Traverse City Travel Blog

The former Northern Michigan Asylum, which became the Traverse City State Hospital, brings one of the region's most fascinating stories to light through halls and rooms, underground steam tunnels and the historic Men's Walk and Women's Walk. Today, visitors come to learn the Traverse City asylum

The best place to stay near Traverse City for beaches depends on the kind of waterfront getaway you’re planning. Choose a downtown hotel for easy access to public beaches, restaurants, and shops. Stay on one of the scenic peninsulas for quieter shoreline views. Book a family-friendly resort with

Summer in Traverse City has a way of bringing families together, whether that means long days at the beach, afternoons on the golf course, or evenings spent exploring local attractions. The right resort can make it even easier to enjoy it all. Across the Traverse City area, you’ll find resorts with

What if, on your next vacation, you not only left Traverse City with vibrant memories of splashing in the refreshing, blue waters of Grand Traverse Bay? What if, you left with a new skill in your back pocket? What if you learned how to do leatherwork? What if you learned to be a beekeeper?

What do you do when you are searching for Michigan-grown, organic, heirloom grain and there’s none to be found? The answer to that question was easy for Gary Jonas and Nic Theisen, owners of Farm Club restaurant near Traverse City. You work directly with hand-picked farmers and grow your own. Then you add a new building to support the 48-inch stone flour mill and a store to sell the bakery products that the wheel creates.

The numbers aren’t clear. We do know that in 1929, Ransom Field opened as the first airport in Traverse City. But we don’t know how many passengers they carried. They flew a Boeing 80A aircraft that could handle up to 18 passengers. There was only a direct flight to Grand Rapids. They not only took passengers but also carried airmail. The cost of that airmail stamp was five cents per ounce, quite a lot more than the standard two cents per ounce for regular postage. But you gladly paid the extra if it was urgent to get that letter up north, there was no UPS at that time.

Golfers know the magic of a destination that delivers great play in every season, and Traverse City does exactly that. From crisp spring tee times and summer resort greens to spectacular fall color tours and winter simulators, Traverse City golf isn’t just a seasonal activity. It’s a year-round

Spring has sprung in Traverse City. You know what to do. Dust off those hiking boots and hit the trail!  

The snow is melting, the birds are singing, and the trees are beginning to bud, making for some spectacular scenery. Whether you're a seasoned hiker or looking for a leisurely stroll, the Traverse City area boasts a wide variety of trails perfect for shaking off those winter blues. 

Ready to explore? Use our handy jump list to find your next adventure! 

Laugh the weekend away at the annual Traverse City Comedy Fest, from April 16-18. There are good times and good laughs to be had at one of the most beloved Traverse City festivals, which draws some of the biggest names in comedy.

From some of the best improv in the county to roast battles and comedy rumbles, Traverse City Comedy Fest has something for everyone — even a comedic twist for murder mystery fans! Check out this year’s comedy in Traverse City, MI, including lineup, venues, and how to snag a ticket.

“He stands like a statue, becomes part of the machine. Feelin’ all the bumpers, always playin’ clean” – The Who, Pinball Wizard.

He stands in his bedazzled, shiny shirt, not like the stoic pinball wizard from the song, but instead, he shows an animated display of emotion, intent on connecting to his machine. Brock Nummerdor from Reed City came to Traverse City earlier this year, hoping to make his mark on the Michigan Pinball Championship at Right Brain Brewery. “It’s just a physical connection. We’ll call it visceral. It’s the bells, the chimes, the bleeps, the bloops, the thuds. It’s a very intense game,” said Nummerdor.