Why This Michigan Town Deserves More Attention

Set on Grand Traverse Bay along the Lake Michigan shoreline, Traverse City has been rated time and time again as one of the country’s best freshwater beach towns, which will come as no surprise to the town’s residents. Within a short drive, you can climb and hike at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore or bike the Boardman Lake Loop Trail. Back in town, Victorian storefronts and brick sidewalks lead to shops like Brilliant Books and The Cheese Lady, while places like Apache Trout Grill keep the waterfront lively. Traverse City also knows how to put on an event, from the National Cherry Festival to Beer Week, holiday parades, and a cherry drop on New Year’s Eve. If you're heading to Michigan soon, make sure you stop by Traverse City to experience an underrated side of the state.

Outdoor Recreation

With numerous lakes and forests nearby, most tourists visiting Traverse City engage in some outdoor recreational activities. The most prominent natural attraction close to town is Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, easily accessible by a half-hour drive. Since becoming part of the National Park system in 1970, it has offered miles of hiking trails, freshwater beaches, and wilderness islands. Additionally, the Boardman Lake Loop Trail, a four-and-a-half mile route through dense woods, is an excellent option for hiking or biking, circling Boardman Lake.

In the winter months, Traverse City’s surroundings transform into a winter wonderland. Travelers can enjoy sledding down the Dune Climb in Sleeping Bear Dunes National Park or enjoy cross-country skiing on a variety of trails, including Vasa Pathway, which lies within the scenic Pere Marquette State Forest, or the Leelanau Trail, which connects Traverse City and Suttons Bay. For downhill skiing, Crystal Mountain is the prime location, roughly 45 minutes from town and boasting 59 downhill trails spread across 103 skiable acres.

Historic Sites

Generations of Native Americans, missionaries, pioneers, fishermen, and farmers have left an imprint on Traverse City, leaving behind an abundance of historic sites to explore. The Benzie Area Historical Society and Museum is the perfect starting place, exhibiting photographs, artifacts, and stories that dive further into Traverse City’s past. Living relics in town include the Dougherty Mission House, built in 1842 by a reverend as a Presbyterian Mission, and the historic Fishtown, formerly home to fishing shanties along the mouth of the Carp River, serving as icehouses, smokehouses, and storage for fishing gear.

A visit to Traverse City isn’t complete without exploring its charming lighthouses, each with its own unique story. Some of the most breathtaking are Mission Point Lighthouse, nestled in Old Mission Point Park at the tip of a pretty peninsula, and Grand Traverse Lighthouse, located in Leelanau State Park, with a rich history as one of the oldest lighthouses in the Great Lakes group. The area is also home to other wonderful lighthouses like Robert Manning Memorial Lighthouse, North Manitou Shoal Light Station, Frankfort North Breakwater Lighthouse, South Manitou Island Lighthouse, Fox Island Lighthouse, and Point Betsie Lighthouse. Each one offers a special glimpse into the area's maritime heritage, making your visit even more memorable.

Art Scene

Even though the population is smaller, the Traverse City area offers a vibrant fine arts scene that rivals larger cities. You can enjoy visiting numerous art museums, like the Dennos Museum Center, which showcases a diverse range of works from regional, national, and international artists, spanning from the 1800s to today. The Music House Museum stands out with its unique collection of automated antique instruments. Throughout the year, music lovers can catch performances by the Traverse City Philharmonic, offering a mix of Tchaikovsky symphonies and lively Jazz Cantadas. Plus, the area has a rich history of charming movie theaters. The State Theatre, with its beautiful art deco design from the 20th century, is a favorite, along with the Bay Theatre, which has a special story of being set up in what was once a livery stable back in 1946.

Shopping and Dining

Traverse City’s downtown district knows how to attract visitors, offering 19th-century Victorian storefronts, brick sidewalks, and an impressive selection of 150 unique shops to discover. Some of the shopping district highlights include Brilliant Books, a modern-style bookstore, The Cheese Lady, a cheese shop with 140 varieties of cheeses, Votruba Leather Goods, selling quality leather luggage and handbags, and Yana Dee Clothing Boutique.

After a morning of shopping, hungry visitors have plenty of options for lunch. For a waterfront meal, consider Apache Trout Grill, a steak and seafood restaurant along the shores of West Arm Grand Traverse Bay. For an innovative sushi roll and craft martini, grab a bite at Firefly Restaurant. Craving something more casual? Bubba’s Burgers and Bar has breakfast, burgers, and sandwiches to enjoy.

Events & Festivals

No matter the season, Traverse City is always alive with exciting events! One of its most beloved celebrations is the National Cherry Festival held every summer, honoring the area’s rich cherry harvest. It attracts about 500,000 visitors each year who come to enjoy lively music, thrilling amusement rides, and delicious local food. In November, the town comes together for Traverse City Beer Week, a fantastic time to explore the many local microbreweries through dinners, tastings, and festive activities. As the holiday season approaches, the community lights up with its annual Light Parade, the Arrival of Santa, and the Tree Lighting, culminating with a fun cherry drop to ring in the New Year.

A few of the other events throughout the year include its Uncorked Wine Festival, the International Fireworks Championship, the Northwestern Michigan Fair, and the Downtown Halloween Walk.

Final Thoughts

Traverse City, with only 16,000 residents, may seem small, but it is filled with year-round attractions that cement its status as one of Michigan's top travel destinations. From national parks to seasonal events, the town offers something for every type of traveler. If you have been seeking a unique and engaging getaway in the state of Michigan, Traverse City will deliver on all fronts.