Why This Michigan Town Deserves More Attention
Sitting along the shores of Lake Michigan, 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. Surrounded by numerous lakes, and forests, there are endless outdoor recreational opportunities nearby. Additionally, from skiing and fishing outings to holiday celebrations and the renowned annual Cherry Festival, there is always something happening in town. Whether you are planning a winter getaway or a summer escape, Traverse City awaits.
Outdoor Recreation
With so many lakes and forests nearby, the majority of tourists who visit Traverse City participate in at least some form of outdoor recreational activity. By far, Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore stands out as one of the most popular natural attractions near town. Just a half-hour drive from town, visitors will reach the lakeshore, which has been part of the National Park system since 1970 and offers miles of hiking trails, freshwater beaches, and wilderness islands. Boardman Lake Loop Trail is another great place to hike or bike, a four-and-a-half trail that winds through a heavily wooded area and circles 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 is not complete without checking out the town’s eight historic lighthouses. Some of the most scenic include Mission Point Lighthouse, centrally located in Old Mission Point Park at the tip of a peninsula, and Grand Traverse Lighthouse, in Leelanau State Park and one of the oldest lighthouses in the Great Lakes group. The other incredible lighthouses in the area include Robert Manning Memorial Lighthouse, North Manitou Shoal Light Station, Frankfort North Breakwater Lighthouse, South Manitou Island Lighthouse, Fox Island Lighthouse, and Point Betsie Lighthouse.
Art Scene
Despite its smaller population, the Traverse City area has a fine arts scene comparable to that of larger cities. There are plenty of art museums to explore, such as the Dennos Museum Center, featuring regional, national, and international works from the 1800s through the present day. The Music House Museum is unlike any other, home to a rare collection of automated antique instruments. Throughout the year, visitors can attend a concert with the Traverse City Philharmonic, which performs everything from Tchaikovsky symphonies to Jazz Cantadas. The area is also renowned for its historic movie theaters. State Theatre is one of the most prominent, with an art deco style dating back to the 20th century, as well as the Bay Theatre, installed in what was previously a livery stable 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, there always seems to be some kind of event going on in Traverse City. One of its most famous events is its National Cherry Festival, taking place each summer. This event commemorates the area’s abundance of cherry crops and draws in an impressive 500,000 visitors each year. Expect lots of live music, amusement rides, and local food to celebrate. In November, the Traverse City Beer Week takes place, celebrating the many microbreweries in the area, which is full of dinners, tastings, and festivals. The town rings in the holiday season with its annual Light Parade, Arrival of Santa, and Tree Lighting, as well as a cherry drop for 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.
