Traverse City Area

 
    The Traverse City Area bills itself as "The Great Lakes Paradise," which pretty accurately describes the region.  Freshwater lakes and dunes, world-class golf courses, luxurious resorts, port towns, unique Michigan wineries, cultural museums, casino gambling, and chartered sport fishing are just some of the tourism opportunities in the area.
    Numerous beaches line the lakeshores.  Scuba divers can explore several shipwrecks in the Great Lakes.  Boaters have their choice of lakes to enjoy.  Reconstructed tall ships, such as the Malabar or the Madeline cruise the waters of East Grand Traverse Bay.
 

photo used by permission of Dr. Gail Vander Stoep, copyright 1997
The Madeline at dock
(photo used by permission of Dr. Gail Vander Stoep, Copyright 1997)
 

    Enjoy the splendors of Leelanau County and take in the rural landscape during a hike or bike ride.  The Old Mission Peninsula entices visitors with restored 19th century areas such as the Old Mission Village and Lighthouse.  Nearby, several vineyards produce wine, including the Bowers Harbor Vineyards, Chateau Chantal, and Chateau Grand Traverse.
 

Traverse: photo by Dr. Robert Thomas
Chateau Grand Traverse Vineyards
(photo by Dr. Robert Thomas)

    The Traverse City Area has over 5,000 rooms available to accomodate visitors, including motels, resorts, and bed & breakfasts.  Among these is the Grand Traverse Resort which features 2 championship golf courses, including the "Bear", designed by Jack Nicklaus.
 

Traverse: photo by Bill Bogle
The Grand Traverse Resort
(photo by Bill Bogle)
 
 
Map of the Area
(Map Source:  US Census TIGER Maps)
 
Other web sites of interest:

Traverse City Area Chamber of Commerce:  project..tcchamber.org/index.htm