Two sports, one ticket, half a day.

This Half-Day Fun Pass turns Traverse City’s outdoors into a pick-your-own-adventure on and around Boardman Lake. You get a hassle-free setup with rental gear, then choose your timing and mix the activities to fit your crew’s vibe.

I especially like the flexibility of being able to switch equipment mid-fun, and I like how the route options make it feel like you’re doing something active without needing a tour guide. One real consideration: if you were hoping for a longer river paddle, construction on the bridges can change the water route.

If you want a simple win-win, this is it. I love that equipment is provided end-to-end, so you don’t spend your trip hunting rentals. I also love the staff vibe at the base, with people who are fast to help and set you up so you can get on the water without drama. One drawback to keep in mind: a little wind can show up on the lake, which matters more on a SUP than most people expect.

Key points before you go

• Mix-and-match gear: bike plus kayak or SUP, using the pass at the time you choose
• Boardman Lake focus: a half-day plan built around water you can actually enjoy
• Equipment included: you show up and get kitted out, with rental gear in solid shape
• Staff help matters: fast, friendly support at the base, including help from Amara at Logan Landing
• Nature sightings are part of the deal: people commonly spot wildlife along the shoreline
• Weather and wind count: the lake can get windy, so plan for a calmer-day mindset for SUP

Entering Boardman Lake: Why This Pass Works So Well

Traverse City has plenty of outdoor options, but not all of them give you real choices once you’re committed. This pass does. You can pick your start time and then decide what you feel like doing during your ~4 hours: biking, kayaking, or standing up paddleboarding. That flexibility is a big deal if you’re traveling with kids, mixed skill levels, or just different energy levels in one family.

The other reason this works is the location setup. You base out of 1910 W South Airport Rd in Traverse City, then spend your time around Boardman Lake. That usually means you’re not wrestling with complicated logistics to “go from A to B.” You’re just enjoying one area where biking and paddling fit together naturally.

Value-wise, you’re paying one price to try multiple activities without buying gear or arranging separate rentals. At $70 per person for a half-day, it’s easiest to think of it as a bundle: pay once, get options, and stay outside the whole time.

Where You’ll Start at 1910 W South Airport Rd (and What to Expect)

Meeting point is 1910 W South Airport Rd, Traverse City, MI 49686. The experience ends back at that same location. So you’re not dealing with shuttle uncertainty or a long “how do we get home” puzzle at the end.

In practice, you should plan to show up and get fitted with the right equipment for the activity you choose first. Reviews consistently point to quick, friendly help and equipment that’s clean and well-maintained. One staff member, Amara, gets a specific nod for being easy to work with, especially if you want your questions answered fast and your plan adjusted on the spot.

Parking is an easy win here. People mention free parking, which matters in Traverse City when summer crowds show up and every minute counts.

Your Four-Hour Formula: Bike First, Paddle Later

There isn’t one forced route. The whole point is that you can mix activities and go at your own pace. Still, a common pattern makes sense for most people because it balances effort and scenery.

A bike-first approach can work really well. One excellent example from firsthand experience was starting with a bike around the lake and then stopping for a drink and snack before heading back out for paddle time along the shore. That pacing leaves enough daylight and energy for both land and water.

If you bike around the lake, you’ll get a different kind of Traverse City view than you’ll see from the water. Then, when you paddle, the shoreline feels calmer and closer—plus you’re in a better position to scan for wildlife.

If your group includes first-timers, you can also use the biking time as a warm-up. It’s steady, it’s not wet, and it gets everyone comfortable with being outside together. Then you can introduce kayaking or SUP when you’re ready.

Choosing Kayak vs SUP vs Bike: How to Pick What Fits

This pass is built for choice, so you’re not stuck doing one activity the whole time. Here’s how to think about the three options.

Kayak: The easiest way to feel close to the shore

Kayaks tend to be the most forgiving when conditions aren’t perfect. People who used open kayaks had enough time to paddle and still fit in extra exploration when the plan allowed it.

One practical tip: plan for getting wet in kayaks. That’s not a complaint—it’s part of the fun and part of the reality of water activity around Boardman Lake.

SUP: Great views, but wind can change your whole day

Stand-up paddleboarding is a blast if you like balancing and moving at your own pace. But wind is the main factor. If the lake is breezy, you’ll feel it more on a SUP than you would in a kayak.

If you’re booking based on weather, I’d treat a calmer day as the better SUP choice. On a windy day, switching to a kayak can turn the same day into a smoother experience without giving up the outdoors.

Bike: A low-stress way to see the area

Biking is the easy anchor that makes this pass feel “whole.” You can pedal, stop when you want, and keep the pace where your group can handle it. One reason it’s popular is that it naturally pairs with nearby spots for a snack or a cold drink after you’ve worked up a little appetite.

If your group is mixed (some are ready for water, some need time), biking can be the activity that everyone enjoys first.

What You’ll See: Wildlife, Shoreline Views, and Those Little Pauses

Boardman Lake time has a habit of turning into a nature show. People mention spotting mink, loons, turtles, and plenty of swans and geese along the shore.

That’s not just a nice bonus. Those wildlife sightings make the paddle feel purposeful even when you’re self-guiding. You’re not staring at the same view for hours. You’re scanning, gliding, and noticing.

Bike time adds its own flavor. You can work in short breaks to grab food and drinks—one example was stopping at Filling Station and Right Brain Brewery during a lake loop before returning for the water portion. Even if you don’t plan those exact stops, the big idea is this: the area is set up for easy breaks, not just nonstop motion.

And yes, there’s another small perk: being able to choose when and where you stop helps you keep the day fun instead of rushed. It’s a big deal with kids, and it helps adults too when you want photos without feeling like you’re slowing everyone down.

The Self-Guided Feel: Freedom with One Trade-Off

This experience is set up so you can go at your own pace. That’s why so many people like it. You don’t have to coordinate with a group’s speed, and you can pause when you want.

The trade-off is that some people find a self-guided course a little boring. If your group needs constant narration or a structured plan, you might want to mentally prepare for more of a do-it-yourself outing.

My practical advice: set your own mini-goals. For example, decide you’ll paddle until you hit a certain point, then turn back. Or decide that your bike stops must include a scenic lookout and one food break. When you give the day direction, self-guided feels like freedom, not like homework.

When River Plans Change: Construction Around the Bridges

One of the most important things to know is that bridge construction can affect kayaking routes. On the water, some paddlers weren’t able to kayak down the river into the bay because of bridge outages. It was disappointing for them, even though they still had a good time on the lake.

The key point for your planning: don’t assume the longest or most ambitious water route will be available on your exact date. If you were dreaming about a specific river stretch, treat it as a possible add-on rather than a guaranteed part of the day.

That said, you can still end up with a great water day. People report doing well within their time window and then calling for pickup quickly when they finished. So even when plans change, you’re not stuck in limbo—you’re set up to wrap up back at the base.

Helping Your Family Have Fun: Who This Pass Is Best For

This is a great choice if you want an outdoor day that still feels manageable. The experience is described as one that most people can participate in, and it clearly works for families.

Here’s where it tends to shine:

• Families with kids who need both motion and flexibility
• Mixed groups where some people want water while others might prefer biking first
• Adults who like active fun but don’t want a rigid schedule
• First-timers who want equipment provided and staff support at the base

It’s also good for people who like options. One common theme: having both SUP and kayak choices lets you keep everyone together while still letting each person pick what feels comfortable.

Price and Value: Is $70 Per Person a Good Deal?

At $70 per person for about four hours, the value depends on how you compare it to alternatives.

If you were going to rent only one thing—say, just a kayak—then this can feel straightforward: you’re paying a rental price plus getting the chance to bike and swap equipment. If you use multiple modes during your half-day, you’re extracting more value from the same ticket.

The big value drivers here are:

• Equipment is provided, so you skip rental hunting and gear stress
• You get a custom mix of activities instead of one fixed option
• The area supports easy stops and enjoyable pacing
• People consistently describe the equipment as in good condition, which protects your time

The only time it might not feel like a great deal is if you show up set on one specific river route that construction blocks. Still, the pass is centered on Boardman Lake, so it’s not a total loss when the river plan changes—you’re still getting the outdoors with a flexible setup.

Tips to Get the Most Out of Your Half-Day

You don’t need to be an athlete for this to work. You do need a little planning to make the day feel smooth.

1) Choose SUP on a calmer day

Lake wind is real. If SUP is the priority, aim for conditions that look mild.

2) Build in time for stops

This is a “mix” pass. If you rush, you’ll miss the fun parts like shoreline pauses and quick food breaks.

3) Have a backup plan for river route changes

If you’re hoping for a longer river paddle, keep expectations flexible. The lake option stays the core.

4) Ask the base team what’s most practical that day

Since staff are quick to help, you’ll benefit from their advice on what routes or areas are easiest with current conditions.

5) Expect to get wet

Kayaks are not a dry activity, and SUP can get splashy too if you’re learning balance or the water is active.

Should You Book the Half-Day Fun Pass?

Book it if you want an outdoor afternoon that stays flexible, includes real activity (not just sightseeing), and gives you equipment without fuss. It’s especially smart for families and mixed-skill groups, because you can keep everyone together while letting people choose kayak or SUP and fit biking into the plan.

Skip it or adjust expectations if you were counting on a specific longer river paddle. Bridge construction can change what’s possible, and that can reduce the “big route” feeling.

If you’re excited about Boardman Lake, want a do-it-yourself outing with staff support, and like the idea of biking plus water time in one neat half-day, this pass is a solid choice.

FAQ

How long is the Half-Day Fun Pass?

The experience runs about 4 hours.

Where do I meet for the rental?

The meeting point is 1910 W South Airport Rd, Traverse City, MI 49686, USA.

What equipment can I rent with the pass?

The pass covers kayaking, biking, and stand-up paddleboard (SUP) rental, with equipment provided.

Can I choose when to use the pass?

Yes. You can use the pass at the time of your choosing.

Is this activity guided?

It’s set up so you can go at your own pace, so it feels self-guided rather than a tightly scheduled guided tour.

Does the weather affect the experience?

Yes. This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

What is the cancellation policy?

Free cancellation is available. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Less than 24 hours before the start time is not refundable.

Are service animals allowed?

Yes, service animals are allowed.