Things to do in Traverse City

Find and book activities, attractions and tours

Photo provided by Traverse City Tourism
Photo provided by Traverse City Tourism
Photo provided by Pure Michigan
Photo provided by Pure Michigan
Photo provided by Traverse City Convention & Visitors Bureau
Photo provided by Traverse City Convention & Visitors Bureau
Photo provided by Traverse City Tourism
Photo provided by Traverse City Tourism
Photo provided by Pure Michigan
Photo provided by Pure Michigan
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What to do in Traverse City

Discover the most popular places to visit in Traverse City

So many options! Choose your own toppings. Can you tell maple bacon is my favorite? I believe this is a franchise from Pittsburgh. There are two locations in Michigan - Portage and Traverse City.

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
Traverse City Beach

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
In use from 1870 until 1933 this is yet another light house along the shores of Lake Michigan.

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

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

Village at Grand Traverse Commons

You can enjoy retail therapy at Village at Grand Traverse Commons during your stay in Traverse City. Wander the beautiful beaches and lakeside in the area.

Village at Grand Traverse Commons

Munson Healthcare

Though Munson Healthcare might be what brings you to town, perhaps you'll have a chance to explore more of Traverse City while you are here.

Munson Healthcare

Grand Traverse Mall

You can browse for the perfect souvenirs at Grand Traverse Mall during your trip to Traverse City. Stroll along the area's lakeside or experience its lively festivals.

Grand Traverse Mall

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

Turtle Creek Stadium

Catch an event at Turtle Creek Stadium during your trip to Traverse City. Wander the beautiful beaches and lakeside in this family-friendly area.

Turtle Creek Stadium

Discover the most popular landmarks and neighborhoods in Traverse City

Traverse City featuring ballooning

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
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Central

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

Central
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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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Boardman

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

Boardman

Popular day trips from Traverse City

Lake Leelanau

Lake Leelanau

Photo by Bronkema Wendy

Interlochen

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.