Traverse City is a beautiful place, and it has a lot to offer. There are great restaurants, fun bars, and amazing events throughout the year. Here are some of my favorite things that you can do in Traverse City!
The Grand Traverse Pie Company
Located in Downtown Traverse City, The Grand Traverse Pie Company is a great spot to grab breakfast and lunch. The restaurant serves breakfast all day, so it’s the perfect place to stop by for a bite when you’re out on the town or trudging through a long hike. They have many options for vegetarians, vegans, and those with food allergies—just be sure to let your server know before you start placing an order!
The menu includes specialty pies like Cherry-Raspberry Pecan and Cranberry-Orange Chiffon along with other desserts that are made fresh daily. It’s hard to choose just one dish when there are so many delicious options available here! You can also find several varieties of coffee here as well as a tea if that’s what floats your boat instead of coffee.
With plenty of seating available inside this charming cafe, make sure not to leave without trying their famous pie shake! This tasty treat combines ice cream from local farms with housemade syrups resulting in something truly unique…and delicious!
The Village at Grand Traverse Commons
The Village at Grand Traverse Commons is a mixed-use development with shops, restaurants, and a movie theater. It’s located in downtown Traverse City. The movie theater is called the State Theatre (you can buy tickets on their website). There are many great restaurants in the Village as well.
The Village has tons of things to do for visitors of all ages!
The Great Lakes Children’s Museum
The Great Lakes Children’s Museum is a great place to take kids. There are tons of educational activities, and the museum is open year-round with exhibits, programs, and events all year long for kids of all ages.
You can also take adult classes at this museum! They have an Adult Art Studio that offers workshops in painting, ceramics, and more!
Traverse City State Park
Traverse City State Park is a 1,405-acre park that offers camping, hiking, biking, and other outdoor activities. The park has over 15 miles of trails for hiking and mountain biking. There are also playground areas for children to play in.
- Activities: Hiking – Biking – Fishing – Camping – Picnics
- Amenities: ADA-compliant trails – Restrooms – Drinking water provided by the city of Traverse City at the campgrounds during summer months (April through October). A $10 fee will be charged per night ($5 with an annual pass) at each site in addition to any parking fees listed below. You can purchase an annual pass from the ranger station or online through Recreation Passport Service Center (RPAC) at https://www.michigan.gov/recreationpasses
Sugar Loaf Mountain
Sugar Loaf Mountain is a great place to go for a hike, with several trails to choose from, ranging in difficulty. There are also picnic tables and a fire ring at the top of the mountain, making it an ideal spot for enjoying nature and spending time with friends and family. This popular spot is frequented by both locals and tourists alike—you may even run into some celebrities here!
Maritime Heritage Alliance Museum
The Maritime Heritage Alliance Museum is a great place to learn about the history of the Great Lakes. The museum has a lot of artifacts from the Great Lakes, as well as exhibits that explain how these ships were used in their day. It also has interactive exhibits, educational programs, and more!
Sleeping Bear National Park
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is a park located in Leelanau County, Michigan. It’s part of the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Park, which is home to one of the tallest sand dunes in the lower 48 states!
The park features miles of hiking trails and lookouts that help you see everything from waterfalls to wildlife. It’s also home to a number of wildlife species, including black bears. If you’re lucky enough to spot one (which won’t be hard), make sure not to feed them; they’re wild animals and need their natural habitat!
Sands Park Volleyball Courts
The courts at Sands Park are a great place to play volleyball, and they’re the only courts in Traverse City. There are two courts, one for men and one for women. The courts are open from dawn to dusk throughout the year, and there is a $5 fee per player per evening of use (no charge for spectators). You can find more information on the website of Traverse City Parks & Recreation or call 231-932-3137 if you have any questions about renting these facilities.
Traverse City has a lot of fun things to do!
Traverse City has a lot of fun things to do! Some of them are mentioned in this article, but there are plenty more. If you have time and want to see some other cool places, here are some ideas:
- Go hiking at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. This is an amazing place that has great beaches and trails for hiking. You can even climb up one of the dunes if you feel like it!
- Explore Old Mission Peninsula Winery Trail. This is an awesome wine-tasting route with over 15 wineries on it! You’re guaranteed to find something new and delicious here (and maybe even get some free samples).
- Take a Boat Tour on Lake Michigan or Grand Traverse Bay. There’s nothing better than looking out over nature while listening to your guide tell stories about what they’ve seen in their years working on boats—it’ll make your trip so much more memorable than if you just went alone!
Conclusion
We hope this list of things to do in Traverse City has helped you plan a fun and exciting vacation. If you have any more ideas, please let us know!
