Photo by Todd & Brad Reed Photography

Enjoy the Beauty of Grand Traverse County During Any Season

It's perhaps the most beautiful region of Michigan, where thousands from around the country come to vacation. The Grand Traverse region encompasses Traverse City, the Leelanau Peninsula, Grand Traverse Bay and the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.

On This Page

 Not only will the scenery amaze you, but there is so much to see and do in this area of Northwest Michigan. Summertime activities include swimming, boating, golfing, or attending a local festival. Autumn is perfect for visiting a winery—with over 35 in close proximity, you can make a day of it! It’s a winter wonderland in the Grand Traverse area, where you can snowshoe, ski, snowmobile, and ice skate.

Traverse City- the Largest Community in the Region

Traverse City has ranked high on various lists–#2 small town travel destination in the United States, top 10 places to retire in the U.S. and among the top 10 winter vacation destinations in the country. This northern gem has been discovered by travel writers everywhere, and you can benefit by planning a trip to the region and enjoying all Traverse City has to offer. Don’t miss the Traverse City Wine & Art Festival, featuring the region’s best wines and local art, held in late June. A top producer of tart cherries has made Traverse City “The Cherry Capital.” Their eight day National Cherry Festival in early July is one of Michigan’s premier attractions. Later in July, the Traverse City Film Festival takes place at the downtown State Theater. Founded by filmmaker Michael Moore, it’s your chance to catch a documentary, foreign, or short film. Or catch a Traverse City Pit Spitters baseball game at Wuerfel Park. It’s a great summertime family activity.

Beautiful aerial view in Grand Traverse County. | Dennis Buchner on Unsplash.com

Leelanau Peninsula

Often referred to as the “little finger” of the mitten-shaped state, the Leelanau Peninsula extends out 30 miles into Lake Michigan. To the east you’ll find Grand Traverse Bay, with miles of shoreline and clean, fresh water. The beaches are so plentiful, you’ll never feel crowded and there’s nothing more relaxing than lying on the sand and feeling the warmth of the sun on your face. The Traverse City-Leelanau Peninsula region is where you’ll find 34 wineries that offer tours and wine tastings. The soil and climate in this part of Michigan are the perfect combination for producing wines that can compete with the best in the country.

Discover the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

Once viewers of Good Morning America designated the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore as the most beautiful place in the United States, this national park experienced a high influx of visitors. Only the most ambitious and energetic can attempt to climb the dunes—others can simply choose a lookout point and enjoy breathtaking Lake Michigan views. Located in the westerly section of the Grand Traverse area, you can see the Manitou Islands from Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.

Grand Traverse County Business Directory

Grand Traverse County Events

Beautiful Grand Traverse County is home to many events that include fun for the whole family. In May, winemakers invite the public to their tasting rooms to sample unreleased wines along with their customary tasting list at Blossom Days. Also in May, the Leelanau Peninsula Chamber of Commerce hosts their annual Birding Festival which includes various field trips for bird watching. Possibly one of the biggest events that Grand Traverse County is home to is the National Cherry Festival. For eight days each July, the event has highlights such as air shows, concerts, parades, concerts, and much more. Another popular summer event is the Northwestern Michigan Fair which is a full week of fun held on Blair Townhall Road in Traverse City. The fair has everything you’d traditionally expect like animals, midway, food, entertainment, and more.

For travel information or to request a visitor’s guide  please one of the following organizations:

Traverse City Chamber of Commerce

202 East Grandview Parkway, Traverse City, MI 49684
(231) 947-5075
traverseconnect.com

 

Traverse City Tourism Visitors Center

101 W. Grandview Parkway, Traverse City, MI, 49684
(800) 872-8377
traversecity.com

More West Michigan Destinations Nearby...

Manistee lighthouse

Visit Manistee

The Victorian port city of Manistee, MI features a River Walk, historic Ramsdell Theatre and the S.S. City of Milwaukee.

Visit Scottville

Visit Scottville, Michigan, home of the Scottville Clown Band and Scottville Riverside Park on the Pere Marquette River.

Visit Pere Marquette River

Visit the Pere Marquette River (PM River) in West Michigan for world class trout and steelhead fishing, and scenic canoe trips.

Visit Baldwin

Set in the heart of the Manistee National Forest, Baldwin is a haven for those who enjoy the great outdoors.

Visit Benzie County

Visit Benzie County, home to Sleeping Bear Dunes and Interlochen Arts. Enjoy “Up North” scenery and that wonderful Northern Michigan feeling.

Visit Leelanau County

Visit Leelanau County in Northwest Michigan, home to communities like Empire, Glen Arbor, Leland, Northport, & Suttons Bay.

Visit Ludington

Far removed from the big cities on beautiful Lake Michigan you’ll find Ludington, the kind of town people want to visit and many call home!

Visit Hamlin Lake

Hamlin Lake is a great vacation spot, offering terrific summer recreation, including swimming, boating, tubing, and fishing.

Silver Lake Sand Dunes

Visit Silver Lake

Visit Silver Lake and the Silver Lake Sand Dunes between Ludington and Muskegon in West Michigan for dune rides, water sports, and family fun!

Visit Pentwater

Pentwater is a charming West Michigan village on the shore of Lake Michigan, and a favorite summertime harbor destination.