THINGS TO DO IN
  TRAVERSE CITY

Nestled among lake shores and rolling hills, Traverse City is an outdoor enthusiast's dream—with beaches, trails, and parks just minutes away from Great Wolf Lodge.

1. Clinch Park Beach

Clinch Park Beach is the largest and most popular public beach in the area, so it’s a sure bet, and it’s just a few blocks from downtown Traverse City. If your kids enjoy collecting rocks, tell them to keep their eyes peeled for Petoskey stones. They consist of tightly packed, six-sided corallites, which are the skeletons of the once-living coral polyps, and they look pretty cool.

2. The Village at Grand Traverse Commons

A former mental asylum with a castle-like appearance, the Village at Grand Traverse Commons operates as a residential facility, workplace and commercial center. Spend the day at the Commons and soak up a little bit of Traverse history! The place is lined with restaurants, shops, salons and more. The Grand Traverse Commons also boast a huge lawn and hiking trails to enjoy with the kids!

3. Old Mission Peninsula

The perfect place to escape all that big city energy, Old Mission Peninsula is home to some of Michigan's most scenic spots. Check out the famous Mission Point Lighthouse, enjoy the area's sandy beaches, and kick back at one of the area's many wineries.

4. Traverse City State Park

Traveling around with little ones? Need a place where they can run around? Enter the Traverse City State Park, a 47-acre plot of land filled with areas to hike, bike, picnic and lounge around. The park also features .25 miles of beach along the Grand Traverse Bay. Head that way if you want to go fishing or take a boat out!

5. Jacob’s Corn Maze

Running from early August until late October, this 10-acre corn maze is quite the challenge! Located across from Gallagher’s Farm Market, these maze is broken into three sizes, from a long 2.5-mile option to an easy .3-mile option for younger kids. When you’re done, shop their fresh produce!

6. Historic Barns Park

Located just outside of downtown Traverse City, the Historic Barns Park contains 56-acres of hiking trails, botanical gardens and scenic landscapes. Of course, there's also the Cathedral Barn, which once fed the patients and personnel of the former Traverse City State Hospital. The structure has since been renovated and now boasts over 3,500 feet of event space.

7. Black Star Farms

Get ready for a parent's night out! Black Star Farms is one of the most popular wineries around Traverse City. Considered both a wine and culinary destination, Black Star Farms contains two wine tasting rooms, both on the Old Mission Peninsula and Leelanau Peninsula Wine Trails. the 160-acre estate also contains a distiller, cafe, and hiking trails around the property!

8. TART Trails

The TART Trails system provides over 60 miles of scenic biking and walking paths that connect Traverse City to surrounding communities. It’s a great way to explore Northern Michigan’s natural beauty at your own pace.

9. Boardman Lake

Boardman Lake is a serene spot just minutes from downtown, offering kayaking, fishing, and walking trails along its shoreline. The lake’s peaceful setting makes it a favorite for both locals and visitors.

Traverse City has earned its reputation as the “Napa of the Midwest,” offering a rich selection of local wineries, craft breweries, and charming eateries.

Time for a snack! Head over to this local favorite for hand-crafted pattied burgers, fresh cut fries and homemade soups. Take a seat at the counter inside or claim a spot at one of the picnic benches outside!

Looking for more things to do in Traverse City? Why not roll up your sleeves and put yourself to work. Head over to one of the most popular cherry orchards in Traverse City. In addition to the cherries, Kings Orchard offers raspberries, strawberries, peaches, nectarines and apples. Pick your fruit and go home happy!

3. Rare Bird Brewpub

Rare Bird Brewpub is a popular Traverse City hangout featuring house-brewed beers, craft cocktails, and a cozy atmosphere. Their rotating tap list highlights inventive flavors and local ingredients.

4. The Cooks’ House

This acclaimed restaurant offers a farm-to-table dining experience that celebrates Northern Michigan’s seasonal produce. With an intimate setting and creative menu, The Cooks House is a favorite for food lovers.

Located on the Old Mission Peninsula, Bonobo Winery pairs stunning vineyard views with award-winning wines. Guests can enjoy tastings, small plates, and a relaxed atmosphere just outside the city.

Known for its creative spirit, Traverse City features galleries, theaters, and music venues that celebrate regional talent and heritage.

Enjoy a beautiful old-style movie palace experience every Saturday at 10 am (and on Tuesdays and Thursdays in the summer). Catch the latest animated and live-action sensations, plus children’s movies from around the world, for only 25 cents a person -- the same price the theatre charged when it first opened back in 1916!

Player pianos? Check. Nickelodeons? You betcha. Great for a rainy day, the Music House Museum, (recognized by Forbes.com as one of the ten reasons to visit Michigan’s Lower Peninsula), showcases an assortment of elaborate automated instruments from the 1870s to the 1930s. Ongoing guided tours explain it all -- with Wurlitzer organ accompaniment.

A premiere destination for culture and entertainment, the City Opera House is home to an amazing array of live entertainment. We're talking musical events, live talks, film screenings and more! The building is one of just 48 opera houses built in Michigan during the 19th and early 20th centuries. "The Grand Old Lady," as it's affectionately known, is nestled comfortably in downtown Traverse City!

This permanent gallery at The Dennos Museum Center puts a focus on both the arts and sciences. Highlights include a Laser Harp, Anti-Gravity Mirror, and Sound Wall (an interactive sculpture that creates music when you touch it). Also check out the Hubble Space Telescope Theater, which features an ongoing transmission from NASA.

Created back in 1960 to help bring amateur theater into Northern Michigan, the Old Town Playhouse boasts a 277-seat mainstage auditorium and an 80-seat studio theater. It's located just minutes from downtown, which makes this destination a great spot to bring the kids after spending a day exploring the city. The playhouse also offers youth education courses throughout the year!

Traverse City’s event calendar bursts with celebrations, from cherries to cinema—ensuring there’s always something happening.

If you happen to be in town during fourth of July weekend, then you've got to check out the National Cherry Festival. Considered “pure Michigan," the festival brings together local cherry growers in order to celebrate the agricultural community. The celebration features over 150 events and activities for kids, including pit-spitting, pie-eating contests, turtle races and more!

Speaking of summer activities, we'd be remiss not to mention the Traverse City Film Festival! In July and August, downtown Traverse City presents a series of films, from the classics to new aged flicks designed to intrigue the mind and lift the spirit. You can also check out free panel discussions with directors, writers, actors and other members of the film industry!

3. Traverse City Comedy Festival

This lively event brings top comedians from across the country to Traverse City for several nights of laughter. Shows take place at multiple venues, creating an energetic downtown atmosphere.

Turtle Creek Casino offers gaming, dining, and live entertainment just a short drive from downtown Traverse City. Whether you enjoy slots, table games, or nightlife, it’s a go-to destination for excitement.

2. Historic Fishtown in Leland

Take a trip back in time when you visit Fishtown, about 25 miles away. A working waterfront, it’s one of the last non-commercialized fishing harbors in all of Michigan. Walk among a collection of fishing shanties dating back 150 years, now housing clothing boutiques, art galleries and gift shops. It’s a great place to get a unique thank you gift for your house or pet sitter.

On a beautiful forested campus 20 minutes southwest of Traverse City, Interlochen fine arts camp and boarding school hosts hundreds of concerts, dramatic performances and dance recitals. Check their event calendar before you visit, or just visit anytime -- a walk on the grounds alone provides sounds and snippets of young artists in action.

Michigan's Sleeping Bear Dunes were recently honored as the "Most Beautiful Place in America" on ABC's Good Morning America. This 35-mile stretch of coastline with historic farms, a lighthouse, and maritime museum is often called Michigan’s largest sandbox. If your kids can climb to the top of the 110-foot dune, it’s a joyous run down to the bottom! The Sleeping Bear Dunes is also home to tons of hiking trails, swimming areas, museums and more!

Are you craving some more time by the water? Hop in the car and go cruising along the Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive. The 7.4-mile loop weaves through the Beech-Maple forest and sand dunes. It also leads to some of the best views of Glen Lakes, the Sleeping Bear Dunes and Lake Michigan.

6. Glen Arbor

Take a quick trip to the neighboring town of Glen Arbor! The area is nestled between Sleeping Bear Bay on Lake Michigan and the Glen Lakes. It's a quaint little area, which means it lends itself to a lot of family-friendly fun. Rent bikes and explore the town, check out more of the Michigan coastline, go out to eat at one of their locally sourced restaurants! There's also Cherry Republic to explore, the world's largest exclusive retailer of cherry products!

7. Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive

Are you craving some more time by the water? Hop in the car and go cruising along the Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive. The 7.4-mile loop weaves through the Beech-Maple forest and sand dunes. It also leads to some of the best views of Glen Lakes, the Sleeping Bear Dunes and Lake Michigan.

Things to Do in Frankenmuth, MI

Located about three hours from Traverse City, Frankenmuth offers a family-friendly Michigan getaway known for Bavarian-inspired architecture, seasonal festivals, unique shopping, riverfront activities, and kid-friendly attractions. Often called “Michigan’s Little Bavaria,” the town is a memorable stop for families who want to explore more of the state during a Northern Michigan trip.

1. Bronner’s CHRISTmas Wonderland
   Known as the world’s largest Christmas store, Bronner’s offers ornaments, decorations, gifts, and festive displays year-round, making it a popular stop for families visiting Frankenmuth.
   
   
2. Frankenmuth River Place Shops
   This Bavarian-style shopping village features more than 40 shops and attractions, with specialty stores, sweet shops, dining, and walkable outdoor spaces near the Cass River.
   
   
3. Bavarian Belle Riverboat
   Families can enjoy a relaxing riverboat ride along the Cass River, with scenic views of Frankenmuth’s downtown area, covered bridge, and Bavarian-style buildings.
   
   
4. Michigan Heroes Museum
   This local museum highlights Michigan veterans, astronauts, and everyday heroes through educational exhibits, artifacts, and personal stories.
   
   
5. Frankenmuth Aerial Park
   For families looking for outdoor adventure, this treetop ropes course offers climbing obstacles and zipline-style elements for different ages and skill levels.
    

Looking for more to do in Traverse City and the surrounding areas? Check out their tourism site. We hope you have a great family vacation!

There’s a lot to be said for slowing down and simply enjoying each other’s company on vacation, and with everything a family could possibly need under one roof, our very own Great Wolf Lodge is just the place to do so. Pay no mind to finicky weather, their water park is kept warm at 84-degrees year-round, and with so many activities for kids, there’s no need to make big plans!