Lake Michigan - Traverse City Area

The Traverse City Area

The Traverse City area is located in the northernmost part of Michigan. Traverse City sits on the southern end of Grand Traverse Bay which opens up to the top of Lake Michigan.

The bay measures 32 miles long and 12 miles wide and is divided into East Grand Traverse Bay and West Grand Traverse Bay.

The city has plenty of amenities such as the Cherry Capital Airport and Munson Medical Center to ensure residents have everything they need while enjoying the area.

City History

Traverse City is within Grand Traverse County, which was established in 1840. The county was named on April 7th, 1851.

Some of the earliest inhabitants of the Lake Michigan area were the Hopewell Indians. Their culture declined after 800 AD, and for the next few hundred years, the region was home to the Late Woodland Indians.

The French explorer Jean Nicolet is believed to have been the first European explorer to reach Lake Michigan between the years 1634 and 1638.

West Grand Traverse Bay

The West Bay is fed by the Boardman River and is dotted with dozens of cherry orchards. These orchards have helped the Grand Traverse Bay area earn the title of "Cherry Capital of the World."

The National Cherry Festival, held each year, is a massive summer celebration held to rejoice and honor the long history of the cherry business. This festival boasts over 150 family-friendly events such as concerts, pie-eating contests, firework shows, and many more.

Grand Traverse Bay's west side is also home to Gull Island, a bird rookery owned by the Nature Conservancy.

East Grand Traverse Bay

The East Bay also features cherry orchards, but this side's claim to fame is its wineries.

Traverse City State Park is located on Grand Traverse Bay's east side, as well. The Park covers 47 acres and a quarter-mile of beautiful bay beachfront.

Fun On and Off the Water

Beyond cherries, wine, and fun times, Grand Traverse Bay is known for fantastic fishing, especially off Leelanau Peninsula. Many anglers enjoy fishing for large and smallmouth bass, walleye, northern pike, and rainbow trout.

Residents of the Traverse City area also enjoy outdoor activities such as boating, water skiing, paddle boarding, bird watching, and swimming.

Off the water, Traverse City Film Festival is an exceptional way for the whole family to learn and appreciate new and old cinema together.

Pirate's Cove putt-putt golf and amusement center is another popular family attraction in the area.

Find Your Place on Lake Michigan

Whether looking for a place to spend summers with your loved ones or a place to call home, there's a piece of Lake Michigan real estate for you in Traverse City.