Activities

Traverse City is renowned for its cherry production and hosts the National Cherry Festival, a vibrant celebration attracting half a million visitors annually. Tourists and locals alike can engage in cherry picking activities and savor delicious cherry-themed treats.

1. Cherry Orchard Tours: Traverse City offers guided tours of cherry orchards, providing insights into cherry farming practices.
2. U-Pick Cherry Farms: Visitors can pick their own cherries during the harvest season, creating a fun and delicious experience for families.
3. Cherry Tasting: Explore local markets and stalls to taste an array of cherry-based products, from jams to pies.
4. Cherry Festival Parades: Attend colorful parades during the National Cherry Festival, featuring cherry-themed floats and entertainment.
5. Cherry Pit Spitting Contests: Join in the quirky tradition of cherry pit spitting competitions, where participants compete for distance records.
6. Cherry Art Exhibits: Admire cherry-inspired artwork at galleries and exhibitions throughout the city.
7. Cherry Cooking Classes: Learn to prepare delectable cherry dishes with cooking classes hosted by local chefs.
8. Cherry-themed Souvenirs: Shop for unique cherry-themed souvenirs, including clothing, accessories, and home decor.

Traverse City is a hub of viticulture in the Midwest, boasting numerous wineries and vineyards. Visitors can embark on wine tasting tours, exploring the region’s flourishing wine industry while enjoying picturesque landscapes.

1. Winery Tours: Traverse City boasts a variety of wineries, each offering guided tours of their facilities, explaining the winemaking process.
2. Wine Tasting: Enjoy tastings of locally produced wines, including popular varieties like Riesling and Pinot Noir.
3. Wine and Food Pairing: Experience the art of pairing wine with gourmet cuisine at winery restaurants.
4. Vineyard Picnics: Many wineries offer scenic picnic areas where visitors can relax with a glass of wine and a picnic lunch.
5. Wine Workshops: Participate in educational workshops to deepen your knowledge of wine production and tasting.
6. Wine Festivals: Traverse City hosts wine festivals celebrating local vintages, offering a chance to sample a wide range of wines.
7. Vineyard Concerts: Enjoy live music and performances in the picturesque settings of vineyards during summer concerts.
8. Wine and Paint Classes: Combine creativity and wine with art classes where you can create your own masterpiece.

The city’s proximity to the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore offers opportunities for hiking, dune climbing, and enjoying breathtaking views of Lake Michigan. Traverse City’s beautiful beaches, forests, and skiing areas make it a year-round destination for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers.

1. Hiking Trails: Traverse scenic trails in the Sleeping Bear Dunes area, including the famous Dune Climb and Empire Bluff Trail.
2. Dune Climbing: Challenge yourself to conquer the towering sand dunes along Lake Michigan’s shoreline.
3. Beach Relaxation: Bask in the sun, swim, or have a beachfront picnic at the city’s pristine freshwater beaches.
4. Skiing and Snowboarding: Hit the slopes at nearby ski resorts like Crystal Mountain for winter sports enthusiasts.
5. Mountain Biking: Explore off-road trails and mountain biking routes for an adrenaline rush.
6. Forest Exploration: Discover the region’s lush forests and their unique ecosystems through guided nature walks.
7. Stargazing: Traverse City’s dark skies offer excellent stargazing opportunities; consider joining an astronomy group.
8. Wildlife Watching: Observe local wildlife in their natural habitat, including birdwatching and deer sightings in nearby forests.