Things to do in  Traverse City

Nicknamed the Cherry Capital of the World, Traverse City is home to the National Cherry Festival. Every summer, an estimated 500,000 people attend. The Cherry Queen kicks off the multi-day event which includes a cherry-heavy farmers market, a “flying pancake” breakfast, an even higher-flying air festival, and hosted orchard tours at the Michigan State University Horticultural Research Station. It’s a bit out of the way, but if you have time and are interested in curiosities, drive out toward the airport to check out the World’s Largest Cherry Pie Pan. It’s all that remains from the world’s largest cherry pie which was baked, and subsequently devoured, in Traverse City in 1978.

The northern Michigan city is also known for its proximity to Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, located just 25 miles (40 kilometers) west of downtown. According to the National Park Service, the 71,119-acre park is home to the world’s largest freshwater dune system. A national park unit since 1970, Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore welcomes more than 1.6 million visitors every year. While there are campgrounds within the park, many travelers opt to stay in Traverse City where there are more options, especially if you need electrical hookups or prefer hotels.

Three days is the perfect amount of time to spend in Traverse City if you want to fully experience the area’s nature, history, and cuisine. Offering year-round outdoor activities, including skiing, hiking, kayaking, fishing, and biking, the area is a nature enthusiast’s dream. Beach days, wine tours, and sightseeing can quickly fill up any vacation itinerary.

Every spring, Traverse City cherry blossoms herald the end of the harsh northern Michigan winter. Old Mission Peninsula is the best place to see the blossoms, and, if you’re inclined, enjoy a wine tour. Hiking and cycling, especially at nearby Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, is also very popular in the springtime.

Locals often divide their free time between Downtown Traverse City and the Village at Grand Traverse Commons, both of which offer a variety of restaurants, stores, cultural venues, and events. In the summer, you’ll find many Cherry Capital folks at downtown beaches like West End Beach and Bryant Park Beach.

Yes. Traverse City is the perfect home base for enjoying northern Michigan’s plentiful winter activities. Nearby resorts are great for skiing and snowboarding. Crystal Mountain is 31 miles (50 kilometers) south of town and features 59 downhill slopes including 27 which are lighted for night skiing. It also offers three terrain parks and nearly 16 miles (26 kilometers) of groomed trails for cross country skiing. Crystal Mountain also offers fat biking, ice skating, and horse-drawn surrey rides. Snowmobiling is also a popular pastime in these parts. You can rent sleds in town before taking to the more than 100 miles (161 kilometers) of trails.

In terms of holiday events, Traverse City packs its calendar with family-friendly fun that lasts from late November through early January. Locals look forward to the Light Parade and Santa’s Arrival, usually held around Thanksgiving, and The Nutcracker, performed every year at Interlochen Center for the Arts. Get your tickets as soon as you can as this annual event tends to sell out months in advance. If you’re visiting over New Year’s Eve, don’t miss out on the “cherry ball drop.”

Yes. You’re never far from a beach, or two, in Traverse City. There are six within walking distance of the historic downtown, including West End Beach, Volleyball Beach, and Bryant Park Beach. The sand is soft, and there’s always something to do whether it’s swimming, bodysurfing, or simply beachcombing. A quick drive to Leelanau Peninsula yields several more beaches, including Suttons Bay Beach and Van’s Beach.