Annabella and Brayden on a beach on Long Lake

When staying at Dyer Lake Vacation Home, you’re perfectly situated to explore some of Northern Michigan’s best-kept secrets! Whether you’re looking for hands-on fun, scenic outdoor adventures, or unique local art, there’s something for everyone just a short drive away. From rail bike rides through the woods to sandy beach days and interactive science exhibits, we’ve rounded up our top 5 hidden gems that you won’t want to miss. Let the adventures begin!

Visiting Cognitions and holding the tarantula

Brayden bravely holding a tarantula at Cognitions!

Cognition

Cognition is an exciting, hands-on science playground where both kids and adults can dive into interactive exhibits and captivating displays. Every visit brings something new, from unique animals you can learn about (and even hold) to immersive experiences like Planetarium shows and Virtual Reality. It’s an absolute must-visit, especially if you’re traveling with kids! Even my teenage grandkids in the area can’t resist visiting frequently. Cognition’s is always on Annabella and Brayden’s must visit list when they stay at their Dyer Lake home.

Gilbert the T-Rex

Meet Gilbert, the impressive 36-foot long, 14-foot-tall T-Rex sculpture, created by local artist Enoch Flaugher. This labor of love took over 4,200 hours and three years to complete! Named after generations of the Warnes family, Gilbert stands proudly at their gallery on W. Empire Highway and Plowman Road in Empire. It’s a fun stop for art lovers and dinosaur enthusiasts alike! In fact, the metal butterflies on our porch came from their booth—such a cool addition to our space!

 

Gilbert the T-Rex at Curtis Warnes Functional Art in Empire Michigan

Annabella and Brayden visiting Gilbert the T-Rex

Twin Lakes Park

If you’re looking for a perfect family-friendly park, Twin Lakes Park is your spot. Open daily, this peaceful retreat offers a sandy beach for sunbathing and swimming, as well as wooded trails perfect for intermediate-level hikes. There’s even a universally accessible pavilion, playground, and upgraded water access. Whether you’re hiking, swimming, or just enjoying a picnic by the lake, this park has something for everyone—my grandkids especially love the playground and bathrooms, which are a must when you’ve got little ones in tow!

Glen Haven Beach – Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

The road into Glen Haven Michigan with the Glen Haven sign

The road leading into Glen Haven

A visit to Glen Haven Beach offers a mix of relaxation and adventure. This pebbly gem, nestled in Sleeping Bear Bay, is perfect for wading, swimming, and even stone skipping (a family favorite). After a day climbing the dunes, it’s a great place to unwind and explore the historic Glen Haven village (and for Mom to get a little peace 🙂 ). The Fancy family always stopped here for a swim and visited the old general store and cannery museum as they were growing up. And of course, no trip to Glen Haven was complete without a visit to the Totem Shop in Glen Arbor for a small, nostalgic souvenir! My children loved the Totem shop  now it is a must stop for their kids too!

Wheels on Rails

For a truly unique adventure, Wheels on Rails offers custom-made rail bike tours through Traverse City’s serene countryside. Ride along out-of-service rail lines, meandering through lush woods, crossing under bridges, and passing crystal-clear creeks. Wildlife often pops up along the way, giving you a memorable, nature-filled experience. It’s an adventure for all ages and abilities, making it one of our go-to annual activities!

These are just a handful of the hidden gems waiting for you near Dyer Lake Vacation Home, all within a 30–45-minute drive. There’s so much more to explore—plan your visit and discover these treasures for yourself! Ready to book your stay? Book direct and save or you can book through Airbnb if you prefer.

Discover more activities and Fancy family favorites:

Fancy Family Favorites
Playgrounds and Beaches
Family Activities
Dining
Shopping
Golf
Wineries
Breweries
Distilleries