Traverse City is a beautiful city located on the shores of Grand Traverse Bay in Michigan. It’s a popular tourist destination year-round, but June is an especially great time to visit. The weather is perfect, with warm days and cool nights, and there are plenty of things to see and do. If you’re planning a trip to Traverse City in June 2024, here are eight of the best places to visit:
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is a 71,000-acre park that’s home to some of the most beautiful sand dunes in the world. The dunes are up to 400 feet tall, and they offer stunning views of the lake and the surrounding forest. You can hike, bike, or swim in the park, or simply relax on the beach and enjoy the scenery.
Things to do
- Hike the Dune Climb, a challenging but rewarding hike to the top of one of the highest dunes in the park.
- Visit the Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive, a 7-mile drive that winds through the dunes and offers breathtaking views.
- Swim in Lake Michigan, one of the cleanest and most beautiful lakes in the world.
- Camp at one of the park’s many campgrounds, which offer a variety of campsites from primitive to full hookups.
Grand Traverse Commons
Grand Traverse Commons is a historic village that’s home to a variety of shops, restaurants, and attractions. The village is located on the site of a former asylum, and many of the buildings have been restored to their original condition. You can visit the Village at Grand Traverse Commons, which is a museum that tells the story of the asylum, or you can simply wander around the village and enjoy the unique shops and restaurants.
Things to do
- Visit the Village at Grand Traverse Commons, which is a museum that tells the story of the asylum.
- Stroll through the village and enjoy the unique shops and restaurants.
- Visit the Civic Center, which is a beautiful building that houses the city’s library, art museum, and historical society.
- Attend a concert or performance at the Old Mission Peninsula Schoolhouse, which is a historic schoolhouse that has been converted into a performing arts center.
Traverse City State Park
Traverse City State Park is a 50-acre park that’s located on the shores of Grand Traverse Bay. The park offers a variety of activities, including swimming, fishing, boating, and hiking. You can also camp at the park, which offers a variety of campsites from primitive to full hookups.
Things to do
- Swim in the clear waters of Grand Traverse Bay.
- Fish for trout, salmon, and other fish in the park’s waters.
- Go boating on the bay, and enjoy the stunning views of the shoreline.
- Hike the trails that wind through the park, and enjoy the beauty of the natural surroundings.
Old Mission Peninsula
Old Mission Peninsula is a 17-mile peninsula that’s located on the west side of Grand Traverse Bay. The peninsula is home to a variety of wineries, orchards, and farms. You can visit the wineries and sample their wines, or you can simply drive around the peninsula and enjoy the beautiful scenery.
Things to do
- Visit the wineries on Old Mission Peninsula, and sample their award-winning wines.
- Go apple picking at one of the many orchards on the peninsula.
- Visit the Mission Point Lighthouse, which is a historic lighthouse that offers stunning views of the bay.
- Hike or bike the trails that wind through the peninsula, and enjoy the beauty of the natural surroundings.
Great Lakes Children’s Museum
The Great Lakes Children’s Museum is a fun and educational museum for children of all ages. The museum has a variety of exhibits that teach children about science, math, and the arts. There’s also a water play area, a construction zone, and a dress-up area. Children will love exploring the museum and learning through play.
Things to do
- Explore the museum’s many exhibits, which teach children about science, math, and the arts.
- Play in the water play area, which has a variety of water features that children will love.
- Build something in the construction zone, which has a variety of building materials that children can use to create their own structures.
- Dress up in the dress-up area, which has a variety of costumes that children can wear.
State Theatre
The State Theatre is a historic theater that hosts a variety of performances, including movies, concerts, and plays. The theater is located in the heart of downtown Traverse City, and it’s a great place to catch a show.
Things to do
- See a movie at the State Theatre, which shows a variety of films, from independent films to blockbusters.
- Attend a concert at the State Theatre, which hosts a variety of musical acts, from local bands to national touring acts.
- See a play at the State Theatre, which hosts a variety of theatrical productions, from local theater companies to Broadway touring shows.
- Take a tour of the State Theatre, which offers a behind-the-scenes look at the theater’s history and architecture.
Tall Ship Manitou
The Tall Ship Manitou is a replica of a 19th-century schooner. The ship offers a variety of cruises, from short sightseeing cruises to overnight sailing trips. You can also charter the ship for private events.
Things to do
- Take a sightseeing cruise on the Tall Ship Manitou, which offers stunning views of the bay and the surrounding shoreline.
- Go on an overnight sailing trip on the Tall Ship Manitou, which is a unique and unforgettable experience.
- Charter the Tall Ship Manitou for a private event, such as a wedding, corporate event, or family reunion.
- Take a tour of the Tall Ship Manitou, which offers a unique glimpse into the history of sailing.
Culture
Traverse City is a vibrant city with a rich culture. The city is home to a variety of museums, art galleries, and theaters. There are also a number of festivals and events held throughout the year, including the National Cherry Festival, the Traverse City Film Festival, and the Traverse City Wine and Art Festival.
Best Months to Visit
The best months to visit Traverse City are May through October. The weather is warm and sunny during these months, and there are plenty of things to see and do. However, June is a particularly great time to visit, as the weather is perfect and the crowds are smaller than they are in July and August.
Nearby Transportation
Traverse City is easily accessible by car, plane, or train. The city is located on US-31, and it’s about a 4-hour drive from Detroit. The Cherry Capital Airport (TVC) is located about 10 miles from the city center, and it offers flights to a number of major cities. The Amtrak train station is located in the city center, and it offers service to Chicago, Grand Rapids, and other cities.
Local Food
Traverse City is known for its delicious food. The city is home to a number of award-winning restaurants, and there are also a number of farmers markets and food festivals held throughout the year. Some of the local specialties include cherries, apples, wine, and craft beer.
Best Hotels
There are a number of great hotels in Traverse City. Some of the most popular hotels include the Grand Traverse Resort and Spa, the Mission Point Resort, and the Park Place Hotel.
Conclusion
Traverse City is a beautiful city with a lot to offer visitors. The city has something for everyone, from outdoor activities to cultural attractions to delicious food. If you’re planning a trip to Traverse City, be sure to check out the 8 best places to visit in June 2024 listed above. You won’t be disappointed!
