Best Things to Do in Traverse City, Michigan (Local + Hidden Gems Guide)
- Desirae-Haunted Traverse
- 14 minutes ago
- 4 min read
Traverse City, Michigan is one of the fastest-growing tourism destinations in the Midwest, known for freshwater beaches, wineries, outdoor recreation, and a vibrant downtown. Located along the shores of Grand Traverse Bay on Lake Michigan, it attracts visitors year-round for both relaxation and adventure.
This guide covers the best things to do in Traverse City based on real locations, tourism data, and visitor demand—optimized to help you plan efficiently.
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📍 Where Is Traverse City?
Traverse City is located in northern Michigan along Lake Michigan’s Grand Traverse Bay. It is approximately:
250 miles northwest of Detroit
140 miles southwest of Mackinac Bridge
The region includes two major peninsulas:
Old Mission Peninsula
Leelanau Peninsula
Both are known for wineries, scenic drives, and coastal views.
🌊 1. Visit Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore consistently ranks among the top natural attractions in the United States.
Key facts:
Features dunes rising over 450 feet above Lake Michigan
Includes over 60 miles of shoreline
Offers hiking trails, scenic overlooks, and beaches
Popular activities:
Dune Climb
Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive
Empire Bluff Trail
🍷 2. Explore Traverse City Wineries
Traverse City sits in the center of one of the most prominent wine regions in the Midwest.
Key facts:
Over 40 wineries in the region
Climate influenced by Lake Michigan, ideal for cool-climate grapes
Known for Riesling, Pinot Noir, and Chardonnay
Main wine areas:
Old Mission Peninsula Wine Trail
Leelanau Peninsula Wine Trail
👻 Haunted Destinations to Explore
Haunted travel doesn’t stop here. I’m continuing to explore some of the most paranormally active destinations across the U.S., including Savannah, Salem, Charleston, and beyond.
🏖️ 3. Relax at Traverse City Beaches
Traverse City has multiple public beaches along Grand Traverse Bay.
Top beaches:
Clinch Park Beach (downtown access)
West End Beach
Bryant Park Beach
Key facts:
Freshwater beaches with no saltwater hazards
Summer water temperatures average 65–75°F
Public access is free at most locations
🚶♀️ 4. Walk Downtown Traverse City
Downtown Traverse City is a central hub for dining, shopping, and entertainment.
Key features:
Over 150 locally owned businesses
Walkable streets with lake access nearby
Year-round events and festivals
What to find:
Restaurants and cafes
Boutique shops
Art galleries
🚴 5. Ride the TART Trail
The Traverse Area Recreation and Transportation (TART) Trail is a multi-use trail system.
Key facts:
Over 60 miles of connected trails
Paved and suitable for biking and walking
Connects Traverse City to Suttons Bay
Popular route:
Traverse City → Suttons Bay (17 miles one way)
👉 Rent E-bikes or Take A Tour
🌅 6. Drive M-22 Scenic Highway
M-22 is a nationally recognized scenic highway running along Lake Michigan.
Key facts:
Covers approximately 116 miles
Passes through coastal towns, vineyards, and forests
Frequently ranked among the most scenic drives in the U.S.
Stops include:
Leland (Fishtown)
Glen Arbor
Empire
👉 Plan your route carefully, as some roads may not be accessible due to road damage incurred during the winter and spring of 2026.
🍒 7. Attend the National Cherry Festival
Traverse City is known as the “Cherry Capital of the World.”
The National Cherry Festival is held annually in early July.
Key facts:
Attracts over 500,000 visitors each year
Features parades, air shows, and live entertainment
Celebrates the region’s cherry industry
👉 Official site: https://www.cherryfestival.org
🚤 8. Take a Boat Tour on Grand Traverse Bay
Grand Traverse Bay offers opportunities for water-based activities.
Available options:
Sailing tours
Kayaking
Fishing charters
Key facts:
Divided into East and West Bay
Clear freshwater with visible lakebed in shallow areas
👻 10. Explore Local History and Paranormal Locations
Traverse City has a documented history dating back to the 1800s.
Known historical locations:
Former Traverse City State Hospital (The Village at Grand Traverse Commons)
Downtown historic district
These sites are frequently included in historical and guided tours.
🗓️ Best Time to Visit Traverse City
Summer (June–August):
Peak tourism season
Ideal for beaches and festivals
Fall (September–October):
Fall colors peak in October
Wine harvest season
Winter (December–February):
Skiing and snow activities
Fewer crowds
Spring (March–May):
Lower prices
Cherry blossoms begin blooming
🏨 Where to Stay in Traverse City
Traverse City offers a range of accommodations:
Hotels
Vacation rentals
Resorts
📌 Final Thoughts
Traverse City offers a combination of outdoor recreation, wine tourism, freshwater beaches, and cultural events. Its location along Lake Michigan and Grand Traverse Bay makes it one of the most accessible and diverse travel destinations in the Midwest.
This guide highlights the most visited and highest-rated activities to help you plan your trip efficiently.
This post contains affiliate links. If you book through these links, a small commission may be earned at no additional cost to you.
Thank you for visiting this article!
Wishing You Safe and Spirited Travels, my Dear Readers. ~Dez
👻 Ready to Experience a Real Investigation?
Understanding the ghost stories and hauntings is one thing. Investigating in a real haunted environment is another. I explore and investigate while traveling-let's get you doing it too!
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