Recognized for its stunning freshwater beaches and small yet vibrant town, Traverse City has become a popular destination, drawing travelers from around the world.
Having lived here for most of my life, I’ve discovered almost all there is to do in Traverse City. The summer is undeniably the best time to visit, but there are activities and attractions that cater to all seasons.
Color tours in the Fall, skiing and snowboarding in the Winter, and mushroom hunting in Spring. The climate’s seasonal diversity lends itself to a wide variety of stuff to do in Traverse City year-round. Plus, the area is home to some of the best restaurants and bars in Michigan.
Without further ado, here are some of my most highly recommended things to do in Traverse City, MI, from lesser-known outdoor activities to must-see attractions in the area.
1. Tour The Traverse City State Hospital
Photo by Andrew Jameson
Formerly the Traverse City State Hospital (and even more formerly known as the Michigan State Asylum when it was established in 1885), what’s now called The Village at Grand Traverse Commons is home to various boutiques, restaurants, cafes, and renovated condominiums.
Although the property is now a bustling hub for eclectic shopping and dining, its historic roots remain intact, and visitors can take tours of the old mental institution. Capture a glimpse into the property’s past and walk through the underground brick steam tunnels and old patient cottages.
Tours are available year-round, rain or shine. For more information, visit the official site of TheVillageTC.com.
2. Visit the Sleeping Bear National Lakeshore
Photo by Acroterion
If you haven’t been, then the Sleeping Bear Dunes should be on your itinerary, even if you only have a couple of days to visit.
The dunes are a breathtaking natural phenomenon and a must-see attraction located about 20 miles west of Traverse City. While the central hub of the Sleeping Bear National Lakeshore is considered the “Dune Climb,” which is a fun activity and beautiful overlook located a few miles north of Empire, the actual dunes span from Frankfort to Leland. You can find numerous points along this stretch to enjoy the dunes.
I highly recommend taking the Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive while you’re there, and then heading north along the coast to Pyramid Point Trail for a short hike and more stunning views.
3. Shop the Farmers’ Markets
Photo by Third Coast Bakery
Even if you’re just visiting, the farmer’s markets in Traverse City offer more than just fresh produce. You can find a range of locally-made products and baked goods worth enjoying on the spot. The farmers’ markets operate year-round, shifting between outdoor venues in the summer and indoor spaces in the winter.
The Sara Hardy Downtown Farmers Market, Michigan’s largest growers’ market, is the primary destination, with its outdoor season kicking off in May. It operates twice a week on Saturdays from 7:30 AM to noon and Wednesdays (starting in June) from 8 AM to noon.
There’s also a farmers’ market at The Village at Grand Traverse Commons. During the colder months, the indoor market takes place in the Mercato halls from November to April, from 10 AM to 2 PM. In the warmer months, an outdoor market occupies The Piazza from 1 PM to 5 PM.
4. Play Pinball at The Coinslot
Photo by The Coinslot
Over the years, The Coinslot Arcade Bar has evolved into an iconic attraction in Traverse City. While it’s best known for its variety of pinball, you can enjoy a wide assortment of arcade games, with many being kid-friendly.
The Coinslot is also a bar that offers perhaps the largest selection of beer available by can. In the warmer months, they have an outdoor area with a food truck, an extended bar, and a stage built atop a shipping container for music events.
Located downtown on East Front Street, The Coinslot is a vibrant hub for all ages (although it’s 21+ after 9PM). Visit TheCoinSlotTC.com for more info.
5. Take a Breathtaking Hike
Photo by Kara Eads
Traverse City is home to many hiking trails, with some options being closer to town than others. While the local trails are still good, the best hiking spots are near the Lake Michigan coast, as shown in the photo above.
For local options, check out the Pelizzari Natural Area at the base of Old Mission Peninsula or Hickory Meadows on the west side of town. The Copper Ridge Trail behind the state hospital grounds is also a fantastic yet hilly hike worth checking out.
For the all-time best trails located within a 25-mile drive of Traverse City, the two worth checking out are the Treat Farm Trail just south of Empire and the Pyramid Point Trail just north of Glen Arbor.
6. Bask on Traverse City’s Best Beaches
Photo by Rachel Alexander
Perhaps the primary catalyst that popularized Traverse City as a summer vacation destination is the endless miles of freshwater shoreline. Just a 5-minute walk from downtown, you can be swimming in the sandy Clinch Park Beach.
Other Traverse City beaches that are a short drive away are West End Beach (the westernmost beach on Grand Traverse Bay’s west arm) and Bryant Park (the easternmost beach on the west arm).
About two miles east of town (on East Bay) is the Keith J. Charters Traverse City State Park beach and campground. This beach is always sandy and great for swimming. However, Traverse City beaches are notorious for swimmer’s itch due to the waterfowl, so be sure to check the public beach monitoring reports from the county Health Department to check the E.coli levels.
I am not going to lie, Traverse City beaches are nice and all, but the truly best beaches in the area are on the Lake Michigan coast, spanning Northport to Ludington. I would keep these beaches secret if the secret wasn’t already out, but Esch Beach, Empire Beach, and Van’s Beach in Leland are fantastic options, all with views of the Sleeping Bear Dunes. Don’t tell the locals I sent you.
7. Adventure on Two Wheels
Love it or hate it, the cycling scene in Traverse City is strong. With many of the local bike shops offering rentals, you can tour around town via the TART Trails system (the Leelanau Trail is a great one to get out of town toward Suttons Bay).
If you have your own road bike and are looking for something spicier, the cycling on Old Mission and Leelanau Peninsula is world-class. Drop in to TNR (Tuesday Night Ride) that launches from Central High School at the base of Old Mission at 5 PM every Tuesday during the warmer months.
East of Traverse City, you’ll find the VASA Trail network, an unpaved system that connects to endless single track and gravel roads if mountain biking and gravel cycling are more your jam. It’s also groomed for fat tire biking in the winter. Or go west toward Glen Arbor for more flowy riding at Palmer Woods and beautiful nearby seasonal roads.
8. Rent a Jet Ski (one East Bay)
Photo by Pexels
One of my first jobs was to gas up the jet skis at a rental shop along East Bay. That meant being able to take them out of the water from time to time, which, for a 15-year-old, was one of the most thrilling activities.
With many bodies of water throughout the great Traverse City area, this one activity I can’t recommend enough. It has become somewhat costly, often times over $100 for an hour rental. But for kids, it’s some of the best money spent.
Most of your jet ski rental options are going to be along East Bay’s hotel strip, from the State Park to Acme. Just be sure to ask for the fastest machines, as any budget options will compromise on fun.
9. Get a Drink Downtown
Photo by Austin Park
Traverse City’s downtown is quaint yet abundant with an extensive menu of cocktail bars, breweries, and pubs worth checking out. But when it comes to quality product and service, there are a few options that rise above the rest.
The Filling Station is a frequent favorite of mine for delicious craft beer and stone-oven pizza. In the summer, North Bar is a vibrant option for a nice view and an extensive drink selection. The Parlor and Low Bar are two of the best bars in Traverse City for craft cocktails at any time of year.
10. Explore Your Creative Side at These Art Outlets
Photo by Laura Tommasina
Traverse City is undeniably a creative hub, from its local arts scene to its digital tech industry. There are many local outlets that offer art classes and workshops, as well as galleries and events.
For starters, check out Crooked Tree Arts Center’s schedule for events and exhibitions, or for more hands-on experiences, view their classes and workshops. This organization is instrumental to Traverse City’s art community, especially for kids’ art classes.
For hands-on experiences, make your own unique candle by taking a candle-making class at Evil Queen. For pottery and ceramics, ClaySpace offers a wide assortment of classes, private lessons, and workshops. Visit Tinker Studio, a gallery and creative space featuring art from 50+ local artists.
11. Catch a Sunset (or Sunrise)
Photo by Peggy Sue Zinn
With two distinct bays, numerous inland lakes, and the ocean-like coast of Lake Michigan not far away, Traverse City is a haven for breathtaking sunsets and sunrises. In the Summer, the sun can set as late as 9:30 PM, and the earliest sunrise can start at 5:50 AM.
There are many terrific options to watch both. For sunsets, the Clinch Park Marina and Sunset Beach Park on West Bay offer easy access to watch the sun go down behind rolling hills. On East Bay (which offers far superior sunset views, in my opinion), visit the Bayside Park in Acme or enjoy the sunset with food and drink on the deck at Bayview Inn.
For sunrise locations near Traverse City, try East Bay Park or West End Beach for lakeside viewing locations. Or for an elevated viewing spot, the Center Road Scenic Overlook is the pinnacle for both sunsets and sunrises.
12. Go Parasailing on the Bay
Since the mid 1990s, parasailing has been one of the best ways to enjoy the crystal-clear waters of Grand Traverse Bay, with multiple operators offering aerial views of the region’s stunning coastline. The experience is a family-friendly activity that’s suitable for all ages and skill levels.
While West Bay is more centrally located near downtown Traverse City, I personally recommend parasailing on East Bay. Not only are there more operators to choose from, but the views of East Bay’s sandy coastline are far superior.
13. Discover the Dennos Museum
The Dennos Museum, located on the campus of Northwestern Michigan College, is one of Traverse City’s most beloved family-friendly destinations. With affordable admission, the museum offers a lot of value for a fun, enriching outing, whether the weather cooperates or not.
The biggest draw for families is the Thomas A. Rutkowski Discovery Gallery, a dedicated space that offers dozens of hands-on STEAM interactives designed for kids and adults alike. Children can “paint” their own images on a video screen, play a laser harp, make music on a Sound Wall, or light up a giant light-bright board. The room that projects kids’ silhouettes in psychedelic colors is a personal hit, with little ones dancing around and watching their images transform on the wall.
Having taken field trips to the Dennos Museum as a young elementary student, I have sentimental ties to the museum, and many of the previously mentioned activities in the discovery gallery still exist. Visit DennosMuseum.org for more info.
14. Hunt for Morel Mushrooms
Photo by Fluff Berger
As a kid growing up, I hated mushrooms. But weirdly enough, I loved morel mushrooms. Maybe it was the thrill of hunting this elusive fungus, which grows only in a specific climate.
The greater Traverse City area is one of those climates. And depending on the weather, you can find them popping after a warm rain in late April into May.
While I can’t give away any of my mushroom-hunting spots, I will say they’re commonly found in moisture-rich hardwoods. If you want to skip the hunting and go straight to the eating, visit the Mesick Mushroom Festival, which takes place every year in early May.
15. Stop and Smell the Flowers
Photo of Bry’s Secret Garden
Flowers are in abundance all throughout northern Michigan’s warmer months. It’s a spectacle merely driving through downtown Traverse City in May when the cherry trees are blossoming.
Also, in May, the Trilliums are blossoming. Go for a hike at the Hickory Forest Natural Area just west of town or further out near Empire Bluff Trail for even better views.
Or, visit one of Traverse City’s local lavender farms in July. Open after May, the Secret Garden at Bry’s Estate offers a 6,000-plant lavender garden with picnic spots and a tasting room.
16. Experience the Great Lakes Children’s Museum
Photo by Great Lakes Children’s Museum
For kid-friendly things to do in Traverse City, the Great Lakes Children’s Museum is a hands-on wonderland purpose-built for curious children. Situated right in the heart of downtown Traverse City, it’s an especially great option on rainy days or when younger children need an energetic outlet away from the beach.
The museum’s exhibits are all themed around the Great Lakes region, giving kids an immersive and educational look at the natural world around them. Children can explore interactive water tables that mimic the flow of rivers and lakes, experiment with wind and wave dynamics, and discover the diverse ecosystems that make the Great Lakes so unique.
What makes the museum especially well-suited for families is its focus on the 2–10 age range, with exhibits scaled and designed so even toddlers can dive right in. The space is small enough that parents can easily keep an eye on little ones while still letting them roam freely and explore at their own pace.
Visit the official site at GreatLakesKids.org.
17. Rip the Local Zip Lines
For thrill-seeking activities, Mt. Holiday in Traverse City offers a Zip Line Adventure with several unique lines that reach speeds of up to 30 miles per hour. With ten lines at over 4,000 feet of cable to choose from, walk-ins are welcome, but reservations will guarantee your space.
Although zip lining is closed during the winter months at Mt. Holiday, you can head north to Boyne Highlands or Boyne Mountain for two alternative options that offer year-round zip lining. For even more options, Michigan.gov has several more options for zip-lining that aren’t far from Traverse City.
18. Hit The Slopes During Winter
Photo by Bradley King
Michigan ranks second in the nation for the most ski resorts, just behind New York. While some of the best ski resorts are further north, there are several great options within an hour’s drive.
For local options right in Traverse City, Mt. Holiday on the east side of town and Hickory Hills on the west side are small yet fun places to ski or snowboard. The former option has epic tubing runs.
Outside of town, check out Crystal Mountain in Thompsonville, Schuss Mountain and Shanty Creek Resort in Bellaire, and Boyne Mountain Resort in Boyne Falls. If you’re willing to drive a couple of hours north, Nubs Nob in Harbor Springs is top-tier for Michigan skiing.
19. Go Wine Tasting
Photo compliments of Big Little Wines
One of Traverse City’s top attractions is its surrounding wine country. Nearly 40 unique wineries span the Old Mission and Leelanau Peninsulas, and almost all of them are wonderful destinations for wine tasting.
The area is best known for Riesling, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Franc, and Chardonnay, with over 20 varietals grown across the region. Geographically, Traverse City is at the base of both peninsulas, offering a central hub for an afternoon tasting or a weekend itinerary of wine tours.
My favorite Old Mission wineries include Brys Estate Vineyard and Winery, Hawthorne Vineyards, and Bowers Harbor Vineyard.
For Leelanau County wineries, be sure to visit MAWBY Sparkling Wines and Big Little Wines (same location), Shady Lane Cellars, and Dune Bird Winery.
20. Drive M-37 to the Mission Point Lighthouse
Photo by Impresso Studios
The Old Mission Peninsula of Traverse City is like the Marin County of the San Francisco Bay Area. It’s a scenic road trip with several routes to take, but the main highway of M-37 is a beautiful drive that goes all the way to the northernmost tip, where you’ll find the Mission Point Lighthouse.
The surrounding Old Mission State Park is a great picnic spot with several miles of hiking trails. Along the way are many worthwhile stops, such as the Center Road Scenic Overlook and several notable vineyards offering wine tastings.
FAQs About Things To Do
For common questions that come up about things to do in Traverse City, refer to the FAQs below for quick answers.
What are some of Traverse City’s top attractions?
There’s no shortage of things to see and do in Traverse City. For the area’s top attractions, the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is the crown jewel of attractions with its towering sand dunes and stunning Lake Michigan coastline. The surrounding wine country on the Old Mission and Leelanau Peninsulas is another world-renowned draw to the area, with nearly 40 wineries to visit. The historic Village at Grand Traverse Commons and a vibrant downtown packed with excellent restaurants and bars, and you have a prized vacation destination that has something for everyone.
What are the top things to do in Traverse City during winter?
The winters in Traverse City can be harsh, which gets a bad rap. But honestly, there’s plenty to keep you busy if you know where to look. Skiing, snowboarding, and tubing are the obvious outdoor draws, with Mt. Holiday and Hickory Hills right in town and Crystal Mountain, Shanty Creek, and Boyne Mountain all within an hour’s drive. Beyond the slopes, the VASA Trail network east of town is a cross-country skiing haven that’s groomed for skate skiing as well as fat tire biking. The indoor farmers’ market at the Village at Grand Traverse Commons runs through April. On slower days, the Dennos Museum, local art workshops at ClaySpace or Crooked Tree Arts Center, and a drink at The Filling Station or The Parlor make for a pretty solid winter afternoon.
What are the best activities to do in Traverse City when it rains?
A rainy day in Traverse City is honestly a great excuse to explore some of the indoor gems that tend to get overlooked in the warmer months. The Dennos Museum on the NMC campus is a fantastic option, with its hands-on STEAM discovery gallery being a crowd-pleaser for both kids and adults. Tours at the old Traverse City State Hospital at the Village at Grand Traverse Commons are also available rain or shine, offering a fascinating look into the building’s 19th-century history. For something more creative, a pottery class at ClaySpace or a candle-making session at Evil Queen are also worth penciling in.
What are family-friendly activities in Traverse City?
Traverse City is a surprisingly family-friendly destination, with an abundant mix of outdoor adventure and indoor attractions to keep all ages happy. Parasailing on East Bay is one of those bucket-list experiences that works for the whole group. The local museums are excellent educational options, and The Coinslot Arcade Bar on East Front Street is a blast for kids (before 9 PM). For outdoor fun, the zip lines at Mt. Holiday and jet ski rentals along East Bay are hard to beat, and a day trip to the Sleeping Bear Dunes for the dune climb is a rite of passage for any family visiting the area.
What are Traverse City’s best activities for active individuals?
Traverse City is a legitimately great destination if you’re an active person (or family) who loves the outdoors. The trail system alone could keep you busy for days, from the TART Trails network winding through town to the VASA Trail east of the city for mountain biking, gravel riding, or fat tire biking in the winter. Hikers will want to prioritize Pyramid Point Trail near Glen Arbor and the Treat Farm Trail just south of Empire, both of which offer some of the most breathtaking overlooks in the entire state. When you’re ready to get on the water, parasailing, jet skiing, and kayaking on the bays are all solid options for working up an appetite before hitting one of the many great restaurants downtown.
What are the best kid-friendly things to do in Traverse City?
Kids tend to thrive in Traverse City, partly because there are so many activities that feel like pure play. The Great Lakes Children’s Museum downtown is purpose-built for kids in the 2-10 range, with interactive water tables, wind and wave experiments, and exhibits centered around the Great Lakes ecosystem. The discovery gallery at the Dennos Museum is another winner, with a laser harp, a giant light-bright board, and a room that projects kids’ silhouettes in wild psychedelic colors (my personal favorite). For outdoor thrills, jet ski rentals on East Bay and the tubing runs at Mt. Holiday are both reliably huge hits. When all else fails, the Coinslot Arcade is an easy afternoon in before the 9 PM adult takeover.
What are romantic things to do for couples visiting Traverse City?
Few places in the Midwest set the mood quite like Traverse City, especially if you lean into what the area does best. A wine-tasting afternoon along the Old Mission Peninsula, stopping at places like Brys Estate or Bowers Harbor Vineyard, is a hard itinerary to beat for a relaxed and scenic date. Catching a sunset from the Center Road Scenic Overlook or the deck at Bayview Inn on East Bay is the kind of simple, memorable experience that sticks with you. For something a little more adventurous, a kayak or paddleboard rental on one of the inland lakes, or a scenic drive up M-37 to the Mission Point Lighthouse, makes for a genuinely romantic afternoon.