Traverse City Travel Guide | Spring in Michigan
It takes Michigan a while to finally warm up, we go through many false springs (if you know, you know). But when it does reach the real spring, almost everything blooms into a wide variety of colors and it is the most beautiful thing. I love Michigan falls, but our springs are off the charts too!
Around mid-May, and only for a couple days, the entire Old Mission Peninsula blossoms, creating the most spectacular views. Traverse City is the Cherry Capitol, and their cherry trees coming to bloom is a sure sign of spring and the approaching summer months. Along Old Mission Peninsula, you can stop at many wineries for a few locally made bottles, some wine tasting with friends, and beautiful scenic views. You can also stop at many, local, farm stands for seasonal goods.
Northern Michigan loves cherry blossoms so much, that there in an annual celebration called Blossom Days, hosted by the wineries of Old Mission Peninsula and often features soon-to-be released wines, special barrel-aged wines and seasonal food selections. Unfortunately, this years celebration had to be cancelled, but you can still support these wineries by shopping online or for curbside pick-up. In previous years, tickets can be purchased in advance or at the day of the event, so keep a lookout for future Blossom Days events!
But in other words, what else can you do in Traverse City during the spring?
Take a Cherry Blossom Tour
There are over a million cherry trees across the Old Mission Peninsula! The best way to see them is through a self-guided tour like we did in the video below. So be sure to pack a cooler, charge up your phone and cameras, fill up your tank of gas, and hit the road. Blossoms are on private farms, so please be respectful of private property, and unless permission has been given, be sure to respectfully view the blossoms from the side of the road. Be sure to swing into roadside farm stands too! We picked up some lovely local lavender treats.
Visit A Winery
I think it is no secret that Traverse City is the cherry capital of Michigan, but did you know that May is Michigan Wine Month? What better way to celebrate than heading to the place where it is all made! Not sure where to start? Here are 13 Traverse City’s finest:
Mari Vineyards
8175 Center Rd, Traverse City, MI 48686
2896 Bowers Harbor Rd, Traverse City, MI 49686
Chateau Chantal Winery & Tasting Room
15900 Rue de Vin, Traverse City, MI 49686
3309 Blue Water Rd, Traverse City, MI 49686
12239 Center Rd, Traverse City, MI 49686
16985 Smokey Hollow Rd, Traverse City, MI 49686
806 Red Dr Suite #100, Traverse City, MI 49684
12011 Center Rd, Traverse City, MI 49685
11480 Center Rd, Traverse City, MI 49686
Black Star Farms Old Mission Winery
360 McKinley Rd E, Traverse City, MI 49686
1000 Camino Maria Dr, Traverse City, MI 49686
9720 S Center Hwy, Traverse City, MI 49684
Rove Estate Vineyard & Tasting Room
7007 E Traverse Hwy, Traverse City, MI 49684
View The Lighthouses
Michigan is home to 124 lighthouses and the Grand Traverse Region is home to 5 of them. We always make it a point to try and visit at least one new lighthouse with each of our trips, and they never disappoint!
Mission Point Lighthouse (pictured) would be a beautiful stopping point on your Cherry Blossom tour. Located at the end of the Old Mission Peninsula, this lighthouse is surrounded by stunning views from the bay or along its many walking trails. Or, you can also head inside to visit the museum/gift shop. (May-October from 10am-5pm, Adults $4 Children $2, Children 5 & under free)
Grand Traverse Lighthouse is one of the most accessible lighthouses located at the tip of the Leelanau Peninsula. It is now situated in a beautiful state park and is run completely by a volunteer program. (For more accurate hours, head to their website, Adults $4 Children 5-12 $2 Children 5 & under free)
Point Bestie Lighthouse is the second most photographed lighthouse in the U.S.! It is also run by a volunteer nonprofit organization. But, it was previously housing for the coast guard and their families until it’s automation in 1983. (Opens Memorial Day weekend and closes near the end of October, Adults $5 Children 6-12 $2 and Children 6 & under free)
South Manitou Island Lighthouse is one of the most scenic lighthouses in the country and was established to mark the location of the only natural harbor between northern Michigan and Chicago. It was established in 1839 but the 100ft tower was later built in 1871, and was decommissioned in 1958 where it is now part of the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.
North Manitou Island Shoal Lighthouse is not accessible nor open for tours, but it can be viewed up close from the ferry that takes visitors from Leland to the Manitou Islands or from the top of Pyramid Point in Leelanau County. It was established in 1935 to mark the unusual and dangerous shoal where it stands by itself in the middle of the water. It was home to a three-man Coast Guard crew for 42 years before its automation.
Related: 40+ places to visit this spring in Michigan
Head To The Park
When we aren’t visiting the touristy areas or heading down the trails, we love to relax at one of the many parks in and around Traverse City. We love to pick up some local foods, pack our bags, and head out for a picnic at a beach. This is great for those of you with kids who want to let them enjoy the day at the beach or a park and then watch the sunset as a family.
Parks in and around Traverse City:
Open Space Park
Bryant Park
Frankfort Beach
Esch Road Beach
Bring The Bikes
Traverse City has become well-known for its Ice Man Cometh Challenge, but there is plenty more to do for the cyclist or biker! Mountain bikers can enjoy the trails at Glacial Hills Pathway, leisure riders can find enjoyment on the TART trail, and both can find beautiful views along the endless country roads.
Head Downtown
Downtown is full of museums, theaters, shopping, restaurants parks, breweries and so much more! I have restaurant & housing locations listed below, but be sure to head downtown for some souvenirs and to support Michigan’s small businesses.
Take A Day Trip
After you have seen everything there is in Traverse City, head out on a short road trip to the various areas around the city! There are so many close port towns, quaint villages, lighthouses, beaches, and wonderful stops through Benzie, Antrim, and Leelanau counties as well as Michigan’s Sleeping Bear Dunes National Park
Related: The Complete Travel Guide: Mackinac Island, Michigan
Where To Eat:
We love to walk down the streets, enjoy the smells, and find the perfect location for our meals. However, if you are definitely an itinerary planner then here are 10 of the best restaurants in Traverse City.
10 Amazing Restaurants:
Reflect Bistro Inside Cambria Suites Hotel (American, Steakhouse)
The Filling Station (American, Bar)
Boathouse Restaurant (American, Seafood)
Grand Traverse Pie Co. (American, Cafe)
Amical (European)
Red Ginger (Japanese, Sushi)
Old Mission Tavern (American, Bar)
Bubba’s (American, Bar)
PepeNero (Italian, Mediterranean)
Don’s Drive-In (American, Diner)
If you aren’t a wine drinker or if you just want to taste test Michigan’s amazing brews, be sure to stop in one of the local breweries for a flight.
14 Amazing Breweries:
Jolly Pumpkin Restaurant & Brewery
Right Brain Brewery
MiddleCoast Brewing Company
The Workshop Brewing Company
Silver Spruce Brewing Company
Mackinaw Brewing Company
North Peak Brewing Company
The Filling Station Microbrewery
Rare Bird Brewpub
Earthen Ales
Acoustic Tap Room
7 Monks Taproom
Brewery Terra Firma
Fresh Coast Beer Works
Related: Visiting The Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park
Where To Stay:
Whether you are headed to Traverse City to enjoy the views or you just want to head out on a staycation, the city is full of wonderful lodging for the whole family. You can stay at some beautiful hotels & resorts, check your AirBnB listings, or stay at a true Bed and Breakfast for an unforgettable experience.
Hotels & Resorts:
Cherry Tree Inn and Suites
Bayshore Resort
Great Wolf Lodge
Best Western Plus Traverse City
West Bay Beach, a Delamar Resort
Country Inn & Suites
Cambria Hotel
Grand Beach Resort
Sugar Beach Resort
Pointes North Beachfront Resort
Bed & Breakfast:
Wellington Inn
A Breath Of Heaven Bed & Breakfast
Oviatt House Bed and Breakfast
Grey Hare Inn Vineyard Bed and Breakfast
The Spring Lighthouse B&B
Whispering Waters B&B
Country Hermitage Bed and Breakfast
The Inn at Chateau Grand Traverse
Chateau Chantal Winery and Inn
Neahtawanta Inn
We were in awe at these views and hope to see them in the future! Would you love to visit Traverse City in the spring? If you have been to Traverse City, where is your favorite place to go?
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