Traverse City Travel Blog

The numbers aren’t clear. We do know that in 1929, Ransom Field opened as the first airport in Traverse City. But we don’t know how many passengers they carried. They flew a Boeing 80A aircraft that could handle up to 18 passengers. There was only a direct flight to Grand Rapids. They not only took passengers but also carried airmail. The cost of that airmail stamp was five cents per ounce, quite a lot more than the standard two cents per ounce for regular postage. But you gladly paid the extra if it was urgent to get that letter up north, there was no UPS at that time.

Golfers know the magic of a destination that delivers great play in every season, and Traverse City does exactly that. From crisp spring tee times and summer resort greens to spectacular fall color tours and winter simulators, Traverse City golf isn’t just a seasonal activity. It’s a year-round

Spring has sprung in Traverse City. You know what to do. Dust off those hiking boots and hit the trail!  

The snow is melting, the birds are singing, and the trees are beginning to bud, making for some spectacular scenery. Whether you're a seasoned hiker or looking for a leisurely stroll, the Traverse City area boasts a wide variety of trails perfect for shaking off those winter blues. 

Ready to explore? Use our handy jump list to find your next adventure! 

Every year, magic settles over Northern Michigan when the final traces of winter retreat. As the air softens, the rolling hills of the Traverse City region undergo a breathtaking transformation. Almost overnight, thousands of cherry trees wake from their slumber, draping the landscape in a delicate lace of white petals. 

Laugh the weekend away at the annual Traverse City Comedy Fest, from April 16-18. There are good times and good laughs to be had at one of the most beloved Traverse City festivals, which draws some of the biggest names in comedy.

From some of the best improv in the county to roast battles and comedy rumbles, Traverse City Comedy Fest has something for everyone — even a comedic twist for murder mystery fans! Check out this year’s comedy in Traverse City, MI, including lineup, venues, and how to snag a ticket.

“He stands like a statue, becomes part of the machine. Feelin’ all the bumpers, always playin’ clean” – The Who, Pinball Wizard.

He stands in his bedazzled, shiny shirt, not like the stoic pinball wizard from the song, but instead, he shows an animated display of emotion, intent on connecting to his machine. Brock Nummerdor from Reed City came to Traverse City earlier this year, hoping to make his mark on the Michigan Pinball Championship at Right Brain Brewery. “It’s just a physical connection. We’ll call it visceral. It’s the bells, the chimes, the bleeps, the bloops, the thuds. It’s a very intense game,” said Nummerdor. 

Every small town in America has something they’re proud of—a claim to fame, a local treasure, a festival that encapsulates who they are. For Traverse City, that pride comes in the form of a small, juicy fruit that’s made a big impact: the cherry. And for a full century now, this community has thrown a party in its honor that’s grown into one of the largest and most beloved festivals in the Midwest.

This year, the National Cherry Festival turns 100. That’s 100 summers of pie-eating contests, parades, farm tours, and patriotic flair. A hundred years of honoring the humble cherry and the hardworking people who grow, harvest, cook, and celebrate it. 

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is a breathtaking park in Northern Michigan that’s filled with towering dunes, stunning sunsets and sandy beaches.

If you’ve visited the Dunes, it may come as no surprise that the National Lakeshore has been voted the most beautiful place in the United States

The pace changes. When the first flakes of snow begin to coat the barren tree branches, it’s time to hit the “slow down” button. It’s time to breathe in the crisp air and relax just a bit. Winter in the Traverse City region is a different experience. It may mean you linger a little longer at one of the award-winning wineries and listen to the winemaker speak with pride of the craftsmanship that goes into their creations. It could mean walking the snow-covered streets of downtown while you seek out the treasured memento of your vacation up north. 

You don’t really need an excuse to take a wine tour, but we’ve got some handy anyway.

Winery visits are an affordable and unique way to spend a winter day in Traverse City. Luckily, there are a variety of dynamic, educational, inspiring, and memorable Michigan wine tasting options, whether you’re