traverse city tourist attractions

Traverse City   Travel Guide

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13 Best Things To Do in Traverse City

Updated Jan. 13, 2023

Traverse City's greatest assets are all compliments of Mother Nature. While here, soak up Lake Michigan in every way you can, whether that's on the shores of Clinch Park , on a boat tour or atop the sky-high dunes of Sleeping Bear Dunes

• All Things To Do

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is one of the few places in the world that visitors can see perched dunes. The lakeshore's towering dunes, which stretch 35 miles long Michigan 's eastern coast, were formed by glaciers. The slopes left behind by the glaciers turned into dunes as a result of Lake Michigan's tide pushing sand up onto the shore overtime. It's this unique phenomenon that garnered the park National Lakeshore status in 1970. 

Today, Sleeping Bear Dunes is enjoyed by more than a million visitors per year, who flock to the park to experience the dunes and enjoy an eyeful of the lakeshore's vibrantly colored waters, forested hiking trails, beaches and bevy of outdoors activities. First-time visitors won't go wrong starting their journey with the Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive, a 7 1/2-mile drive that takes travelers through forested landscapes and along sand dunes to various overlook points. For hiking, you're spoiled with more than 100 miles of trails. For an easy trek, check out the Empire Bluff trail, a 1 1/2-mile round-trip hike that takes visitors directly to the edge of the dunes. The Pyramid Point trail is a more moderate, hilly option, while the 9-mile Alligator Hill trail takes hikers away from the dunes and higher up to provide sweeping views of the lake and the forests that flank it. If you're looking to do more than just hike, know that you can also bike, kayak, canoe and even scuba dive here. During the winter, the park is open to visitors for snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, sledding and more. 

Traverse City Wineries Traverse City Wineries

Wine lovers rejoice because Traverse City sits right next to two American Viticultural Areas: Old Mission Peninsula and Leelanau Peninsula. Together, these areas boast more than 40 wineries where visitors can enjoy a taste of local Michigan vino . Considering Michigan's location, it may surprise some that the state has its own wine country. The reason wine production is successful here has to do with its close proximity to the lake. The climate of Lake Michigan protects the vines from harshly cool temperatures on land (all of Michigan's vineyards are within 25 miles of the lake). That, in combination with the region's glacial soil and extra hours of sun it receives during growing season, results in productive wine growing regions. 

Michigan is known for producing a handful of varietals, including pinot blanc, pinot grigio and riesling. While here, make sure to sample something made with Niagara grapes (the state produces the most in the country) as well as ice wine. Michigan is one of the few places in the world where you can enjoy ice wine. The process of making ice wine is incredibly precise: Producers have to pick grapes when temperatures are between 17 and 19 degrees Fahrenheit, meaning that production often happens in the middle of the night in the dead of winter. The frozen grapes are then used to create a unique wine that resembles a honey-like nectar. 

Traverse City Boat Tours Traverse City Boat Tours

There's no better way to experience Lake Michigan than directly on the water, and Traverse City has several options for travelers to be able to do just that. Highly-rated boat tour operators in the area include Nauti-Cat and Traverse Tall Ship Company . 

The main difference between these two companies is that Nauti-Cat is a catamaran and the Traverse Tall Ship Company is an old-fashioned schooner. Nauti-Cat offers a handful of cruises, ranging from sunset sails to afternoon outings. Meanwhile, Traverse Tall Ship Company offers sailing excursions to nearby Manitou Island. Both companies also offer private charters. 

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Dennos Museum Center Dennos Museum Center

One of Traverse City's premier cultural institutions is the Dennos Museum Center. An extension of Northwestern Michigan College, it houses more than 3,000 works of art from the 19th to 21st centuries. What makes the Dennos Museum Center standout is its extensive collection of Inuit art. Inuit are indigenous people from northern Alaska and arctic areas of Canada and Greenland. The Dennos Museum Center  houses the largest and most historically complete collection in the country, with more than 1,600 works. The museum's Inuit collection is primarily made of up of sculptures and prints and features works from 21st-century Inuit artists. Other permanent collections include works from Canadian Woodland artists and Jozsef Domjan, a renowned American artist who is known for his intricate woodcut art. The museum also hosts concerts and performances and screens films from regional to international filmmakers and organizations.

Recent visitors were impressed with the museum's collections, especially considering its location in the small town of Traverse City. Many found the exhibits, both the permanent and temporary, to be excellent and loved viewing the art on display as well as learning about the cultures presented. Others enjoyed the natural light that floods the museum and appreciated other offerings, including a space for kids, a gift shop and the performance space.

Clinch Park Clinch Park free

You can't visit any of the Great Lakes without heading to the beach. Traverse City's location right along the waters of Lake Michigan gives visitors that opportunity. If you don't feel like making the trek to Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore , consider an afternoon at Clinch Park. Clinch Park is Traverse City's most popular beach. And for good reason. Not only is the beach park located smack dab in the middle of the city, but it also offers a lengthy stretch of shore with beautiful views of the nearby peninsulas. The park is also equipped with convenient amenities, such as restrooms, a snack bar, bike racks, picnic tables, a grassy park and during the summer, lifeguards. It's the perfect place to take a dip or simply gaze upon the beauty of Lake Michigan. 

Recent visitors enjoyed their time at Clinch Park, complimenting the beautiful lake views, the available amenities and close proximity to downtown Traverse City. Travelers were also pleased with the park's clean beaches and publicly shared spaces. Families noted that this park is perfect for the kiddos thanks to the calm waters and abundant amenities. 

Downtown Traverse City Downtown Traverse City free

The beating heart of Traverse City is its downtown and Front Street is where it all happens. You can find just about everything along Front Street or adjacent, including plenty of hotels and local shops, restaurants and entertainment options. A handful of the city's hottest beer spots can be found along this thoroughfare too. Plus, you are just blocks away from the lake as well as city beaches, including Clinch Park and Volleyball Beach. Many of the best Traverse City wine tours also depart from here.

The area is home to a variety of boutiques selling everything from fudge and cheese to custom jewelry and dog treats. Dining options are just as diverse with everything from independent coffee shops to seafood spots, burger joints and international cuisine. Don't skip the Grand Traverse Pie Company, where you can sample pie made from locally grown cherries. For entertainment, there are two movie theaters, an opera house and the Old Town Playhouse, which features shows by local performers. If fun and games are more your speed, hit up The Coin Slot arcade bar and end your night at the 123 Speakeasy.   

Traverse City Brewery Tours Traverse City Brewery Tours

In addition to its wineries , Traverse City is also known for its many breweries. The city's collection of microbreweries, brewpubs and tap rooms have garnered the city a reputation for producing some top-notch beer. While visiting, you'll have your choice between more than 20 beer spots. If you are unsure of where to start, you can also hop on one of the city's many beer tours or follow the TC Ale Trail.

Some of the city's top-rated beer spots include Rare Bird Brewpub , Right Brain Brewery , Brewery Terra Firma and North Peak Brewing Company , to name a few. If you'd prefer to sample some brews with the help of a local beer enthusiast, consider a tour with Kayak, Bike & Brew  or River Outfitters , both of which offer a hybrid tour that combines outdoor recreation with beer tastings. There's also the TC Cycle Pub , which takes visitors on a beer crawl via a six- or fourteen-passenger bikes. For a tour without a workout, you can book a private bus charter with the TC Brew Bus or Grand Traverse Tours . And if you happen to be visiting in November, you can attend the city's annual event dedicated to beer, Traverse City Beer Week.

Traverse Area Recreation Trail (TART) Traverse Area Recreation Trail (TART) free

One of the best ways to see Traverse City is via the Traverse Area Recreation Trail, otherwise known as TART. TART is a network of connected, multiuse trails that cover ground in both Grand Traverse County, the nearby Leelanau Peninsula and Sleeping Bear Dunes National Seashore . These trails, which are primarily used for biking, pass through the center of town (Tart in Town trail), along the water and to natural attractions, including Clinch Park and Traverse City State Park (TART). You could also use the TART system to ride through the beautiful wooded areas that can be found along the Boardman Lake Trail, the Boardman River Trail and the Leelanau Trail, the latter of which ends at Suttons Bay, another small, charming lakefront town. Plus, Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore also has its own TART trail that covers 20 miles of terrain. 

Recent visitors who utilized the TART system had great things to say about this Traverse City asset. People were pleased with how well-maintained and well-marked the trails were. Others remarked that it's important to study up on your chosen trail before you take it on – some travelers were surprised that some trails had very steep inclines while others were disappointed that certain trails weren't scenic enough. Some visitors also noted that trails can get crowded, so be sure to time your ride or hike outside of peak hours. TART doesn't have any set hours and there is no admission fee required to ride along its pathways. For more information on Traverse Area Recreation Trail, visit the official website .

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Mission Point Lighthouse Mission Point Lighthouse

Visit this 19th-century lighthouse for a taste of history and a little bit of rest and relaxation. The Mission Point Lighthouse enjoys a scenic location on the tip of Old Mission Peninsula, sitting at the water's edge and backed by rows of lush trees. The lighthouse was originally built in the late 1800s after a ship crashed into a coral reef and sank before it could reach the shore. Its good looks and scenic location have been a draw for years, even when keepers still lived there, and the site has been outfitted to accommodate visitor foot traffic with a fence separating the beach from the lighthouse and a pathway to access the water. Today, the site is listed on the National and State Historic Register and visitors can enjoy a self-guided tour and climb to the top for spectacular views of Grand Traverse Bay. Steps away, visitors can also access a small beach with calm waters, as well as hiking trails that lead to woodlands and additional views of the lake. 

Recent visitors described the Mission Point Lighthouse as "cute" and the surrounding scenery – including the beach and corresponding views of the lake – as "absolutely beautiful." Others remarked that the drive to get there is pretty spectacular too; on your way up, you'll pass by wineries, estates and more. Travelers did note that the small area can get pretty crowded and that if the tide is high, there isn't much room on the beach for anything other than dipping your toes in the water. Those who ventured inside the lighthouse were fascinated with the information about its history and did note that if you want to climb to the top, you'll have to pay a modest fee. 

The Village at Grand Traverse Commons The Village at Grand Traverse Commons

Traverse City knows how to repurpose history. The Village at Grand Traverse Commons – originally built in the late 1800s to serve as an asylum – is now a complex that houses local boutiques, restaurants, exercise studios, beauty salons and offices for local businesses. What's more, the Grand Traverse Commons Natural Area is easily accessible from The Village and offers visitors 140 acres of trails to traverse.

What visitors will notice pretty quickly about The Village is its striking architecture. The Victorian-Italianate complex served as a resource for healing for its patients. The founding medical superintendent strongly believed that a beautiful environment would help his patients mentally and physically. In addition to beautiful interiors, patients were served meals on china, fresh flowers were placed in common areas and artwork, some featuring inspirational quotes, were hung throughout the former asylum. Plus, each patient's room had a window that allowed plenty of natural light as well as views of the lush grounds. 

Leelanau Peninsula Leelanau Peninsula free

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Bryant Park Bryant Park free

Grand Traverse Lighthouse Museum Grand Traverse Lighthouse Museum

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29 Best & Fun Things To Do In Traverse City (Michigan)

By: Author Jerric Chong

Posted on Published: December 8, 2020  - Last updated: October 16, 2023

Traverse City is famous for its cherries, cultural and artistic significance, and colorful adapted history.

Museums, galleries, historical sites, vineyards, monuments, and more add variety and spice to the urban space.

There is so much stuff to do that it’s hard to pick the best attractions, so we’re here to help you out with a travel guide.

Here are our picks for the 29 best and fun things to do in Traverse City, Michigan!

Table of Contents

1. The Village at Grand Traverse Commons

ehrlif / Shutterstock

If there’s one thing Traverse City, Michigan is impressively good at, it’s preserving and repurposing history.

That’s exactly what The Village at Grand Traverse Commons is all about.

A site for historical preservation, The Village has transformed old buildings that could have been demolished into modern amenities and locations.

It uses the site of an asylum built in the 1800s to house salons, eateries, boutiques, stores, exercise studios, and even offices.

The buildings used are delightful in architecture, designed in a Victorian-Italianate style with a gorgeous 63-acre complex on a 480-acre preserve.

It was crafted to be beautiful according to the beliefs of the old Traverse City asylum’s medical superintendent, who strongly thought that a lovely environment would help the recovery of patients, both physically and mentally.

In fact, patients were served food and drink in gorgeous China dinnerware and artwork and flowers decorated all the halls and some rooms!

Today, this is one of the most famous Traverse City attractions, a reminder of the way we can take tradition and bring it with us into the future.

A walking tour will take you around the grounds and allow you to learn about the place’s history.

There are plenty of other spots to check out near The Village at Grand Traverse Commons, too!

Address: 830 Cottageview Dr #101, Traverse City, MI 49684, United States

2. The Dennos Museum Center

Cedar777 , CC BY-SA 4.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

The Dennos Museum Center is one of the best things to do in Traverse City because it’s one of the location’s most prominent and prestigious cultural institutions.

An extension of Northwestern Michigan College, it is an art gallery that houses a huge collection of artwork dating back to the 19th, 20th, and 21st centuries.

Perhaps what the Dennos Museum Center is most famous for among its extensive 3,000 works is its Inuit art collection, sourced from Nunavut’s Baffin Island in Canada.

Over 1,600 pieces are a part of this array, including drawings, textiles, prints, and sculptures by indigenous Inuit artists, mostly of the modern era.

Another one of the things to see at the Dennos Museum Center is the Canadian Woodland Indian collection, another permanent collection of art.

There is also a compilation of works by famous American artist Jozsef Domjan, renowned for his unique woodcut art with detailed and intricate patterns.

For more fun activities, look out for events, performances, concerts, and film screenings that are held at this lovely cultural attraction.

Address: 1410 College Dr, Traverse City, MI 49686, United States

3. Front Street

Warren LeMay / flickr

No trip to Traverse City is complete without a stop at Front Street, the heart of the city.

It’s a true testament to the way that the city has grown and evolved over time, adapting its historical heritage to modern yet culturally relevant businesses, education centers, and more.

Located in downtown Traverse City, Michigan, Front Street is all about shopping, culture, and food.

It is home to vibrant annual festivals, such as the Winter Comedy Festival that is nationally revered and the much-loved National Cherry Festival.

A mix of galleries, markets, antique stores, and more add to its atmosphere, appealing to locals and tourists alike.

Address: Traverse City, MI 49684, United States

4. The Hippie Tree

Steven Depolo / flickr

The Hippie Tree might have a bit of an unassuming name, but it’s easily one of Traverse City’s most unique and fascinating places to visit.

It is situated near the grounds of the Old State Hospital, in the wooded area around.

Following a steep path will lead you to a clearing where you will find the remnants of an old willow tree.

The tree’s heart is technically dead, rotted away long ago, but its branches still boast some life, and its entirety is brightened up with bright, neon paint that coasts its formerly pale trunk.

Local painters have come to this quiet corner of Traverse City, Michigan for generations to mark the tree with vibrant colors, resulting in layers of hues of the rainbow coating the Hippie Tree.

The result is something out of a storybook – a twisting growth, somehow persisting through all these years, shrouded in local folklore.

Legend has it that spirits who once roamed the old hospital walls took residence in this tree, leading to painters and spiritual individuals adorning it with colors and creativity to gently ward away the worst of the “ghost” energy.

Many rumors are still attached to the Hippie Tree of hauntings and the supernatural, and some even claim that a portal to Hell opens beneath the roots if you walk encircling them the right way!

5. The Fairy Trails

Life and Whim

If you’ve ever wanted to live in a fairy tale forest, you’d be surprised to find out that one of the best tourist attractions for such an experience lies in Traverse City, Michigan!

Known as one of the most beautiful places in America , the Fairy Trails is part of the Historic Barns Park, spanning a dirt trail that winds through a portion of Northwoods forest.

The Fairy Trails consists of approximately 40 little houses, mostly made from natural materials, each one crafted to resemble fairy abodes by locals.

The project began with Heather and Jay Harrington, a couple that sought to bring a little more joy and celebration to the great outdoors of the state.

Anyone at all can work on creating houses for the trail, and they’re changed every year in the summer and early fall, replaced with new designs.

If you’re a resident of the surrounding area, you can design a fairy house and submit it to be put up, so it’s a wonderful and beautiful community effort!

One fixture of the Fairy Trails that is permanent is a gigantic bird’s nest sculpture made with tree limbs and sticks, repaired yearly so it’s always as good as new.

It began as an Eagle Scout project back in 2015 and has become a staple of the trail ever since!

Address: 1490 Red Dr, Traverse City, MI 49684, United States

Visiting other parts of Michigan? Why not check out some of the things to do in Kalamazoo ?

6. Mission Point Lighthouse

Robert Stone / Shutterstock

Mission Point Lighthouse is located nineteen miles up through a drive from Old Mission Peninsula in Traverse City, Michigan.

It was used between 1870 and 1933 and has always been a beautiful place, flanked by beautiful luscious nature and led through orchards and vineyards.

The lighthouse was built as a result of a collision when a ship crashed into a reef of coral close to shore and sank before it could make its way to safety.

It served a practical and crucial purpose, but even when the lighthouse’s keepers were still active, Mission Point Lighthouse was known as a hotspot for sightseers thanks to its beauty.

Today, that’s even more true, as many tourists travel here just to climb its stairs and enjoy the stunning view from its top.

Mission Point Lighthouse is on the National and State Historic Register and is outfitted safely for visitors to get to it.

You can take a self-guided tour of its grounds, climb its stairs, or head to a small beach right ahead.

There is also a little gift shop that’s great for souvenirs.

The lighthouse is open to the public between May and November and is one of the top things to do in Traverse City, hands down!

Address: 20500 Center Rd, Traverse City, MI 49686, United States

7. TC Flyboard

J_UK / Shutterstock

TC Flyboard , or Flyboard Traverse City, is one of the top 10 ways to have fun in the water within this vibrant urban space in Michigan.

Flyboarding is a kind of water sport that combines jet skis, wakeboards, and skateboards into a single concept.

In order to work, a house measuring about 55 feet is attached to the front of the board and it is powered to allow users to soar upwards, even to forty feet in the air!

It’s an amazing experience and a great place to have such an experience is right here in the city.

Whether you’re a beginner, expert, or somewhere in between, TC Flyboard has you covered.

You’ll be provided with a wetsuit, life jacket, and helmet and will receive adequate and dedicated supervision and instruction.

All instructors are licensed and trained for utmost safety so you can have peace of mind while you get your thrill!

8. Great Lakes Children’s Museum

Great Lakes Children’s Museum

Wondering what to do in Traverse City with your kids?

Head over to the fun and exciting Great Lakes Children’s Museum !

Designed as an interactive, hands-on type of educational and engagement space, the museum is packed with activities that will interest, challenge, and teach children all at the same time!

Designed for kids aged one to ten, the Great Lakes Children’s Museum first opened its doors in 1988.

Its showcases cover a wide range of different topics, including gravity, water tables, dress up games, replica lighthouses and freighters, bridge-building, and more.

There are classes and story time programs, educational events about nature and science, and a great gift shop with family-friendly products.

It’s undoubtedly a gem in this city!

Address: 13240 S W Bay Shore Dr, Traverse City, MI 49684, United States

9. Old Mission General Store

Innisfree Hotels / flickr

The Old Mission General Store is an interesting reminder of the old world of Traverse City, Michigan, a remnant of the common stores of the 1800s.

It opened its doors about 160 years ago and, though it appears humble, is more than just a simple stop along the road for snacks.

In fact, some would say it’s a must do in the city!

Old Mission General Store is built in the same style as many other successors of trading posts in the time of the Frontier.

It’s ripe with history as the site of the oldest post office in the state and the first retail general shop between Mackinaw and Fort Wayne.

Its offerings are humble but delicious.

Expect to find deli sandwiches, homemade cookies, ice cream, soda, and iconic snacks like penny candies and pickle-on-a-stick treats.

Address: 18250 Mission Rd, Traverse City, MI 49686, United States

10. Clinch Park

Paper and Lens Co / Shutterstock

Located on the waterfront of Traverse City, Michigan, Clinch Park is a fun spot and one of the city’s greatest places to visit of its kind.

The park boasts a close proximity to Front Street and has its own small 1,500-foot beach.

That beach is the city’s most popular, so it’s a good recreational option to head to this weekend.

Clinch Park boasts a snack bar, splash pad, lifeguards on duty in the summer, bike trails and bike racks, kayak rentals, and picnic tables.

Amenities are convenient and modern.

It’s a wonderful place to sit and relax, watching the world go by.

Sometimes, performances or bright lights can be seen at night, adding a lively atmosphere to an already famous urban beach park!

Address: 111 E Grandview Pkwy, Traverse City, MI 49684, United States

Looking for more thrill and excitement? Here are some fun things to do in Michigan ! 

11. Trail Marker Tree

The Trail Marker Tree looks a little odd on sight, but even its strangeness doesn’t fully explain why it’s one of the best Traverse City attractions for a quick, easy educational stop.

If you’ve ever seen a very misshapen tree, you might have wondered why it looked that way.

Well, the act of warping trees is far from new, and for centuries, humans have intervened to shape trees so they could act as landmarks for navigation and wayfinding.

Native Americans were among the many people to take part in this useful practice.

As saplings, trees would be altered in growth pattern, allowing them to grow into standout trail markers.

One of these trees is situated in the Civic Center Park, once known as the Grand Traverse County Fairgrounds.

This trail marker tree is protected and enclosed, with a little board of information regarding its creation.

You can find many other trail marking trees in forests in Michigan and all of America, but few are protected against vandals like this.

This kind of protection is heavily advocated for by historians, who have been making moves to try and save these trees since 1939 to prevent them from being lost to development and deforestation.

This particular Trail Marker Tree in Traverse City is about 200 years old.

Address: 1213 W Civic Center Dr, Traverse City, MI 49686, United States

12. Traverse Area Recreation Trails (TART)

TART Trails

The Traverse Area Recreation Trails , known simply as TART, provides transport and recreational paths across Traverse City, spanning the Leelanau Peninsula.

More than 60 miles of multi-use trails, with the longest being the Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail of 27 miles, encompass TART, filled with lots of places to see.

Traverse City has many different routes of a point-to-point variety that are a part of TART, all distributed across the downtown area.

These trails allow residents and tourists alike to travel quickly from this Michigan city to other close locations, like Sutton Bay.

It’s a great way to go sightseeing across the general area, especially if you’re into wooded trails and nature.

Hikers, bikers, runners, joggers, and even snowshoes users can enjoy the challenging trail of Vasa Pathway while those who want a more picturesque journey can try the Boardman Lake Trail.

13. Doug Murdick’s Fudge

Doug Murdicks Fudge

If you have a sweet tooth, check out Doug Murdick’s Fudge .

Its first store opened in 1964 in Traverse City, Michigan, and the second opened here too, but with a unique addition: a huge box of decorative fudge affixed to the roof!

Right across East Bay, Doug Murdick’s Fudge is easily spotted thanks to its signboard and the aforementioned giant box of dessert.

A trip here to sample the goodies is one of the more fun things to do in Traverse City, and many fudge enthusiasts – or “fudgies”, as they often call themselves – travel all the way here for some of this iconic, delicious treat!

Address: 116 E Front St, Traverse City, MI 49684, United States

14. Gallagher’s Farm Market and Bakery

Gallagher’s Farm Market

A locally loved gem, Gallagher’s Farm Market and Bakery has been standing since 1971, serving residents of Traverse City, Michigan ever since.

It’s one of the best places to visit for a more unique and interactive farmer’s market type of shopping experience.

Family-operated and owned, the market and bakery is only open from June to October, selling a variety of seasonal produce in addition to other treats.

Some items you can find here include jellies, cheeses, bread, jams, pastries, pies, maple syrup, salsa, honey, and wine – all completely homemade!

While here, families with children are encouraged to head to the farm and interact with the animals.

Goats, sheep, chickens, pigs, bunnies, and more await the attention of gentle visitors.

Fall activities, like Halloween pumpkin picking and a corn maze, also take place.

Address: 7237 E Traverse Hwy, Traverse City, MI 49684, United States

15. Traverse City Beach Bums

Writer20 , CC BY-SA 3.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

The Traverse City Beach Bums is a Frontier League professional baseball team with a home in Turtle Creek Stadium in Blair Township.

The very first game the team ever played wasn’t too long ago in 2006 and it has an approximate total fan number of 200,000 – not bad for an independent team!

The Turtle Creek Stadium boasts 4,600 seats and is also an official Minor League Baseball stadium.

It’s designed to be fun and family-friendly, with age-appropriate entertainment and education for youth and young baseball players, including a Kids Club for those aged 12 and below.

A total of forty-eight home games are played here a year, each one budget-friendly and a good way to spend an evening.

Giveaways, photo ops with mascots, and fireworks also dot the schedule, making this an exciting option among the city’s points of interest.

Address: 333 Stadium Dr, Traverse City, MI 49685, United States

Keen to explore other parts of Michigan? Why not check out some of the best things to do in Ann Arbor  & some of the fun things to do in Grand Rapids ?

16. Brys Estate Vineyard & Winery

Brys Estate Vineyard & Winery

Traverse City has impressive offerings when it comes to alcohol, with breweries and wineries galore.

One of the wineries considered among the city’s tourist attractions is the Brys Estate Vineyard & Winery .

It’s owned and operated by a family and is one of the best places to sample wine in Traverse City.

Located on the grounds of an 1890s homestead, the Brys Estate Vineyard & Winery has repurposed much of the old buildings, turning farms into gorgeous tasting rooms of mahogany and brick.

The winery’s exact location means it gets lots of temperate climate, warm sun, bay wind, and healthy soil for perfect growing conditions.

If you head to Brys Estate Vineyard & Winery, you’ll get to purchase glasses or bottles of wine, participate in tastings in the special tasting room, and eat some charcuterie and cheese to go with your decadent beverages.

Head to the Upper Deck to look over Grand Traverse Bay and get a panoramic view of the vineyard!

Address: 3309 Blue Water Rd, Traverse City, MI 49686, United States

17. Chateau Grand Traverse Winery

Chateau Grand Traverse Winery

Another one of the wineries in Traverse City, Michigan famous for quality and taste is the Chateau Grand Traverse Winery .

Like Brys, it is also an estate winery, and you can find it north of Grand Traverse on the Old Mission Peninsula.

The Chateau Grand Traverse Winery knows full well that it is one of the many Traverse City attractions, so it offers multiple daily tours to talk about the winery’s history, processes, and the industry.

Each tour takes 30 minutes and brings you from the winery’s establishment in 1974 to the present day.

There is even a shop that sells clothing and miscellaneous wine-related items!

If you’re aching for some alcohol this weekend, this is a classy and exciting way to get your fix.

Address: 12239 Center Rd, Traverse City, MI 49686, United States

18. Traverse Tall Ship Company

Northern Way of Life / Shutterstock

The Traverse Tall Ship Company is a fantastic and fun way to get some sightseeing done while you’re in Grand Traverse Bay, Traverse City, Michigan.

The company provides its visitors with all sorts of sailing experiences using either their yacht or their replica tall ship.

The tall ship is called the Manitou, designed to take after a cargo schooner from the 19th century.

It can hold 59 people and measures an impressive 114 feet in length.

Meanwhile, the yacht measures just 38 feet and is meant for smaller groups.

A variety of different durations are available for boat rentals, and each one offers its own perks.

Regardless of which one piques your curiosity, you should definitely consider paying a trip to the Traverse Tall Ship Company if you’re looking for what to do in the great Traverse City!

Address: 13258 S W Bay Shore Dr, Traverse City, MI 49684, United States

19. Light of Day Organic Farm and Tea Shop

Light of Day Organic Farm and Tea Shop

The Light of Day Organic Farm and Tea Shop is Michigan’s only tea producer specializing in biodynamics.

The concept of biodynamics was coined in the 1920s by Dr. Rudolf Steiner.

It is a farming philosophy that involves the process of planting and harvesting according to the Lunar calendar.

It is also rather spiritual, involving prayer, positivity, and reverence as one plants and farms.

It’s certainly interesting, and it stands out in Traverse City for its unorthodox methods.

Technically, the Light of Day Organic Farm and Tea Shop is a little bit outside of Traverse City.

It takes up 25 acres of space and all teas are made organically in small batches, harvested by hand, and packaged in a sustainable fashion.

It is believed that the teas are able to boost physical and mental health, and the farm offers wellness classes and tastings.

With all the awards it has won, the Light of Day Organic Farm and Tea Shop is a must see for tea-lovers!

Address: 3502 E Traverse Hwy, Traverse City, MI 49684, United States

20. The State Theatre

Michigan Municipal League / flickr

The State Theater is run by Oscar- and Emmy-winning filmmaker and activist Michael Moor and the Traverse City Film Festival of Michigan.

During the latter, 250 films from across the globe are showcased.

The theater itself is an old, historical building, opened in 1916 and rising from the ashes after twice being destroyed by fires.

Over the years, multiple modern amenities have been added, including comfortable seats and screens.

For those who enjoy a little entertainment in more classic ways, this is one of the most fun places to visit, so check out any of the 400 movies it shows, on average, every year!

Address: 233 E Front St, Traverse City, MI 49684, United States

21. Traverse Colantha Walker’s Grave

takomabibelot / flickr

On the grounds of the Traverse City State Hospital in Michigan, on one far end, rests Traverse Colantha Walker’s Grave.

It is a lone gravesite in a strange location for a rather unique individual: Traverse Colantha Walker, a cow who was a world champion, who died on the 8th of January in 1932.

Traverse Colantha Walker was born on the asylum grounds on the 29th of April, 1916, and was milked here for all her life.

She was a Holstein-Friesian cow and produced a whopping 200,114.9 pounds of milk in her entire life, as well as 7,525.8 pounds of fat.

She set a world record for milk production in 1926 after she produced 22,918 pounds of milk in a single year.

But why does she rest here, on Traverse City State Hospital grounds?

Well, she was actually a really important part of the history of the asylum, as it needed to be self-sustainable.

Traverse Colantha Walker helped to make this happen by producing more than enough milk for the facility.

This grave is one of the more fascinating Traverse City attractions, beautifully flanked by lovely evergreen trees.

This delightful cow is far from forgotten, too – she still has a Facebook page run to this day and there’s a yearly celebration in honor of her best achievements!

Address: 830 Cottageview Dr, Traverse City, MI 49684, United States

22. Traverse City State Park

Traverse City State Park

Looking for some of the best places to visit for a memorable vacation?

Traverse City State Park spans 48 acres and is an urban park a short distance away from the downtown area.

It boasts about a quarter of a mile of beaches across the larger stretch of Grand Traverse Bay, which provides plenty of waterfront activities for you to enjoy as you soak up the Michigan sun.

Among the options for things to see and do at the park are sunbathing, hiking, fishing, swimming, metal detecting, and boat riding (which you can achieve by renting an available boat).

The beach has its own playground and a concession stand for snacks.

There is also a campground that you can rent, boasting hookups to electrical and water facilities, fire pits, and picnic tables.

343 of these campsites are available, so you won’t run out of space!

Address: 1132 US-31 North, Traverse City, MI 49686, United States

23. City Opera House

Magnus Wobser / Shutterstock

If you’re looking for one of the best things to do in Traverse City as a performing arts lover, look no further than the cheer, fun, and regal air of the City Opera House .

Located in downtown Traverse City, it was built in 1892 and boasts an impressively luxurious architecture and design.

Though old, it has been restored and looked after well.

The architecture of the City Opera House is nothing short of magnificent.

Fresco paintings, barrel vault ceilings, and gold leaf accents add to the feeling of lush royalty that its Victorian-style emanates.

There are seats for 650 people and beautiful acoustics that truly elevate the performance of opera.

Comedy shows, Broadway musicals, plays, and concerts are also held here, and you can expect a mix of private and public events.

Address: 106 E Front St, Traverse City, MI 49684, United States

24. Old Town Playhouse

Old Town Playhouse

The Old Town Playhouse is yet another performing arts center but far removed from the rich environment of the aforementioned opera house.

Instead, it began as a Traverse City effort to bring local theater to the wider area of Northern Michigan.

Its tale begins in 1960, where its performances were primarily held in high school auditoriums, long before its theater was built and finished.

There are two stages for the Old Town Playhouse in Traverse City.

One is the Main Stage that can seat 277 audience members, located on East Eighth Street.

The second is the Studio Theater with 80 seats on Railroad Place.

Both are among the coolest places to visit and the most enriching things to do in downtown Traverse City!

A total of five productions are brought to the MainStage annually, with four at the Studio Theater.

There are also a number of theatrical shows for children held throughout the year, and the Old Town Playhouse prides itself on teaching kids about the arts.

They do this via a popular theater camp that spans four weeks in the summer!

Address: 148 E Eighth St, Traverse City, MI 49684, United States

25. The River Guardian

River Guardian

The River Guardian sits at one of Michigan’s points of interest: the Boardman River.

It stands 12 feet in height and is located in the downtown area of the city.

It seems like a fun sculpture, but what is it for?

Well, as its name suggests, the River Guardian was erected in order to boost awareness of and promote the restoration and protection of rivers.

It has a similar sculpture nearby called the Circle of Life with a slightly different meaning.

They were both made by Dewey Blocksma, an artist of Michigan, with found objects they scoured for.

Both statues were installed in 1999 and were actually originally dismissed due to their unorthodox nature.

However, the River Guardian has endured and has not stopped reminding people of the importance of river care.

Many hang out in its vicinity to reflect, kayak, or fish, comforted or inspired by its presence.

Address: 202 E Grandview Pkwy, Traverse City, MI, United States

26. World’s Largest Cherry Pie Pan

Traverse City often considers itself the world’s Cherry Capital – and this is one of the tourist attractions that might prove its point!

Chef Pierre Bakeries decided to celebrate this fruit pride on the 25th of July in 1987 by baking a humongous cherry pie measuring 17 feet and 6 inches in diameter.

It weighed a whopping 28,350 pounds.

The pan from that pie now stands in the city on Cass Road as a fun reminder of that delicious undertaking.

This pan measures 26 feet in depth and 18 feet in width, built by the Jacklin Steel Supply Company.

The pie that filled it was made with 510 buckets of filling and utilized hundreds of volunteers in assembling, cooking, and even serving it.

A scrumptious crust adorned it for even more added flavor!

When the pie was completed, the filling was sucked from the bottom of the pan and served with pastry crumbs in cups.

Approximately 35,000 people consumed the pie, which was named the largest of its kind by the Guinness Book of World Records that year.

It would lose its status in 1990, but the pie pan remains a reminder of that victory – and it’s also still the largest of its kind documented and remaining!

Address: 3424 Cass Rd, Traverse City, MI 49684, United States

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27. Cherry Growers Weigh Station

Another cherry-themed attraction for a cherry-loving City, the Cherry Growers Weigh Station on Peninsula Drive now lies vacant.

As such, it seems like a rather odd option for what to do in the already teeming and vibrant City, but its historical value makes it an interesting stop.

The weight station was finished in 1920 and spent four decades serving Old Mission Peninsula cherry growers, helping them to form competition with Grand Traverse Bay cherry growers.

Weigh stations erected locally meant that there was no need to stand in line in the stations in the city, allowing for quick transportation and loading with trucks.

In the 1960s, modern harvesting methods meant the weigh station was no longer needed.

The structure became home to Lorey’s Harbor Station, which sold vegetables, fruits, and flowers from 1972 to 2017.

Since 2017, though, the Cherry Growers Weigh Station has sat silent and alone.

It has plenty of historical value and is even on the Michigan Register of Historic Places!

Address: Peninsula Drive and Bowers Harbor Road, Traverse City, MI 49686, United States

28. Perry Hannah Statue

Perry Hannah Statue

The Perry Hannah Statue is, as its name suggests, a depiction of Perry Hannah, honoring the person recognized as the founder of Traverse City.

In 2015, more than one and a half centuries since the founding of the City in 1851, the statue was unveiled.

But its historical significance is not why visiting the Perry Hannah statue is a must do!

You see, the statue is often dressed up.

It has been decorated for all sorts of seasonal holidays and events, like New Years’, Christmas, Halloween, St. Patrick’s Day, and even the Traverse City Film Festival.

It is also often put in silly garb just for a little fun by random locals.

After some pushback, these activities were eventually accepted and even loved.

The lighthearted additions to the statue make taking a photo with the Patty Hannah statue among the top things to do in Traverse City!

Address: 303 S Union St, Traverse City, MI 49684, United States

29. Coast Guard City Monument

Coast Guard City Monument

The Coast Guard City Monument was dedicated on the 6th of September, 2018.

It is a celebratory structure meant to honor the Coast Guard of the United States, especially given its presence in the city, which has been abundant since 1946.

In fact, this is one of the 21 communities considered Coast Guard Cities by Congress!

It’s a base for rescue aircraft operations in Lake Superior, Lake Huron, and Lake Michigan.

The design of the monument is a representation of an air rescue helicopter called the MH-65 Dolphin, and it was actually designed by a local student.

These kinds of helicopters were used from 2011 to 2017 before being replaced with newer models.

Interestingly, this monument cost a shocking $60,000 to make, but the funding was achieved through charities, donations, and volunteers, along with its masonry and site landscaping costs.

That tells you a lot about the philanthropic and generous nature of the city’s residents!

The Coast Guard has been influential in the safety and security of the nation for generations.

Whether or not you know a lot about the Coast Guard, this is a fascinating and beautiful monument, and it’s one of the best of the city’s places to visit!

Address: 539 E Front St, Traverse City, MI 49686, United States

Start Planning Your Trip To Traverse City

There’s no denying that Traverse City is vibrant and brimming with fun places to go.

Whether you seek the performing arts, are here for one of their many cultural festivals, or seek tourist hotspots to enjoy, there is no end to what you can do here.

Nature-lovers, history enthusiasts, wine connoisseurs, and theater-goers alike will all find some delight in the city’s offerings!

Happy travels!

The 10 Best Things to Do in Traverse City, Michigan

RiverNorthPhotography / Getty Images

Life’s a bowl of cherries in Traverse City (the cherry capital of the world) , where the sandy soil creates ideal growing conditions for the region’s signature crop. Acres of gorgeous orchards populate the rolling terrain to complement bay waters crystal-blue enough to rival the Caribbean. Add in a charming collection of shops and restaurants, year-round outdoor recreation, wineries and fun community festivals, and you’ve got all the makings of a perfect Up North getaway. Here are 10 things visitors should put on their Traverse City to-do lists. 

Stuff Yourself With Cherries

 National Cherry Festival

Sweet and tart cherries make appearances on local menus in all sorts of recipes including salads, cocktails, ice cream, sauces, entrees and desserts in Traverse City. The annual Blessing of the Blossoms kicks off each growing season in May, culminating in the week-long National Cherry Festival in July (attracting some 500,000 attendees annually!). However, visitors can savor jams, salsas, sodas, candies and other fruit-based products all year at Cherry Republic , a gourmet gift store with three Michigan locations. And don’t even think about leaving town without popping in Grand Traverse Pie Company for a slice.

Get Your Feet Wet

seanmckendall / Getty Images 

At 19 miles long, Old Mission Peninsula splits Grand Traverse into East Bay and West Bay, with both bays perfect for sailing, fishing, surfing, scuba diving, snorkeling and parasailing in startlingly clear waters. Catch some rays while the kids build sandcastles and splash around at Clinch Park Beach. Or, commandeer a kayak for a leisurely paddle on the Boardman River. At the northernmost tip of the peninsula, Old Mission Lighthouse offers intriguing insight into Traverse City’s maritime history and some great photo ops. Check out Torch Lake nearby.

Sip a Little Vino at a Michigan Vineyard

The same 45th Parallel terroir that feeds the region’s cherry production also lends itself well to grape growing that results in a thriving wine industry. According to the Michigan Craft Beverage Council, Michigan wineries bottle more than 2.7 million gallons of product each year; the Leelanau Peninsula and Old Mission Peninsula represent two of five federally approved American Viticultural Areas, producing 55% of the state’s wine grapes. Visitors can sign up for guided wine tours, or pop in and out of several dozen wineries to sample the wares at will. Just remember, tasting room hours may be limited during the off season.

Marvel at Mother Nature

DArthurBrown / Getty Images

Required “Up North” viewing, Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore sits 25 miles west of Traverse City on the shores of Lake Michigan. Plan on spending the better part of a day there to drink in breathtaking views from the Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive outlooks, tackle the Dune Climb challenge, journey along the Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail, and explore the charming Glen Haven Historic Village and the Port Oneida Rural Historic District . 

Belly Up to the Bar

 Traverse City Whiskey Co.

Traverse City Whiskey Co. makes its hometown proud with unique interpretations of the area’s signature product — namely, American cherry whiskey and its own line of gourmet cocktail cherries. (The distillery team also produces bourbon, rye and gin.) Owner Chris Fredrickson hails from a cherry farming family that goes back several generations; the discovery of his great-grandfather’s old distilling patents inspired him to launch the award-winning operation in 2012. Guests can order flights and cocktails at the Stillhouse bar or stop by the production building for a behind-the-scenes tour. The company breaks ground this summer on an expansive new experiential facility including warehouse space, a visitor center and on-site lodging to open next year. 

Feast on Food Truck Cuisine

 The Little Fleet

Hungry? Make your way to the Little Fleet at the corner of Front Street and Wellington, a stationary collection of a half dozen or so food trucks with indoor/outdoor seating, a full-service bar and live music. Vendors may vary on any given night, but it’s a safe bet to expect they’ll be plating up tasty eats like street tacos, chicken sandwiches, sushi, frozen custard, curry and barbecue to consider.

Catch a Movie at a Historic Theater

 Andrew McFarlane / Flickr /  CC BY-NC 2.0

Traverse City resident and filmmaker Michael Moore was the driving force behind renovations of the historic State Theatre and Bijou by the Bay , both ideal spots to take in an art-house flick, classic film screening or modern-day blockbuster. Moore also founded the Traverse City Film Festival in 2005, attracting scores of movie buffs from around the globe each summer.

Explore One-Stop Shopping and Dining

 The Village at Grand Traverse Commons

A former psychiatric asylum may not sound like somewhere you’d voluntarily choose to go, but the Village at Grand Traverse Commons has completely reimagined a handsome set of Victorian-Italianate buildings constructed in the 1880s as a contemporary mixed-use development for shopping, dining and residential living. After ambitious adaptive reuse endeavors, the preserved historic grounds now offer hiking trails, a botanical garden, restaurants and cafes, art galleries, craft beer, boutique shops and local wine. Narrated walking tours are a good way to get the lay of the land; more adventurous guests should make sure to check out the eerie network of tunnels that runs beneath the property.

Appreciate Inuit Art and Culture

 Dennos Museum Center

The Dennos Museum Center on the Northwestern Michigan College campus curates one of the largest permanent collections of Inuit art in the country, along with other world-class exhibits, galleries and programming. Created by an indigenous Inuit tribe from the Canadian Arctic region, the pieces on display include fascinating prints, sculptures, stone carvings and more.

Hit the Trail

 TART Trails

The Tart Trail network maintains eight multi-use paths for biking, jogging and walking, connecting to more than 100 miles of regional trails through some of the most scenic territory in the state. The nearly 10-mile paved leg that skirts East Bay and West Bay provides convenient access to Clinch Park, West End Beach and Traverse City State Park, with bikes and in-line skates available to rent along the way.

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30 Wonderful Things to Do in Traverse City, Michigan

09/21/2021 by Emily Becker Leave a Comment

As one of the Midwest’s lakeside crown jewels, Traverse City is possibly one of the most underrated small cities in the country. There is a variety of things to do there, including plenty of outdoor adventures and even some haunted wonders! It’s home to an impressive food and wine scene and is surrounded by cherry orchards, making it an ideal destination for foodies and nature lovers alike.

Here are 30 awesome things to do in Traverse City:

Table of Contents

Unique Tours

30. ghost tour.

If you are into all things creepy and supernatural, this downtown tour is made for you. Traverse City is full of spooky history, and this 1.5-hour evening ghost tour will take you to the city’s most famous haunted locations, on a humorous and thrilling ghost hunt that you’ll definitely remember, even if you don’t find any troubled spirits lurking about.

29. Rickshaw tour

A rickshaw , in Michigan ? That’s certainly a first! This quirky tour is great for first-time visitors, as it will take you to five different areas of town. The guide will tell you all about Traverse City’s architecture, attractions, and businesses.

Start your Traverse City adventure with this rickshaw tour to get the lay of the land before you embark on the rest of your visit.

28. Asylum flashlight tour

If you can’t get enough of spooky tours after your ghost tour, check this one out! Traverse City is famous for its haunted asylum, the Northern Michigan Asylum, on the old Traverse City State Hospital campus. On this tour, you’ll explore one of the popular cottages on the property, as well as take a flashlight-lit walk through steam tunnels from 1885. You can make your reservation here . Good luck!

27. Guided historic walking tour of the Village at Grand Traverse Commons

Also on the grounds of the old Traverse City State Hospital campus, you can take a historic walking tour to learn all about the hospital and its interesting characters. One doctor in particular is an important part of the site’s history: Dr. Munson, who popularized the “beauty is therapy” theory. The tour also offers an inside look at the site’s architecture and uses of the buildings. Make your reservation here .

26. Wine tours

You might not expect northern Michigan to have many wineries, but this part of the state is actually known as the Traverse Wine Coast and has some impressive selections. Not only do the wineries in this area produce incredible products, but the surrounding area offers some spectacular hillside views of Grand Traverse Bay.

The Leelanau Trail in particular has stellar tour options to see the region’s best wineries. You can see a list of the offerings here .

25. Kayaking + brew tour = KaBrew

Yep, you read that right. You can visit some of Traverse City’s best breweries via kayak tour with Kayak Brewery Tours . The tour actually starts on a bike, taking you to Right Brain Brewery for your first visit. After one more stop, you’ll finally hop into your kayak and float down the Boardman River to the next destination. This is an awesome way to enjoy the river and get a little buzzed along the way. For an independent travel option, you can simply rent the inventory you need here and go on an exciting journey.

24. Walking history tours

The Traverse Area Historical Society offers history walking tours led by local experts. Choose between a downtown tour, with stops at monuments and historical buildings, or an Oakwood Cemetery tour, which showcases the town’s beautiful and spooky graveyard. You can find tour dates and more information here . If you want to go around more places and also listen to interesting historical facts, then this tour will definitely not leave you indifferent.

Outdoor Adventures

23. traverse area recreational trail (tart).

This 10.5-mile paved trail runs from Bates Road in Acme Township all the way to Carter Road in Traverse City, where it links up with the Leelanau Trail. You can hike, jog, or bike along the trail, stopping at several spots along the way. While on the trail, you’ll see recreational areas, quaint local neighborhoods, and downtown businesses. It’s the perfect way to get acquainted with Traverse City if you’re in town for the first time!

The TART even passes through Boardman Lake Trail, which is next on this list.

22. Boardman Lake Trail

This trail is part of the TART and is about 4 miles long, running along the lakefront at Boardman Lake. Boardman Lake Trail starts in Medalie Park, passes through Hull Park, and even has access to the public library in town. This part of the larger TART is wooded and generally quiet and serene. It’s a great place to relax and connect with nature.

21. Leelanau Trail

If you want to take your trail adventure to the next level, set your sights on Leelanau Trail , which is 17 miles long and connects Traverse City to Suttons Bay. It follows the route of an old railroad corridor and runs near forests, farms, lakes, ponds, and vineyards.

Summertime is ideal for bike riding on Leelanau Trail, but what about winter? All winter long, you can try your hand at skate-skiing, fatbiking, and snowshoeing on the trail. Leave it to Michigan to have a plan for all seasons!

20. Keith J. Charters Traverse City State Park

It’s hard to believe that this 47-acre state park is just two miles from downtown, but Traverse City State Park really is that close. The TART runs parallel to the park, making it the ideal spot to take a break from a long bike ride. It also has a modern campground, mini-cabins, a lodge, and a quarter mile of sandy beach to enjoy.

19. West End Beach

Along West Grand Traverse Bay, West End is a large bayfront park and beach. It’s a hot spot for volleyball players and dog owners alike, and popular for swimming and kayaking as well. You can access West End Beach from the TART, and there is a parking lot on the eastern side of the park.

18. Clinch Park and Beach

This spot offers over 1,500 feet of sand along West Grand Traverse Bay in downtown. It’s easily the most popular beach, so it gets pretty crowded in the summer — get there early to save your spot! This beach is along the TART, making it easy to stop at if you’re biking or hiking the trail.

17. Paddleboard/SUP yoga

With so much fresh water around, it’s no surprise that Traverse City is a great place to get your paddleboard on. Paddle TC is one of the city’s best such rental companies

It even offers stand-up paddleboard (SUP) yoga classes at Clinch Park on West Bay. If you thought simply paddleboarding was a workout, try doing yoga on a board! It’s a fun way to challenge yourself and enjoy the water while you do it. You can book your class here .

16. Manitou brunch cruise

What better way to enjoy the bay at Traverse City than on a ship while having brunch? Traverse Tall Ship Co. has an awesome brunch cruise that offers a slow sail through Grand Traverse Bay and a delicious wood stove–cooked meal along with a drink. Book here .

15. Catamaran cruise

Another way to cruise through Grand Traverse Bay is to hop on a catamaran with Nauti-Cat . This company has a variety of options, including a sunset champaign cruise and a windjammer cruise. There are also specialty cruises , including one that features a burlesque show! The outings are typically 1.5–2 hours long and are a fun way to get some great views of the bay.

14. Hickory Meadows

This classic urban trail system is tucked into the hills above Traverse City and offers two miles of unpaved paths to explore. There are meadows and wooded areas at the base of 230-foot Hickory Hill, which visitors can climb if they’re up for the challenge. It’s also a great wintertime spot for cross-country skiing! Find a map of Hickory Meadows here .

13. Parasailing

To get the most epic aerial view of Traverse City and the crystal-clear waters of the bay, get airborne by parasailing! This is by far one of the most exciting things to do in town, and TC Watersports is the most experienced such operator in Michigan. The company has a great reputation that keeps customers coming back for more adventures.

12. Boardman River Experience

If you are an experienced paddler, consider heading out on the River Outfitters’ Boardman River Experience for the closest thing you’ll get in Michigan to white-water rafting. Where once there was a dam that prohibited people from paddling on the river, there are now two light rapids perfect for paddling. The river experience runs through a cedar forest teeming with wildlife, making for an unforgettable experience.

11. Skiing or snowboarding at Crystal Mountain

While most of the items on this list are specific to summertime, there are plenty of things to do in Traverse City in the winter as well. One of the best wintertime activities here is skiing or snowboarding at Crystal Mountain . There you’ll find 58 downward trails, from beginner to advanced.

Museums & Historical Landmarks

10. mission point lighthouse.

From 1870 to 1933, this historical lighthouse guided mariners through West Traverse Bay. Nowadays, this neat landmark is open for self-guided tours and offers a glimpse into Traverse City’s past. Guests can even climb all the way to the top of the tower for a small fee.

Another great feature of the Mission Point Lighthouse is that it is right next to a five-acre park with hiking trails and picnic areas.

9. The Dennos Museum Center

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This quirky art museum has been around since 1991 and is the top cultural center of the region. At the Dennos Museum Center, you’ll find entertaining exhibits, hands-on galleries, and elegant sculptures. There are almost 3,000 works of art to see, so plan to spend a couple hours perusing the space.

Admission is $6; the museum is open from Wednesday to Sunday. Check out the website for more information on planning your visit .

8. Music House Museum

The charming Music House Museum is full of unique instruments and music-related artifacts that have a special place in history. The collection includes instruments dating back to the 18th century, including simple music boxes that were state of the art for their time. You’ll see expertly crafted instruments that are works of art all on their own.

Festivals & Events

7. national cherry festival.

Traverse City is the Cherry Capital of the world. I’m a big lover of cherries, so my ears certainly perked up when I heard this news. Every July, the city hosts the annual National Cherry Festival, which it has been doing since 1925. That’s almost a hundred years of cherry festivals!

The festival has over 150 activities and events during the week, with hundreds of vendors selling cherry-licious treats and goods. For more information on next year’s event, see the Cherry Festival website .

6. Traverse City Chocolate Festival

First cherries, now chocolate?! Sounds like a match made in foodie heaven. The Traverse City Chocolate Festival happens every spring and is expected to resume in 2022. There you’ll find chocolatiers from all over the region selling their delicious confections. Besides the vendors, there’s also live music, demonstrations, and other fun events during the festival.

5. Traverse City Restaurant Week

If you happen to be in Traverse City during Restaurant Week , you’re in for a treat. It’s a wonderful way to explore downtown and try some of the city’s best gastronomy for a reasonable price. Three-course menus are offered at either $25 or $35 per person; the city’s best restaurants participate each year. Traverse City Restaurant Week usually starts at the end of February each year.

4. City Opera House

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The City Opera House first opened its doors in 1892 and has been hosting live events ever since. As one of the premier cultural landmarks in town, you won’t want to miss out on an opportunity to see a show here. The architecture inside is breathtaking and makes the perfect setting for an opera, ballet, or theater performance. You can find a full list of events at City Opera House here .

3. Downtown Art Walk

If you want to see Traverse City’s art scene from the perspective of a local, join the Downtown Art Walk. Not only will it take you to the above-mentioned Dennos Museum Center, but it also includes stops at some small locally owned galleries and art centers.

This event happens sporadically throughout the year. Keep an eye out for it on downtown Traverse City’s calendar of events .

Day Trips from Traverse City

2. sleeping bear dunes national lakeshore.

At just 40 minutes west of Traverse City, Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is a must-do day trip while you’re in the area. You’ll find 450-foot bluffs, miles of sandy shores, expansive forests, and crystal-clear waters at this epic lakeshore heaven.

You can go for the day, or camp overnight at the park. If you want to take the pressure off of planning your trip, consider this 6-hour tour from GetYourGuide .

1. Michigan Tunnel of Trees

Known as one of the most scenic drives in the United States, the Tunnel of Trees along highway M-119 is one of the best day trips you can imagine from Traverse City. The drive skirts Lake Michigan between Harbor Springs and Cross Village, for about 20 miles. You’ll encounter beautiful tree canopies, lake views, and charming small towns along the way.

Pure Michigan put together a list of places to stop along the way , so you can enjoy this short day trip to the fullest!

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You might not have expected to find so many things to do in this northern Michigan paradise, but Traverse City certainly has plenty to keep you entertained. From the spooky to the charming and everything in between, you’ll definitely have an unforgettable experience there.

Are you a Michigander? Let us know what your favorite spots are in your home state!

About Emily Becker

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26 Best Unique Things to Do in Traverse City, Michigan

Situated in Northern Michigan, Traverse City is the perfect town to live in or visit any time of year. It has a rich history and a plethora of family-friendly activities, places to shop, and delicious food. While we could go on and on about great things to do in Traverse City , here’s a list of our top picks.

Best Outdoor Things to Do in Traverse City

Hiking tart and boardman lake trail.

Hiking, biking, and walking are some of the most popular activities in Traverse City, Michigan. The Traverse Area Recreational Trail is one of the longest trails in the area, stretching 10.5 miles from Leelanau Trail to the intersection of M-72 and Bates Road in Acme Township. As a result, it passes several recreation areas, local neighborhoods, and businesses in downtown Traverse City.

Part of TART passes through Boardman Lake Trail , and our link shows the outline of the trail around the lake. From Medalie Park, it extends for about 4 miles through the woods and along the eastern shoreline of Boardman Lake.

Then, it passes through Hull Park before crossing over the northern opening of the lake. Along the way, it offers access to the library, many places to rest, and other businesses.

You might enjoy: 6 Great Hikes For The Whole Family In The Traverse City Region

Play at Traverse City Beaches and Parks

Situated at the base of the Leelanau and Old Mission Peninsulas, playing at the beach is one of the best things to do in Traverse City! Whether you’re looking for a beach on Lake Michigan or you’d prefer an inland lake beach , there are multiple options of parks and beaches in Traverse City to enjoy.

West End Beach

To the west of downtown Traverse City, West End Beach is a quaint beach that you can access via an eastern parking area or TART. It has a bay-front park with restrooms and volleyball courts. The beach is popular with kayakers and swimmers, and the west side allows leashed dogs.

Clinch Park and Beach

As the most popular beach, Clinch Park features more than 1,500 feet of sand in the downtown area. It has TART access, bike racks, picnic tables, restrooms, and a snack bar. Lifeguards are on standby during the summer.

Traverse City State Park and Beach

Established in 1920, Traverse City State Park consists of 47 acres, part of which is a beach on Grand Traverse Bay. It connects to TART and offers opportunities for fishing, picnicking, bicycling, and camping all year with heated restrooms.

Check out: More Traverse City Beach Tips

Compete in Golf or Mini Golf in Traverse City

If you’re looking for family-oriented things to do in Traverse City, you can’t go wrong with Pirate’s Cove . It has two mini-golf courses, each with 18 holes.

The courses are riddled with sunken ships, pirate dungeons, waterfalls, and buccaneers. The adventure park also has a ropes challenge course, go-carts for all ages, bumper boats, and a game room.

Offering more family fun, Bay Meadows Family Golf Course has two courses with nine holes each. The green course is more challenging than the blue course. There are many other amenities as well, including practice bunkers and greens, a large driving range, and a fitness room.

Don’t Miss: The Best of Traverse City: Port of Cherries, Lighthouses, and Mini-Golf

Cruise Around Grand Traverse Bay

Traverse tall ship company.

For a tour of Grand Traverse Bay, consider a summer day sail with Traverse Tall Ship Company . It operates two ships: the Manitou and the Scout. You can book windjammer cruises, private charters, dockside overnight stays, and many other packages.

Nauti-Cat Cruises

Since 1998, Nauti-Cat Cruises has been offering boat tours and catamaran cruises on Grand Traverse Bay. You can book daily cruises that range from 1.5 to 2.5 hours long. With a capacity of 49 people, the Nauti-Cat can host specialty cruises, private charters, and live music shows, too.

TC Water Sports

If you want to cruise the water on your own, TC Water Sports can provide the equipment or water vehicle. It has boats, Jet Skis, kayaks, paddleboards, and more. Parasailing experiences are even available. The concierge level of service makes this company stand out among the rest.

Best Museums and Historical Things to Do in Traverse City

Mission point lighthouse and park.

Mission Point Lighthouse is a wonderful historical site at the northern point of Old Mission Peninsula and is one of the best Michigan lighthouses to explore . It was built in 1870 and guided mariners through West Grand Traverse Bay until 1933.

Via self-guided tours, visitors can get a glimpse of what life was like for lighthouse keepers and locals during that period. The nearby 5-acre park is always open and features hiking trails.

The Dennos Museum Center

With a mission to enlighten and entertain audiences, The Dennos Museum Center was established in 1991 and is the premier cultural facility in the region. It has an array of programs and exhibitions from elegant sculptures to hands-on galleries.

Great Lakes Children’s Museum in Traverse City

Providing play-based learning, the Great Lakes Children’s Museum is an excellent venue for kids ages 1 to 8 years old. It features informal, interactive, and hands-on educational environments for early childhood development. Some of its weekday programs include interactive storytime and facilitated crafts.

Best Traverse City Festivals and Holiday Activities

Traverse city chocolate festival.

In the spring, people from all over Northern Michigan and elsewhere can’t wait to attend the Traverse City Chocolate Festival . For this event, chocolatiers from across the region offer tastings of their products. It’s a celebration of the state’s chocolate history and features shopping, demonstrations, and live music.

National Cherry Festival

Traverse City is the Cherry Capital, and since 1926, the National Cherry Festival has celebrated Michigan agriculture for a full week every summer. It has more than 150 activities and events, and most of them are free for all ages to enjoy.

Turtle races, pie-eating and pit-spitting contests, three parades, and an air show are just a few. The festival is steeped in tradition as well, including an art competition and National Cherry Queen.

Downtown Traverse City Halloween Walk

Every October, downtown Traverse City hosts costumed parents and children as they go trick-or-treating at participating stores. The city closes the month with a parade of ghosts and goblins too.

Traverse City Restaurant Week

Whether you like eating traditional dishes or trying new cuisines, Traverse City Restaurant Week is a fantastic event. Held toward the end of February, it offers three-course meals for less than $40 a person. For the optimal experience, enjoy a local beer or wine with your meal.

Exploring The Village at Grand Traverse Commons

The one place that you must visit while you’re in Traverse City, Michigan, is The Village at Grand Traverse Commons . Formerly called the Traverse City State Hospital , it’s one of the largest historic preservation developments in the United States.

Rumored to be one of the most haunted places in Michigan , it offers a variety of campus tours, including history tours and asylum experiences after dark. On top of that, it has a 480-acre Commons Natural Area, which features a piazza and miles of hiking and biking trails .

Throughout the year, The Village hosts numerous festivals, concerts, farm markets, and other celebrations. There are several one-of-a-kind shops and boutiques to explore, such as Christmastide and Silver Fox Jewelry.

While you’re there, you can keep your energy up by enjoying a snack or meal at one of the many restaurants, including the unique coffeehouse Cuppa Joe and casual Italian eatery Trattoria Stella.

Best Traverse City Shopping

Shopping is one of the best things to do in Traverse City.

The historical buildings on Front Street and State Street in the downtown area are home to tons of exceptional boutiques, galleries, and restaurants. You’ll also find two historic movie houses, a symphony orchestra, an opera guild, and an old theater.

For major department stores, check out Grand Traverse Mall . Alongside several big national stores, it has a 650-seat food court and a wide mix of other national retailers.

Best Traverse City Restaurants

The towne plaza.

In downtown Traverse City, The Towne Plaza has been serving pork-inspired dishes since 2012. Serving breakfast, brunch, and lunch, it uses only the best ingredients from local farms. The restaurant’s mission is to give patrons something original.

Offering an unparalleled dining experience since 1989, the executive chef at Poppycocks creates artfully inspired dishes with fresh local ingredients. The eclectic menu of appetizers, seafood, steak, pasta, and more includes vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options.

Boathouse Restaurant

Located next to Bowers Harbor on Old Mission Peninsula, Boathouse Restaurant pays attention to the smallest details. From the charming decor to the plate presentation, you’ll be pleased with your meal and experience. Best of all, you get to enjoy amazing waterfront views while you eat.

For additional places to eat in Traverse City, be sure to check out our list of must-visit restaurants in Traverse City !

Best Traverse City Wineries & Breweries

The same land that makes Traverse City, Michigan, perfect for growing cherries is ideal for vineyards too. Among the many vineyards and wineries, though, Bowers Harbor Vineyards stands out.

Established in 1991 on Old Mission Peninsula, it boasts 20 acres of vinifera vines and makes more than 30 hard ciders and wines. You’re welcome to visit for a wine tasting or go on a tour in the summer or fall.

If beer is more your stride, Right Brain Brewery can accommodate your taste buds. Opened in 2007, the brewery makes dozens of beers, seltzers, cold brew coffees, kombucha, and sodas.

The pub is located in a more than 50-year-old warehouse, which gives it a special charm and inviting atmosphere. There are 15 to 25 craft beers on tap all the time.

If you’re looking to enjoy local Michigan wines, craft beers, or distilled liquors in Traverse City, be sure to check out these additional articles about the best things to do in Traverse City: 13+ Best Unique Microbreweries & Craft Breweries in Traverse City 15+ Best & Unique Traverse City Wineries & Vineyards 4 Best Traverse City Distilleries You Need To Visit

Best Traverse City Day Trip: Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

When you want to take a day trip away from Traverse City, Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is the best destination. It’s only about 40 minutes west, and the 64 miles of Lake Michigan shoreline offers sunny beaches, coves, and dunes. Some of the dunes reach 400 feet above the water.

Overlooks from Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive offer grand views of the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Additionally, stop by the Philip A. Hart Visitor Center for maps of the hiking trails and information about the area’s history.

For more Sleeping Bear tips, check out our guide to a Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore fall color tour !

Another Day Trip: The Tunnel of Trees

Also, be sure to check out another great day trip from Traverse City, the amazing Michigan Tunnel of Trees drive which winds its way from Harbor Springs to Cross Village.

Discover More Things to Do in Traverse City, Michigan

Traverse City is so full of things to do that it’s impossible to list them all. There are dozens more delicious Traverse City restaurants and vineyards and wineries to visit. You’ll even find a lot of free and cheap things to do with kids.

Check out all of our Things to Do in Traverse City articles:

• Unique Traverse City Wineries & Vineyards
• Best Cheap & Free Things to Do With Kids in Traverse City
• Microbreweries & Craft Breweries in Traverse City
• Top Local Restaurants in Traverse City
• Where to Get the Best Breakfast in Traverse City
• Winter Things to Do in Traverse City
• Best Traverse City Hotels
• Unique Vrbo + Airbnb Traverse City Vacation Rentals

26 Best Unique Things to Do in Traverse City, Michigan story

A lover of all things Michigan. Will never get tired of exploring the unique places across the state and meeting all the awesome inspiring people that are here. Always ready for a new Michigan adventure! Owner, Director, and Chief Explorer!

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The 10 best things to do in Traverse City

Indulge in craft beer and cherry pie before hunting out local art in this lakeside city in Michigan

Traverse City is the cherry capital of the world and you’ll find this fruit celebrated throughout town, year-round, in local spirits, visual arts, and more. While the annual National Cherry Festival is a must-see attraction, there are plenty more reasons to visit this beloved Michigan city. Cycle through wine country, explore the shores of the Grand Traverse Bay or marvel at beautiful botanic gardens. Take a tour of TC with our top must-dos to sample the best bayside bites, brews, arts and parks.  

Done something on this list and loved it? Share it with the hashtag #TimeOutDoList and tag @TimeOutEverywhere.

Find out more about  how Time Out selects the very best things to do all over the world .

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1.  Old Mission Peninsula

What is it? A slim, 19-mile-long peninsula in Grand Traverse Bay that’s home to wineries and historic buildings.

Why go? Take a scenic drive or cycle to the Mission Point Lighthouse, built in 1870. Pose for a selfie in front of the 45th parallel sign, noting the halfway point between the equator and North Pole. And follow the Old Mission Wine Trail to sample award-winning Michigan wines.

2.  Front Street

What is it? A pedestrian-friendly shopping and arts district in downtown Traverse City.

Why go? Front Street offers the best of TC. This active waterfront district is home to caf é s, eateries, independent boutiques, and the Traverse City Film Festival. Drop in to Cherry Republic to sample cherry salsas and candied fruits, try a golden espresso from Espresso Bay, or settle in for a film at State Theatre – rated one of the top theaters in the world.

3.  Grand Traverse Pie Company

What is it? The original location of a famous regional sweet and savory pie shop.

Why go? The Busley family opened this original caf é in 1996 and, since then, Grand Traverse Pie Company has expanded to more than a dozen shops in the state. This is the go-to spot for nearly 50 varieties of pie, featuring local fruit harvests. Get your fresh cherry pie fix or opt for a savory pot pie or quiche.  

4.  North Peak Brewing Company

What is it? A popular craft brewery housed in a brick building that dates back to 1899 and was once a candy factory.

Why go? You won’t want to miss Traverse City Beer Week, held every November, but year-round you can also enjoy an award-winning pint at this local brewpub. The pub is a vibrant gathering space with a seasonal outdoor deck. Enjoy live entertainment while you sample ales, ambers, and stouts, and on a cool day, let the white cheddar ale soup warm your soul.

5.  The Village at Grand Traverse Commons

What is it? Formerly an asylum, these repurposed historic buildings now house shops, eateries, and events.

Why go? There’s more than a century of history to explore at The Village at Grand Traverse Commons. Take a tour of the former State Hospital grounds and walk through a brick tunnel built in 1883. Or enjoy the revitalized space featuring boutique shops, a bakery, brewery, and brunch venues. Play bocce ball in the piazza or stroll through the farmers market.  

6.  Little Bohemia

What is it? A cozy tavern dating back to 1932 serving comfort food with local beer on tap.

Why go? Little Bohemia began as not much more than a walk-up hot dog stand to cure late-night hunger. It’s been around since prohibition, though its has expanded several times and renovated in recent years. Tempt your tastebuds with Bohemian-Midwestern comfort food like beer cheese, goulash, and slow-roasted pork. Top off the night with Bohemian kolacky, a decadent cream cheese butter cookie.

7.  Michigan Artists Gallery

What is it? A mixed-media contemporary art gallery featuring artists from around the state.

Why go? Appealing to a variety of budgets, this gallery exhibits sculptures, ceramics, paintings, and more – all crafted by local artists. You needn’t make a purchase to peruse the gallery, though, so this is a great venue for discovering one-of-a-kind pieces. Visit during an evening reception to mingle with exhibiting local artists.

8.  The Botanic Garden

What is it? Twenty-five acres of gardens on a historic property with featured artists and events.

Why go? The Botanic Garden at Historic Barns Park has a focus on environmental sustainability. The visitor center is housed in a building dating back to 1886, and free guided tours take guests around the variety of flora and historic barns, from when the site was used as a farm feeding patients and employees at the State Hospital. Visit to experience harvest cooking classes, barn concerts, and a monthly featured visual artist series.

9.  Grand Traverse Distillery

What is it? The oldest grain-to-bottle distillery in the state, producing vodka, whiskey, and gin.

Why go? This award-winning craft distillery uses ingredients harvested a few miles away at a family-owned farm. Tour the working distillery just outside of town, or visit the tasting room in downtown Traverse City to sample locally sourced spirits – the cherry vodka and cherry whiskey both deserve spots on your must-try list.  

10.  The Dennos Museum Center

What is it? A museum and cultural center housed at downtown’s Northwestern Michigan College.

Why go? Explore three galleries with rotating exhibits, take in a cultural lecture, or settle in for an evening of music with the concerts series. The signature exhibit, Inuit art of the Canadian Arctic, is by far the most popular attraction here, boasting one of the largest Inuit art collections in the US. Be sure to wander through the outdoor sculpture exhibit by Michigan and international artists too.  

Whet your appetite with these must-try eats

The 12 best restaurants in Traverse City

The large amount of natural resources at hand in Northern Michigan has fostered a deep appreciation for locally-sourced fare. Nearly every menu boasts something root-based and basically all desserts make outstanding use of cherries. Here's your guide to the very best restaurants in Traverse City.

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14 Best Things To Do In Traverse City

June 14, 2021 by //  by  Midwest Explored 1 Comment

Are you looking for things to do in Traverse City Michigan? In this article, I will cover Traverse City attractions, and what to do in Traverse City so you are able to decide how to spend your time in this amazing city. 

With sandy dunes, sunny beaches , cherry orchards, and world-class wineries you will not be disappointed. Traverse City is a hub for foodies, wine connoisseurs outdoor, enthusiasts, and of course cherry lovers, one of the things this city is famous for. 

Traverse City is on Michigan’s Lower Peninsula and gets its name from Grand Traverse Bay a bay on Lake Michigan. The city is perched at the base of the enormous bay and is surrounded by water, forests, and beaches. It really is a beautiful city and a great place for a getaway .  

There is, in my opinion, no bad season to visit this amazing city however between May and October tends to be when the weather is better. July and August are best for beach lovers. And the National Cherry Festival in summer is well worth a visit. 

Fall here is beautiful , the area is less busy  and the vibe is more down to earth. And in winter its a winter wonderland. 

Here you will find 14 of the best things to do in Traverse City.

Stroll Around Traverse Downtown  

The downtown area is small but it packs a punch . It is a vibrant happening place with lots of food, shopping, culture, and some history. 

You will able to sample some of the amazing food in the restaurants, sample some beer in one of the pubs, visit one of the historic neighborhoods and the beach is within easy reach. 

6th street is a great place to see some of the beautiful mansion houses. Perry House is well worth a visit and is a great example of Queen Anne-style architecture. 

Front Street is the place to go shopping and is at the heart of the city. It’s a testament to how a historic area can be given new life. It’s a mix of galleries, markets, antique shops and has a real atmosphere. 

Visiting downtown definitely needs to make your thing to do in Traverse City list.

Relax On The Beach 

Traverse city has pristine sandy beaches and the beaches are freshwater beaches. I almost guarantee you won’t know you are not on an ocean beach. 

There is still a sea breeze, the sand is soft and the water a bright blue. Depending on what you like to do at the beach will depend on which is best for you.

You will find typical beaches like Vans Beach, some surrounded by greenery, some secluded, and others bustling.

Clinch Park Beach, Sunset Park Beach, West End Beach, and Volleyball Beach are all in the downtown area so easy to get to.

In fact, there are 10 beaches in the downtown area so you will be spoiled for choice. There are also 9 other beaches within easy driving distance.

Climb A Dune At Sleeping Bears Dunes National Lakeshore

400 feet above Lake Michigan is Sleeping Bears Dunes National Lakeshore. It’s an awe-inspiring sight and Good Morning America named it as Most Beautiful Place in America. 

If you have time to visit and do the infamous Dune Climb it is well worth it . At the top of the Dune, you have the most amazing view of Glen Lake. Pyramid Point offers an incredible view of Lake Michigan and nearby Manitou Island

And if you have time, check out Glen Haven an adorable village just north of the Dune Climb. 

 Go Wine Tasting – Traverse City Style!

Traverse City shares the same latitude as Italy’s Piedmont region and France’s Berbeau region so the wine here is good, to say the least. 

There are over 40 different wineries, vineyards, and tasting rooms. The wines range from crisps whites to deep reds and the regio was included in the Travel Channel’s Top 10 Cities for Wine Snobs. 

The wineries are well worth a visit and there is a winery to suit every taste from modern to ones that would not look out of place in the Italian or French hillsides. 

And the views from all these wineries are stunning. 

Visit A Microbrewery In One Of America’s Best Beer Towns!

Just as this area is known for its wine it is also known for its microbreweries. Listed among America Best Beer Towns, each of the breweries has there own personality. 

There is a beer to go with every food and you can learn this by visiting one of the breweries in this area.  

Try The Local Produce

Bon Appetit named Traverse City one of America’s five top foodie towns in 2010. This state is also one of the most agriculturally diverse states in the country and the restaurants have a wide range of local produce. 

For a small town Traverse really does over-deliver on the food and drink options. If you did not know this city is famous for cherries, expect to see lots of dishes using cherries. 

Places well worth checking out are the Taproot Cider House which also does an amazing cherry cider. And for that, all American cherry pie visit the Grand Traverse Pie Company.

  Enjoy The Outdoor Space

It would be a shame to come to this city and not enjoy some of the most beautiful outdoor spaces both within and outside of the city.

Whatever your outdoor recreation you can do it here. hike, bike, fish, golf, swim, sail are all popular and come winter cross-country skiing, downhill skiing or snowboarding, snow tubing, ice skating, ice fishing, are all on the menu. 

With rolling hills, towering sand dunes, beautiful water and open spaces there is a lot to do here. 

Old Mission Point Park, Sleeping Bears Dunes National Lakeshore are well worth a visit as is the Brown Bridge Quiet Area.  And you can also enjoy some of the many trails. 

Take A Tour – Beer, Wine, Or Ghost!

This is a city with a lot to offer so if you are pushed for time why not take a tour. The beer and wine tours are pretty unique and interesting 

There is a Kayak, Bike, and Brew tour which is as just as it sounds. You also get to taste Cake Walk and Thai Peanut Ales which sound delicious. 

The wine tours while they don’t include a kayak they can be customized to to suit which wines you prefer.   

And if you want to do something very different how about a ghost lantern tour. Locals say this area is super haunted and there is an abandoned asylum and we all know what that means.

The ghost tours also include real ghost hunting equipment which makes them extra spooky. 

Get Bookish

What you might not know about Traverse City is that it is known as Michigan Book City. So if you love book shops you are going to love what Traverse City has to offer. 

There are five great book shops within a few blocks so you do not have to walk very far to have a real bookish .

Horizon Books is located in an old JCPenny building and is huge. The High Self bookstore has spiritual books and also offers spiritual services such as intuitive readings and Reiki.

The Bookie Joint sells used books, Brilliant Books is one of those cute bookshops and Wild Pages sells books and writing supplies. 

So if you are after your next read make sure you put some of these bookstores on your things to do in Traverse City list.

Visit The Village at Grand Traverse Commons

The village is an area of old buildings that have been turned into modern amenities and locations. The site of an 1800’s asylum now houses restaurants, boutique shops, and other buildings. 

The 63-acre complex is beautiful with Victorian-Italianate style architecture. It was built to be an environment that would help patients recover quicker under the belief that a beautiful location aiding healing. 

You can have a walking tour around the grounds to learn about the history of the palace and I highly recommend it. 

Admire The View At Mission Point Lighthouse

If you are looking for some epic Michigan lighthouses this one deserves to be on your bucket list. 

It is 19 miles from the city but well worth a visit. It’s a beautiful lighthouse used between 1870 and 1933 and is surrounded by nature, vineyards, and orchards.  

The view is beautiful for the top and the lighthouse is on the National and State Historic Register. 

The lighthouse and its surroundings are stunning and I really advise a trip if you have the time. It’s open between May and September.  

Take In The Atmosphere At Clinch Park  

Clinch Park is a great park to visit for a bit of relaxing. The park is close to Front Street and has its own beach.  

It’s a popular place and you will find a snack bar, bike trails, kayak rentals, and picnic tables.  In the evening it takes on a whole different feel with a lovely atmosphere. 

Marvel At The City Opera House

If you love the arts you will love the City Opera house. Located in the downtown area it was built in 1892 and is architecturally beautiful.  

There is a regal air about this place and it has been restored to its former magnificence. With vault ceilings, frescos, and gold leaf accents it really is a luxurious building.  

If you want to enjoy it more book to see one of the performances and enjoy this beautiful building the way it was supposed to be. 

Riding A Bike Is A Great Thing To Do In Traverse City

Getting on your bike might not be the first thing you think of when vacationing but it is a great way to see this city. 

TART Trails preserves and maintains open spaces and bike corridors and has 8 multi use trails covering over sixty miles. 

The longest is a 27-mile long trail called the Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail which connects parks and local communities.

There is also a 17-mile trail to the beautiful Sutton Bay along a former railway corridor. And the Vasa Pathway runs through state forest land and is a great mountain bike trail. 

Go for a walk, run, or rent a bike and take a trip and see more of this area with the breeze blowing through your hair. 

 As you can see when it comes to things to do in Traverse City, you have a lot of fantastic options! I hope some of these Traverse City attractions appeal to you.

Whenever you go to Traverse City and whatever you do I know you will have an amazing time. Please come back and tell me all about it.

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14 Picturesque Towns In Michigan You Should Have On Your Bucket List

• Michigan offers a plethora of charming towns with beautiful views, outdoor adventures, and top-rated tourist attractions. It's a treasure trove for travelers.
• Munising is an outdoor enthusiast's paradise with waterfalls, hiking trails, snowmobiling, fishing, and more. It's the perfect town to experience the wild side.
• St. Joseph is a culinary and drinking haven with delicious food, wineries, breweries, and a bustling downtown. Nature lovers can also enjoy the stunning beach and waterfront views.

Michigan is a treasure trove of charming pint-sized towns boasting beautiful views, elegant hotels, and outdoor adventures that no one can afford to miss. This slew of towns beckons the modern traveler away from the stress of their city lives and invites them into the world of forests and lakes, the gamut of all four seasons, and not to forget stately museums, eclectic shops, and top-rated tourist attractions in Michigan that people simply cannot miss.

Most of these places on the Michigan map have a wealth of attractions, from pretty vineyards to 64-mile lengthy shorelines to massive dunes lying 400 feet below sea level, making it one of the most beautiful and bountiful of the 50 states. It's time to find out more about the most beautiful towns in Michigan that are sublimely picturesque and offer something for everyone.

UPDATE: 2023/10/26 05:07 EST BY REENA JAIN

More Picturesque Towns In Michigan You Should Have On Your Bucket List

Michigan is the perfect place to have a laid-back getaway! It boasts numerous picturesque small towns with a diverse array of activities and absolutely extraordinary natural wonders. This list has been updated with four more of the prettiest towns in Michigan, so why wait? Pick a destination and plan a great vacation.

Munising is among the best towns in Michigan for outdoor enthusiasts. Located within the stunning Hiawatha National Forest, the town is studded with incredible natural splendor, ranging from crystal-clear waters to lush green forests. With numerous cascading waterfalls, hiking trails, and endless outdoor adventures, Munising is certainly the place to experience the wild side. From snowmobiling through the Hiawatha National Forest, fishing, kayaking, and scuba diving to camping under the stars, Munising is the pretty town to create memories !

• Things to do in Munising: Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, Boat Tours of Pictured Rocks, Kayaking in Munising Bay, Munising Falls, Hiking in Hiawatha National Forest

St. Joseph is the best town to visit in Michigan for those looking for culinary delights or drinking experiences. St. Joseph offers the most delicious foods in Michigan, along with cuisine from around the globe. A tour of a winery or brewery allows visitors to sample a diverse range of beers and wines. Outside of food and beverage experiences, the town boasts a busy downtown with a variety of wonderful retail stores and the Curious Kids' Museum and Discovery Zone, which offers educational fun. And for nature lovers, there is a stunning beach where they can unwind amid spectacular views.

• Things to do in St. Joseph: Silver Beach County Park, St. Joseph North Pier Lighthouse, Curious Kids' Museum, Whirlpool Compass Fountain, The Heritage Museum and Cultural Center

Nestled along Lake Michigan, Ludington is one of Michigan’s best waterside towns. With a historic lighthouse, a bustling downtown scene, and water sports, the town has something for everyone. From canoeing, boating, kayaking, and fishing to hiking a scenic trail, there are multiple ways to explore, whether one is looking for fun on the land or in the water. Ludington is also a great destination for history buffs, with several historical structures dating back to the 19th century in the Historic White Pine Village. Plus, there is the Ludington Maritime Museum, which delves into the region's maritime history.

• Things to do in Ludington: Ludington State Park, Big Sable Point Lighthouse, S.S. Badger: Lake Michigan Carferry, Ludington Waterfront Park, Pere Marquette River Canoeing and Kayaking

Harbor Springs

Harbor Springs is a quaint harbor town with all the charms of Michigan, including a stunning shoreline, exciting activities, and lovely attractions. Petoskey State Park is attractive with its golden coasts and striking blue waves, while Zorn Park Beach is one of the best spots in the state to unwind. The unrivaled paths and trails are favorites of tourists and locals alike. For those who prefer a winter wonderland, Nubs Nob Ski Resort is the place to be! Trying luck at the Odawa Casino is another fascination for visitors, as is enjoying local flavors.

• Things to do in Harbor Springs: Golfing, Boating and Sailing, Hiking and Biking, Winter Sports (Skiing, Snowshoeing), Shopping and Dining

Marquette may have been regarded as one of the bigger cities in Michigan's Upper Peninsula (which is the ultimate winter destination) . Still, it has residents of fewer than 22,000 and hence makes it to the list of small towns in Michigan.

Nestled on the shores of Lake Superior, Marquette is a haven for tourists during the summers. And why not, when there is so much to do in this town year-round? Even if a traveler does not want to do the regular stuff involving ski boots and hiking, there are plenty of other options to explore, including visiting museums and incredible lighthouses worth visiting in Michigan and the Great Lakes .

• Things to do in Marquette: Try hiking up Sugarloaf Mountain, try cliff diving at Presque Isle Park, try snowboarding, skiing, and ice fishing in the winter wonderland

Related: 10 Must-Visit Places You Should See In Michigan

Although the population counts of these best small lake towns in Michigan keep dwindling, the towns get prettier. LeLand is a case in point; with a population under 500, it still packs a massive punch with its pretty touristy destinations and rightly earns its place among the many picturesque and charming towns in Michigan.

Straddling two beautiful lakes, Lake Michigan and Lake Leelanau, the coastal gem is a favorite among travelers who want to have it all. The museums, shops, and restaurants are all within walking distance; no wonder this charming town is known as a "walking around" town.

• Things to do in LeLand: Explore Fishtown for its fishing shanties , go for a scenic trip around Manitou Islands, check out a local winery at Verterra Winery, shop for souvenirs at Leland Gal, and try the delicious sandwiches at Village Cheese Shanty

South Haven

South Haven, with its bright red lighthouses standing tall like a shining beacon jutting out into Lake Michigan, along with its beach town heritage and maritime history, screams of summer fun. Chicago's residents love to troop to this sleepy town for weekends as it is a few hours away from the city. Although dubbed a small town, it has as many as 70 shops, restaurants, and boutiques.

• Things to do in South Haven - Go for a leisurely walk to the historic lighthouse, explore Lake Michigan on a tall ship or a water taxi, and walk the 16-mile stretch of roadway to explore artisans and galleries

Related: 10 Fun Things To Check Out In Michigan

Looking for the perfect adventure offering in a rustic setting? Head straight to Calumet, 30 miles southwest of Copper Harbor at the edge of the Keweenaw Peninsula, which is one of the most picturesque towns Michigan has in store. It's known for its rugged terrain and the stunning Lake Superior shorelines.

This charming town is the ideal place for outdoor recreational activities, especially its many hiking trails along the scraggly coastline. Calumet also offers a quaint downtown with many galleries, gift shops, coffee houses, and more; vacationers need plenty of time to discover the real Calumet.

• Things to do in Calumet - Visit the renowned Keweenaw National Historical Park , catch a show at the Jewel Box Opera House, and head to the Swedetown Recreation Area for its wooded trails

Mackinac Island

Mackinac Island is a captivating car-free area in Michigan that has been on the bucket list of avid travelers for years. Guests can get around the towns via boats, carriages, kayaks, and bicycles, making it one of the most environmentally friendly towns in Michigan.

With its statuesque grand dame properties, the town offers a great architectural walk where tourists enjoy the architectural splendor in all its magnificent glory. Add to that great dining options and its iconic and delicious fudge, and travelers cannot have enough of this magical island town.

• Things to do on Mackinac Island - Enjoy a sunrise paddle with popular tours, sip elegant tea at the Grand Hotel, explore the Governor's Summer Home, and marvel at the collection at the Richard and Jane Manoogian Mackinac Art Museum's

Frankenmuth

The idyllic town of Frankenmuth is chock-a-block with restaurants, shops, and homes reminiscent of a German village, including the quintessential German things' beer, schnitzel, bratwurst, pretzel rolls, and more. Just three square miles in size, Frankenmuth is as picture-perfect as it gets, with a covered bridge and a storybook-like Bavarian Inn.

The town boasts unique events like the beer-tasting festival and the ultimate shopping bonanza at Bronner's Christmas Wonderland , making one feel like it's Christmas all year round.

• Things to do in Frankenmuth: Swim at Zehnder's Splash Village Hotel & Waterpark and taste local wines at Prost! Wine Bar & Charcuterie, ride through town in horse-drawn carriages, and enjoy ziplining at Frankenmuth Aerial Park

Petoskey is one of the most scenic towns in Michigan, thanks to its magnificent architectural splendor and lakefront vistas that will entice travelers to the place again and again. The town has a bustling downtown, a pretty lighthouse, and a place to explore exciting water sports.

Work around the itinerary to include a slice or two at the Mighty Fine Pizza and tease palettes with sparkling ciders and wine from one of the many wine breweries. It is the destination for travelers looking to immerse themselves in peerless scenic beauty, fancy restaurants, and luxurious accommodations.

• Things to do in Petoskey: Enjoy walking, biking, and hiking at Bear River Valley Recreation Area , enjoy the niceties of a bustling downtown through the Vintage Downtown Petoskey Trolley, visit the Little Traverse History Museum for many of its collections and exhibits, and indulge in shopping and dining in Petoskey’s Gaslight District.

Ann Arbor is a bustling university town in South-East Michigan. Often voted as one of the best places to live in Michigan, it is a hub of innovation, technology, and a happening downtown scene. It's also located less than an hour's drive from Detroit and ensconced in the picturesque setting of the North American Great Lakes. This town is easily one of the most serene and relaxing destinations on the Great Lakes and effortlessly marries the big city culture with small Midwestern town values.

Ann Arbor, or Tree Town, as it is popularly known owing to the thick forest, offers stunning Huron River vistas making it a breathtaking place to live even if one is past his university years.

• Things to do in Ann Arbor: Visit the venerable University of Michigan, kayak to the Huron River, enjoy artisanal cheese and bagels at Zingerman’s Deli, and for an interactive rollicking time, visit Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum and the largest annual art fairs in the nation, Ann Arbor Art Fair

Related: A True College City: The Ultimate Guide To Ann Arbor & Things To Do

Grand Rapids

Thanks to all-year great Grand Rapids weather, it is an easy-breezy and fun spring getaway. Also known as America's best beer city, with 30 breweries and a Beer City Ale Trail, it boasts a fantastic art scene and an inspiring music scene; the town offers an array of world-class attractions for each family member.

Grand Rapids, named after the Grand River, occupies the county seat of Kent and invites one to miles of pristine beaches and unbelievable lake vistas with dreamy sunsets. No wonder Grand Rapids is right up there as one of the best towns in Michigan, as there are so many unique things to do in Grand Rapids.

• Things to do in Grand Rapids: Visit Grand Rapids Public Museum, head to the Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park , visit the Grand Rapids Art Museum, enjoy trail hiking at Blandford Nature Center, and head to The Fish Ladder Park and marvel at the grand architectural style of Meyer May House

Traverse City

Nestled in the brilliant blue waters of stunning Grand Traverse Bay lies the gorgeous Traverse City, an epitome of the charming American small town; it serves as a social and cultural hub of northern Michigan. An absolute haven for sailors, swimmers, beachcombers, and kayakers, the glacier-carved backdrop of undulating hills, deep freshwater lakes, and rolling hills makes Traverse City a must-visit town.

Hailed as a foodie town, it invites people on a fantastic gastronomical journey. From local taverns to posh restaurants, the city chooses to please the eclectic taste buds of visiting travelers with an unmatched flair.

• Things to do in Traverse City: Visit the Sleeping Bear Dunes to explore beaches and miles of lakeside views, stop at the State Theater to catch a historic movie palace for retail therapy, visit The Village at Grand Traverse Commons, discover microbreweries and micro-distilleries on wine trails and visit the three lighthouses, Mission Point, Frankfort, and Grand Traverse

• Grand Rapids/Muskegon
• Saginaw/Bay City
• All Michigan

Detour changes planned as highway project on Traverse City’s waterfront enters next phase

• Updated: May. 11, 2024, 11:06 a.m. |
• Published: May. 09, 2024, 2:24 p.m.

Crews are moving forward with work on a $24.7 million project to rebuild 2.2 miles of waterfront road in Traverse City. Michigan Department of Transportation

• Brandon Champion | [email protected]

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As summer approaches, Delta is primed for a bustling start with nearly 3 million customers set to take flight during the Memorial Day period, May 23-27 – a 5% increase from last year.  

And with its largest international schedule to date in operation, Delta’s latest travel enhancements will ensure a top-notch experience while whisking customers to their favorite travel destinations worldwide. 

Elevating the travel experience 

Delta, frequently recognized for operational excellence, reliability, and innovation, has recently rolled out several enhancements to ensure every journey is as smooth as a summer breeze. 

New this season, customers departing from Atlanta, Detroit, Los Angeles, LaGuardia and New York-JFK can opt in for  Delta Digital ID within their SkyMiles profile to expedite the security process. And passengers can look forward to a seamless boarding experience with Delta's new numbered boarding system aimed at providing more clarity to the boarding sequence. 

Delta also recently debuted the most comprehensive update since 2019 to its Fly Delta app with Fly Delta 6.0 , introducing a suite of improvements aimed at enhancing efficiency and empowering travelers to manage their trips with ease. This includes an all-new Help Center view, always-available access to boarding information and connectivity to our Virtual Assistant. And quickly following in early summer, customers will also soon be able to utilize their Delta SkyMiles credentials from their Fly Delta App to seamlessly connect to Delta Sync Wi-Fi onboard. 

And customers looking to live their best life this summer will enjoy the Miami and LaGuardia (May 15) Delta Sky Club expansions and the much-anticipated Delta One Lounge in New York-JFK , making its debut in June 2024. 

Memorable trips await with new and resuming routes  

This summer, travelers have more opportunities to travel wherever their itineraries take them with over 1,770 weekly flights to 80 international destinations — a ~6% capacity increase in both domestic and international seats versus 2023.  

Delta has launched and restarted more than 80 routes across the globe this year, making it easier than ever to explore sought-after destinations this summer, including routes to popular places like  London , Rome  and Dublin — which all topped Delta’s annual list of most-searched international destinations.

Atlanta: Delta operates 900+ flights to over 200 destinations

+4% summer capacity.

Delta’s daily Tulum service launched in March, offering year-round access to the stunning beaches and ancient ruins of Tulum, Mexico.  

For those enchanted by the allure of Switzerland, Delta will launch nonstop flights from Atlanta to Zurich four times a week, starting May 31. Travelers can also get to Switzerland from New York-JFK with Delta’s year-round service to Zurich and seasonal flights to Geneva. 

Plus, on Jun. 7, customers can enjoy new daily service to Santa Barbara and Fresno with convenient access to the sun-kissed shores of Southern California and the breathtaking scenery of Yosemite National Park. Travelers can also celebrate the return of daily service to Oakland, Reno, and Burbank, commencing on the same date.  

New York-JFK: Delta operates largest summer lineup since 2014

+5% summer capacity  .

Travelers are urged to explore Athens with Delta's route from JFK, which complements existing routes from Atlanta and Boston. As the largest U.S. carrier to Greece, Delta responds to growing demand , shown by a notable 248% increase in searches for Athens on Delta.com compared to last year.    Furthermore, travelers have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the picturesque countryside of Bavaria with a new route to Munich , enhancing Delta's additional service offerings from Atlanta and Detroit. 

As the leading U.S. carrier to Italy, the airline is connecting travelers to culinary treasures with the launch of a new route to Naples , on May 23, along with Delta's existing JFK services to Milan, Venice, and Rome.  

Alternatively, adventurers can set their sights on Ireland's picturesque west coast with the resumption of service to Shannon, Ireland, a route not operated since 2019.  

Minneapolis: Delta to fly 24 international routes, second busiest hub

+6% summer capacity.

One of this summer's standout route additions is Delta's new daily service to Dublin , offering travelers an enticing journey to a land brimming with rich history, vibrant pubs, and breathtaking landscapes. Seasonal routes to Dublin are also available from Atlanta, Boston, and New York-JFK, providing even more options to explore this captivating destination.  

But the fun doesn’t stop there – Travelers can rejoice as service to Reykjavík also returns on May 23, offering seasonal access to Iceland’s otherworldly landscapes, including glaciers, waterfalls, and geothermal hot springs. As the top U.S. carrier to Iceland, Delta also provides nonstop service to this destination from DTW and JFK.

Detroit: Delta operates 330 flights to 100+ destinations

+5% summer capacity.

Delta is returning daily flights to Rome from Detroit on May 23, inviting travelers to explore the ancient ruins, art-filled streets, and delectable cuisine of the Eternal City. 

Additionally, Delta’s upcoming additions of daily service to Anchorage, Alaska, on Jun. 7, and Sacramento, California , on Jul. 8, will provide access to both states’ stunning wilderness and outdoor adventures. 

Seattle: Delta offers more choice this summer than ever

+3% summer capacity.

This summer lineup includes two new routes, both renowned for leisure and business opportunities.  

Up first, service to Taipei , launching Jun. 7, will provide travelers with convenient access to its bustling night markets, ancient temples, and scenic landscapes.  

Following that launch, customers can look forward to new service to Dallas-Fort Worth on Jul. 8, where customers can enjoy world-class dining, shopping, and cultural attractions. 

Ways to plan a hassle-free vacation

Customers ready to book their summer adventure can do so through Delta Vacations – with flights, and expert recommended hotels, rides and activities booked all in one place. Only with Delta Vacations, SkyMiles Members can earn toward Medallion Status on the flight, hotel, car rental, and activity components of their vacation, earn bonus miles in addition to flight miles, and use miles to pay for all or part of their trip.  

Additionally, SkyMiles Members who already booked a Delta flight but need a vehicle or place to stay can earn 2x miles per $1 (excluding taxes and fees, additional terms apply) by booking hotels, vacation rental properties and cars with Delta Stays and Car Rentals.   

For more information about Delta’s global network and to book your flights, please visit our website:  delta.com . 

Below is the comprehensive list of routes from Delta’s key hubs:  

In total, between Feb. 2024 and Jul. 2024, Delta will have launched and reinstated over 80 routes, perfect for summer getaways, whether exploring distant destinations or simply reconnecting with loved ones back at home.  

Atlanta to Dublin 

Atlanta to Madrid 

Boston to Dublin 

Boston to Rome  

Atlanta to Milan 

Atlanta to Tulum 

Atlanta to Athens 

Atlanta to Stuttgart 

Atlanta to Venice 

New York (JFK) to Venice 

New York (JFK) to Athens 

New York (JFK) to Edinburgh  

New York (JFK) to Reykjavik 

New York (JFK) to Nice 

Salt Lake City to Indianapolis  

Atlanta to Hilton Head (HHH) 

Boston to Athens  

Detroit to Burlington (BTV) 

Detroit to Munich 

Detroit to Savannah  

LaGuardia to Arkansas (XNA) 

LaGuardia to Hilton Head  

Minneapolis to Myrtle Beach  

Minneapolis to Richmond (RIC) 

Minneapolis to Savannah (SAV) 

New York (JFK) to Munich 

New York (JFK) to Stockholm 

New York (JFK) to Geneva  

New York (JFK to Copenhagen 

New York (JFK) to London Gatwick 

Atlanta to Anchorage  

Atlanta to Edinburgh 

Atlanta to Nice 

Atlanta to Zurich 

Boston to Edinburgh 

Boston to Wilmington (ILM) 

Boston to Myrtle Beach  

Detroit to Reykjavik 

Detroit to Rome 

LaGuardia to Nantucket 

LaGuardia to Martha’s Vinyard 

LaGuardia to Traverse City (TVC) 

Minneapolis to Dublin  

Minneapolis to Syracuse 

Minneapolis to Reykjavik 

Minneapolis to Wilmington  

New York (JFK) to Nantucket  

New York (JFK) to Martha’s Vineyard  

New York (JFK) to Berlin  

New York (JFK) to Prague 

New York (JFK) to Naples 

New York (JFK) to Shannon 

Salt Lake City to Anchorage  

Salt Lake City to Yellowstone    

Atlanta to Burbank 

Atlanta to Fresno 

Atlanta to Oakland 

Atlanta to Reno 

Atlanta to Santa Barbara  

Atlanta to Traverse City (TVC) 

Boston to Norfolk (ORF) 

Boston to Traverse City  

Detroit to Fort Wayne 

Detroit to Anchorage  

LaGuardia to Halifax   

Salt Lake City to Columbus 

Salt Lake City to Santa Barbara 

Minneapolis to Colorado Springs  

Minneapolis to Buffalo  

Minneapolis to Burlington  

Minneapolis to Norfolk  

Minneapolis to Fairbanks (FAI) 

Minneapolis to Knoxville (TYS) 

Minneapolis to Portland  

Minneapolis to Providence (PVD) 

Minneapolis to Reno 

Minneapolis to Traverse City  

New York (JFK) to Tel Aviv 

Seattle to Taipei  

Seattle to Juneau (JNU) 

Seattle to Ketchikan (KTN) 

Seattle to Stika (SIT) 

Detroit and Sacramento  

Seattle and Dallas (DFW) 

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