What to See and Do in Traverse City, Michigan

Traverse City is one of those places that captures everything magical about Michigan summers. From turquoise lakes and sand dunes to cherry ice cream and family-friendly campgrounds, it’s the perfect base for exploring Northern Michigan. Here are our favorite things to see and do in Traverse City and the surrounding area.

Where to Stay: Timber Ridge RV Resort ⛺

We stayed at Timber Ridge RV Resort, and it might just be one of the most fun campgrounds we’ve ever visited. Honestly, it felt like a summer camp for the whole family.

Some of the highlights included:

A giant inflatable jump pad for the kids
A man-made lake with a huge inflatable obstacle maze
Biking trails, playgrounds, and wide-open spaces
A welcoming community vibe that made it easy to meet other families

It’s the kind of place where you could easily spend your entire trip and never run out of things to do.

Torch Lake: Michigan’s Caribbean 🌊

Just a short drive from Traverse City, Torch Lake is famous for its crystal-clear, turquoise waters. We rented a boat from Northaire Resort & Pontoon and spent an unforgettable day with friends from World Share Family.

We anchored at the Torch Lake Sandbar, where the water is shallow enough to wade, swim, and float for hours. From there, you can boat through little rivers that connect to other lakes—it felt like discovering secret passages around every corner.

It’s one of those summer days you never want to end.

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore 🏞️

No visit to Traverse City is complete without exploring Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, one of Michigan’s most iconic treasures. Even on the smoky day we visited, the scenery was absolutely stunning.

We’ve made our full route shareable here: Click for our Google Map itinerary.

Our Highlights:

Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive – jaw-dropping overlooks of Lake Michigan
Dune Climb – tougher than it looks, but so rewarding (bring water!)
Glen Arbor – home of Cherry Republic, where we sampled cherry ice cream and cherry wine 🍒
Fishtown – a tiny historic fishing village, fun for a quick visit and some photos
Dinner in Glen Arbor – more dining options than Fishtown and the perfect way to end the day

Tips for Visiting Sleeping Bear Dunes:

Free Pass for 4th Graders – Families can get a FREE National Park Pass through the Every Kid Outdoors program. Sleeping Bear Dunes is included!
Arrive Early – Parking fills up quickly in peak season.
Wear Proper Footwear – Sand gets HOT. Sturdy sandals or sneakers are best.
Check Air Quality – Smoke can affect visibility in summer, but the trip is still worth it.

Why We Love Traverse City ❤️

Traverse City is the kind of destination that has something for everyone—families, couples, or anyone who loves the outdoors. Between the fun at Timber Ridge, the turquoise waters of Torch Lake, and the breathtaking views at Sleeping Bear Dunes, it quickly became one of our favorite summer destinations.

Whether you’re RVing, boating, or just road-tripping through, Traverse City should be at the top of your Michigan bucket list.