Dyer Lake Vacation Home | Traverse City, Michigan
Email: thefancys@dyerlakevacationhome.com

Explore Nature

Fishing in Traverse City

Aerial view of Powers Island in West Bay from Bowers Harbor

Top Spots and Experiences for Anglers Traverse City, Michigan, is a paradise for fishing enthusiasts. With its picturesque lakes, rivers, and a diverse range of fish species, it offers the perfect setting for seasoned anglers and beginners alike. Whether you prefer casting your line into a tranquil river or heading out on a charter boat, Traverse City has something for everyone. Here’s your guide to the top fishing spots and experiences in the area: Fly Fishing on Traverse City Rivers Traverse City boasts pristine rivers perfect for fly fishing. Explore these popular spots: Boardman River Betsie River Platte River Torch… Read More »


Discover the Magic of Beach Glass

Green, white and brown beach glass on the shores

A Family-Friendly Treasure Hunt Looking for a family-friendly adventure that combines the thrill of treasure hunting with the serenity of the great outdoors? Beach glass hunting along Northern Michigan’s shoreline is the perfect blend of fun, exploration, and discovery! Whether you’re a seasoned beachcomber or a curious first-timer, there’s nothing quite like the excitement of spotting those smooth, colorful gems hidden among the sand and pebbles. Ready to dive in? Let’s explore the fascinating world of beach glass! What Is Beach Glass? Known as “mermaid tears” by some, beach glass is the ultimate example of nature’s recycling. These smooth, frosted… Read More »


Coolest Rocks to Find in Northern Michigan!

Hunting Northern Michigan’s Favorites Rocks Northern Michigan isn’t just for sunsets and sandy beaches—it’s also a rock hunter’s paradise! Whether you’re after glowing stones or hidden gems, the Great Lakes region has treasures waiting for you. Don’t let a little weather stop you; some of the best finds happen when you least expect them. Grab a bag, keep your head down, and let’s talk about six of the coolest rocks every collector needs to find in their lifetime. Leland Blue Forget diamonds—Leland Blue is the real treasure! This slag glass, created as a byproduct of 19th-century iron smelting, has a… Read More »


Fossil Hunting in the Great Lakes Region

Hand holding rocks from beach some of which are Petoskey Stones

A Journey Through Time The Great Lakes region is a haven for fossil enthusiasts and history buffs alike. Millions of years ago, these lands were submerged beneath tropical seas teeming with ancient marine life. Today, the remnants of that prehistoric world can be found along the shores and inland areas, offering a glimpse into the Earth’s distant past. Great Lakes Fossil collecting is a family-friendly activity that combines fun with education, making it an ideal way to explore the natural wonders of the Great Lakes. Here are some of the fascinating fossils you might discover during your visit. Discover Fossils… Read More »


A Perfect Summer Week in Traverse City

There’s no better place to embrace summer than Traverse City, and Dyer Lake Vacation Home is your ultimate retreat to soak up all the season’s charms. Nestled on a serene no wake lake and just a short drive from downtown Traverse City, this home offers comfort, privacy, and easy access to Northern Michigan’s best attractions. Let’s plan the perfect week at your summer getaway! Day 1: Arrival & Relaxation Unpack, breathe in the fresh lake air, and settle into the cozy comfort of Dyer Lake Vacation Home. Enjoy the ducks on the lake and when evening comes sit out on… Read More »


Discover the Magic of Sleeping Bear Dunes

Adventures for Everyone Looking for an unforgettable outdoor adventure in Northern Michigan? Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is calling your name! This natural treasure sits on the eastern shore of Lake Michigan, just a short drive from Traverse City. It’s packed with jaw-dropping scenery, from towering dunes and sparkling lakes to lush forests. Whether you’re a thrill-seeker or just looking to unwind, there’s something here for everyone. Hike the Iconic Dunes Ready for a workout with a view? Sleeping Bear Dunes has hiking trails for every skill level, but the Dune Climb is the real showstopper. This 3.5-mile round-trip trek… Read More »


Why Dyer Lake Vacation Home Beats Hotels and Cottages for Your Traverse City Getaway

  Finding Family Accommodations “Back in the Day” As a parent of four kids, planning family vacations in the ’80s and ’90s was a challenge. Finding reliable information about where to stay was a bit of an adventure. Planning involved a lot of phone calls to local chambers of commerce, tourism bureaus, or even AAA for guidebooks and maps. My husband’s family introduced me to the “cottage court” experience – which was a little like Airbnb before its time. These cottage clusters, scattered across Northern Michigan, offered family-friendly stays with shared grounds and basic amenities. While cozy, these cottages were… Read More »


Frequently Asked Questions

Nestled along the picturesque shores of Lake Michigan, Traverse City is a captivating destination that invites visitors year-round to explore its stunning natural beauty and vibrant local culture. Whether you’re drawn by the allure of summer festivals, the breathtaking colors of autumn foliage, winter sports, or the fresh blooms of spring, there’s always something to experience in this charming town. To help you make the most of your visit, we’ve compiled answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about Traverse City, from top attractions to outdoor adventures and family-friendly activities. What is the best time of year to… Read More »


Why Stay at Dyer Lake Vacation Home

Sunset view at Dyer Lake Vacation Home from the living room

Your Perfect Northern Michigan Getaway Looking for a serene escape where you can unwind, enjoy nature, and make lasting memories with family and friends? Dyer Lake Vacation Home is the perfect spot! Nestled about 10 minutes outside of downtown Traverse City, this charming retreat offers everything you need for a peaceful getaway while still being close to all the excitement Northern Michigan has to offer. Lakefront Living at Its Best Imagine waking up to the gentle sounds of the lake right outside your window. With 75 feet of private water frontage on beautiful Dyer Lake, our vacation home offers a… Read More »


Top 20 Winter Activities Around Traverse City

Winter in Traverse City is a magical time, with endless opportunities for adventure and relaxation. Here’s a list of our top 20 things to do in the area during the winter months: 1. Grand Traverse Lighthouse Take a scenic drive to Northport and explore the Grand Traverse Lighthouse at the tip of the Leelanau Peninsula. It’s a picturesque spot where Lake Michigan meets Grand Traverse Bay, and part of the Leelanau State Park. Enjoy the trails and accessible track chair for a unique experience. 2. Hop Lot Brewing After the lighthouse, drive to Sutton’s Bay and cozy up in an… Read More »


Pet-Friendly Adventures Near Dyer Lake Vacation Home

When you book your stay at Dyer Lake Vacation Home, your furry friend is always welcome! Traverse City is a fantastic destination for both you and your pup, offering pet-friendly attractions, trails, and dining spots. From beachside strolls to wine tastings with a view, there are plenty of ways to enjoy northern Michigan together! Explore the Great Outdoors Sleeping Bear Dunes: You and your dog can enjoy the Pyramid Point and Empire Bluff trails for breathtaking views of Lake Michigan. The Empire Village Beach Park is another great dog-friendly spot. Just remember, dogs must be on a 6-foot leash, and… Read More »


Hiking Safely in Northern Michigan

Exploring the beautiful trails of Northern Michigan can be an invigorating way to de-stress and reconnect with nature. There are many great trails with spectacular views within a 5-45 minute drive of Dyer Lake Vacation Home. Most state parks have and local communities have hiking trails. Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy has many nature preserves, sanctuaries, parks and natural areas to explore. Little Traverse Conservancy has hiking trails, bike trails and more throughout Northern Michigan. One of the best places that has a fantastic network of trails with absolutely amazing views is Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. The picture of… Read More »


Finding Gold in Northern Michigan

Panning for Gold

Did you know that a gold rush took place in Northern Michigan during the late 19th century? As the glaciers moved across the entire state during the last ice age, gold deposits were left scattered throughout the state’s waterways. Small quantities of gold can be discovered in nearly any creek or river in Michigan. According to the US Forest Service, gold has been unearthed in over 100 locations in Michigan. It has been detected in rivers such as the Manistee, Au Sable, Flat, Little Sable, Rapid, Yellow Dog, and various others, as well as on numerous beaches along the Great… Read More »


Find your Trail!

Swans on Boardman Lake

The Traverse City area offers hundreds of hiking trails, some easy and great for the family and some that only an experienced hiker should take. There are trails that are stroller friendly, bike friendly and some that offer accessibility options. It would be impossible to list all of the available trails in the area, so we are going to share some of our favorites as a family and some that were part of Patrick’s childhood. All worth visiting. Most of the trails are dog friendly on a leash and offer parking. Many are accessible, have picnic areas and restrooms. Almost… Read More »


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