Traverse City Michigan Lodging and Attractions. Best Western Traverse City Michigan. Look for fun things to see and do on your vacation or business travels in Traverse City MI.
Things to do in Traverse City
Alden Depot Park & Museum
Located in the authentically restored Alden Depot, a train depot dating to 1908, the Alden Depot Park & Museum features photographs and memorabilia recalling the community's past, including model trains and related items and many photographs of the area through the years, including children's camps. Open Memorial Day - Labor Day weekends 1 4pm; Thursdays 9am 4pm & 6 9pm. Call 231-331-4643 for more information.
10670 Coy, Traverse City, MI
Bellaire Historical Museum
The Bellaire Historical Museum in the Village of Alden exhibits life in Antrim County through the years, including memorabilia about the logging era. Open June - September, with guided tours available (minimum guided tour time is 30 - 45 minutes). Call 231-533-8943 for more information.
North Bridge Street, Traverse City, MI
Bowers Harbor Vineyards
A family-owned vineyard in a scenic area between Center Road and Peninsula Drive on Old Mission Peninsula. A variety of exceptional wines are available for tasting in a charming tasting room also offering a variety of Michigan-made gifts. Open daily 11am 6pm; January 1 - April 1 open on weekends only 11am 6pm. Call 231-223-7615 for more information.
2896 Bowers Harbor Road, Traverse City, MI
Chateau Chantal
Located on 65 acres just north of Mapleton atop one of the highest points on Old Mission Peninsula, and offers stunning views of both east and west Grand Traverse Bay from the European-style chateau that serves as its tasting and touring building. The winery produces a wide variety of award-winning vintages and wine seminars are held at various times throughout the year. Open Monday - Saturday 11am 9pm in summer; 11am 7pm in fall; 11am 5pm during off season. Open year-round on Sundays noon 5pm. Call 231-223-4110 for more information.
15900 Rue de Vin, Traverse City, MI
Chateau Grand Traverse
Offers spectacular views of water and more than 100 acres of vineyards from its large tasting room set in the middle of Old Mission Peninsula. Noted for its excellent Rieslings, Chardonnays and reds, including Merlot, and Cabernet Franc, Chateau Grand Traverse also produces a variety of popular fruit wines. It uses state-of-the-art production facilities to produce wines that regularly win state, national and international awards. Open summer Monday - Saturday 10am 7pm; Sunday noon 7pm. Off-season hours are 10am 5pm Monday Saturday; noon 5pm Sunday. Call 231-223-7355 for more information.
12239 Center Road, Traverse City, MI
Cherry Republic
Cherry Republic is a unique enclave dedicated to all things cherry. The largest exclusive retailer of cherry products in the United States, in fact, with over 100 delicious cherry products including four varieties of chocolate covered dried cherries, jams, jellies, salsas, baked goods and sodas. The Cherry Bakery and Soda Fountain has fresh baked goods and cherry beverages and the logo shop features clothing from t-shirts to sweatshirts. Enchanting Old English Style Perennial Gardens connect the three buildings. Visitors can attend guided garden walks and learn about the 200 varieties of flowers, or wander the brick and stone paths on their own as they explore the shops. Call 231-334-3150 for more information.
6026 S. Lake Street, Traverse City, MI
City Opera House
The City Opera House has been a source of community pride since its construction in 1891, when Traverse City was known as "Queen City of the North." The first building in Traverse City to install electric lights, the Opera House hosted plays, lectures, meetings, balls, concerts and vaudeville acts before closing in 1920. The building is being restored to its former splendor and plays host to a variety of community events. No admission charge. Open Monday - Friday 8am 5pm. Call 231-941-8082 for more information.
112 ½ E. Front Street, Traverse City, MI
Clinch Park Zoo
The Clinch Park Zoo, exhibitor of northern Michigan wildlife, was established in 1932. Surrounded by Clinch Park Marina and Beach, and the Traverse City Open Space Project. The Spirit of Traverse City, a 4-4-2 Atlantic steam-powered locomotive otherwise known as Loco. 400 can also be found at the Clinch Park Zoo. Hours are 10am - 4pm spring and fall; 9:30am - 5:30pm - summer (Memorial Day weekend - Labor Day) For the safety of the animals and others, no pets, skateboards or bicycles allowed. The animals are on special diets. PLEASE do not feed them - doing so may be hazardous to their health. Call 231-922-4904 for more information.
400 Boardman Avenue, Traverse City, MI
Dennos Museum Center
The Michael and Barbara Dennos Museum Center features both the visual and performing arts. Changing exhibitions focus on a variety of media and subjects from historical art to contemporary work by artists of state, national and international stature. The museum's permanent display of sculpture, prints and drawings by the Inuit artists of the Canadian arctic is one of the largest and most historically complete collections anywhere. A hands-on Discovery Gallery is especially popular with children. The Milliken Auditorium showcases the performing arts, including theater, dance and music. The museum store offers a variety of gifts. Open Monday - Saturday 10am 5pm; Sunday 1 5pm. Call 231-995-1055 for more information.
1701 East Front Street, Traverse City, MI
Elk Rapids Historical Museum
Historical exhibits from the lumbering era to the present, including the Elk Rapids Iron Company, are housed in the lower level of the restored Elk Rapids Township Hall. Open year round 1 4pm except Mondays. Call 231-264-8000 for more information.
201 Oak Street, Traverse City, MI
Empire Area Museum
The museum features a turn-of-the-century saloon, parlor, blacksmith shop, one-room schoolhouse and audio/visual center. Open six days a week July 1 - Labor Day (closed Wednesday); open weekends only Memorial Day - July 1 and after Labor Day through third weekend in October. Call 231-326-5568 for more information.
11544 LaCore Street, Traverse City, MI
Grand Traverse Art Center & Gallery
The gallery features a permanent collection of art work from numerous nationally recognized artists as well as ever changing exhibits of regional and national artists. Classes and workshops are available throughout the year for children and adult. It is sponsored by the Northwestern Michigan Artists and Craftsmen. The Grand Traverse Art Center and Gallery is open Monday - Friday 9am 5pm year 'round except for national holidays. Call 231-941-9488 for more information.
Located at 720 S. Elmwood, Traverse City, MI
Grand Traverse Dinner Train
Five-course gourmet meals are served while touring 60 miles of scenic Boardman River Valley. The train departs from historic Traverse City Railway Station Call 231-933-3768 for more information.
642 Railroad Place, Traverse City, MI
Grand Traverse Heritage Center
Do not miss the Con Foster Collection featured in the new galleries including artifacts from Native American culture, railroads, the state asylum, a blacksmith shop, one-room schools, a Victorian parlor and guns. The Galleries are open Monday Saturday 10am 4pm. Free parking in offered in an adjacent lot and admission is by donation. Call 231-995-0313 for more information.
322 Sixth Street, Traverse City, MI
Grand Traverse History Walk
A walk along West Grand Traverse Bay is a walk back in time. The Grand Traverse Pioneer and Historical Society has placed 14 historical markers explaining in etchings of old photographs and descriptions of what each site looked like years ago. One of the markers was placed in front of the Traverse City Visitor Center at the corner of Grandview Parkway and Union Street. The Manistee & Northeastern Railroad Depot was built on this spot back in 1908, and the visitor center was strongly influenced by the design of the depot. Call 231-995-0314 for more information.
322 Sixth Street, Traverse City, MI
Grand Traverse Lighthouse & Museum
One of the oldest lighthouses on the lakes, the Grand Traverse Lighthouse can be found at the tip of the Leelanau Peninsula. It has guided many ships in the Manitou Passage of Lake Michigan for 150 years. Located nine miles north of Northport in the Leelanau State Park, the lighthouse was home to generations of keepers and their families. Extensive exhibits chronicle their lives and the experiences of those who sailed the lakes. A gift shop is housed in a separate building. Picnic facilities are available. There is a Museum admission fee $2. Open May - June daily noon - 4pm; June - Labor Day daily 10am - 7pm; Labor Day - November daily noon - 4pm; November - December weekends only noon - 4pm. Call 231-386-7195 for more information.
15550 N. Lighthouse Road, Traverse City, MI
Great Lakes Childrens Museum
The mission of the Great Lakes Children's Museum is to surround children and the adults in their lives with a hands-on, interactive and informal educational environment that will invite curiosity, allow exploration, encourage participation and celebrate the child-like wonder in all of us. The Great Lakes Children's Museum is open Tuesday - Saturday 10am 5pm; Sunday 1 5pm; closed Mondays. Call 231-932-4526 for more information.
336 W. Front Street in Traverse City, Traverse City, MI
Leelanau Historical Museum
The settlement and development of the Leelanau Peninsula and its nearby islands are chronicled in extensive exhibits and archives. Special displays include Leelanau domestic arts, traditional Odawa arts, one-room schools, barns and interpretations of the Manitou Passage State Underwater Preserve. Explore the past, understand the present and envision the future of the diverse cultures in the Leelanau Peninsula and its islands. The museum store offers a selection of items by local artists. Open year round; call for hours. Nominal admission. Call 231-256-7475 for more information.
203 East Cedar Street, Traverse City, MI 49654
Leelanau Sands Casino
ant is available for your dining enjoyment. A 1,000-seat live-entertainment Showroom expansion to Leelanau Sands Casino, convertible to a 400-seat Night Club, brings nationally recognized entertainers. Call 231-271-4104 for more information.
2521 N. West Bayshore Drive, Traverse City, MI 49682
Music House Museum
An extensive collection of the finest and rarest automatic musical instruments in live performance is featured at The Music House, located eight miles north and east of Traverse City. The greatest artists of the past come alive in concerts performed upon rare and classic musical instruments of historic significance. Allow at least 90 minutes for the visit. All guests receive a guided tour in which the major instruments are explained and played. Open May through October and mid-November through December 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday through Saturday and noon-4 p.m. Sunday. Admission fees are $7 for adults, $2.50 for children 6-16 and free for those 5 and under. Call 231-938-9300 for more information.
7377 US 31 North, Traverse City, MI 49610
Old Mission Point Lighthouse
Located at the tip of the Old Mission Peninsula, Old Mission Point Lighthouse is a popular destination with visitors and locals alike. Established in 1870, its purpose was to warn ships of the dangerous shoals extending into Grand Traverse Bay from the point. The lighthouse is no longer in operation and is not open for tours. However, there are trails and beaches at the Point which are open to the public.
Peninsula Cellars
Seven miles north of Traverse City on M 37 is the nineteenth century Maple Grove Schoolhouse. Peninsula Cellars has restored this building and now offers a taste of their Northern Michigan wines in this unique, historical setting. Since 1994 Peninsula Cellars has focused on producing regionally expressive wines from northwest Michigan's premium vineyards and fruit orchards. This small, family operated winery has earned local and national recognition for their handcrafted Rieslings, Chardonnay, Raftshol Red, Pinot Noir, and a host of cherry and apple wines. Come experience historic Old Mission Peninsula and a true taste of northern Michigan in their new tasting room. Open May-November 10 a.m.- 6 p.m. Monday-Saturday, noon-6 p.m. Sunday Call 231-223-4050 for more information.
11480 Center Rd., Traverse City, MI
Point Betsie Lighthouse
The Point Betsie Lighthouse has a lot to offer visitors. It is said to be one of the most photographed lighthouses on Lake Michigan. Since it sits in the Point Betsie Sand Dunes, excellent views of all sides can be had. The Point Bestie Lighthouse was established as a manned light in 1858 and is still in operation today, although it is automated now. There is limited access to the buildings, including several scenic U.S. Coast Guard buildings to the south of the lighthouse. Located in nearby Frankfort. Schooner Madeline and Sloop Welcome - Berthed at Clinch Park Marina in downtown Traverse City, the Madeline is a replica of a 19th century wooden schooner. Evening summer sails, guided tours and displays make up the sloop's programming. The Welcome is currently being renovated. A reconstruction of a fur trading sloop originally built in 1774 and converted to an armed sloop by the British in 1779, the Welcome was reborn as a project for the 1976 Bicentennial. Donations appreciated. Call 231-946-2647 for more information.
232 East Front Street, Traverse City, MI 49686
Shady Lane Cellars
A winery producing outstanding methode champenoise sparkling wines, including its 1994 Brut that won a gold medal at the 1998 Michigan State Fair. Also notable are its Rieslings, Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays. Shady Lane Cellars is set in a historic, restored fieldstone building nestled in a beautiful setting on the Leelanau Peninsula. Open May 1 - Oct 31 Daily 12:00 - 6:00 PM, Nov 1 - April 30. Call 231-947-8865 for more information.
9580 Shady Lane, Traverse City, MI 49682
Sleeping Bear Point Maritime Museum
Located just west of Glen Haven and north of the Dune Climb on M 209, the maritime museum is a Coast Guard Station restored to its appearance in days past when it played a vital role in saving the lives of mariners on Lake Michigan. The Maritime Museum displays examples of the history and daily life of the Life Saving Service. The buildings are open daily from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. from Memorial Day through Labor Day, and the grounds are open year-round. Park pass required ($7 per week; $15 annually). Call 231-326-5134 for more information.
9922 W. Front Street, Traverse City, MI 49630-9
This Ole Farm Museum
Located four miles northwest of Buckley, this is an active farm with attractions to educate and delight all ages. A collection of more than 3,000 antiques is on display. Guided tours and demonstrations of general purpose livestock farming are available. Donations only. Group reservations required; others should call for availability, reservations and directions. Call 231-269-3672 for more information.
11459 Pavlis Road, Traverse City, MI 49620
Turtle Creek Casino
Owned and operated by the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians, the casino offers Black Jack, Caribbean Stud Poker, Roulette, Craps and Let It Ride as well as more than 650 slot machines from nickle to $100 machines. Open 24 hours. It's located four miles east of the M 72 and US 31 intersection. Like the casino, the Misheekeh Cafe is open daily and serves 11 types of burgers; salads, wraps and the incredible Turtle Sundae. As an extra convenience, Turtle Creek Casino offers free shuttle rides to a number of Traverse City hotels and motels. Call 231-267-9546 for more information.
7741 M 72, Traverse City, MI 49690
Willow Vineyards
Offers spectacular views of West Grand Traverse Bay from its new tasting room tucked into the rolling hills of the Leelanau Peninsula. Outstanding Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris wines are among those available for tasting and purchase. Open Thursday-Sunday noon-6 p.m. Call 231-271-4810 for more information.
10702 East Hilltop Rd., Traverse City, MI