Things to do in Traverse City, Michigan [Updated 2024]
Since opening Traverse City Vacation Cottages in 1989, we have enjoyed hosting guests from near and far. Charming Silver Lake is the perfect setting to enjoy Northern Michigan at its finest: crystal clear water, sandy beaches, local wildlife spottings, and more. With downtown Traverse City and its surrounding areas just a short drive from our beachfront cottages, you will make memories to last a lifetime. You can check out our family-owned cottage rentals here!
Traverse City Outdoor Attractions
Trails
The lush forest trails of Northern Michigan are maintained throughout the seasons. Trails are available for all skill levels to enjoy activities such as walking, hiking, biking, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and more! Terrains include rustic and paved paths through woods, meadows, swamps, beaches, and dunes.
Even though we have lived here for decades, there are more trails than we can possibly keep track of! But we have shared some of our favorites below.
TART Trails
The Traverse Area Recreation Trail (TART) is our longest paved trail system, and it extends throughout Grand Traverse and Leelanau counties. Residents and visitors enjoy this trail year-round for walking, biking, and also – skiing!
The BATA bus line also offers a Bike-N- Ride option with the TART trail. The Traverse City to Sutton’s Bay ride is a lovely day-trip excursion. Enjoy a paved 17-mile ride through woods & meadows, ending in quaint Sutton’s Bay where you can also enjoy some shopping & dining! Ride back on the trail, or alternatively, take the bus back to TC. You can view bus schedules here.
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Park
No trip to Northern Michigan is complete without visiting Sleeping Bear Dunes! Named the “Most Beautiful Place in America” by Good Morning America, the pictures really don’t do it justice. In truth, you will want to experience it with your own eyes! The National Park is home to countless wildlife creatures, pristine beaches, numerous trails, and also – amazing scenic overlooks. Located just 45 minutes from our cottage rentals on Silver Lake!
The Sleeping Bear Lakeshore is also a rock lover’s paradise! Collect beach glass, Petoskey, and Leland Blue Stones at the endless miles of majestic beaches. To read more about beaches in the Traverse City area, check out this article!
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Park Trails
Pyramid Point: Arguably the best view in all of Northern Michigan! A simply breathtaking overview high atop the dunes overlooking Lake Michigan and the distant Manitou Islands. Although an intermediate uphill hike through the woods is required to get here, it is worth the climb!
Hike the Dunes (advanced): If you’re an avid hiker, this is the place for you! With over 3.5 miles and 5 different dunes to scale, the panoramic tropical-like blues of Lake Michigan and Glen Lake are breathtaking. Compared to many of the other scenic trails around, this one is quite challenging (but worth it for the nature enthusiast!) Afterward, you can also enjoy a scenic drive or relax one of the countless beaches nearby!
Sleeping Bear Point: A moderate to advanced trail that also includes smaller dunes and a moderately rocky beach. Located in historic Glen Haven, this hiking spot also is a great place to catch up on some local history and hit the beach.
View all Sleeping Bear National Park trails
***National Park Passes are required to access Sleeping Bear Trails, Beaches, and Lookout Points. You can purchase a park pass here. Alternatively, you can pick up a parking pass at one of the stations within the national park itself.
Trails in Traverse City
TART in Town Trail: Enjoy walking or stop by one of TC’s bike rental shops!
Boardman Lake Loop Trail: This is an easy and scenic loop right in town! The trail passes by the Traverse Area District Library, scenic woodlands, and a bridge over Boardman Lake. This trail is just a short distance from the bike rental shops in Traverse City.
Grand Traverse Commons Trails: Located on the historic Traverse City State Hospital grounds, these trails pass through a variety of terrain including orchards, swamps, a cedar cathedral, and more! Check out the beautifully renovated Village at Grand Traverse Commons (formerly the Traverse City State Hospital) for a boutique shopping and fine dining experience.
Guided Historical Tours through finished and abandoned areas of the old asylum are also available.
Trails Near Traverse City Vacation Cottages
*These trails* are just a 5-10 minute drive from our lakefront cottages.
*Silver Lake Recreation Area: Just on the other side of Silver Lake! Includes a paved trail around the perimeter of the park, as well as an unpaved path through the woods. A playground, baseball field, frisbee golf course, dog park, and covered pavilion areas are also included.
*Timbers Recreation Area: Located off of North Long Lake Rd (near Moomer’s Ice Cream!), this trail system is located on a historic property that once belonged to J. Ogden Armour, owner of the Armour Meat Packing Company. It was later used for many years as a Girl Scout Camp. Though now abandoned, the centennial barn and many outbuildings still stand. The trails are well maintained, offering a variety of terrain including meadows, woods, wetlands, access to Long Lake, and a small fishing platform at Fern Lake.
*Grand Traverse Natural Education Reserve: Hike through the fields and woods and fish the stream along the Boardman River.
*Miller Creek Nature Reserve: This scenic trail loops behind stores at Grand Traverse Crossing and includes hilly, riverside terrain. However, if hiking is not for everyone in you party, this location makes a great spot to shop, dine, or relax at a bookstore cafe.
*Copper Ridge Trail: A more advanced trail system that is linked to the Grand Traverse Commons Trails. This terrain includes steeper hills, ledges, and rocky terrain in some areas. Moderate to advanced for hiking and ADVANCED for mountain biking. Nevertheless, caution is advised while visiting this trail system– whichever your pursuit.
Other Trails Outside of Traverse City
These trails and lookouts are a little further away from our lakefront cottages but worth the drive.
Old Mission Point Park: Located at the very tip of Old Mission Peninsula, the park is home to the Mission Point Lighthouse, a gorgeous beach, and easy-to-moderate hiking trails. Also enjoy other stops along the drive – including numerous wineries, lavender farms, and markets. Explore all the things to do on Old Mission Peninsula here!
Scenic Lookouts
High Rollaway: Enjoy a breathtaking overlook of the Manistee River (fall is the best time!). It’s just a short walk from the parking lot to the observation platform, but the trail also connects to the North Country Trail.
Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive: A must-do if you have never visited Sleeping Bear Dunes National Park!
Arcadia Overlook: A stunning multi-level observation deck overlooking Lake Michigan! Quaint local beaches are also located nearby, as well as the world’s most adorable old-fashioned ice cream shoppe!
Bike Trails
TART Trail: A paved trail extending throughout Grand Traverse & Leelanau Counties.
Boardman Lake Loop Trail: A mostly-paved, easy trail in town.
VASA Single Track: A popular mountain biking destination!
Copper Ridge Mountain Bike Trails: ADVANCED trails. Caution advised.
Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail: A paved trail that extends through Empire, Glen Arbor, and Sleeping Bear National Park.
Traverse City Bike Rentals
All conveniently located next to each other on 8th Street in Traverse City – approximately 15 minutes from our cottage rental property on Silver Lake.
Day Trips to Take in the Traverse City Area
At Traverse City Vacation Cottages, we love to paddle, cruise, and float on beautiful Silver Lake. We provide kayaks, boards, a swimming raft, and other beach accessories for you to enjoy your lakefront cottage rental. But it’s always fun to venture out and explore! We have listed some of our favorite day drip excursions below.
Platte River: A favorite Northern Michigan activity among locals and visitors! This gorgeous, slow-moving river includes multiple entry points and a beautiful exit point where the mouth of the river meets Lake Michigan – a pristine sandy beach with dunes and the perfect place to swim in both bodies of water.
***Rent your equipment & pick up your parking pass at the Honor Trading Post.
Crystal River: A 2-3hr kayak or canoe trip within Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Begins & ends in the charming town of Glen Arbor.
Kayak & Brew Tours: Paddle the Boardman Lake & River in TC and stop at some great local breweries and eateries.
Towns to Visit
Enjoy a trip to town at these charming destinations – all within 45 minutes from our beachfront cottages on Silver Lake.
Downtown Traverse City: The largest town in the area but still has a small-town feel. Countless restaurants, shops, and things to do!
Frankfort: Northern Michigan’s “surf town”. Hands down one of the best beaches in the area! Enjoy a stroll through town and a walk out on the pier to complete your day trip.
Sutton’s Bay: A charming and historic town just 30 minutes away from Traverse City! Shops, dining, and more!
Leland: Known by locals as “Fishtown”, this charming village features quaint shops and restaurants located between Lake Michigan and Lake Leelanau. Stop by the famous Cheese Shanty for some amazing sandwiches (cash-only). For the ultimate nature-lovers excursion, hop on board the Manitou Island Transit to enjoy island tours, shoreline cruises, hiking, and more!
Elk Rapids: Another small, idyllic town with shops, food stops, and harbor views.
Glen Arbor: A cute little town close to many Sleeping Bear National Lakeshore destinations.
Other Things to Do in Traverse City
Farmer’s Market: Wednesdays & Saturdays in Downtown TC!
The Village at Grand Traverse Commons: Explore unique shops and dining inside the historic and beautifully renovated Traverse City State Hospital.
Dennos Museum: A small yet pristine museum with exhibits featuring Native American culture and a rotating main feature exhibit.
Cherry Blossom 14 Movie Theatre: 14 theatres, including an IMAX and a full concession stand that includes beer + wine.
Traverse City State Theatre & Bijou Movie Theatre: Get that old-fashioned movie feel at the State Theatre in the heart of downtown TC or the Bijou by the Bay located at Clinch Park.
Night Life in Traverse City
Cherry Bowl Drive-in Movie Theatre: Step back in time to the 1950s at the iconic Cherry Bowl! Get 2 feature films for the price of one. Family-friendly atmosphere with a playground and minigolf course. Showtime is at dusk, usually beginning with a kid’s film. No R-rated movies played here! About a 20-minute drive from our lakefront cottages.
Historic Traverse City Ghost Tour: Get the inside spook – I mean scoop – on the history of Traverse City!
Interlochen Arts Academy – Summer Concerts: This world-renowned arts academy and covered outdoor concert hall features an impressive variety of performers every summer!
Live Music: Check this link to view current music events in TC!
Concerts on the Lawn: Free concerts put on by local musicians – Thursday evenings throughout the summer. Located on the lawn between the Village at Grand Traverse Commons and the Grand Traverse Pavillions.
Things to do with Kids in Traverse City
*Starred activities* are just a 5-10 minute drive from our cottage rental on Silver Lake!
Great Lakes Children’s Museum: A fun place for kids to learn and play indoors! This is a popular place with limited capacity, so reservations are recommended.
*Boardman River Nature Center: Explore and learn in this nature playscape! Featuring sensory experiences that are ADA accessible.
Lucky Jack’s: Bowling, arcade, bumper cars, laser tag, and more!
*Incredible Mo’s: Bowling, arcade, escape room, and a full restaurant!
Coin Slot: Step back to the 1980s at this retro arcade.
Handz on Art: Design & create works of art at this fun studio in downtown TC!
Traverse Area District Library: Our library is one-of-a-kind! Located on the Boardman Lake and right along the TART trail, the library offers a fun place to learn and explore both indoors and outside.
Civic Center: Walk the paved path, check out the playground, skate park, and more! Venture inside to swim in the pool or use the fitness center. The civic center is also located close to downtown TC.
*YMCA: A large and beautiful facility complete with pools, various fitness centers, and outdoor trails to explore.
Jacob’s Farm: A fun place to gather, dine, listen to live music, and let the kids play. Check out the impressive corn maze in the fall!
Pirate’s Cove Adventure Golf: Outdoor put-put golf for the whole family!
*Rainbow Valley Family Farms: Feed the alpacas at this family-run farm just down the road.
GT Butterfly House & Bug Zoo: Spend time with the butterflies and learn all about insects!
Parks & Playgrounds
There’s always a park nearby in Traverse City! Check out some of our favorites below:
*Starred parks* are just a 5-10 minute drive from our lakefront cottages.
Splash Pad – Downtown TC: Located at Clinch Park near the concession stand and the beach. Grab some ice cream at the Kayak Kafe, and watch your kids climb and splash around! Located just through the walking tunnel near the main downtown TC parking lot.
*Blair Township Park: An even bigger splash pad and playground just down the road!
*Silver Lake Recreation Area: Just on the other side of Silver Lake! Includes a paved trail around the parameter of the park, as well as an unpaved path through the woods. A playground, baseball field, frisbee golf course, dog park, and covered pavilion areas are also included.
Grelickville Harbor Park: Located on West Bay at Elmwood Marina, this park offers a fun playground right at the beach! For an extra special treat, sneak through the walking tunnel inside the Centerpoint parking structure to get some ice cream across the road at Buchan’s!
Bryant Park: Another great park at the beach on the other side of West Bay. Another great place to enjoy a picnic, playground, and beach time all-in-one.
East Bay Park: Just on the other side of Old Mission Peninsula, the water of East Bay is shallower, giving a more tropical hue. A magical place in the early morning hours.
Lighthouses
These destinations are outside of Traverse City but all within a 1 hour drive of our cottage rental property on Silver Lake.
Grand Traverse Lighthouse: Located at the tip of the Leelanau Peninsula, this historic lighthouse is on State Park Grounds. Even if you do not tour the lighthouse, the trails and rocky beach are a rock collector’s paradise! You can also explore the charming villages of Northport or Sutton’s Bay on your way through. Plus you can also stop by the Hop Lot for lunch or dinner for a family-friendly outdoor dining and craft brew experience!
Mission Point Lighthouse: Located at the very tip of Old Mission Peninsula, the lighthouse grounds feature a gorgeous beach and easy-to-moderate hiking trails. Enjoy other stops along the drive – including numerous wineries, lavender farms, and markets. Explore all the things to do on Old Mission Peninsula here!
Robert Manning Memorial Lighthouse: Although no tours are available at this lighthouse, the setting at Empire Beach will not disappoint!
Frankfort North Breakwater Lighthouse: Another non-tourable lighthouse, but the walk on the pier and the beach town of Frankfort is a true gem of Northern Michigan.
Point Betsie Lighthouse: A short drive from Frankfort, the Point Betsie Lighthouse does offer tours during the summer season. And the beach setting is picturesque.
Golf
Traverse City is a golfer’s paradise! With countless courses to choose from, we have listed a few favorites below.
*Starred courses* are just a 5-10 minute drive from our lakefront cottages.
There are so many wonderful things to do in Traverse City! No matter where you stay and what you do, you will experience the culture and beauty of this lovely Northern Michigan destination. For more information about our family-run resort and cottage rentals on Silver Lake, visit the Traverse City Vacation Cottage website here!
Need other Traverse City Recommendations? Check out these other articles below:
Traverse City Dining Guide: Restaurants, Wineries & Breweries
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