Things to do in Traverse City

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Photo provided by Traverse City Tourism
Photo provided by Pure Michigan
Photo provided by Traverse City Convention & Visitors Bureau
Photo provided by Traverse City Tourism
Photo provided by Pure Michigan

Traverse City Attractions

One of the most beautiful corners of the Great Lakes is yours to enjoy on a visit to this little community at the edge of Grand Traverse Bay. Along with sandy beaches by the calm waters of Lake Michigan, the home of the National Cherry Festival offers a great selection of wines and craft beers, along with orchards that produce more tart cherries than the rest of the country combined. From biking, birding, and ATV rides through the woodland to boating and parasailing on the water, there are plenty of adventures to find and things to do in Traverse City, along with your choice of laid-back retreats that offer the charm and hospitality of the Upper Midwest.


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Most popular activities in Traverse City

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What to do in Traverse City

Free Things to Do in Traverse City

Some say the best things in life are free. Be sure to explore the following around Traverse City:

City Opera House - If you're planning to explore the area's history through its landmarks, put this one on your travel schedule.

Traverse Area District Library - Stop here and learn about the importance of this place to the local community.

Clinch Park Beach - Keep your eyes peeled for pretty shells and other seaside gems dotted along the foreshore here.

Traverse City State Park - Contemplate the contrast between busy city life and nature's wild beauty at this stunning location.

Traverse City State Park - No matter if you can tell your lilies from lilacs, you're certain to find beauty in this attractive display.

Areas & Neighborhoods in Traverse City

Downtown

The center of Traverse City rests between the shores of the bay and Boardman Lake, with rows of storefronts that date back to the 19th century divided by a small river from the lakefront marina. Inland from the boardwalk and the walking trail that runs through Clinch Park, the area’s hotels and restaurants offer prime locations right beside the water.

Central

Named in the early days of the city before its borders expanded, the district now stands in the southwest end of town and has some of Traverse City’s oldest buildings. Rows of historic homes are framed by little stores and diners, with the woodlands of Kids Creek and the shops of Grand Traverse Commons waiting on the other side of Division Street.

Slabtown

Stretching from Grand Traverse Bay into the Hickory Hills Ski Area, Slabtown has a few taverns and B&Bs in the city’s original downtown area. The Traverse Area Recreation Trail runs along West End Beach, while a disc golf course waits on the hillside.

Traverse Heights

The long, tree-filled blocks in between Boardman Lake and Cherry Capital Airport are home to the local library and upscale housing on the lakefront along with plenty of restaurants and coffee houses along the main roads, and the Cherryland Center mall stands just down the street from the runways.

What to See in Traverse City

Surrounded by the bright colors, beaches, and natural beauty of the Great Lakes, Traverse City is a paradise of natural scenery. Both the West and East arms of Grand Traverse Bay reach the edge of the city, with miles of sandy beaches lined by walkways and shrubbery. Not far away, you can see the thick orchards that made the city known as the Cherry Capital of the World. Traverse City also happens to rest at the same latitude as Bordeaux and forms the heart of Michigan’s wine region, where you can find rows of vineyards laid out along the hillsides.

Sightseeing in Traverse City

The lakefront naturally soaks up a lot of attention from visitors to Traverse City, and for good reason. You can board a boat to cruise on open waters that stretch all the way to the national forests of the Upper Peninsula, cast a line out to snare some of the smallmouth bass, or go scuba diving to explore the sunken wrecks hidden beneath the lake.

If you’re looking for things to do while staying dry, there’s plenty of countryside to explore. Take a bicycle out to visit the vineyards and tasting rooms on the Old Mission Peninsula, climb into a hot-air balloon for a terrific look over the sights from the air, or just relax in the campgrounds at Traverse City State Park. The galleries of the Dennos Museum Center feature a rich collection of Inuit sculpture, and a string of museums along the shores highlight the region’s first inhabitants, European colonists, and American pioneers.

Things to Do in Traverse City with Kids

Traverse City has plenty of nearby fun activities for you and the kids. Our family friendly experiences will keep the gang entertained for days.


 

Looking for sports, concerts, or theater events in Traverse City? Search event tickets to see what's happening today, or to plan what to do this weekend!

 


 


Discover the most popular places to visit in Traverse City

Discover the most popular landmarks and neighborhoods in Traverse City

Traverse City featuring ballooning

Downtown Traverse City

If you're spending some time in Downtown Traverse City, Clinch Park Beach and Clinch Park are top sights worth seeing.

Downtown Traverse City
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Slabtown

If you're spending some time in Slabtown, Lake Michigan and Grand Traverse Bay are top sights worth seeing.

Slabtown
Old Michigan state hospital. This tunnel was used for the steam pipes that heated all the buildings. They were similar tunnels that people use to go between the buildings in the winter. Read more https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Traverse_City_State_Hospital

Grand Traverse Commons

While visiting Grand Traverse Commons, you might make a stop by sights like Village at Grand Traverse Commons and Left Foot Charley.

Grand Traverse Commons
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Indian Woods

If you're spending some time in Indian Woods, Front Street and Grand Traverse Bay are top sights worth seeing.

Indian Woods
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Holiday Hills

If you're spending some time in Holiday Hills, Grand Traverse Bay and Mt. Holiday Ski Area are top sights worth seeing.

Holiday Hills

 

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Popular day trips from Traverse City

Frequently asked questions

Is Traverse City worth visiting?
Offering a blend of distilleries and craft breweries and adventure sports, there are many things to do in Traverse City. When you're here, head to Traverse City Beach, a major attraction in the area.
How do I spend a day in Traverse City?
Once you've checked off top attractions like Traverse City Beach and Great Wolf Lodge Water Park, spend the rest of your day exploring Traverse City's retail and dining scene.
What is the top tourist attraction in Traverse City?
Don't go home without exploring Traverse City Beach, ranked the top tourist attraction in Traverse City.
Is three days enough to stay in Traverse City?
Three days in Traverse City is plenty of time to visit the city's leading attractions. Many guests spend two days on average. Traverse City Beach, Great Wolf Lodge Water Park and Clinch Park Beach are among the top-rated sights. Want to see more? Stick around a bit longer to check off nearby hotspots such as Williamsburg.
Is Traverse City a walkable city?
Some top attractions in Traverse City, such as Great Wolf Lodge Water Park and Clinch Park Beach, are within walking distance. You can also experience several of the city's popular neighborhoods on foot. Only 2 miles from central Traverse City is Indian Woods and Slabtown is 1 mile away.
What are some activities to do in Traverse City with kids?
Deciding what to do in Traverse City with kids has never been so simple. Whether you have little ones or teenagers, there are many family-friendly sights to keep them happy here.

What to do in Traverse City for adults?
Whether you're a culture enthusiast, avid foodie or adventure seeker, there are lots of things to do in Traverse City for adults.
Are there free things to do in Traverse City?
One of the simplest ways to learn about free things to do in Traverse City is to ask a local tour guide. You'll get insider views on exciting neighborhoods, parks and other hotspots you can experience without reaching for your wallet. Traverse City Beach is one spot that doesn't have an admission fee.