Traverse City is a city in northern Michigan and the county seat of Grand Traverse County. Located on the shores of Grand Traverse Bay, the city is about 150 miles northwest of Grand Rapids. It is known for its waterfront, Sleeping Bear Dunes, Old Mission Peninsula, vineyards, cherry orchards, and downtown cultural attractions.
Location Map of Traverse City, Grand Traverse County, Michigan
About Map: The map shows the location of Traverse City in Grand Traverse County, in the U.S. state of Michigan.
Traverse City Map, Michigan
About Traverse City Map: The Google Map highlights the location of Traverse City in Grand Traverse County, Michigan. Use the zoom, satellite, and street-view options to explore the city's neighborhoods, roads, and nearby places.
Where is Traverse City Located?
Traverse City is a city located in Grand Traverse County, Michigan, the United States. It lies in northern Michigan at the southern end of Grand Traverse Bay, about 150 miles northwest of Grand Rapids and roughly 50 miles southwest of Petoskey. Cadillac is about 45 miles southeast, while Manistee is approximately 55 miles southwest of Traverse City. The city is located at 44.7631° North latitude and 85.6206° West longitude. The 2020 Census recorded 15,678 residents. Traverse City covers about 8.66 square miles, or approximately 22.43 square kilometers. The surrounding landscape includes beaches, forests, rolling farmland, orchards, vineyards, and freshwater bays. The city is a major tourism and agricultural center for northern Michigan, with the region especially known for cherries and cool-climate wine production. Clinch Park and the downtown waterfront provide access to Grand Traverse Bay, while the Old Mission Peninsula extends north from the city between the East and West Arms of the bay. Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore lies west of Traverse City and is one of the area's best-known natural attractions. The National Cherry Festival is another major part of the city's identity. A unique feature of Traverse City is its location between two arms of Grand Traverse Bay and its combination of freshwater recreation, cherry farming, vineyards, and northern Michigan culture.
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Traverse City City Facts
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| City | Traverse City |
| State | Michigan |
| County | Grand Traverse County |
| Country | United States |
| Region | Northern Michigan, Grand Traverse Bay |
| Incorporated | 1895 |
| Founded | 1847 |
| Total Area | 8.66 sq mi (22.43 sq km) |
| Land Area | 8.48 sq mi (21.96 sq km) |
| Water Area | 0.18 sq mi (0.47 sq km) |
| Elevation | About 600 ft (183 m) |
| Population (2023 estimate) | About 16,000 |
| Population (2020 Census) | 15,678 |
| Population Density | About 1,849 people per sq mi |
| Time Zone | Eastern Time (EST/EDT) |
| ZIP Codes | 49684, 49685, 49686 |
| Area Code | 231 |
| Major Highways | U.S. Route 31, U.S. Route 37, U.S. Route 131 Business Loop, Michigan State Route 22 |
| Public Transit | Bay Area Transportation Authority |
| Major Attractions | Grand Traverse Bay, Clinch Park, Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, Old Mission Peninsula, Dennos Museum Center |
| Official Website | https://www.traversecitymi.gov/ |
Distance from Traverse City, MI to Nearby Cities
- Acme, MI – 8 miles (13 km)
- Interlochen, MI – 15 miles (24 km)
- Kingsley, MI – 15 miles (24 km)
- Elk Rapids, MI – 20 miles (32 km)
- Northport, MI – 30 miles (48 km)
- Cadillac, MI – 45 miles (72 km)
- Manistee, MI – 55 miles (89 km)
- Petoskey, MI – 50 miles (80 km)
- Charlevoix, MI – 45 miles (72 km)
- Big Rapids, MI – 75 miles (121 km)
- Gaylord, MI – 65 miles (105 km)
- Mt. Pleasant, MI – 100 miles (161 km)
- Alpena, MI – 115 miles (185 km)
- Grand Rapids, MI – 150 miles (241 km)
- Lansing, MI – 150 miles (241 km)
- Flint, MI – 170 miles (274 km)
- Detroit, MI – 250 miles (402 km)
- Saginaw, MI – 135 miles (217 km)
Top Attractions in Traverse City
- Grand Traverse Bay – The large freshwater bay on Lake Michigan provides beaches, boating, fishing, swimming, sunsets, and scenic waterfront views.
- Clinch Park – A downtown waterfront park with a sandy beach, picnic areas, walking paths, and access to Grand Traverse Bay.
- Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore – A major Lake Michigan destination west of Traverse City featuring towering sand dunes, beaches, forests, hiking trails, and scenic overlooks.
- Old Mission Peninsula – A scenic peninsula north of Traverse City known for cherry orchards, vineyards, wineries, lighthouses, and views of Grand Traverse Bay.
- Mission Point Lighthouse – A historic lighthouse at the northern end of Old Mission Peninsula with a beach, trails, and views of Lake Michigan.
- Dennos Museum Center – A museum at Northwestern Michigan College featuring art collections, cultural exhibits, and rotating exhibitions.
- Grand Traverse Commons – A historic former state hospital complex with restored buildings, shops, restaurants, walking trails, and public spaces.
- Traverse City State Park – A lakeside park on Grand Traverse Bay with camping, swimming, fishing, and beach recreation.
- National Cherry Festival – A major annual community festival celebrating the region's cherry-growing heritage with parades, events, food, and entertainment.
Airports Near Traverse City, Michigan
- Cherry Capital Airport (TVC) – 5 miles
- Manistee County-Blacker Airport (MBL) – 55 miles
- Cherryland Airport (TVC) – 5 miles
- Emmet County Airport (PLN) – 55 miles
- Gerald R. Ford International Airport (GRR) – 150 miles
Sources:
Population and area data sourced from the United States Census Bureau (2020 Census). General city information referenced from the official Traverse City city website and local government records.
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