Bay drive
M-22 & Suttons Bay
Downtown Suttons Bay
- Each way
- 25–40 min
- There + back driving
- 50 min – 1 hr 20 min
Take M-22 north along West Grand Traverse Bay for a shorter Slingshot outing. Suttons Bay gives you a clear turnaround point, with a waterfront, shops, and places to stop for a bite.
Places to stop
- Suttons Bay waterfront
- Downtown shops
- A coffee, lunch, or ice-cream break
This estimate covers Suttons Bay and the return to Traverse City. Continuing to Northport or around the entire Leelanau Peninsula needs a longer route plan.
Allow 2–3 hours for this outing with stops.
Harbor views & a village stop
Leland & Fishtown
Fishtown in downtown Leland
- Each way
- 40–55 min
- There + back driving
- 1 hr 20 min – 1 hr 50 min
Make Leland your destination for a walk through Fishtown, a look at the harbor, and a relaxed lunch. Use the directions to choose your approach, or ask us about a longer drive through Suttons Bay.
Places to stop
- Fishtown waterfront
- Leland harbor
- Downtown lunch and shops
Parking and walking time are part of the outing. A coastal M-22 loop through additional towns will take longer than the direct trip shown here.
Allow 3–5 hours for this outing with stops.
Lake country & small-town stops
Glen Arbor & Glen Lake
Downtown Glen Arbor
- Each way
- 40–55 min
- There + back driving
- 1 hr 20 min – 1 hr 50 min
Drive west through Leelanau County to Glen Arbor. Plan a meal, browse the village, and add a paved-road drive around part of Glen Lake if your rental time allows.
Places to stop
- Downtown Glen Arbor
- Glen Lake viewpoints from designated stops
- Nearby Sleeping Bear attractions with extra time
The timing is to Glen Arbor and back. A full lake loop, Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive, and long beach stops are additions to this route.
Allow 3–5 hours for this outing with stops.
Benzie County & the Lake Michigan shore
Frankfort & Crystal Lake area
Downtown Frankfort
- Each way
- 50 min – 1 hr 5 min
- There + back driving
- 1 hr 40 min – 2 hr 10 min
Head toward Beulah and Frankfort for a Benzie County road trip. Make downtown Frankfort your main stop, then use your spare time for a Crystal Lake viewpoint or a walk near the Lake Michigan waterfront.
Places to stop
- Downtown Frankfort
- Lake Michigan waterfront
- Crystal Lake or Beulah with extra time
The table uses the direct drive to Frankfort. Following more of M-22 along the coast, visiting Elberta, or adding a full Crystal Lake loop increases the trip time.
Allow 4–5 hours for this outing with stops.
US-31 & Round Lake
Charlevoix
Downtown Charlevoix
- Each way
- 1 hr 5 min – 1 hr 20 min
- There + back driving
- 2 hr 10 min – 2 hr 40 min
Cruise north on US-31 through the East Bay and Elk Rapids area toward Charlevoix. Park downtown for Round Lake views, a waterfront walk, and lunch before heading back.
Places to stop
- Charlevoix waterfront
- Downtown shops and dining
- Elk Rapids as an optional stop en route
Leave flexibility for traffic through the lakeshore towns and the Charlevoix drawbridge. Adding Petoskey makes this a longer northern outing.
Allow 4–6 hours for this outing with stops.
Little Traverse Bay
Petoskey
Downtown Petoskey
- Each way
- 1 hr 30 min – 1 hr 50 min
- There + back driving
- 3 hr – 3 hr 40 min
Continue north along the US-31 corridor for Little Traverse Bay views and a Petoskey stop. Pick one or two places to explore so you have time for lunch and an unhurried return.
Places to stop
- Petoskey waterfront
- Downtown shopping and dining
- Charlevoix if you reserve extra time
The estimates end in Petoskey. Harbor Springs, the Tunnel of Trees, and the Mackinac Bridge are farther trips, so add their driving time before choosing a rental.
Allow 5–7 hours for this outing with stops.
Harbor town & a longer scenic option
Harbor Springs
Downtown; gateway to the Tunnel of Trees
- Each way
- 1 hr 45 min – 2 hr 5 min
- There + back driving
- 3 hr 30 min – 4 hr 10 min
Plan a full day for Harbor Springs and its waterfront. For a longer drive, M-119 continues toward Good Hart and Cross Village through the Tunnel of Trees when the road is open through.
Places to stop
- Harbor Springs waterfront
- Good Hart on the optional M-119 extension
- Cross Village when through access is confirmed
The table is for Harbor Springs only. When fully open, budget about 45–60 minutes each way for the scenic M-119 stretch to Cross Village: another 1½–2 hours of driving, plus stops. Check current M-119 closures and detours before choosing this extension; allow a longer rental for it.
Allow 6–8 hours for this outing with stops.
How to use these estimates & route sources
Reviewed September 9, 2026. Driving baselines were checked against the route pages below, then rounded into planning ranges. The Old Mission, scenic-drive entrance, bridge-crossing, and Tunnel of Trees extension times are planning estimates. Return ranges assume similar conditions; live traffic may differ by direction. Suggested outing times add room for stops and are our recommendations.
For a route starting at Grand Traverse Resort in Acme/Williamsburg or another pickup point, update both directions links with that address. Full M-22 loops, additional towns, bridge crossings, and detours require a new time check. Confirm that your booking covers the route, mileage, and return time.
What to know
Choose a rental that fits your route.
A short bayfront outing and a Mackinac Bridge day trip need different amounts of time. Start with the full round trip, add your planned stops, then leave a return buffer. Choose an available rental that comfortably covers the entire outing.
Use the live Slingshot listing to confirm the vehicle, driver and passenger requirements, deposits, mileage terms, fuel expectations, and pickup or delivery details. Call us if you want help choosing a route or coordinating multiple Slingshots.
Build a day around one main destination
For a shorter outing, look at Suttons Bay or Old Mission Peninsula. With more time, choose Glen Arbor, Leland, Sleeping Bear Dunes, or Frankfort. Give the northern routes to Petoskey, Harbor Springs, and the Mackinac Bridge room in your schedule for meals, fuel, and the return.
- Pick your main stop before reserving
- Add each scenic extension to your driving time
- Use your confirmed return deadline to set a turnaround time
Make M-22 your own
M-22 offers several different outings. Head toward Suttons Bay for a shorter bay drive, choose Leland for a Fishtown stop, or plan more time around Glen Arbor and the dunes. A longer Leelanau loop can combine towns, but the point-to-point times above do not describe the whole loop.
- Choose one town or ask us about a longer loop
- Build in time for photographs and a meal
- Check the complete route in maps before committing to the rental length
Pack for an open-air drive
Bring a light layer, sun protection, water, and only what you can secure in the vehicle. Check the forecast along the whole route, especially for longer drives by the lakes. Follow the equipment and operating instructions provided for your Slingshot.
- Save your outward and return directions before leaving
- Plan fuel, food, and parking stops
- Review park entry requirements and bridge conditions for your destination
Celebrate in the open air
Slingshots work well for birthdays, anniversaries, bachelor or bachelorette weekends, and guests who want a dramatic add-on to a Traverse City stay.
- Call for multiple vehicles
- Choose a route that works for the whole group
- Leave time for a meal or a special stop