Traverse City is a Michigan Gem. Here's 11 Reasons Why
Here is exactly what you should do in Traverse City this 2023
Northern Michigan is home to some pretty amazing places. One of these amazing places is Traverse City, MI. Have you ever been?
If not, no worries, as we will dive into all of the best things that you can do in the Traverse City region! w
Best Things To Do in Traverse City Overview (2023)
Getting to Traverse City
If you’re looking for directions to Traverse City from Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo, or southwestern MI:
- Follow 131 North Until you arrive to Traverse City
- Take Lake Michigan Highway 31 Route until you make it to Traverse. (Longer yet more scenic)
Directions from Mt Pleasant & Central MI
- 127 North to 115 E & 131 North to Traverse
- Take the scenic I 31 coastal route through Petoskey (my preference) or
- Follow I-75 South until I 32 West through Gaylord
Sleeping Bear Dunes
Traverse City is the gateway to one of Michigan’s most popular natural attractions, Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.
Sleeping Bear Dunes was recognized as the Most Beautiful Place in America by Good Morning America.
Here are some of the Best Things to do at Sleeping Bear Dunes:
- Dune Climb – This hike should no be taken lightly. The rolling dunes take you to the shores of Lake Michigan on this 4 mile hike. Be weary if it’s hot and you’re not in good condition
- Pierce Stocking 7 Mile Drive – The Pierce Stocking drive is the best way to get a sense of the grandeur of the dunes without the physical challenge. There are various viewpoints but the best are the 8 and 9 that require only a few minutes of walking to get the best view of Lake Michigan in the state. This scenic drive is OPEN during the Covid-19 Pandemic from 9 am to 1/2 hour after sunset.
- Pyramid Point – Pyramid Point has incredible views of Lake Michigan but requires a 1 mile hike. Get here if you can
Traverse City Breweries
Let’s start with one of the main draws to Traverse City, Beer!
Grand Rapids or Kalamazoo might get all of the attention, but Traverse City has slowly become a major destination for Beer Drinkers.
The City has more than 16 breweries and best part about it, most of them are situated in close proximity.
Here are some of the BEST Breweries in Traverse City:
- Right Brain Brewery
- The Filling Station
Beer not your thing? Head into the Traverse City Whiskey Company for a taste of locally sourced and produced Whiskey.
These guys have a lovely space for cocktails and TOURS!
Cherry Capital of the World!
Traverse City is the Cherry Capital of the world!
Make sure to plan your visit when the National Cherry Festival is in town.
If you are lucky you can catch the Local Northwoods Baseball League team, the Pit Spitters in action.
Wineries of the Traverse Area
The Traverse City Wine Region is the 6th highest grape production region in the U.S.
The area has quietly stayed under the radar while having an excellent growing climate with it’s cold winters and long summers.
The region stretches into the Leelanau Peninsula and the Old Mission Peninsula that offers visitors sprawling Lake Michigan scenery and a lovely bucolic setting.
Here are some of the Best Traverse City Wineries:
- Left Foot Charley
- Bonobo Winery
- Brys Estate Vineyard & Winery
- Mari Vineyards
- Bowers Harbor Vineyard
Traverse City Biking
Biking in Traverse City is a main draw for many folks to the region.
With options like the TART trail, Vasa Mountain Bike trails, and downtown bike paths, bikers will love pushing their pedals here.
Alongside excellent bike trails, Traverse City hosts one of the nation’s largest bike rides every November called the Bell’s Iceman Cometh.
You don’t want to miss this grueling race and epic after-race party.
Golfing in Traverse City
Golfers will absolutely love the golf courses near Traverse City. Options for Golfers to tee it up include:
The Bear Golf Course
Traverse City Country Club
Lake Michigan and City Kayaking
Paddle enthusiasts have the option to paddle throughout some of the cities canals. Want more?
You can take part in a Paddle Brewery Tour when you make your way here!
America's #1 Ice Cream - Moomers
Moomers was recently awarded BEST ICE CREAM Scoop in the United States by USA Today.
Have your fill in town or drive out into the country side and visit their farm for an authentic taste of the Nations Best Ice Cream.
Day Trip up the Coasts to Suttons Bay/Northport
Take an amazing M22 road trip up to Suttons Bay and Northport.
The drive from Traverse City to Suttons Bay is about 25 minutes and to Northport about another 15.
As far as these places go, there are plenty of other small areas in the area but these two are amazing!
Visit Hop Lot in Suttons Bay
Mitten Brewing Company in Northport
Traverse City Festivals
Traverse City is home to a number of nationally recognized events.
Here are some of the most popular ones you will want to find your way to:
- National Cherry Festival
- TC Food Festival
- TC Film Festival
- Bells Iceman Cometh
- Blossom DAY
Northern Michigan Fishing
The Grand Traverse Bay and beyond hosts some excellent fishing opportunities for those in the area.
Combine that with the sparking blue waters of Lake Michigan and you will surely have yourself a day.
Free Transportation
One of the most overlooked parts about a city can be its transportation system.
For those who have had to much to drink or just don’t want to think about parking downtown, the city has the Bayline Bus.
The Bayline Bus runs from 7 am-11 pm everyday and runs every 15 minutes with stops at some of the most popular places in town.
Grand Traverse County Regions
The region has three different sections to familiarize yourself with:
- Traverse City Area
- Leelanau Peninsula – Leland, Suttons Bay and Northport. Leland is Michigan’s “Fishtown” and Suttons Bay is home to Hop Lot Brewing. Northport is at the Top of the Leelanau Peninsula and features the Grand Traverse Lighthouse at the tip.
- Old Mission Peninsula – Wineries, Wineries, and Wineries. Follow it to the tip to find the Mission Point Lighthouse.
Best Things to do Close to Traverse City
In almost any direction outside of Traverse City, visitors can find some other unbelievable things to do.
Here are some that you should include on your list for your next visit within 45 minutes of downtown Traverse!
Snowboarding at Crystal Mountain – Crystal Mountain is one of the closest Ski Resorts to Traverse City, and is one that is welcoming to all levels of skills. Families will love the environment here and snowfall is abundant.
Manistee River High Banks Rollaway – This spot is growing in popularity thanks to Instagram, but is still relatively quiet on the must see Michigan attractions. The beauty of this spot is from an aerial perspective(drone) but the viewing platform will do it’s job for you. Visit in Fall to witness the insane color transformation.
Charlevoix – Charlevoix is one of Michigan’s most popular cities to visit and live in. It is also one of the only way to get too Beaver Island by boat or airplane. If you have the chance to visit this Northern Michigan city, go!
Need more ideas for a Northern Michigan trip?
Check out these 5 Northern Michigan Cities you can’t miss in 2022
I hope this has helped you plan your trip to one of my favorite places in Michigan.
If you need me to help schedule your trip, please reach out!
Thank you for reading and check out my Michigan Photos for Sale