Grand Traverse Natural Education Preserve

This 505-acre natural area is located along the Boardman River, only three miles from downtown Traverse City, but it features an incredibly diverse landscape: bog, marsh, true swamp, level terrain, upland forest, pine forest, creek, river and an active beaver pond, with excellent habitat for many animals and birds. The river falls in a series of rapids in part of its course through this part of the Reserve, and there are seven miles of improved, easy hiking trails connected by 1200 feet of boardwalks and bridges. Plan to visit the Boardman Valley Nature Center. Please call for hours.