Explore USA Magazine
Sandy dune and beach grass above deep blue Lake Michigan at Sleeping Bear Dunes

Editor’s Pick · Destination Guide

Traverse City, Michigan

Traverse City, Michigan, sits on Grand Traverse Bay in northern Lower Michigan and calls itself the Cherry Capital of the World. Wineries line the Old Mission and Leelanau peninsulas, and Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, about 30 miles west, offers the Dune Climb and Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive. The National Cherry Festival celebrated its 100th edition July 4 to 11, 2026, and winter brings cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.

Official visitor information

From the top of the Dune Climb at Sleeping Bear, the sand rolls away toward Lake Michigan, and on a clear day the water shifts from turquoise near shore to deep blue on the horizon. Half an hour east, Traverse City wraps around the two arms of Grand Traverse Bay, with orchards and vineyards climbing the peninsulas on either side. It is a place where you can spend the morning on a beach, the afternoon at a tasting room and the evening on a downtown patio.

Traverse City is our Editor's Pick for northern Michigan in any season: cherries in summer, color and harvest in fall, snow sports in winter and orchard blossoms in spring.

Why is Traverse City worth visiting?

Traverse City combines a lively, walkable downtown with access to Lake Michigan beaches, two wine-producing peninsulas and one of the most scenic national lakeshores in the country. It is known as the Cherry Capital of the World, and the fruit appears on nearly every menu.

Front Street is packed with restaurants, shops and a historic theater, and the bay is just a block or two away, with public beaches and a waterfront trail.

When is the best time to visit Traverse City?

Summer is peak season for beaches, cherries and festivals, while fall is ideal for color and wine harvest. Winter and spring are quieter and more affordable.

  • Spring: Cherry orchards on the peninsulas typically bloom in May, painting the hillsides white and pink.
  • Summer: Beach days, boating and fresh cherries. The National Cherry Festival, held around the Fourth of July, marked its 100th celebration July 4 to 11, 2026.
  • Fall: Color typically peaks in early to mid-October, and wineries celebrate the harvest. The scenic drives on the peninsulas are especially beautiful.
  • Winter: Cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, downhill skiing at nearby resorts and quiet, snowy dunes. Sleeping Bear's trails are popular for winter recreation.

What are the top things to do in Traverse City?

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

About 30 miles west of town, the national lakeshore has massive sand dunes, Lake Michigan beaches and charming Glen Arbor and Empire nearby. Try the Dune Climb, and in season drive the Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive, which is generally open from late May to late October, weather permitting. A park pass is required.

Old Mission Peninsula

This narrow peninsula divides Grand Traverse Bay into its East and West arms. M-37 runs about 18 miles to Old Mission Point and its historic lighthouse, passing orchards and wineries with bay views on both sides.

Leelanau Peninsula

Michigan's "little finger" is home to wineries, farm stands and small villages such as Suttons Bay, Northport and Leland, where the historic Fishtown waterfront still has weathered fishing shanties.

Downtown and the bay

Walk Front Street, catch a film at the State Theatre and stroll or bike the TART Trails network along the bay. Clinch Park and West End Beach are just steps from downtown.

Winter on the bay

When snow falls, groomed cross-country ski and snowshoe trails open around the region, including trails within Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, and downhill ski areas are within an easy drive. Downtown stays lively through the holidays with lights, shopping and warm dining rooms, and tasting rooms on both peninsulas often stay open year-round with reduced hours. Check road conditions before winter drives on the peninsulas.

Where should you eat and stay in Traverse City?

Look for cherry pie, cherry salsa and dried cherries alongside local whitefish, farm-to-table menus, breweries, cideries and plenty of wineries. Lodging includes bayfront resorts and hotels along the beach strip, downtown inns, bed-and-breakfasts, cottages and campgrounds near the lakeshore. Book well ahead for summer, especially festival week.

How do you get to Traverse City?

Cherry Capital Airport is just a few minutes from downtown, with seasonal and year-round flights. By car, Traverse City is roughly four hours from Detroit and about two and a half hours from Grand Rapids.

Plan your visit

Find more Editor's Pick guides in our destinations directory, or browse more culinary travel.

Frequently asked questions

Why is Traverse City called the Cherry Capital of the World?
The Traverse City region is one of the country's major cherry-growing areas, with orchards across the Old Mission and Leelanau peninsulas. The National Cherry Festival has celebrated the harvest for a century.
When is the National Cherry Festival?
The festival is held each summer around the Fourth of July. The 100th National Cherry Festival took place July 4 to 11, 2026.
How far is Sleeping Bear Dunes from Traverse City?
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is about 30 miles west of Traverse City, typically a drive of 35 to 45 minutes depending on the destination in the park.
When does fall color peak in Traverse City?
Fall color around Traverse City typically peaks in early to mid-October. Timing varies each year with the weather.
Is Traverse City worth visiting in winter?
Yes. Winter brings cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, nearby downhill skiing and quiet snowy scenery at Sleeping Bear Dunes, with fewer crowds and lower rates.