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Traverse City, a small city with around 15,000 residents, may appear to be just another picturesque lakeside town. However, it offers much more than meets the eye. Located in northern Michigan, Traverse City has gained a reputation as a vibrant cultural and culinary hub. Its charm and appeal have been further enhanced by hosting the renowned Traverse City Film Festival, one of the largest film festivals in the country. Additionally, the city’s annual National Cherry Festival is a major event that attracts visitors from all over the nation. Alongside these festivities, Traverse City boasts a thriving wine and brewery scene, as well as a plethora of outdoor activities. One of its unique features is a location where you can witness perched sand dunes, which is rare and adds to the city’s allure. All of these elements combine to create an unforgettable vacation experience in the heart of the Midwest.
Traverse City is best visited from June to August due to the delightful weather. During this period, you can expect daytime temperatures ranging from the mid-70s to 80s and plenty of sunshine. If you prefer vibrant foliage, fall is a wonderful time to visit, while spring showcases stunning blooms. However, please note that Traverse City, being located up north by the lake, experiences cold temperatures for the remainder of the year. If you’re fond of snow, winter offers the opportunity to enjoy exciting activities like skiing, snowboarding, and sledding.
Here are some of our recommended things to do near Traverse City. Select what you would like to do!
When you visit the Great Lakes, don’t forget to explore the beaches. Traverse City is a fantastic choice because it sits right by Lake Michigan. If you’re not up for a trip to Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, you can enjoy a lovely afternoon …
Traverse City’s Dennos Museum Center is a prominent cultural institution connected to Northwestern Michigan College. It holds over 3,000 art pieces ranging from the 19th to the 21st century. One remarkable aspect of the museum is its extensive …
Traverse City’s downtown, particularly Front Street, is the vibrant core of the city. This bustling area offers a diverse range of attractions. Along Front Street and its surroundings, you’ll discover a multitude of hotels, local shops, restaurants, …
Experience a touch of history and find serenity at the Mission Point Lighthouse, a charming 19th-century landmark. Perched on the picturesque tip of Old Mission Peninsula, this lighthouse sits gracefully at the water’s edge, surrounded by verdant …
Located on Michigan’s eastern coast, Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore offers visitors a rare opportunity to witness perched dunes. These towering dunes, extending 35 miles along the shoreline, were created by ancient glaciers. Over time, the …
Traverse City is a master at repurposing its history. Take, for example, the Village at Grand Traverse Commons. This place was originally constructed in the late 1800s as an asylum, but today it has been transformed into a vibrant complex. Now, …
Traverse City offers a fantastic opportunity to explore its scenic beauty through the Traverse Area Recreation Trail, also known as TART. TART is a network of interconnected trails that span across Grand Traverse County, the neighboring Leelanau …
Traverse City offers fantastic opportunities for experiencing the beauty of Lake Michigan firsthand. Whether you’re a traveler or a local, there are great options to explore the water. Two popular boat tour operators in the area are Nauti-Cat and …
Traverse City is famous for not just its wineries but also its breweries. The city has a great selection of microbreweries, brewpubs, and tap rooms that are renowned for their excellent beer production. With over 20 beer spots to choose from, you’ll …
Traverse City, a haven for wine enthusiasts, is situated near two American Viticultural Areas: Old Mission Peninsula and Leelanau Peninsula. These neighboring regions offer over 40 wineries where visitors can indulge in the delightful taste of …