A trip to Traverse City would not be complete without a visit to one of our most exciting new developments.  This project is the country's largest historic preservation and adaptive reuse development.

Located just a few minutes west of Traverse City's downtown shopping area is the Village at Grand Traverse Commons.  A unique collection of dozens of historic buildings, on beautiful wooded grounds, that are being renovated into an exciting and fun area to explore.

In 1885, the State of Michigan chose Traverse City as the site for the Northern Michigan Asylum, a hospital dedicated to the idea that fresh air and beautiful surroundings could ease the suffering of the mentally ill. The hospital closed in 1989, but its extensive forested grounds and stately castle-like buildings have been preserved. The Commons (as it is now called) is a favorite place for walking, running, skiing and birdwatching.

Stroll these historic grounds and discover restaurants, retail shops, wineries, brick oven bakery and much more.  Learn more by clicking on to www.thevillagetc.com - and enjoy!

One of the oldest lighthouses on the lakes, the Grand Traverse Lighthouse at the tip of the Leelanau Peninsula has guided ships through the northern entrance to the Manitou Passage 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, and picnic facilities are available.

Museum admission fee $4. Open daily May - October, November weekends only.

Acme Township Park
Four miles north of Acme off US 31 North, 12 miles east of Traverse City, this beach offers picnic grounds, a playground and a sandy beach on the eastern shore of East Grand Traverse Bay. 
Acme MI

Alden Depot Park & Museum
On the eastern shore of beautiful Torch Lake is the village of Alden, whose restored 1908 train depot features photographs and memorabilia from the community's past as a railroad and resort area. Open Memorial Day through Labor Day weekend. 
10670 Coy P.O. Box 204 Alden MI 49612
(231) 331-4274

Antrim County Park (Barnes Park)
On East Grand Traverse Bay, this park features a sandy beach, hiking trails, a playground, restroom facilities, and covered picnic facilities.  Day use is free. It's west of US 31 and M 88 in Torch Lake Township. 
Bellaire MI

Arbutus Lake
A shallow, spring-fed lake, Arbutus Lake is 30 minutes south of Traverse City, off Garfield Road and has a nice playground near the beach. 
Traverse City MI

Bayside Park
The combination of 600 feet of sandy beach with the bathhouse and the picnic and playground areas make Bayside Park not only lovely but also fully equipped for beach goers to stay the whole day.  The water is shallow a long way out with a sandy bottom, perfect for wading. It's on East Grand Traverse Bay off US 31 North, just south of the M 72 junction in Acme and eight miles from Traverse City. 
Acme MI

Bowers Harbor Beach
Tucked into protected Bowers Harbor on Old Mission Peninsula, this beach offers picnic facilities as well as a nearby boat launch with restrooms.  Bowers Harbor Beach looks out West Grand Traverse Bay at Power Island.  It is 15 miles north of Traverse City on Peninsula Drive.
Traverse City MI

Bryant Park
Picnic area, a playground, restrooms, charcoal grills, tall pines, a long stretch of sandy beach, and lifeguards (mid-June -- August) make this a popular spot near downtown Traverse City off M 37.  Often you'll find excellent sunset views overlooking West Grand Traverse Bay, bright sun and cool shade.  It is located where Garfield and Front Streets intersect at the base of Old Mission Peninsula.
Traverse City MI

Centerville Township Park
This beach on Lake Leelanau is off Highway 643 south of the Village of Lake Leelanau.  It has picnic facilities, a playground, and restrooms.
Lake Leelanau MI

Central Lake Municipal Park (Thurston Park)
In the village of Central Lake you will find a picnic area next to a beach, and a boat launch on Intermediate Lake.  It is off M 88 in Antrim County. 
Central Lake MI

Clinch Park
The area's most populated if not it's most popular beach features over 1500 feet of sand along West Grand Traverse Bay in downtown Traverse City.  Clinch Park has picnic tables, lifeguards (mid-June -- August) and restrooms.  It is adjacent to Clinch Park Marina, east of Union Street on Grandview Parkway.
Grandview Parkway Traverse City MI 49684
(231) 922-4903

Custer Township Park
On Lake of the Woods, five miles west of Mancelona off M 88, there's a beach and boat launch that is part of Custer Township Park.
Mancelona MI

East Bay Park
This beach is popular with young families.  It has shady picnic areas, shallow water with a gradual slope, lifeguards, a playground and restrooms.  Find it at the base of East Grand Traverse Bay and the foot of Front Street.
Traverse City MI

Elk Rapids County Day Park
A 13-acre park with a large beach, a bathhouse, restrooms and playground; this beach park also features a picnic area, nature trails, and tennis and basketball courts.  It's just outside of Elk Rapids on south Bayshore Drive.
South Bayshore Drive Elk Rapids MI

Elk Rapids Dam Fishing Park
Sandy beach and privies adjacent to the Elk Rapids Dam off Dexter Road.  It borders East Grand Traverse Bay.
Elk Rapids MI

Elmwood Township Park
This beach, with a playground, picnic facilities and restrooms, is located on West Bay, off M 22, one mile north of the M 72 junction in Traverse City.
Traverse City MI

Empire Village Park
This beach at the foot of Niagara Street in Empire has views of the stunning Empire Bluffs, part of the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.  It is located 22 miles west of Traverse City on M 22.  Restrooms, picnic facilities.
Empire MI

Esch Road Beach
Twenty miles west of Traverse City and 12 miles south of the Village of Empire, Esch Road Beach looks out on the impressive aqua and deep blue waters of Lake Michigan's Platte Bay.  Picnic facilities. Sleeping Bear National Lakeshore or National Park pass required.
Empire MI

Forest Home Township Park
A lovely beach on Torch Lake is the park's main attraction, its jewel.  Other of its valuable features include picnic facilities, restrooms, a playground, tennis and basketball courts in the Village of Bellaire.
Bellaire MI

Gilbert Park
You'll find a sandy beach, picnic tables and privies on Long Lake in Gilbert Park.  It is located eight miles west of Traverse City on North Long Lake Road (Front Street).
Traverse City MI

Glen Arbor Municipal Beach
Thirty miles northwest of Traverse City in the town of Glen Arbor, off M 22, the municipal beach has picnic facilities, restrooms, and a playground.
Glen Arbor MI

Glen Haven Beach
Thirty miles northwest of Traverse City, near Sleeping Bear National Lakeshore Dunes Climb, there is a quiet, beautiful and almost private Lake Michigan beach in historic Glen Haven, a deserted village.
Glen Arbor MI

Glen Lake Beach
Located on M 22 across from Sleeping Bear Dunes Climb on Little Glen Lake, Glen Lake Beach is approximately 30 miles from Traverse City and has restrooms and picnic facilities.
Empire MI

Haserot Beach Park
Just east of the town of Old Mission and 20 miles north of Traverse City on Old Mission Peninsula lies Haserot Beach Park.  It boasts a variety of features -- a sandy beach on a protected bay of Lake Michigan, restrooms, picnic facilities, playground, and boat launch.
Traverse City MI

Interlochen State Park
This beach on Duck Lake is only 14 miles southwest of Traverse City in the Village of Interlochen and has picnic facilities, a playground and restrooms.
Interlochen MI

Leelanau State Park
This Lake Michigan beach is at the tip of the Leelanau Peninsula in the Village of Northport.  It's 30 miles north of Traverse City on M 22.  Besides the beach, it has restrooms, hiking trails and historic Grand Traverse Lighthouse, which is open to the public.
Northport MI

Leland Municipal Beach
Twenty-four miles northwest of Traverse City off M 22 in the Village of Leland, this town beach looks out on Lake Michigan.  There's a marina nearby, as well as restrooms, and picnic facilities.
Leland MI

Long Lake Township Park
Picnic facilities, restrooms, playground, boat launch and warmish (mid-summer), crystalline water makes this beach popular.  It is on Long Lake just off Highway 610 southwest of Traverse City. 
Traverse City MI

Northport Beach
This park has a beach area with playground and restrooms.  It is adjacent to the marina at the foot of Nagonaba Street in Northport, which is 26 miles north of Traverse City on M 22.
Northport MI

Old Mission Lighthouse Park
At the end of M 37, on the tip of Old Mission Peninsula, is a large, wide beach area with extremely shallow water, a picnic area, a reconstruction of an early settler's cabin and privies.  It is an ideal spot for wading.  The lighthouse there is not open to the public.  Beach sites are accessible along the final mile of M 37 until the road ends at the park.  To reach this park, take M 37 to the end of Old Mission Peninsula.  At this point you are about 22 miles from Front Street in Traverse City.
Old Mission MI

Old Settlers' Park
This park, 18 miles northwest of Traverse City on the east shore of Glen Lake off Highway 675, has restrooms, a playground and picnic facilities.
Empire MI

Peterson Park
On Lake Michigan in Northport, 26 miles north of Traverse City on M 22, Peterson Park's rock-strewn beach is an excellent spot for finding Petoskey stones.
Northport MI

Power Island
Accessible only by boat, this beach on West Grand Traverse Bay's Power Island, off Bower's Harbor on Old Mission Peninsula, features picnic facilities, restrooms and hiking trails. 
Traverse City MI

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
This park contains numerous spectacular beaches on its 33 miles of protected Lake Michigan shoreline, including D.H. Day Park in Glen Haven, north Bar Lake, Good Harbor Bay and Manitou Island.  Stop at the Philip Hart Visitor Center at the junction of M 72 and M 22 in Empire for directions.  The Philip Hart Visitor Center is located 22 miles west of Traverse City. Many trails are located within the 70,000-acre federally owned park. Maps are available at the visitor center in Empire. Park fee is $10 for seven days or $20 for a year paid at the visitor center. More information on Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. 
9922 Front Street Empire MI 49630
(231) 326-5134

Suttons Bay Municipal Beach
On the west arm of Grand Traverse Bay, 15 miles north of Traverse City on M 22 in the Village of Suttons Bay, the Suttons Bay Municipal Beach is a fun spot at a beautiful location.  It has a beach, picnic facilities, playground and restrooms.
Suttons Bay MI

Tony Gilroy Township Park
On US 31 in Acme, the Tony Gilroy Township Park has picnic tables and a sandy beach on East Grand Traverse Bay.
Acme MI

Traverse City State Park
This popular beach offers 700 feet of sandy beach on East Bay.  Beach goers enjoy the bathhouse, the picnic area and ample parking.  It is located across the street from the Traverse City State Park campgrounds on US 31 North in Traverse City.
Traverse City MI

West End Beach
Large, bay-front park and beach features ample parking and restrooms.  You will find it overlooking West Grand Traverse Bay at the foot of Division Street, on Grandview Parkway, just west of downtown Traverse City.
Traverse City MI

Whitewater Township Park
At this beach there are picnic areas, playground, boat launch, restrooms on Elk Lake east of Highway 685 north of Williamsburg.
Williamsburg MI

Timber Ridge RV and Recreation Resort 4050 Hammond Road East
Traverse City, MI 49686
(231) 947-2770
(800) 909-2327

Timber Ridge RV and Recreation Resort's property borders over 60,000 acres of state land and is attached to the popular scenic pathway, known as the VASA trail. This trail system covers over 50 kilometers and runs through both hilly and wooded areas. Trails are both beginner and advanced -- lessons available. 2K of trails lighted for night skiing.  10 a.m. - 6 p.m.  Rates range from $3 (kids 12 yrs and under) - $7 adults/day.

Grass River Natural Area -- Two loops of trails for a total of 3/4 mile winding through meadow, forest, cedar groves and wetland marshes.  The Grass River Natural Area entrance is off Alden Highway (Co. Rd. 618), 4 miles northeast of Alden, 4 miles south of Bellaie and 8 miles west of Mancelona.  (231) 533-8314 or info@grassriver.org.

Hickory Hills -- Beginner to advanced trails on the west side of Traverse City. Three miles of groomed trails. Owned and operated by the City of Traverse City.  Fee $1/day or $5/season.  No rentals available.

Leelanau State Park -- Approximately six miles of trails, ranging from beginner to advanced. Located at the tip of the Leelanau Peninsula, take County Road 629 north out of Northport to Densmore Road, then left to the designated parking area.

Leelanau Trail -- A 15 mile trail that runs from Traverse City to Suttons Bay, mostly flat with a few easy grades. Groomed. In the summer, it functions as a bike trail. Three trail head parking areas: off Cherry Bend Road and off Fouch Road in Traverse City, and off Fourth Street in Suttons Bay

Lost Lake Ski Trail (Lake Dubonnet) -- Three loops offer a total of 6.5 miles of trails winding through the Lost Lake Natural Area. Trails are located 1 mile north of US 31 on Gonder Road just west of Interlochen Corners.

Muncie Lakes Pathway -- This pathway has 10 miles of beginner-to-advanced trails located in the Boardman River Valley. Accessible from Ranch Rudolf or plowed parking areas off Brownbridge Road east of Ranch Rudolf. Trails are approximately 14 miles southeast of Traverse City.

Old Mission Lighthouse Township Park -- A small trail system located within the Township Park at the tip of Old Mission Peninsula. Follow M 37 (Center Road) to its end.

Sand Lakes Quiet Area -- This is the place year 'round for people who like to confront nature on nature's terms. In winter this means on snowshoes traversing ungroomed trails. The trails have numerous loops within a non-motorized section of the Pere Marquette State Forest. Several small lakes dot the property. Short loops and longer distances constitute trails for all ability levels. The trailhead is located on Broomhead Road, four miles south of M 72 East between Acme and Kalkaska.

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore -- Many trails are located within the 70,000 acre federally owned park. Maps are available at the Sleeping Bear Dunes Visitor Center in Empire. Park fee is $10 for seven days or $20 for a year paid at the Visitor Center. Trails within the park are:

Alligator Hill
More than eight miles of trails dividing into easy, intermediate and advanced loops. Scenic overlooks offering views of Lake Michigan and Glen Lake. Enter trail off Pierce Stocking Road just off Day Forest Road near M 109 in Glen Arbor.

Bay View Trail
About eight miles of easy-to-advanced skiing. Trailhead on north end of Thoreson Road, 3.5 miles north of Glen Arbor.

Empire Bluffs
A 1.5-mile round trip advanced trail with two spectacular overlooks. Trailhead off Wilco Road, Near M 22 south of Empire.

Good Harbor Bay
A 2.8 mile beginner loop near the shores of Lake Michigan. Trailhead is 10 miles northeast of Glen Arbor on Lake Michigan off County Road 669.

Old Indian Trail A 2.5 mile trail divided into an easy and an intermediate loop. Trailhead is on M 22 just north of Sutter Road.

Platte Plains
A 14.7 mile trail with several loops in varying degrees of difficulty providing access to several backcountry lakes. Enter at the end of Esch Road before Lake Michigan or south of Trails End Road along M 22.

Scenic Drive Trail
About eight miles of easy to advanced skiing. Trailhead is just inside the entrance to Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive.

Windy Moraine
A 1.5 mile advanced loop north of Empire on Welch Road off M 109.

Vasa Trail -- Avid cross-country skiers flock to this trail just outside of Traverse City in the Pere Marquette State Forest. Groomed course for skating and striding. 3K, 5K, 11K and 25K loops provide great scenery and plenty of challenge. The main trailhead is located in Acme Township Park on Bartlett Road, off Bunker Hill Road in Acme. A large parking lot, indoor restrooms and trail maps are available there.

Resort	Length	Groomed	Night Skiing	Rental Equipment	Warming Facility	Rates
Grass River Natural Area	--	Some	No	No	No	--
Hickory Hills	5K	Yes	Yes/1K	No	Yes	$1-$5
Leelanau State Park	6K	No	No	No	No	--
Leelanau Trail	15 miles	Yes	No	No	No	Donations
Lost Lake Ski Trail	6.5K	No	No	No	No	--
Muncie Lakes Pathway	10 miles	No	No	No	No	--
Old Mission Lighthouse Township Park	--	No	No	No	No	--
Sleeping Bear Dunes (Numerous Trails)	(below)	No	No	No	No	--
Timber Ridge RV and Recreation Resort	6K	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	$3-$7
Vasa Trail	22K	Yes	No	No	Yes	Donations

For three weeks in July and August, this event offers show jumping, dressage and many other equestrian competitions. It draws competitors from across the nation. Musical competitions, specialty vendor row, silent auctions for charities, kid's day, weekly Grand Prix show jumping event. Open to the public, general admission tickets available at the gate. In 2007, Horse Shows by the Bay moved to brand new permanent facilities just east of Acme.

One reason for the abundance of art offerings in the Traverse City area is the fine arts community at the Interlochen Center for the Arts. The center is located just 13 miles south of Traverse City. For over seven decades, Interlochen has been a resource for quality arts presentations (currently 750 concerts, visual art exhibits and theater and dance productions annually).

The Interlochen Arts Summer Camp and the Interlochen Arts Academy during the academic year are amongst the country's premier training centers for young musicians, dancers, actors, visual artists and writers. More than 2,000 campers age 8 to 18 come from 50 states and 38 foreign countries. The academy's 425 students in grade 9 through post-graduate studies come from 46 states and 17 countries. Their experience stays with them a lifetime, and includes not just the visual and performing arts, but new friends made in a breathtaking environment of pines and rustic cabins between two beautiful lakes.

Having access to both the campus and performances is a delight for both visitors and residents of the Traverse City area. Even without a concert ticket, it's worth the drive to the campus to take in the inspiring atmosphere and visit the historic sites. You can walk through the campus and catch the sights and sounds of the gifted young musicians playing their instruments in small practice huts and musical groups of all sizes in the classroom buildings or outside under the trees. Interlochen College of Creative Arts offers adult artists an opportunity to learn and express themselves creatively, through a variety of arts disciplines as well.

Except for the few weeks between camp and school terms, the place is busy day and night. Check the calendar of events to see what is going on during your visit.

When attending the big name summer concerts, you might want to take advantage of the local restaurateurs who offer picnic fare for concertgoers to enjoy among the pines. Annually, performers include students and faculty as well as guest artists, 500 performances of the summer concert series and 200 plus in the winter. Tickets for the various performances are available through the Interlochen Box Office as well as online at http://tickets.interlochen.org.

Since 1989, the Inland Seas Education Association has operated "floating classroom" programs where people of all ages can learn about the ecology of the Great Lakes by spending a half-day sailing and studying science on Grand Traverse Bay. The knowledge gained through these experiences will provide the leadership, understanding and commitment needed for the long-term stewardship of the Great Lakes. From June until August, the group offers Family Schoolship programs aboard the "Inland Seas," a 77-foot, two-masted schooner and the 31-foot Friendship sloop "Liberty," both based in Suttons Bay. Rates start at $30 per person, and groups of 25 to 28 can be accommodated.