Traverse City, Michigan, is located along the shores of Lake Michigan’s Grand Traverse Bay. It is a destination with diverse outdoor activities, charming attractions, and a thriving cultural scene. Whether you’re a resident or visiting, there are many things to do in Traverse City to enjoy the best the area offers.
Traverse City’s proximity to Lake Michigan makes it ideal for outdoor recreation, from water sports to serene nature escapes. For those who love being on the water, the East and West Grand Traverse Bays offer kayaking, paddleboarding, and boating. Local outfitters make it easy to rent equipment, and plenty of guided tours are available for those looking for a structured experience. Fishing enthusiasts can charter a boat for salmon or lake trout fishing, while the many beaches around the bay are ideal for a relaxing day by the water.
Just a short drive from Traverse City, Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is a must-visit attraction. This park is known for its massive sand dunes and offers excellent opportunities for hiking, scenic drives, and wildlife observation. The Dune Climb is one of the area’s highlights, giving visitors a chance to trek up the sand dunes and enjoy stunning views of Lake Michigan. In addition to the dunes, the park features the 35-mile-long Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail, which is popular for hiking and biking.
Traverse City is a central hub for Michigan’s wine country, with the Leelanau and Old Mission Peninsulas boasting more than 40 wineries. Both regions are known for their cool-climate wines, especially Rieslings, Pinot Noirs, and Chardonnays. Wine tours on these peninsulas offer the chance to sample award-winning wines while taking in picturesque vineyard views. Many wineries offer guided tastings and tours, allowing guests to learn about the unique terroir and winemaking process.
Downtown Traverse City provides a variety of shopping, dining, and entertainment options. Front Street, lined with boutiques, galleries, and restaurants, offers everything from locally crafted goods to high-end fashion. For a unique dining experience, try one of the farm-to-table restaurants that showcase local produce, meats, and fish. At night, downtown Traverse City comes alive with a vibrant scene of live music venues, theaters, and breweries, making it a hub for locals and visitors alike.
Traverse City is known for its lively festivals throughout the year. The National Cherry Festival, held in July, celebrates the area’s cherry-growing heritage with events like parades, concerts, and cherry-themed treats. In autumn, the Traverse City Film Festival showcases independent films and attracts filmmakers from across the globe. Winter brings the annual Traverse City Winter Comedy Arts Festival, featuring live performances and family-friendly activities. These festivals add to the city’s cultural appeal and offer something for everyone.
The Village at Grand Traverse Commons, once the Northern Michigan Asylum, has been transformed into a unique space filled with shops, eateries, and art galleries. This historic location combines architectural preservation with modern commerce, making it a fascinating place to explore. Visitors can join historical tours of the campus, enjoy a meal at one of the many restaurants, or browse through artisanal goods. The Commons also features expansive grounds and walking trails, providing a peaceful escape close to the city center.
Amanda Theodoran leads Theodoran Realty Group and is dedicated to helping clients achieve their property goals. Since becoming a licensed real estate agent in 2021, Amanda has quickly established herself as one of Traverse City’s top agents, receiving recognition and awards, including Aspire North’s Rookie of the Year. Her in-depth local expertise and Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist designation ensure that clients receive knowledgeable and insightful guidance throughout their real estate journey.
Ready to explore real estate in Traverse City, MI? Contact Theodoran Realty Group today to begin the search for your dream home
15,263 people live in Traverse City, where the median age is 40.4 and the average individual income is $41,461. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.
Total Population
Median Age
Population Density Population Density This is the number of people per square mile in a neighborhood.
Average individual Income
There's plenty to do around Traverse City, including shopping, dining, nightlife, parks, and more. Data provided by Walk Score and Yelp.
Explore popular things to do in the area, including Chubby Unicorn, Slabtown Cookies, and Cracked.
| Name | Category | Distance | Reviews |
Ratings by
Yelp
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|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dining | 0.85 miles | 12 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
| Dining | 2.02 miles | 8 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
| Dining | 1.02 miles | 5 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
| Dining | 1.17 miles | 7 reviews | 4.9/5 stars | |
| Dining · $$ | 1.73 miles | 12 reviews | 4.8/5 stars | |
| Dining | 0.45 miles | 6 reviews | 4.8/5 stars | |
| Dining · $$ | 0.9 miles | 17 reviews | 4.8/5 stars | |
| Shopping | 1.51 miles | 6 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
| Shopping | 1.05 miles | 16 reviews | 4.9/5 stars | |
| Shopping | 0.97 miles | 16 reviews | 4.8/5 stars | |
| Active | 1.72 miles | 16 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
| Active | 1.64 miles | 6 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
| Active | 0.85 miles | 5 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
| Active | 3.46 miles | 15 reviews | 4.9/5 stars | |
| Active | 3.85 miles | 20 reviews | 4.9/5 stars | |
| Beauty | 1.41 miles | 5 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
| Beauty | 1.8 miles | 6 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
| Beauty | 0.79 miles | 35 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
| Beauty | 4.17 miles | 6 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
| Beauty | 1.17 miles | 11 reviews | 4.9/5 stars | |
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Traverse City has 6,844 households, with an average household size of 2.14. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. Here’s what the people living in Traverse City do for work — and how long it takes them to get there. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. 15,263 people call Traverse City home. The population density is 1,844.26 and the largest age group is Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.
Total Population
Population Density Population Density This is the number of people per square mile in a neighborhood.
Median Age
Men vs Women
Population by Age Group
0-9 Years
10-17 Years
18-24 Years
25-64 Years
65-74 Years
75+ Years
Education Level
Total Households
Average Household Size
Average individual Income
Households with Children
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Blue vs White Collar Workers
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Ready to make your move in Traverse City? Whether you’re buying, selling, or exploring options, Amanda Theodoran is here to guide you every step of the way.
