Honor Travel Guide

Plan your next trip to Honor in Michigan with our comprehensive travel guide. Find out about the best places to visit, things to do, where to stay, and more.


Introduction to Honor

Honor is a charming village located in the Grand Traverse Bay Area, in Northern Michigan, that offers visitors an authentic small-town American experience. It is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts due to its proximity to the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. In addition, Honor has a rich history and culture, making it a great option for those interested in museums, art galleries, and historical sites. In this travel guide, we will provide you with a comprehensive itinerary of things to do, places to visit, and where to stay in Honor.

List of Places to Visit in Honor

Honor is a relatively small village, but it has many attractions for visitors. Below are some of the best places to visit when in Honor.

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Old Indian Trail - a historic trail that was used by Native Americans to connect trade routes from the Great Lakes to the Mississippi. The trail is open to hikers and offers stunning views of the surrounding forests and countryside.
  • Benzie Area Historical Museum - a museum that showcases the history of the surrounding Benzie County. Exhibits range from agriculture and logging to Native American history and environmental conservation.
  • Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore - a national park that features beautiful sand dunes and breathtaking views of Lake Michigan. There are various hiking trails and scenic overlooks to explore.

Natural Attractions of Honor: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail - a 27-mile trail built for cycling, hiking, and running that takes visitors on a journey through the park, providing scenic views of the surrounding areas.
  • Lake Michigan Shoreline - a stunning coastline that stretches for miles with crystal-clear waters and sandy beaches. Visitors can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and water sports such as kayaking, boating, and fishing.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Honor

Honor is located within the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, so it’s no surprise that the area offers excellent hiking and biking opportunities. Here are some of the best routes for hikers and bikers in the area:

  • Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive - A 7.4-mile scenic drive through the park, offering views of the lake, dunes, and surrounding forests.
  • Dune Climb Trail - a 3-mile round-trip hike that takes visitors up a steep sand dune. At the top, visitors are rewarded with beautiful views of the nearby park and surrounding areas.
  • Empire to Glen Arbor Trail - a 10-mile bike trail that follows the shoreline of Lake Michigan and passes through forests, fields, and small towns.

Best Things to Do in Honor: Activities and Tours

In addition to hiking and biking, Honor offers visitors a variety of outdoor and cultural activities. Here are some of the best things to do in Honor:

  • Fishing - Honor is surrounded by crystal-clear lakes, streams, and rivers that are abundant with fish. Anglers can catch species such as trout, salmon, and bass.
  • Wine Tasting - Benzie County, where Honor is located, is home to many vineyards and wineries. Visitors can enjoy tastings, tours, and beautiful views of the area’s rolling hills and countryside.
  • Art Galleries - Honor has several art galleries that exhibit works from local and international artists. Visitors can purchase paintings, sculptures, and other artwork.

Week-Long Itinerary for Honor

Here is a suggested itinerary for a week-long trip to Honor:

Day Activity
1 Arrive in Honor, explore the downtown area
2 Visit Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, hike Dune Climb Trail
3 Go Fishing, Visit Wineries
4 Explore Benzie Area Historical Museum, visit art galleries
5 Relax at Crystal Lake
6 Take a bike ride on Empire to Glen Arbor Trail
7 Depart from Honor

Food and Drink Scene of Honor

Honor is known for its local cuisine and drinks. Here are some of the must-try dishes and beverages in the area:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Pasties - a traditional English meat pie that is popular in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. They are typically filled with beef, potatoes, and onions.
  • Fish Fry - a meal that consists of fried fish, fries, and coleslaw. It is often served in local restaurants and bars.
  • Cherry Pie - Traverse City, just a short drive from Honor, is known as the cherry capital of the world. Visitors can enjoy this sweet dessert at many local bakeries and restaurants.

Local Beverages

  • Beer - Honor has several local breweries that offer craft beer, including the North Channel Brewing Company and Stormcloud Brewing Company.
  • Wine - As mentioned earlier, Benzie County is home to many wineries. Visitors can sample the local wine and learn about the winemaking process.

Where to Stay in Honor: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Here are some recommendations for places to stay in Honor:

  • Watervale Inn - a historic lakeside inn with comfortable rooms and beautiful views of Lake Michigan.
  • Rustic Resort - a family-friendly resort that offers cabins and cottages with access to Crystal Lake.
  • The Honor Motel - a budget-friendly option that offers simple, clean rooms.

What to Buy in Honor: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Here are some of the best souvenirs and local products to bring home from Honor:

  • Cherry Products - Traverse City is known for its cherries, and visitors can bring home products such as cherry jam, pie filling, and wine.
  • Local Artwork - Honor has several art galleries that offer unique pieces of artwork such as paintings, sculptures, and pottery.
  • Maple Syrup - Michigan is known for its high-quality maple syrup, which can be found at local farms and stores in the area.

Local Culture and Customs of Honor

Honor has a strong community spirit, and locals take pride in their natural surroundings. Visitors should respect the environment and follow the “leave no trace” policy when enjoying outdoor activities. Additionally, Honor is a small town, and visitors should be respectful of the locals’ privacy and follow local customs.

Best Time to Visit Honor

The best time to visit Honor is between May and September when the weather is warm, and the natural surroundings are at their peak. During this time, visitors can enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, and swimming.

Do’s and Don’ts of Honor

Do:

  • Respect the natural environment.
  • Try local cuisine and products.
  • Engage with the local community.

Don’t:

  • Litter.
  • Ignore local customs.
  • Be loud and disrespectful to locals.

Safety and Health

Safety in Honor

Honor is a safe place to visit, with relatively low crime rates. Visitors should follow general safety precautions, such as locking their cars and keeping valuables out of sight.

Health in Honor

Honor has a few medical facilities in the surrounding area, including hospitals and clinics. Visitors should carry health insurance and follow general health and safety measures.

Getting to Honor: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Honor

The closest major airport to Honor is the Cherry Capital Airport in Traverse City, Michigan. It is located approximately 25 miles southeast of Honor.

Bus Stations Near Honor

Honor does not have a local bus station. However, visitors can take a bus from Traverse City to Honor.

Other Options

The best way to explore Honor and the surrounding areas is by car. Visitors can rent a car from the Cherry Capital Airport or Traverse City.

How to Get Around in Honor

Honor is a small town, and visitors can easily explore the downtown area on foot. For those who want to venture further, renting a car is the best option.

Where to Go Next from Honor: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Here are some nearby destinations and excursions to consider after visiting Honor:

  • Traverse City - a small city located on the shores of Lake Michigan that offers beautiful beaches, wineries, and restaurants.
  • Charlevoix - a charming town located along Lake Michigan that offers beautiful views and several activities such as fishing and sailing.
  • Mackinac Island - a historic island located between the Upper and Lower Peninsula of Michigan that offers unique architecture, historic attractions, and beautiful scenery.

Conclusion

Honor is a small town packed with culture, history, and natural beauty. Visitors to Honor can enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking and biking, sample local cuisine and wine, and admire the beautiful natural surroundings. With this comprehensive travel guide, visitors can plan the perfect trip to Honor and see all that this charming village has to offer.