Traverse City Travel Blog

Explore must-see, must-do activities throughout the page content below or explore other things to do in Traverse City: 

• Things to Do 
• Top Activities 
• Sleeping Bear Dunes 

Vacations should be relaxing. Exploration should be a delight. And there is nothing that kills the joy of discovery or the bliss of goofing off quite as thoroughly as trying to cram too many experiences and too many sights into your precious vacation time.

Did you know one of the largest redevelopment projects in the western hemisphere is in Traverse City’s backyard? The Village at Grand Traverse Commons was once a state-run mental institution housing thousands of patients before it spent more than 10 years sitting vacant. Since the massive

Who was Perry Hannah and why is there a statue of him in Downtown Traverse City? What's the best place to see historic buildings? Are there any shipwrecks in the region? The answers to these questions, and more, are highlighted below. Take a step back in time to appreciate the present and see how our northern Michigan city has developed into the thriving destination that it is today. 

(Photo: Vagabrothers)

What happens when two world travelers from California visit Michigan, and more specifically, Traverse City for the first time? 

Snacks are packed and sunscreen is applied. Kids are strapped into car seats and seat belts. You’re ready to head out on a hike with your family. But, as is so often the case, your kids have another agenda in mind. Instead of completing that two-mile loop, you barely make it two hundred yards before things go off the rails on the trails.

In the midst of the morning rush—breakfast-making, backpack-grabbing, everyone scattering in different directions for the day—I remember to pull out a favorite pair of black running shorts and a red short-sleeve top to take with me. And shoes. Don’t forget your running shoes. While I often log miles from my house on the east side of town, I like mixing up my running routine and will head to favorite routes throughout Traverse City.

It’s beautiful winter weather this year -- wonderful weather for a few hours of Nordic skiing or snowshoeing on some of the Traverse City area’s many lovely trails.