Unforgettable Experiences in Traverse City
Nestled on the shore of Lake Michigan, Traverse City is the place to experience outdoor adventure, vibrant history, and bustling nightlife. When it was settled in 1847, Traverse City was named for the grueling lake journey it took to get there. The city has become more connected, but it maintains a rugged charm. There are seasonal offerings throughout the year, from winter snowshoeing to the National Cherry Festival in July, but most activities in Traverse City are available year-round. Museums, world-class dining, unique harbor cruises, and local artisans make Traverse City, Michigan a perfect vacation destination.
01 Hit the beach
The Eastern coastline of Grand Traverse Bay has gorgeous sugar sand beaches where you can relax, play Frisbee, or wade into freshwater shallows. Some beach areas, like Clinch Park and Bryant Park, are within walking distance of the city, while Esch Road Beach is more secluded. Unlike many beaches in the US, Traverse City's coastline goes through all four seasons. During the winter, the beach is covered in sparkling snow, and visitors can enjoy the explosion of fall colors from their beach towels in early autumn.
02 Explore Sleeping Bear Dunes
Traverse City is the entry point to Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, a thousand-acre landscape of islands, coves, and forest trails. You can take a ferry to unspoiled forest islands, kayak down sparkling rivers, or hike along peaceful pine groves with breathtaking views of Lake Michigan. Daring hikers can brave the Dune Climb, a challenging hours-long hike up and down the massive dunes near Glen Lake. It's important to remember that these are wild areas. Stick to marked trails where possible and bring plenty of water.
03 Drink fantastic wine and beer
Grape vines grow famously well along the rivers and hillsides near Traverse City. Vineyards and wineries are located on sweeping hillsides, giving you a gorgeous view as you sip some of the best wine in the country. Beer lovers can enjoy amazing craft beers in local taverns. Sleder's Family Tavern was founded in the 19th century to serve the Bohemian immigrants who worked in Traverse City's sawmills. Over 130 years later, the tavern remains a popular spot for locals.
04 Embrace the nightlife
You can enjoy the famous Traverse City wines, craft beers, adventurous cocktails, and a stunning view at the Hotel Indigo Rooftop Bar. 7 Monks Taproom has 46 varieties of craft beer on tap and a speakeasy in the basement. Dancers can kick up their heels to live bands at Kilkenny's Irish Pub or on the beachfront patio of West Bay Holiday Inn's View Nightclub. If you get hungry, visit The Little Fleet. This lively outdoor venue houses an open-air bar and food truck lot with options to suit any palate.
05 Check out a lighthouse
There are multiple historic lighthouses to choose from in Traverse City. Visitors to Grand Traverse Lighthouse can explore the restored keeper's dwelling and climb to the top of the tower for a stunning view of Lake Michigan. Old Mission Lighthouse is located near Old Mission Settlement, a village that was originally built in 1839. For a wilder experience, kayak out to the lighthouses on Fox Island and South Manitou Island. These picturesque islands are some of the most isolated and beautiful in the Great Lakes, and the lighthouses provide a perfect view.
06 Sail the bay
No other port in the Great Lakes has as many tall sailing vessels as Traverse City. Charter a massive catamaran, replicated 19th-century schooner, or luxury pontoon to take a turn around the Great Traverse Bay. Sailing the bay typically takes a few hours, with options for sunset tours, rugged day trips to the islands, and private three-hour cruises with food and drink. There are adventures to suit any taste or budget.
07 Shop at Grand Traverse Commons
Once upon a time, the sprawling site of the Village at Grand Traverse Commons was a public psychiatric hospital. Northern Michigan Asylum founder Dr. James Decker Munson embraced a model of moral therapy which was focused on creating a beautiful space where his patients could feel at home. After the hospital was decommissioned, the site was redeveloped into a vibrant community center with shopping, dining, and apartments.
08 Eat award-winning meals
Farm Club is a farm-to-table restaurant and brewery that was praised in Bon Apetit Magazine. Ingredients are grown, picked, milked, and raised at the nearby Loma farm. Every employee spends at least one shift per week out in the fields, helping to grow the food they serve. Michigan was at the forefront of the farm-to-table movement long before it became a foodie trend, and there are several restaurants in and around Traverse City where guests can enjoy deliciously fresh local cuisine.
09 Discover a future celebrity
Interlochen Center for the Arts is an elite boarding school and arts camp located in the woods, just a 25-minute drive from Traverse City. Students come from around the world to study fine arts, drama, music, dance, and film. 200,000 visitors come every year to stroll the beautiful campus, see concerts by visiting celebrities, and take in student shows featuring Interlochen's rising talent. Famous alumni of Interlocken include Josh Groban, Daya, Vince Gilligan, Sarah Ruhl, and Our Lady J.
10 Buy a unique memento at Eyaawing Museum and Cultural Center
A half-hour drive north of Traverse Bay is Peshawbestown, the headquarters of the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians. This town is the home of the Eyaawing Museum and Cultural Center. You can learn about the Anishinaabek people who first settled the coasts of Lake Michigan and find traditional and modern Indigenous art in the museum shop.
11 Attend the National Cherry Festival
Every summer, Traverse City transforms into a cherry-themed wonderland, celebrating its status as the cherry capital of the world. The National Cherry Festival is a vibrant, week-long extravaganza that attracts visitors from all corners with its air shows, parades, and cherry-picking contests. It's a family-friendly affair where almost all events are free, making it an affordable way to dive into the local culture and indulge in cherry delights.
12 Discover the Dennos Museum Center
Nestled within the heart of Traverse City, the Dennos Museum Center stands as a beacon of art and culture. With an impressive collection of Inuit art, interactive science exhibits, and rotating galleries that showcase both local and international artists, the museum offers a world-class experience. It's a place where curiosity is sparked, and the beauty of artistic expression is celebrated in a community that values creativity and education.
13 Embark on a Traverse Area Recreation Trail (TART) adventure
The Traverse Area Recreation Trail (TART) offers an escape into the natural beauty surrounding Traverse City. This network of trails invites adventurers to bike, hike, or rollerblade through forests, along beaches, and past picturesque vineyards. Whether you're seeking a leisurely ride or an invigorating trek, the TART trails connect you with the stunning landscapes and serene beauty of Northern Michigan.
14 Explore Slabtown
Step into a slice of Traverse City's history in Slabtown, where the community's lumber mill heritage is still palpable. This quaint neighborhood is characterized by its historic homes made from mill scraps and its two legendary bars, Sleder’s Family Tavern and Little Bohemia Pub & Grill. A visit to Slabtown is a journey back in time, offering a taste of the authentic, rugged spirit that defines Traverse City.
15 Indulge in farm-fresh food
Traverse City's culinary scene is a testament to its rich agricultural heritage, with farm-fresh food taking center stage. From bustling farmers' markets to roadside stands brimming with the day's harvest, the city is a haven for foodies seeking the freshest flavors. Participate in a U-pick experience to gather your own fruits and vegetables, or dine at one of the many restaurants that celebrate the farm-to-table movement for a true taste of Traverse City.
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