About Traverse Tall Ship Company
Traverse Tall Ship Company operates the Schooner Manitou, one of the largest sailing vessels on the Great Lakes and one of Traverse City's most iconic attractions. The Manitou is a faithful replica of an 1800s-era Great Lakes trading schooner, measuring over 100 feet in length with towering masts and a full spread of canvas sails that evoke the golden age of freshwater sailing. Since beginning passenger operations, the ship has become a beloved fixture of the West Grand Traverse Bay waterfront, sailing from Discovery Pier on South West Bay Shore Drive throughout the season from late May through October.
The sailing schedule includes afternoon wind-watching sails, sunset cruises, and specialty themed voyages such as wine-tasting sails, microbrewery cruises, and fireworks viewing during the National Cherry Festival. Guests can participate in the sailing — hoisting the mainsail, trimming the jib, or even taking a turn at the helm under the supervision of the professional crew — or simply relax on deck and enjoy the panoramic views of the bay, the Old Mission Peninsula, and the Leelanau coastline. For overnight adventurers, the Manitou also offers multi-day bed-and-breakfast sailing packages with berths below deck.
What makes Traverse Tall Ship Company a standout among Traverse City sailing experiences is the sheer scale and authenticity of the vessel. Most charter operations in the area run modern cruising sailboats or small pontoon tours — sailing aboard a historically accurate tall ship is a completely different experience, with the creak of the rigging, the snap of canvas overhead, and a tangible connection to the maritime heritage of the Great Lakes. For history buffs, sailing enthusiasts, or anyone who simply wants a unique on-water experience that goes far beyond a standard boat tour, the Schooner Manitou is without equal in northern Michigan.
