Traverse City, MI: A 3-Day City Experience Itinerary

  1. Day 1: Downtown Traverse City
    10 minutes (2 miles) from Cherry Capital Airport

    Start your Traverse City adventure at the heart of the city: Downtown Traverse City. Take a stroll along the Front Street, home to various shops, boutiques, and restaurants. Afterward, visit the City Opera House, a historic performing arts venue that offers a wide range of concerts, theater productions, and cultural events. End your day at Clinch Park Beach, where you can relax on the white sand beach and watch the sunset.

  2. Day 2: Old Mission Peninsula
    25 minutes (17.7 miles) from Downtown Traverse City

    Explore the scenic Old Mission Peninsula, located just a short drive from Traverse City. Start your day with a visit to the Mission Point Lighthouse, a historic lighthouse that offers panoramic views of the peninsula. Afterward, visit the Chateau Chantal winery and vineyard, where you can go on a wine tasting tour and learn about the winemaking process. End your day at the Old Mission Tavern, a cozy restaurant that offers delicious food and drinks.

  3. Day 3: Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
    40 minutes (28.2 miles) from Downtown Traverse City

    Experience the natural beauty of Michigan by visiting the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Start your day with a hike along the Empire Bluff Trail, which offers stunning views of Lake Michigan and the surrounding landscape. Afterward, visit the Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive, a 7.4-mile scenic drive that offers breathtaking views of the dunes, forests, and lakes. End your day at the Cherry Republic, a store that offers various cherry products, including jams, chocolates, and wines.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • City Opera House (2 hours, free)
  • Clinch Park Beach (3 hours, free)
  • Mission Point Lighthouse (1 hour, $5)
  • Chateau Chantal Winery and Vineyard (2 hours, $20 for wine tasting)
  • Old Mission Tavern (2 hours, $20 for food and drinks)
  • Empire Bluff Trail (2 hours, free)
  • Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive (1 hour, $25 per vehicle)
  • Cherry Republic (1 hour, varies)

  • Total Estimated Costs: $70-$90
0