Posted on June 25, 2026
The lakeside town of Traverse City, Michigan has been seen across the Lower Peninsula as the place to be! Crafts, events, relaxation, and recreation year-round makes for a prime host to all travelers. For over a century, Traverse City experiences have led to it being a popular Michigan destination. Whether you are seeking history, art, culinary, or enjoying nature, Traverse City, MI has it all!
Are there any outdoor activities in Traverse City, MI? Traverse City is surrounded by expansive landscapes that embark visitors into its interest of activities! Take for example the beloved Cherry Blossom Self-guided Tours which offer breathtaking scenery across the M-37 in a seasonal display of nature's beauty. More adventurous options await across the various recreation sites like Mt. Holiday Resort, a year-round community favorite for its collection of family-oriented activities, weekly/monthly events, seasonal facilities, and an always-welcoming atmosphere. Another option for sunshine and fresh air comes from the Ride Leelanau e-bike service out of Suttons Bay and Traverse City with their top-of-the-line rentals that are perfect to access the various trails in Leelanau and the Traverse area. The Grand Traverse Bay also offers water recreation along the flaking peninsula shores of Leelanau and Old Mission. For a boating and tasting tour, Kayak Brewery Tours provides biking and kayaking mixed with sun soaked spaces and sud-filled pints. This paddling or peddling experience creates a great atmosphere for a rowdy, good time! If you prefer a traditional sailing excursion, check out the Traverse Tall Ship Company (video below). These sightseeing charters offer historic sailing adventures out of the Grand Traverse Bay. Be sure to check for monthly events across Traverse City, MI to make the most of your visit!
Cherry Blossom Tours
(231) 947-1120 | Website
Ride Leelanau at Suttons Bay
204 N. Saint Joseph St., Suttons Bay, MI 49682 | Website
Mt. Holiday Resort
3100 Holiday Rd., Traverse City, MI 49686 | (231) 938-2500 | Website
Kayak Brew Tour
435 W. Front St., Traverse City, MI 49684 | (231) 760-8828 | Website
Traverse Tall Ship Co.
13170 S.W. Bay Shore Dr., Suite 108, Traverse City, MI 49684 | (231) 941-2000 | Website
Are there any arts or performances in Traverse City, MI? The arts scene of Traverse City features is a key to understanding the soul of the community through its exhibitions and performances! For movie lovers of all ages, the State Theatre has a great variety of movies from across a generation of theatre... including one dollar children's matinees every Saturday. For those who enjoy stage work, the Interlochen Center of the Arts features performances throughout the year from across different genres and timing with a particular appeal to summer performance groups. If you are seeking exhibitions, the collections of Dennos Museum Center at Northwestern Michigan College displays a share of regional to international works of art including their signature collection of Inuit art. Centered on the community while extending its inspirations outward, these historical exhibitions of the arts maintain the full story of where Traverse stands in the art world.
The State Theatre
233 E. Front St., Traverse City, MI 49684 | (231) 600-7272 | Website
Interlochen Center of the Arts
4000 J. Maddy Pkwy., Interlochen, MI, 49683 | (231) 276-2700 | Website
Dennos Museum
Northwestern Michigan College Campus, 1410 College Dr., Traverse City, MI 49686 | (231) 995-1055 | Website
Are there any historical sites in Traverse City, MI? Traverse City, MI sits at the heart of Michigan's lower shoreline with the surrounding area having been an important hub of regional activity throughout its history! A number of impressive historical sites call Traverse City their home. One of the long-standing sites is Grand Traverse Commons, a cluster of beautiful shops, galleries, and restaurants situated on the grounds of The Village within the Grand Traverse Commons Natural Area. With offerings of shopping, food, and opportunities for guided tours throughout the site, there is much to explore! For those seeking a more intimate experience with history, the two lighthouses of Mission Point and Grand Traverse flank the Grand Traverse Bay. Mission Point Lighthouse has stood as an icon of the Old Peninsula for over a century and stands now as the marker of stewardship over the land alongside the park's collection of trails and shoreline. As for the Grand Traverse Lighthouse at the tip of the Leelanau Peninsula, the region's maritime history is on full display with its museum extension and seasonal access to the lighthouse for self-guided tours. For more information on maritime history and its architecture, be sure to check out our Lighthouse Road Trips!
Grand Traverse Commons
1200 W. 11th St., Traverse City, MI 49684 | (231) 941-1900 | Website
Mission Point Lighthouse
20500 Center Rd., Traverse City, MI 49686 | (231) 645-0769 | Website
Grand Traverse Lighthouse
15500 Lighthouse Point Rd., Northport, MI 49670 | (231) 386-7195 | Website
Are there any wineries or breweries in Traverse City, MI? Traverse City, MI happens to settle between two recognized viticultural regions which makes for an endearing winery and brewery scene. The century's old Rove Winery is one of the historical visionaries in Traverse. With five generations of experience and exceptional notes in their wine and cider selections, their estate winery location and shuttle tours are both perfect ways to enjoy a tasting in style. For a more casual brewery and dinner experience, The Filling Station Microbrewery maintains an impressive list of house made drinks with inspirations from across the region alongside their selection of flatbread pizzas and other snacks. If you happen to be in town at the right time, Traverse City, MI is host to a few interesting events surrounding craft brewing that show off the best of the community. Wineries across the region have Traverse City Uncorked with their week of celebrations from tasting room to cellar that sees a proper festival of wine appreciation. Breweries of all kinds across town have Traverse City Beer Week which brings the community together over suds with a mixture of special and themed events in participating breweries. With the large selection of establishments in Traverse City, our choices for Traverse wineries and breweries make for a great series to explore, but only scratch the surface. Be sure to check out the Leelanau Peninsula Wine Trail and Traverse City Beer Tours while visiting!
Rove Winery at the Hallagher Estate
7007 E. Traverse Hwy. (M-72), Traverse City, MI 49684 | (231) 421-7001 | Website
The Filing Station Microbrewery
20500 Center Rd., Traverse City, MI 49686 | (231) 946-8168 | Website
Traverse City Uncorked
Website
Are there any annual events in Traverse City, MI? Traverse City, Michigan is host to a handful of festivals and celebrations which have annual events within the community! The beloved Northwestern Michigan Fair celebrates the agricultural heritage of the northwest through appreciation of its many features and tapping into the classic summer fair attractions to make for a fun and informative experience. Next on our list, let's celebrate cherries at the National Cherry Festival! With vendors, competitions, performances, and community-centric programs around, this festival makes for a cherry-dense week of fun! For something a bit more unique and local, check out the Traverse City Restaurant Week. This annual event is dedicated to the local character of meals and culinary craft throughout the city. This week long event combines wonderful fare with the help of restaurant passport for a chance to win prizes courtesy of Downtown Traverse City Association. Regardless of when you intend to visit, Traverse City is sure to have a seasonal event to accompany!
Northwestern Michigan Fair - Annually in August
3606 Blair Town Hall Rd., Traverse City, MI 49685 | Website
National Cherry Festival - Annually in July
Website
Traverse City Restaurant Week - Annually in February
Website