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PRESIDENT’S COUNCIL

Outdoor image of Traverse City, Michigan, featuring a setting on the water.

Schedule of Events

Thursday, August 8

9 a.m. | Optional excursion: Golf at the Bear

Celebrated as one of Michigan’s most challenging 18-hole courses, the Bear was ranked as the 18th-toughest course in America, according to Golf Digest.

10 a.m.–4:30 p.m. | Optional excursion: Sleeping Bear Dunes Tour (Space is limited!)

*Parts of this excursion are strenuous. You should not sign up if you are unable to walk long distances or on uneven ground.

    • Hike to Empire Bluffs, a 1.5-mile round-trip walk to one of the park’s best views.
    • Lunch at Shipwreck Café.
    • Tour Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive, a picturesque 7-mile drive through the dune complex, including Glen Lake overlook, Sleeping Bear overlook, and Lake Michigan overlook.
    • Climb (as much as you would like) the world-famous Dune Climb.
    • Stop off in Glen Haven, a historic example of an 1800s lumber town.
    • At our last stop at Glen Arbor, visit the Cherry Republic for shopping, ice cream, and/or wine tasting.

6 p.m. | Welcome dinner at the Delamar Hotel  

Friday, August 9

7–10 a.m. | Complimentary breakfast for those staying at the Delamar

10:30 a.m. | Shuttle departure for the Village at Grand Traverse Commons

11 a.m. | Guided historic walking tour, approximately one mile of walking (both inside and outside)

The village story is unique and vital to Traverse City’s history. The tour will provide an accurate snapshot of Dr. Munson’s “Beauty Is Therapy” theory on patient care, the former uses of structures on the property, the purpose of the architecture, and more.

1 p.m. | Lunch and wine tasting at Left Foot Charley

3 p.m. | Return to Delamar for late-afternoon shopping, sightseeing, and/or beach walking

Local tip—drop by the Grand Traverse Pie Company for a slice.

Saturday, August 10

7–10 a.m. | Complimentary breakfast for those staying at the Delamar

10:30 a.m. | Optional excursion: Kayaking + Brew Tour (Space is limited!)

    • Take a kayak trip along the Boardman River in Traverse City and stop along the way at some of the best craft breweries in Northern Michigan, and you have what is called a KaBrew! 
    • Approximately four hours, 3 to 4 miles (1.5-2 miles paddle/1.5-2 miles bike on TART trail)


Other optional activities: bike (or e-bike) rentals, tour the Dennos Museum Center

2:30 p.m. | Shuttle departure from the Delamar for private schooner tour

3 p.m. | Private schooner tour on Lake Michigan

5:45 p.m. | Shuttle departure from private schooner tour to Mari Winery

6 p.m. | Farewell dinner and private tour and tasting at Mari Winery 

Sunday, August 11

7–10 a.m. | Complimentary breakfast for those staying at the Delamar

Due to the planned itinerary, we strongly advise those who are not ambulatory against participating on this President’s Council trip. Our itinerary includes a significant amount of walking, sometimes on uneven terrain. Travelers must be able to climb on and off chartered motor coaches and a boat. If you would like to discuss your situation or have specific questions, please contact the President’s Council office at pc@purdueforlife.org.