Top 15 Things To Do in Chums Corners, Michigan
Nestled at the crossroads between Traverse City and the open sweep of Grand Traverse Bay, Chums Corners is deceptively small and wildly productive for an outdoors-minded itinerary. Days here can be split between boat rental mornings on glassy water, kayak tours through protected coves, and late-afternoon drives toward the dunes. Anglers know the area for dependable fishing and charter options; sailors and jet ski renters chase the thermals across the bay while families and day-trippers stage picnics along the shoreline. The region’s activity mix—boat rental, boat tour, water activities, kayak, sailing, fishing, jet ski rental, and more—makes it simple to assemble a water-forward weekend, or to use Chums Corners as a practical base for branching into Sleeping Bear Dunes, inland mountain biking and ATV/UTV loops, or urban-slice sightseeing in nearby Traverse City. This guide focuses on experiences that balance accessible thrills with clear planning: where to rent gear, what to bring for a lake day, and how to layer winter options like ice fishing or snow-based winter activities into a year-round mindset.
Top 15 Things To Do in Chums Corners
Ranked by number of available trips • Each activity type links to all experiences
Why Chums Corners Belongs on Your Adventure Shortlist
Chums Corners sits at an elegant intersection: a short drive from Traverse City’s cafés and cherry orchards, and minutes from shoreline that unfurls into Grand Traverse Bay. If you prize variety — the ability to pivot from a kayak tour at dawn to a boat rental for a mid-morning cruise, then trade the afternoon for an ATV/UTV loop or a quiet evening sailing off the point — this place pays dividends. The built environment here is low-key: small marinas, outfitters that know local wind lines, and family-run shops that rent everything from jet skis to bikes. That practicality is the region’s greatest charm. It makes it possible to assemble a weekend where you sample boat tours and fishing in the same day without wasting time in transit.
There’s a cultural and ecological backbone beneath the recreational surface. The Grand Traverse region is home to Anishinaabe lands and a long history of lakeside communities. For two seasons each year the area transforms: spring mud and migrating birds give way to a busy summer of water activities; autumn tightens the air and yields long, luminous days for hiking and sightseeing tours toward Sleeping Bear Dunes. Staying aware of seasonal patterns — and supporting local outfitters and guides — keeps places accessible for everyone. Practicalities matter here: wind direction will determine whether a late-afternoon sail feels effortless or demanding, and lake forecasts are as useful as trail maps. Outfitters offering boat rental, kayak tours, and fishing charters will often handle safety briefings, life jackets, and local route suggestions, letting you focus on the experience.
Finally, Chums Corners is a deceptively good staging ground. Use it to tile together short, memorable outings: a morning kayak tour through quiet coves; a midday boat rental to access an isolated swim stop; a late trip to watch sailboats dip their keels at golden hour. If you’re looking for camping or lodging, the nearby pockets of inns and rental cabins mean you can anchor a multi-day plan without long drives. Whether you’re a family chasing relatively gentle water activities and sightseeing tours, or a small group mixing sailing, fishing, and jet ski rentals with a dash of ATV/UTV exploration, Chums Corners makes those options feel effortless rather than exhausting.
Access and convenience are the area’s big advantages: short drives to multiple launch points, a cluster of outfitters for boat rental and kayak gear, and nearby services in Traverse City that make logistics simple.
Stack your days for variety—start with a quiet kayak tour, book a late-morning boat tour or fishing charter, and reserve an evening sailing or jet ski rental for sunset—with outfitters that often accommodate staggered start times.
Best Time to Visit
Best Months
Weather Notes
Summer brings warm water and steady recreation winds; late spring delivers cool mornings and migratory birds; fall offers crisp, clear days for sightseeing. Winters are cold and suit snow-based winter activities and ice fishing where conditions allow.
Peak Season
June through August — plan and book boat rentals, guided fishing trips, and lodging in advance.
Off-Season Opportunities
Shoulder seasons (late spring, early fall) offer quieter marinas and lower prices; winter opens opportunities for snowmobiling, winter activities, and ice fishing if conditions are safe.
Choose Your Adventure Level
Beginner
Short, low-stress outings intended for first-timers and families—sheltered kayak routes, gentle boat tours, and guided fishing charters designed for beginners.
- Guided kayak tour of a protected bay inlet
- Short boat tour highlighting shoreline views and sandbars
- Family-friendly fishing charter or shore fishing at a public pier
Intermediate
Longer paddles, mixed wind conditions for sailing, or guided half-day fishing trips—expect modest navigation and weather consideration.
- Half-day boat rental to a neighboring point or cove
- Introductory sailing lesson or shared sailboat trip
- Guided kayak route that crosses open water to an island or dune-adjacent beach
Advanced
Open-water crossings, multi-hour angling trips, or high-speed jet ski runs that demand skill, local knowledge, and careful weather planning.
- Open-water sail or self-skippered powerboat trip across Grand Traverse Bay
- Full-day fishing charter targeting lake trout or salmon
- ATV/UTV technical loop on permitted trails
What to Bring
Essential
- Layered clothing and a light windbreaker for lake breezes
- Personal flotation device (PFD) if you have one; otherwise rely on outfitter-supplied life jackets
- Waterproof phone case or dry bag for keys and electronics
- Sunscreen, sunglasses with retainer, and a brimmed hat
- Reusable water bottle and snacks
Recommended
- Footwear that tolerates wet docks (sandals with straps or neoprene booties)
- Light daypack for shoreline stops and sightseeing tours
- Waterproof camera or action cam with a float leash
- Small first-aid kit and blister care
Optional
- Binoculars for birding and vantages from boat or shore
- Fishing license and personal tackle if planning to fish from shore
- Compact picnic kit for beaches and coves
Insider Tips & Local Knowledge
Verify access, hours, closures, and water conditions with outfitters and official sources before you go.
Book high-demand slots—boat rental, jet ski rental, and popular fishing times—well in advance during summer. For calmer paddles, aim for early morning when winds are lighter and marinas are quiet. If you plan to combine activities, coordinate logistics so one drop-off puts you near your next pickup; many outfitters will advise shuttle or staging options. Respect private property and posted signs near dunes and shoreline; stick to designated launch points to limit erosion. In winter, confirm ice thickness and local advisories before attempting any ice-based activity. Finally, support local businesses: many outfitters double as knowledgeable trip-planners and will often tailor a combined boat-tour-plus-kayak-day that saves time and elevates the experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I do most activities without a guide?
Yes for many activities—boat rental, kayak tours on sheltered coves, bike rental, and sightseeing tours can be self-guided if you have experience. Choose a guide for open-water sailing, unfamiliar fishing grounds, or ATV/UTV routes on private land.
Do I need a license to fish?
Yes—Michigan requires a fishing license for most anglers. Outfitters and charters often handle licensing for guided trips; check local regulations before you go.
Are jet skis and boats available on short notice?
During peak season, no—book jet ski rental and popular boat rental slots ahead. Off-peak you may find same-day availability, but plan for safety briefings and fuel or battery constraints.