Clinch Park and West Bay
The beach, marina, splash pad, and long West Bay view sit at the foot of downtown. Walk east toward the Open Space or cross under Grandview Parkway to reach Front Street and the Boardman River.
Grand Traverse Bay, the Traverse Area Recreation Trail (TART), downtown, wine roads, and Lake Michigan dunes
Things to do in Traverse City
Keep one day close to the city for water, trail, and Front Street. Give the next day to Old Mission, Leelanau, or Sleeping Bear instead of racing through all three.
Current TART Trail detour near Airport Access Road
TART Trails reports sewer-work impacts between Hastings Street and 3 Mile Road. There is no established trail detour west of Airport Access Road; between 3 Mile Road and Airport Access Road, follow the signed non-motorized route on Indian Trail Road. Check the live alert before riding or walking this corridor.
Read the official TART Trail alert →Bookable experiences
Tours and activities
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Traverse Area Recreation Trail and Boardman Lake
The Boardman Lake Loop circles the water south of downtown and connects to the regional trail network. The current sewer project affects the Hastings Street–3 Mile Road corridor, so use the signed non-motorized detour described in the alert above.
Front Street and the Boardman River
Front Street puts independent shops, coffee, the State Theatre, and Boardman River crossings within a few blocks. The theatre and nearby Dennos Museum Center provide indoor alternatives when the lakeshore is cold or wet.
Village at Grand Traverse Commons
The former Northern Michigan Asylum campus now holds the Mercato shops, restaurants, preserved brick buildings, and wooded trails west of downtown. The architecture and grounds warrant time on foot, especially when paired with lunch or dinner at the Commons.
Old Mission Peninsula
M-37 runs north along vineyard and orchard ridges between East and West Grand Traverse Bay. Mission Point Lighthouse and the shoreline at the peninsula tip provide a clear northern destination beyond the tasting rooms and farm stands.
Suttons Bay, Leland, and the Leelanau shore
Suttons Bay makes a compact village-and-waterfront turn north of Traverse City. Leland adds Fishtown and the open Lake Michigan shore farther west; Glen Arbor belongs to a longer route toward Sleeping Bear rather than the same short village loop.
Pierce Stocking, Glen Haven, or an Empire trail
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore offers several distinct days. Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive emphasizes overlooks, Glen Haven adds maritime history and beach access, and the Empire Bluff area trades road stops for a climb and a broad Lake Michigan view.
Dennos Museum Center and the State Theatre
The Dennos Museum Center at Northwestern Michigan College combines regional exhibitions with a notable Inuit art collection. Downtown, the restored State Theatre gives a rainy afternoon a second indoor destination near Front Street restaurants.
Clinch Park, Boardman Lake, and downtown
Start beside West Bay, follow the Boardman River into downtown, and use the Boardman Lake Loop for more mileage. The State Theatre, Dennos Museum Center, and Grand Traverse Commons provide indoor or mixed-weather alternatives without leaving the city.
Pierce Stocking, Glen Haven, or Empire Bluff
These are different Sleeping Bear experiences, not consecutive stops to collect. Use the National Park Service map and current conditions to select one primary drive, beach, historic area, or trail before leaving Traverse City.
Official resources
Official maps for the trail network and national lakeshore
TART Trails publishes the active construction notice and route maps; the National Park Service publishes Sleeping Bear road, trail, facility, and safety information.
Official sourceTraverse City TourismOfficial destination information for beaches, events, wineries, restaurants, lodging, and seasonal trip details.Open visitor guide →Official sourceTART TrailsCurrent trail maps, closures, connections, etiquette, and project updates for the regional trail network.Check TART Trails →Official sourceSleeping Bear DunesNational Park Service conditions, maps, fees, safety guidance, seasonal facilities, and trail information.Check the park →
Grand Traverse Bay, wine country, dunes, food, and arrival