Things To Do
Adventure, relaxation, and everything in between—Riverbend Lodge puts you right in the middle of it all.
The Betsie River
The heart of it all. Whether you’re kayaking, tubing, or casting a line, the Betsie River offers a peaceful, scenic escape right outside your door. In the fall, the salmon run is unforgettable—a bucket-list experience for anglers and nature lovers alike.
ATV/UTV and Snowmobile Trails
Adventure starts at the driveway. With direct access to miles of trails, you can ride straight from the lodge into Northern Michigan’s rugged beauty, whether on ATVs or dirt bikes in the summer or snowmobiles in the winter.
Crystal Mountain
Just minutes away, Crystal Mountain offers year-round fun: skiing, snowboarding, and fat tire biking in the winter, and mountain biking, the alpine slide, an adventure course, and scenic trails in the warmer months. Guests also love the indoor and outdoor pools and the peaceful paths of the Michigan Legacy Art Park.
Lake Michigan Beaches & Coastal Towns
A short drive brings you to some of the most beautiful stretches of Lake Michigan shoreline. Spend the day soaking up the sun in Frankfort, explore the charm and access to Sleeping Bear Dunes from Glen Arbor, or wander the historic Fishtown in Leland. Each offers its own blend of sandy beaches, small-town character, and unforgettable sunsets.
Traverse City & Wine Country
Explore the charm of Traverse City—from its vibrant downtown and waterfront to standout restaurants and local shops. Just beyond the city, the Leelanau Peninsula and Old Mission Peninsula are home to some of the Midwest’s most scenic wineries, where you can sip local wines with sweeping views of Lake Michigan and Grand Traverse Bay.
Hiking, Biking, & Scenic Trails
From quiet forest paths to scenic bike rides, the area is full of ways to explore on foot or two wheels. The nearby Betsie Valley Trail and surrounding state land offer miles of natural beauty in every season. For unforgettable views, we love hiking at Empire Bluff Trail and Arcadia Dunes Baldy Trail, both within about 25 minutes of the Lodge and offering stunning overlooks of Lake Michigan.