Things to do in Traverse City

Activities, attractions and tours

Traverse City showing a sunset, a city and landscape views
Traverse City showing a sunset, a city and landscape views
Traverse City featuring fall colors and farmland
Traverse City which includes a bar and interior views as well as a small group of people
Traverse City showing landscape views, a sunset and farmland
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What to do in Traverse City

Popular places to visit

Marina in the Town Marquette, Michigan

Front Street

During your visit to Traverse City, you can browse for the perfect souvenirs at Front Street. Stroll along this family-friendly area's beaches, or simply enjoy its restaurants.

Front Street
Aerial view of Petoskey and Little Traverse Bay, Michigan

Traverse City Beach

Why not spend a lazy afternoon at Traverse City Beach during your trip to Traverse City? Discover the area's lively festivals, or seek out its local tours.

Traverse City Beach
Old Mission Point Lighthouse In Michigan. The Old Mission Point lighthouse was built in the 1860's. It now is the centerpiece of a county park and tourist destination.

Mission Point Lighthouse

You can learn about the history of Traverse City with a trip to Mission Point Lighthouse. Stroll along the area's lakeside or experience its lively festivals.

Mission Point Lighthouse
Wooden Dock On Sunrise Lake. Summer sunrise over the waters of Grand Traverse Bay in Traverse City, Michigan. Shot with long wooden dock in foreground sunrise over water at horizon.

Traverse City State Park

You can take time to visit Traverse City State Park during your travels to Traverse City. Wander the beautiful beaches in this family-friendly area.

Traverse City State Park
View of Spider Lake with numerous trees in Traverse City, Michigan, United States.

Spider Lake

Commune with nature and explore the great outdoors at Spider Lake during your travels in Traverse City. Wander the area's lakeside or simply enjoy one of its wineries.

Spider Lake
Young girl reeling in a fish on a boat with her family

Bass Lake

Commune with nature and explore the great outdoors at Bass Lake during your travels in Traverse City. Amble around the area's lakeside or seek out the local tours.

Bass Lake
The winery has a deck around the back side that offers up this stunning view.

Chateau Grand Traverse

You can enjoy a tasting or tour at Chateau Grand Traverse during your travels to Traverse City. Wander the area's beautiful beaches or simply enjoy one of its wineries.

Chateau Grand Traverse

Great Wolf Lodge Water Park

Enjoy a fun-filled day at Great Wolf Lodge Water Park during your visit to Traverse City. Discover the area's shops, or seek out its local tours.

Great Wolf Lodge Water Park

Chateau Chantal

You can enjoy a tasting or tour at Chateau Chantal during your travels to Traverse City. Stroll along the lakeside or visit the shops in this romantic area.

Chateau Chantal

Areas of Traverse City

Traverse City, Michigan

Downtown Traverse City

If you're spending some time in Downtown Traverse City, Clinch Park Beach and City Opera House are top sights worth seeing.

Downtown Traverse City
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Traverse Heights

Traverse Heights might not have many top sights, but Front Street and Traverse Area District Library are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Traverse Heights
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Oak Park

While Oak Park isn't home to many top sights, Front Street and Clinch Park Beach are some notable places to visit nearby.

Oak Park
Early Morning Storm Over Traverse Bay

Slabtown

If you're spending some time in Slabtown, Lake Michigan and Grand Traverse Bay are top sights worth seeing.

Slabtown
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Central

When in Central, you can plan a visit to City Opera House and Clinch Park, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Central
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Boardman

When in Boardman, you can plan a visit to Clinch Park Beach and Clinch Park, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Boardman
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore in Maple City, Michigan, USA.

Maple City

Aerial of North Lake Leelanau and Lake Michigan

Lake Leelanau

Frequently asked questions

Is Traverse City worth visiting?
With a mix of distilleries and craft breweries and adventure sports, there's no shortage of things to do in Traverse City. While you're here, head to Traverse City Beach, a must-see attraction in the area.
How do I spend a day in Traverse City?
After you've visited popular attractions like Traverse City Beach and Great Wolf Lodge Water Park, spend the rest of your day discovering Traverse City's retail and dining scene.
What is the top tourist attraction in Traverse City?
The top tourist attraction in Traverse City is Traverse City Beach, so be sure to add it to your sightseeing itinerary.
Is three days enough to stay in Traverse City?
Three days will give you plenty of time to tick off popular city sights, such as Traverse City Beach, Great Wolf Lodge Water Park and Clinch Park Beach. The average stay in Traverse City is two days. If you have the urge to extend your escape, Williamsburg isn't far away.
Is Traverse City a walkable city?
That depends on what you want to do and see in Traverse City. Several sights, including Great Wolf Lodge Water Park and Clinch Park Beach, are reachable on foot. If you're up for a stroll through some of Traverse City's best neighborhoods, Indian Woods is 3 kilometers away from downtown, while Slabtown is 2 kilometers away from the city center and also within walking distance.
What are some activities to do in Traverse City with kids?
Planning what to do in Traverse City with kids has never been so easy. Whether you're vacationing with teenagers or little ones, there's no shortage of family-friendly tours and attractions to keep everyone happy here.
What to do in Traverse City for adults?
Whether you're a culture enthusiast, food lover or outdoor explorer, there's a range of things to do in Traverse City for adults.
Are there free things to do in Traverse City?
From visiting parks to wandering around vibrant neighborhoods, it's simple to discover free things to do in Traverse City. If you're looking for inspiration, ask a local tour guide for some tips. Traverse City Beach is a great spot for anyone wishing to save on their sightseeing activities.

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