Do you have Traverse City, Michigan, on your holiday travel itinerary? Check out the list of the best things to do in Traverse City, Michigan and places to go in Traverse City, Michigan below. Wondrous Drifter is a Web 3 travel company that brings the best travel ideas to travelers.
Table Of Content
- Brys Estate Vineyard & Winery
- Chateau Grand Traverse Winery
- Cherry Growers Weigh Station
- City Opera House
- Clinch Park
- Coast Guard City Monument
- Front Street
- Gallagher’s Farm Market and Bakery
- Great Lakes Children’s Museum
- Light of Day Organic Farm and Tea Shop
- Perry Hannah Statue
- The Dennos Museum Center
- The Hippie Tree
- The River Guardian
- The State Theatre
- The Village at Grand Traverse Commons
- Traverse City Beach Bums
- Traverse City State Park
- Traverse Tall Ship Company
- World’s Largest Cherry Pie Pan
- Volunteer At Animal Shelters
Brys Estate Vineyard & Winery
Care for some wine? Brys Estate Vineyard & Winery doesn’t only serve the best wine in town but also has a guided tour of how they make their wine.
The 155-acre winery is the largest winemaking company in the Old Mission Peninsula.
A family-owned business with over 53,000 vines planted less than one mile from Lake Michigan.
Brys Estate was named one of the top 20 most admired wineries in the city due to its stunning views and high-quality wine.
Visitors will surely enjoy a guest house with breathtaking views of the bay that used to be a barn, a unique outdoor upper deck, and an old wine tasting room.
Grab a glass of wine and a piece of cheese to complement your palate!
The different benefits of wine on a rich soil, warm sun, cool breeze, and mild temperature are taught to the visitors.
Guided tours during the harvest season will enable visitors to see how their wine is made from scratch up to its final product.
Address: 3309 Blue Water Rd, Traverse City, MI 49686, United States
Chateau Grand Traverse Winery
If you weren’t able to go to Brys, you shouldn’t miss going to Chateau Grand Traverse Winery, a world-class winery.
Just like Brys, Chateau Grand Traverse is also a family-owned winery and is the oldest winery in Traverse City.
Started in 1974, the father of the family decided to bring his dreams to reality more than 40 years ago.
Each wine they create is a reflection of their personality, dedication, and decisions.
They were the first family in Michigan to grow vinegar grapes, an ingredient used to make classic wines.
They have a total of 185 acres of vineyards, and their Riesling wine has won awards and become a standard for the wine industry.
Some of the flavors they have are Cherry Riesling, Merlots, Spiced Cherry Wine, barrel-aged Chardonnays, Cherry Wine Sangria, and a lot more.
Before you grab a bottle of wine, their modern tasting room is a great place to try out which wine you like the best!
At the Inn, the place has six guest rooms where you can stay and have private conversations.
If you’re interested in buying a glass of wine, their large outdoor patio is where you can find them.
Grab yourself a wine-themed costume and souvenirs and spend a classy time at Chateau Grand Traverse Winery.
Address: 12239 Center Rd, Traverse City, MI 49686, United States
Cherry Growers Weigh Station
Visit Cherry Growers Weigh Station to cherry-ish your Traverse City fun memories.
The Cherry Growers’ Weigh Station makes up almost 83 percent of the sweet cherry supply in Michigan.
This 137-acre complex in five northern counties makes one-fifth of the tart cherry supply in the United States.
The weigh station is a beautiful and well-kept piece of history when it comes to cherry picking.
For 40 years, starting in 1920, after the weight station was built, they would compete with Grand Traverse Bay Cherry Grower.
Trucks were able to load more and move more quickly by getting rid of the long lines at the municipal weigh stations.
When technology improved in the 1960s, it became unnecessary to weigh crops.
From 1972 to 2017, the building was home to Lorey’s Harbor Station, which sold flowers, fruits, and vegetables.
In 1982, it was put on the Michigan Register of Historic Places.
However, the place shut down in 2017, but is still open to everyone for a visit to learn about its history.
Address: Peninsula Drive and Bowers Harbor Road, Traverse City, MI 49686, United States
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City Opera House
Travel back in time and feel like royalty in the Victorian era when visiting Traverse City.
There’s no place like the City Opera House, with its architectural masterpieces and 3 floors of live performances, dance, music, theater, and comedy all in one.
Since it was opened in 1892, hundreds of events have been held at the opera house, like concerts, plays, and other social celebrations.
Even though it has been existing for the longest time, they have preserved the place well and can accommodate up to 650 people inside the opera.
The opera house is a red-brick building with interiors made up of gold leaf, fresco murals, and a barrel-vaulted ceiling.
The opera house is also known as “Grand Old Lady” by the locals, and in 1972, it was included in the National Register of Historic Places.
The facility is also available for lessons for children aged 8 to 18.
Drop by at the City Opera House when you’re in Traverse City!
Address: 106 E Front St, Traverse City, MI 49684, United States
Clinch Park
Spend your weekend and wander around the 1,500-foot-long park in Traverse City.
Visit one of Traverse City’s most popular places to relax and take in the view.
A picnic on the beach is a great way to have a meal.
If you’re wondering what activities to do in Clinch Park, you can either rent or bring your own bike.
Kayak rentals, a splash pad, and a snack bar are also available in the area.
You do not have to worry about doing any water sports activities because there are friendly lifeguards on duty, and they will come to your rescue if needed.
During the summer, live music is played and performed, which visitors can enjoy.
Watch the sunset and make memories with your friends and family.
The Clinch Park is open to the public from June to August, so make sure you check out their website for their schedule and make reservations for a less stressful trip.
Address: 111 E Grandview Pkwy, Traverse City, MI 49684, United States
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Coast Guard City Monument
Don’t miss out on the Coast Guard City Monument, which is home to helicopters that have protected, saved lives, and served the city.
The U.S. Coast Guard Community Monument in Traverse City, Michigan, was dedicated on September 6, 2018.
It honors the city’s long history with the service, which goes back to 1946.
Traverse City is an official Coast Guard city, and it is used as a base for rescue planes that fly over Lake Michigan and its tributaries, such as most of Superior and Huron.
Moreover, the Coast Guard has been an important part of keeping the United States safe for a long time.
These helicopters were used from 2011 to 2017 when they were taken out of service and replaced by newer models.
The “Guardian” is the most important part of the monument’s center.
It was made by a student at Traverse City West High School.
This is an artist’s idea of an MH-65 “Dolphin” air rescue helicopter.
Visit Coast Guard City Monument; it not only has a rich history, but it also has a beautiful view.
Address: 539 E Front St, Traverse City, MI 49686, United States
Front Street
Front Street is known for its hiking trails, sandy beaches, and river, which makes it popular among nature lovers and thrill seekers.
Traverse City is considered the educational and commercial hub of Michigan.
If you’re looking for someplace to relax and ease your mind, the beautiful scenery will take your breath away.
Every year, they hold a festival called the Winter Comedy Festival and the National Cherry Festival.
The cherry blossom’s beautiful view will allow you to take great pictures for your Instagram feed.
While having fun, learn to appreciate the city’s art and culture by dropping by at places on Front Street because the locals are friendly and will answer your questions regarding the city.
Aside from it being a spot for commercial buildings, they also hold cultural events, a symphony orchestra, plays staged by local actors, and an opera guild.
Make sure to drop by the place when traveling to Michigan. Antique shops, souvenir shops, markets, and restaurants can be found in the area.
Address: 303 E. State Street, Suite C, Traverse City, MI 49685
Gallagher’s Farm Market and Bakery
The Gallagher’s Farm Market and Bakery are one of the best things to do in Michigan.
Nothing beats a farm-fresh baked good made with the best ingredients, and Gallagher’s Farm Market and Bakery offer the tastiest bread in town!
The bakery is one of the locals’ top choices when it comes to shopping.
Opened in 1971, the bakery is a family-run business and is open from June to October.
The brothers Bernie and Jack Gallagher opened the market and passed it down to their families.
They sell bread, salsa, jams, honey, pastries, wine, maple syrup, and pies.
Fruits, vegetables, and other seasonal treats are also available.
Their pastries and bread have won several awards, which makes the place popular among tourists and locals.
For a more unique experience, visitors are allowed to interact with farm animals and take photos of them.
There are bunnies, sheep, goats, pigs, and more animals that can be seen on the farm.
During the Halloween festival, they have pumpkin picking and a corn maze activity.
Don’t miss out on Gallagher’s Farm Market and Bakery for a fun-filled trip.
Address: 7237 E Traverse Hwy, Traverse City, MI 49684, United States
Great Lakes Children’s Museum
A fun and interesting destination, perfect for families traveling with their children!
Educational, challenging, and mind-blowing activities await your children in the Great Lakes Children’s Museum.
The Great Lakes Children’s Museum is a non-profit organization that opened its doors to the public in 1988 and was originally a museum for children aged 1 to 10.
A wide range of interactive and hands-on activities are available in the museum.
Building bridges, dress-up games, and topics about gravity are some of the things your children will learn about.
A puppet theater show and story-telling programs will surely keep the children entertained and will strengthen their skillset.
Children won’t only be the ones who will enjoy the museum, but a special event for all ages, including adults, is offered and has some lessons to teach.
Aside from the special events, programs, permanent displays, and moving exhibits are some of the displays they have in the museum.
Drop by the Great Lakes Children’s Museum when you’re in Traverse City for a memorable experience with your children.
Address: 13240 S W Bay Shore Dr, Traverse City, MI 49684, United States
Light of Day Organic Farm and Tea Shop
In Light of Day Organic Farm and Tea Shop, you surely wouldn’t want to spill the tea!
In the 1920s, the word “biodynamics” was constructed by Dr. Rudolf Steiner, and Light of Day Organic is the only farm that grows biodynamic tea.
They grow their crops based on the moon phases, and the best time to grow one is during the full moon.
People might think it is strange, but growing their crops includes paying respect to the soil, praying to the gods, and positivity for a good harvest.
The organic farm stretches across about 25 acres of land area, and they handpick their teas in small batches to keep the soil and the crop’s quality.
Their tea is good for the body, mind, and a person’s wellness.
The farm has a guided tour and tea tasting for their visitors.
All of their products are made and packaged in the most ethical way because they want to keep the physical and mental benefits of their teas.
Biodynamic tea has won several awards, and experts have agreed that it is the best organic tea in Michigan.
Enjoy the view while sipping a cup of tea in Traverse to keep all your worries away.
Address: 3502 E Traverse Hwy, Traverse City, MI 49684, United States
Perry Hannah Statue
Discover why Traverse City residents dress up Perry Hannah’s Statue.
Ever since the city was founded in 1851, a man named Perry Hannah lived in the town until his last days in 1904.
Perry went to the city of Traverse and became the first mayor of the city.
He also used to be the president of Lay and Company in Chicago.
Because of its fascinating history, the statue belongs to every local person interested in art and culture.
It became a tradition for the locals to dress up Perry Hannah’s Statue for different holidays and seasons.
He always has that drip and has the best style in Traverse.
People have dressed in crazy costumes for every Traverse City Film Festival, Christmas, Halloween, New Year’s Eve, and other holidays.
The statue has been put up since 2015 and has gained mixed opinions regarding the tradition.
It was said to be remarkable because they dressed the statue in crazy outfits and used it as a means for charity or public awareness.
If you happen to be in town, a six-foot-tall bronze statue should be one of the things to do in Michigan.
Address: 303 S Union St, Traverse City, MI 49684, United States
The Dennos Museum Center
A place for all art enthusiasts with collections from the 19th century to the present.
The Dennos Museum Center has the largest collection of art in Traverse City in the last 100 years, with over 3,000 pieces of Inuit art and 1,600 native Inuit art.
The museum opened its doors to the public in 1991 and became the most popular cultural sports museum in the city.
The area covers around 12,000 square feet and has a wide range of art collections and displays.
Some of the programs that are featured in the museum include the sciences, performing arts, and visual arts.
The second largest part of the museum is a unique collection of woodcuts by a Hungarian-American artist, Jozsef Domjan, with complex colors and patterns.
Graphic art from the 19th and 20th centuries by European and American artists’ and Japanese prints from the 1800s are one of the tourists’ favorite spots.
Make sure you buy something from their souvenir store when visiting the Dennos Museum Center.
Address: 1410 College Dr, Traverse City, MI 49686, United States
The Hippie Tree
The Hippie Tree is one of the top attractions in Michigan.
The secret behind the fun-looking place in Traverse is said to be a portal to hell.
In the middle of the woods, a number of dead trees that are painted in fun colors can be found.
In Michigan, local artists have been painting the bones of dead willow trees that help to keep the place alive.
Visitors have described the place as an enchanted-looking forest straight out of a fairy tale.
These trees were believed to be the home of souls roaming around the area since it is close to the Old State Hospital.
Spiritualists and people who study the supernatural have been to the area and created an energy in which ghosts and other spirits can feel at home.
Folklore says that under the trees’ tangled roots is the door to hell, where crazy people haunt the area.
The colorful art helped to draw tourists to the area, which makes it a popular tourist attraction in Traverse City.
Take wonderful photos and share them on your social media when you’re visiting Michigan.
Address: Traverse City, MI 49684, United States
The River Guardian
You’ll be thrilled to visit Traverse City’s big, friendly giant!
A 12-foot tall river guardian proudly stands in the middle of the city to look after the Boardman River.
The Michigan artist Dewey Blocksma made both sculptures and put them here in 1999.
Even though some people said, it wasn’t a “typical” sculpture, “The River Guardian” has been facing east for almost 20 years.
It is a constant reminder that the Boardman River watershed needs to be fixed and rebuilt.
Ever since the river guardian was built, it has helped to increase awareness regarding the importance of preserving the rivers and the environment.
The available water sports activities in the area are kayaking and fishing.
Having a picnic by the rivers and enjoying the view is also an option, given that visitors must not leave their trash behind.
You don’t want the tall river guardian to get mad, right? So make sure not to litter when you’re in the area.
Address: 202 E Grandview Pkwy, Traverse City, MI, United States
The State Theatre
This theatre is a gem for all film enthusiasts, with more than 400 movies shown every year.
The theatre opened its doors to the public in 1916 and has been rebuilt twice after it burned down.
Michael Moor, a director and activist from Michigan runs the film festival and has won an Emmy and an Oscar award.
At the Film Festival, they will show more than 250 films from different parts of the world.
The theatre has a huge screen with about 16,000 watts where they show old and classic movies.
There are facilities like comfortable seats, cheap food and drinks, and displays that you can interact with that will help you relax.
In 2007, they renovated and reopened the theater as a volunteer-run theater and not-for-profit theater.
You will never get bored on your journey if you rely more on traditional films and entertainment.
However, they are also showing some new movies that you can enjoy!
Check out their website for more information regarding the film festival and schedule.
Address: 233 E Front St, Traverse City, MI 49684, United States
The Village at Grand Traverse Commons
The Village at Grand Traverse Commons used to be an asylum with aesthetically pleasing scenery that was believed to heal patients’ mental illnesses.
During the 1800s, an asylum was built in an area that was occupied by individuals with mental problems.
In order to help them recover from their illnesses, the solution they thought of was to make the place a safe space and sanctuary.
The asylum’s interior, including the hallways and rooms, was decorated with flowers.
Meals and drinks were served in fine china.
Instead of demolishing the old asylum, they preserved it and used it for business.
Unique restaurants, salons, and shopping centers were established in the building, which makes it popular among locals and tourists.
They offer a guided tour if you’re a curious tourist who wants to learn more about the building’s history.
Overall, The Village at Grand Traverse Commons is a place where beautiful chaos happens and is a place to relax, shop, and eat with your family.
Address: 830 Cottageview Dr #101, Traverse City, MI 49684, United States
Traverse City Beach Bums
Looking for a place to travel to during the summer? Traverse City Beach Bums lives up to its name.
There are almost 48 baseball games held at Traverse City Beach Bums every year.
Michigan’s minor baseball team is known as the Traverse City Beach Bums. In 1914, they were the first professional league team.
They are a part of the Great Lakes Valley League.
The Frontier League offered Traverse City a team after the 2004 season, but the league wasn’t sure if it wanted to grow or move the team.
In 2005, someone bought the Richmond Roosters and took them to Traverse City, Michigan.
The team’s first game happened at Wuerfel Park in 2006, with over 4,660 seats.
About 200,000 fans watched the game, and the Beach Bums have become popular since then.
Enjoy the hot summer sun and grab a hotdog or popcorn while watching Traverse City Beach Bums’ game.
Address: 333 Stadium Dr, Traverse City, MI 49685, United States
Traverse City State Park
The Traverse City State Park is one of the best places to visit in Michigan.
If you intend on spending some time outdoors in Traverse City State Park, be sure to put on a lot of sunscreens.
The state park stretches across 47 acres of land area and first opened its doors to the public in 1920.
For a century, the park has been a popular tourist attraction for locals and visitors because of its breathtaking views and activities.
The activities available in the park will not only entertain visitors but also keep them physically active.
Visitors can enjoy and relax along Grand Traverse Bay’s beach.
You do not have to worry about running out of places to stay because they have around 343 campsites.
You can swim, sunbathe, fish, hike, rent a boat, or find metals by the shore for fun water activities.
If you don’t like to do anything that involves getting wet, you can rent a bike and stroll along the picnic areas.
Address: 1132 US-31 North, Traverse City, MI 49686, United States
Traverse Tall Ship Company
Sail out to sea and have a safe journey to Grand Traverse Bay.
Riding a tall ship and enjoying the wonderful bay is the greatest way to appreciate a city’s attractions.
The Traverse Tall Ship Company allows visitors to experience a trip by a yacht called “Manitou” or a tall replica ship.
The yacht is 114 feet long and can accommodate up to 59 people.
The replica is a copy of an 1800s freight schooner yacht, a 38-foot sailboat for groups of no more than 6.
Visitors can choose from longer trips that will last up to six days, a two-hour trip with a picnic lunch, or an overnight trip with breakfast.
The yacht’s destination is Power Island, a great place to watch fireworks, climb, swim or picnic with your family and friends.
They also cater to Mediterranean food, ice cream, and wine tasting, with live music performed by the yacht’s staff.
Experience a luxurious life in Traverse City by going on board Traverses Tall Ship Company.
Address: 13258 S.W. Bay Shore Drive, Traverse City, MI 49684
World’s Largest Cherry Pie Pan
After visiting Cherry Growers Weigh Station, this should be your next stop because the massive cherry pie will leave you speechless.
Also known as the “Cherry City of the World,” the World’s Largest Cherry Pie Pan was recorded as the largest one according to the Guinness Book of World Records.
There were about 35,000 individuals who took part in the pie eating.
Chef Pierre Bakeries produced a 17-foot and 6-inch wide cherry pie weighing 28,350 lbs in 1987.
About 510 buckets of its ingredients were used to make the cherry pie, which over a thousand people prepared.
As a reminder of that victory, the pie pan still exists, and it is the largest one of its kind that has ever been recorded and kept.
When you’re in Traverse, make sure you visit the World’s Largest Cherry Pie Pan and take great photos for your feed.
Address: 3424 Cass Rd, Traverse City, MI 49684, United States
Volunteer At Animal Shelters
Animal shelters serve a critical role in our communities by reuniting pets with their owners, sheltering the needy, and finding new homes for lost, homeless, or dangerous animals.
Volunteering for animal causes enables people to have a good, animal-friendly impact on their communities. It gives them a chance to observe the beneficial effects they can have on their neighborhood and deprived animals.
If you don’t have much time but still want to contribute, consider donating your old towels and bedding to rescue groups or the humane society. The shelter animals are constantly in need of warm bedding. If your children are no longer using their baby blankets, a dog or cat may find comfort in them. Cat and dog food, kitty litter, leashes and collars, and toys are always useful to rescue organizations and humane societies.
Volunteer opportunities at animal shelters in Traverse City, Michigan, are available and may be found on the links provided. The abandoned creatures need your help!
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