traverse city tourism staff

“A Pretty Great Place”: How Traverse City’s New Brand Came To Be

By luke haase | march 27, 2018.

Armed with $4 million to spend on annual advertising to attract visitors to town, Traverse City has a new brand. 

Traverse City Tourism, the convention & visitors bureau tasked with marketing the region, recently completed an overhaul of its brand, including a new logo and tagline. MMGY, a Kansas City-based marketing communications agency, led the process.

The previous logo and brand architecture was created two decades ago. When TC Tourism Executive Director Trevor Tkach took over in summer 2016, he “knew it was time to freshen things up and do a deeper dive into what Traverse City is now,” he tells The Ticker .

Over the course of more than a year, MMGY staff conducted market research to hear what people knew, liked, didn’t like, and expected of Traverse City, beginning with local stakeholders including officeholders, hotel and restaurant owners, and longtime residents. The team next conducted focus groups in Detroit and Chicago, the largest markets already feeding Traverse City the majority of its tourists. Taking what was learned during those sessions, hundreds of surveys were done in those two markets to further refine key points.

What the team discovered in some cases were new insights -- but more often the data “served as an affirmation” Tkach says. Among the highlights of the findings: 

 -- Locals have a great deal of pride about their home, but also harbor some insecurity about over-reliance on tourism for economic growth.

 -- “There’s something here for everyone,” says Tkach, noting the research uncovered many extremes: it’s a summer destination, but also wonderful in the winter. It’s a great place for an active vacation, but also for a calm, passive one. Much of the ad creative derived from these findings will play off this concept (one ad will tout “Red, white, and all the blue you’ll ever need,” showcasing the region’s diversity of wines and its many lakes and rivers). The language used in ads must “conjure the feelings you have when you get here,” Tkach adds, noting they should “project someone right around the campfire or with best friends dangling their feet off the dock.”

 -- Metro Detroiters are huge fans of Traverse City, and many who vacation here “are very committed to coming back again and again,” though some who have not yet visited worry about the cost of a visit.

 -- Though Chicagoans are slightly less familiar than Detroiters with Traverse City, many voiced that they think “you don’t get to the real Lake Michigan until you get to Traverse City,” believing the water and natural resources are purer here than farther south. Chicagoans also tend to refer to the entire region as “Traverse City,” including areas as far north as the Mackinac Bridge.

 -- Identifying a true comparable market to Traverse City is a challenge; researchers ultimately studied destinations like Cleveland, Mackinac Island, Wisconsin Dells, Wisc. and Lake Placid, NY. When asked which market is Traverse City’s biggest competitor for tourism, Tkach points to other Michigan lakeside towns and also Door County and Lake Geneva, Wisc.

 -- The stakes are higher; as more regions fight for attention and tourism dollars, Traverse City had to up its game. “Traverse City’s has to be the most compelling [travel] message they see,” says Tkach.

TC Tourism will spend $4 million this year in promoting the region, one-third within Michigan, one-third in the Midwest, and one-third nationally and globally.

The process also culminated in a new logo and tagline for Traverse City Tourism, one that Tkach says plays off the dichotomy uncovered in the research. “The ‘Traverse’ is stable, strong and bold, while ‘City’ is a more playful, water-based script.” The logo is already appearing in ads, on the sign at the Visitors Center in downtown TC, and on the Traverse City Tourism web site. The phrase “a pretty great place” will also be incorporated into most ads. 

TC Tourism Board President Fritz Heller says, “this new logo is clean and yet fun at the same time. It kind of 'says' Traverse City, highlights the water and looks fun, and yet is easily recognizable and repeatable. I couldn’t be more thrilled by the outcome.”

Traverse City Tourism is funded by an assessment on area hotel room bookings. Tkach declined to disclose the cost of the MMGY contract.

Housing Projects Move Forward

By beth milligan.

More workforce housing is on the way in Grand Traverse County as construction broke ground Friday on a $45 million apartment complex near Chums Corner, demolition crews ...

20Fathoms' Executive Director To Retire

Eric Roberts, who has served as executive director of Traverse City-based 20Fathoms since 2021, has announced he will retire in September. 20Fathoms is a membership organization and ...

DDA Preps TIF Plan for August Vote, Considers Adding Deck Back In

Ahead of a planned August vote on Moving Downtown Forward – the new tax increment financing (TIF) plan proposed to replace TIF 97 – Traverse City Downtown ...

TC Man Arrested for Ramming Ex-Girlfriend's Car

A Traverse City man who was out on parole for domestic violence was arrested this week after ramming his car into his ex-girlfriend's vehicle on the road ...

Funding, Next Steps Discussed for Camp Greilick Property

Ag's office will review jewett case, a q&a with peninsula, whitewater township supervisor candidates, workshop planned for parents on social media safety, veterans drive reconstruction starts july 22; more city projects on deck, children's museum moving to grand traverse mall.

Opioid Funds Could Expand Quick Response Team Countywide, Support Drug Programs

A brief history of fishpass, morsels owner sentenced to minimum four years in prison, first city drainage district eyed for eighth street area, featured local savings.

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New study from Traverse City Tourism reveals significant amount of growth

TRAVESRE CITY — A new study from Traverse City Tourism was released on Thursday that shows that the Northern Michigan city experienced a pretty significant amount of growth in 2022 compared to previous years.

In fact, in 2022, Traverse City Tourism added $1.4 billion to the economy, which is a $1 million increase from 2021.

It also shows an 11% increase in visitors and a 5.9% increase in local jobs.

Traverse City Tourism president and CEO Travor Tkach said it’s not just the summer months that make it count.

“Obviously, we’re very well known for our summer product, but all four seasons are spectacular. And so giving visitors a full portfolio of opportunity all 12 months out of the year is very important for us,” Tkach said.

Tkach also attributes their success to the Pure Michigan Campaign.

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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

Looking for some more excitement? Why not head to Detroit & Frankenmuth? If you do, here are some fun things to do in Detroit & some of the things to do in Frankenmuth, MI !

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!

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Home > About > Traverse Connect Board Of Directors

Traverse Connect Board Of Directors

Interim Chair

Steve Perdue

Interim Vice Chair

Sara Harding

Jordan Lindberg

Doug DeYoung

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Kacie SanMiguel

Finance Chair

Suzanne Allen

Michael Brown

Cortney Danbrook

Laura Galbraith

Paul Heidbreder

Rachel Johnson

Jennifer Jones

Kevin Klein

David Mengebier

Fernando Meza

Chris Morse

Nick Nissley

Amy Shamroe

Jessica Sullivan

Whitney Waara

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Ecotourism - Responsible Adventures

Hiking | Eco-Friendly Events | Biking | Sleeping Bear Dunes | Farms & Orchards

Many things make Traverse City special, but the abundance of surrounding natural beauty is what truly defines our destination. Known for the magnificent Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore , natural trails , lakes and rivers, cherry orchards and vineyards , Traverse City sits at the intersection of wild and wonderful.

Ecotourism Experiences

Choose Your Own Hiking Adventure If you want to stay close to Traverse City, explore the trails within the Grand Traverse Natural Education Reserve . Within this 505-acre natural area are a marsh, pine forest, river and an active beaver pond. Also nearby is the Boardman River Nature Center  an interpretive gallery that offers nature-based education programs. If you're looking for more adventure away from town, go north on M-22 and take it to Leelanau State Park in Northport where you'll find four miles of well-marked trails. One pathway runs along a stretch of Lake Michigan beach and low sand dunes to a scenic overlook with panoramic views. 

If you're visiting Benzie County , don't miss the Arcadia Dunes . This is The Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy's largest preserve that includes over 15 miles of trail to explore dunes and forests. Five different trails are available, including the universally accessible Overlook Trail and the Sleeping Bear Birding Trail . 

Participate in an Eco-Friendly Event

Events are happening all year in northern Michigan. At any given time, you're likely to find eco-friendly events on the calendar . Take a guided hike at the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore or one of our conservancy trails, go for a tour at the Botanic Garden at Historic Barns Park , participate in a birding program and set sail with the Inland Seas Education to learn about the ecology of the Great Lakes. 

Bike Your Way Around Town 

This region has hundreds of miles of bike-friendly trails perfect for non-motorized transportation. Explore Traverse City on the TART in Town Trail . This paved trail system includes several point-to-point routes that allow access to many of Traverse City's attractions including Grand Traverse Bay, Downtown, Clinch Park Marina and The Boardman River. In Benzie County, the Betsie Valley Trail is made up of a scenic 22 miles extending from Frankfort through Elberta and Beulah to Thompsonville. 

​Sleeping Bear Dunes

The Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore has over 100 square miles of land to explore responsibly. The Philip A. Hart Visitor Center, located in the village of Empire, is a perfect place to start. Park Rangers are available to help plan your adventure. They can fill you in on seasonal changes, the local flora and fauna, and how to identify animal tracks. Within the park there are more than 100 miles of trails , two remote islands, a maritime museum, beaches and heritage farms. Visitors are encouraged to try different trails that may be less busy or to find a beach that has fewer people. 

Park ranger tips: Please remember to stay on the trails, keep your dog on a leash, stay away from closed areas such as Piping Plover nesting spots, and take pictures instead of removing historic or natural items from the park. 

Agricultural Experiences

Known as the Cherry Capital of the World, it's no surprise that agriculture is embedded in the fabric of this region. While cherries still reign, other crops have settled in and there's a vibrant agritourism culture throughout northern Michigan. Plan a day or two to eat local by visiting our farm markets, U-pick farms and farm-to-fork restaurants. And if plant-based eating is what you prefer, you'll find a diverse selection of options around the area. Sip sustainably throughout the area as well by visiting our wineries , breweries , cider houses and distilleries -- all of which use fruit and grains grown in northern Michigan. 

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