Attractions

The Traverse Area is full of Unusual Ideas® – unique attractions, activities and day trips which provide an authentic glimpse into the local lifestyle. Interested in exploring the waters, checking out a lighthouse or museum, or perhaps a day of shopping and family fun?

You’ll find it all here. Whether you’ve come to the area for business or pleasure, with family or friends, you’re sure to enjoy a memorable experience when you visit one of our Unusual Ideas®.

 

 

 Michigan Area Lighthouses

Sponsored by Century 21 Sleeping Bear Realty

 

 

Click on an image to find out more information on these attractions. To advertise your business with Meal Tickets & Unusual Ideas, click here.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cherry Bowl Drive-In Theatre
Always a Double-Feature and Always Family Friendly

 

First Run Movies every Friday & Saturday, May & September

Nightly all summer

Rain or shine dusk is the time!

  • ’50’s style mini-golf
  • Playground
  • Diner
  • Shopping & more…

 

Cherry Bowl Gifts and Goodies
Shop with us next door:

  • Laura’s Famous Baked Goods
  • Fudgies Sweet Shoppe
  • Moosebumps Gourmet Coffee
  • Busters Balloons & Gifts
  • Inspirations Christian Books & Gifts
  • Pennsylvania Dutch Bulk Food
  • Shirt Tales Terrific T’s
  • The Cherry Bear Factory

cherrybowlgiftsandgoodies.com

 

The Cherry Bowl Drive-In Theatre

18 miles southwest of Traverse City, on US 31 in Honor
For current movie listings call 231.325.3413 or visit our website at www.cherrybowldrivein.com.

 
Cherry Stop
Bringing you premium fruit & cherry products since 1995.

 

Now featuring a Northern Michigan Wine Bar
Sample and take home your favorite Northern Michigan wines.

Hard Pit Cafe
Old-fashioned soda fountain…try our Cherry Vanilla Cream Soda!

Fresh Cherry Pie & Baked Goods

  • Fruit of the Month Specials & Discounts
  • Premium Dried Cherries & Fruits
  • Chocolate Covered Dried Fruits
  • Fruit Blends, Trail Mixes, & Cherry Candies
  • Tart Cherry Juice Concentrate
  • Jams, Salsas, BBQ Sauces & Mustards
  • Cherry Coffee & Tea
  • Frozen Cherries Year Round, Fresh Cherries in Season
  • Cherry Gift Items - Many Locally Made
  • Gift Boxes & Baskets; ask about our Corporate Gift Program

Visit our retail store or shop our on-line catalog at www.cherrystop.com. For mail order call: 800.286.7209

Cherries are good tasting and good for you. For a healthy snack or ingredient, try our dried fruit.

We accept the following forms of payment: American Express, VISA, Mastercard & Discover. Open year round

International Shipping

The Cherry Stop

211 E. Front Street Traverse City MI 49684 (231) 929-3990 (800) 286-7290 for Mail Order www.cherrystop.com

 

 

Downtown Traverse City

 

Ask the locals. They’ll tell you that downtown Traverse City is vibrant, unique, and beautiful, and home to more than 150 stores, businesses, and services waiting to help you! For Gift Certificates accepted year-round at over 150 Downtown businesses, please call our office at (231) 922-2050, or visit our website at www.downtowntc.com.

Gift Certificates are also available at the Hardy Parking Deck, TC State Bank and the TC Convention & Visitors Bureau.

 
Restaurants

Eateries include Mexican, Italian, French Country, Greek, Cornish Pasties, BBQ, Steak, Vegetarian, Pizza, Soup & Sandwiches, Fresh Fish and Coffee Houses

 
Live Entertainment

Nightclubs, Brewpubs & Pubs • State Theatre, Old Town Playhouse, City Opera House

 
Specialty Stores

Local Food Items • Clothing • Jewelry • Home Furnishings • Crafts, Toys & Hobbies • Sporting Goods • Music • Books, Cards & Stationary • Antiques & Art Galleries • Shoes and More!

 
Services

Traverse City Visitor’s Center • Chamber of Commerce • Downtown Development Authority/Downtown Traverse City Association • Hardy Parking Deck • BATA Transit Center • Public Parking • Banks/ATM • Pharmacies • Media • Legal Services • Florists • Printers • Travel Agents • Cleaners • Lodging • Churches

 
Attractions

Historic Neighborhoods • Great Lakes Children’s Museum • Grand Traverse Heritage Center • Clinch Park Zoo & Marina • Traverse Film Festival • Traverse Area Recreation Trail • Traverse Area Arts Council • National Cherry Festival

 
Special Events

 Each season, Downtown features special events including Friday Night Live, Farmers Market, Chili Cook-off, Bridal Show, Arts & Crafts fairs, Downtown Art Walk, holiday festivals and more. Call our office or visit the website for a listing.

 
Downtown Traverse City Association

 (231) 922-2050

www.downtowntc.com

Eastland Apothecary Shoppe

 

We are your Community Drug Store providing you a level of service no drug chain can match.

 

Eastland Apothecary Shoppe

1217 E. Front Street

Traverse City, MI

 

Ph: 231-947-9825

Fax: 231-947-3102

 

  • FREE prescription delivery within Grand Traverse County
  • Accept all major health & medical insurance plans
  • Knowledgeable and accessible staff
  • Conveniently located near downtown Traverse City, in Campus Plaza and across from the Civic Center
  • We offer a wide selection of over-the-counter health and beauty products
  • Accept major credit cards
 
Store Hours

Mon. – Fri. 8:30am – 7:00pm

Saturday 9:00am – 5:00pm

Sunday Closed

 

We are what a pharmacy was meant to be!

Gwen Frostic Prints
Presscraft Papers

5140 River Rd. : Benzonia MI

 

Surrounded by over one hundred acres of wilderness and nature, Gwen Frostic designed the stone building that became the permanent location for Presscraft Papers in 1964.

Gwen’s hand-carved linoleum block prints have been printed on-site on over 15 Heidelberg presses. Her detailed designs capture the joyousness of the woods and open fields to express that indefinable something that lies deep in the hearts of all.

The legacy of her artwork is available on stationery, paper tableware, tote bags, glassware and much, much more.

 
Open year round

Summer: Everyday — 9:00am – 5:30pm

Winter: Mon – Sat — 9:00am – 4:30pm

 

(231) 882-5505

www.gwenfrostic.com

nature@gwenfrostic.com

 

While you’re in the area stop by the Brookside Inn for meals, bakery goods and giftshop items.

(231) 882-9688

 

For more information, here is an interesting Article about Gwen Frostic by Tobi Karch Here is another article about Gwen from the March 2005 Issue of Martha Stewart Living Magazine

Interlochen
Interlochen Presents : 2008-09 Performing Arts Series

 

  •  Sept: 19  Trio Globo
  • Oct 9 & 10:  Interlochen "Collage"
  • Oct 17:  "The Velveteen Rabbit"
  • Oct 19:  Soweto Gospel Choir
  • Nov 15:  Chase Free Community Concert
  • Nov 21-Dec 7:  "Little Women: The Musical"
  • Dec 1:  Leahy: A Celtic Christmas
  • Dec 4:  Eric Alexxander Quartet
  • Dec 12-14:  "Coppelia"
  • Jan 16:  Michael Philip Mossman w/Interlochen Jazz Ensemble
  • Jan 24:  Tiempo Libre w/Interlochen Orchestra
  • Feb 12:  Leonard Slatkin conducts the Interlochen Orchestra
  • Feb 14:  Complexions Contemporary Ballet
  • Mar 12:  "Gilligan’s Island: The Musical"
  • Apr 8:  Peter Erskine Trio
  • Apr 16:  Harlem Quartet
  • May 7-10:  "Seussical"

Interlochen Website: tickets.interlochen.org

Phone: 800.681.5920

 

Interlochen Public Radio

Michigan Association of Broadcasters’ "Public Radio Station of the Year"

Classical Music 88.7, 88.5 & 100.9 FM
News 91.5 FM

Listen online at: www.interlochen.org/ipr
 

Interlochen Arts Academy

The nation’s first and foremost fine arts boarding high school, where students study music, dance, theatre, visual arts, creative writing and motion picture arts in a college-like setting.

 

Interlochen Arts Camp

The world’s premier summer arts program for aspiring artists grades 3 through 12, offerring programs in music, dance, theatre, visual arts, creative writing and motion picture arts.

 

Interlochen College of Creative Arts

An engaging series of classes and programs for adults, because it’s never too late to have the experience of a lifetime!

www.interlochen.org

Learn Great Foods

 

Ever wonder exactly where your food comes from? Do you enjoy breath-taking vistas, the smell of clean air and hands-on learning? Then join us for an agri-culinary tour & dinner with Learn Great Foods!

 Enjoy an epicurean day trip to local organic farms, talk with food artisans, and prepare a feast of just-picked foods for an alfresco dinner with new friends.

 “The tour was a unique combination of learning and fun…an awesome experience for all ages…a must day trip for everyone.” – Joe Z., Warrenville, IL

 

Day Trip Includes
  • Tours of Local Organic Farms
  • Learn About Food
  • Cooking Demos
  • Gourmet Dinner
Leelanau Tour Schedules

Wednesdays, 12 noon – 6pm
Seasonally, May – October

 

Reservations Required

call: 231.758.3407
toll free:866.240.1650

online: www.learngreatfoods.com

 

Leelanau Tour Destinations
  1. Sweeter Song Farm
  2. Cottonwood Springs Farm
  3. Carlson´s Fisheries
  4. Leland Cherry Co.
  5. Leelanau Cheese Co.
  6. Bel Lago Vineyards & Winery
  7. Bunny Hop Ranch
  8. Grocer´s Daughter Chocolate

Learn Great Foods also offers tours and retreats in Petoskey, and Illinois, Wisconsin and Iowa.

Leelanau Sands Casino

Leelanau Sands Casino is located a scenic 20 miles north of Traverse City on M-22 in Peshawbestown, Michigan.

This is the kind of place where you can check your cares, share a laugh with friends, and maybe even fill your pockets.

Featuring:
  • Over 400 Slot Machines
  • Craps
  • Roulette
  • 3-Card Poker
  • Blackjack
  • and the latest virtual machines

If that’s not enough, there is a Lounge with LIVE Entertainment and Bingo Hall that always have something going on. So come as you are. We’re sure you’ll have a great time!

 

Double Eagle Restaurant

Offering fine dining as well as award-winning buffets. A full lunch and dinner menu featuring Cedar Plank Salmon, Beef Tenderloin and Chocolate Raspberry Mousse.

We’ve added an All-You-Can-Eat Soup & Salad Bar, Sugar-free dessert choices and a scrumptious Sunday Brunch Buffet.

Located inside the Leelanau Sands Casino.

Hours

Open 7 days a week from 8am - 10pm

Leelanau Sands Casino
800.922.2WIN
www.casino2win.com

 

Owned and operated by the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians

 

Leelanau Sands Casino graphicLeelanau Sands Casino map

 

 

Lighthouses

Click HERE for a more detailed description, with directions and a photo of each lighthouse.

Lighthouse Information sponsored by
Century 21 Sleeping Bear Realty
231-352-7123

 

 

Old Mission Point Light 1870

Located on 45th parallel this light is no longer in operation, nor is it open for tours.

Grand Traverse Light 1851

Also known as “Cat’s Head” this light is also an historic museum open to the public.

South Manitou Island Light 1872

Tour this historic light, and watch out for ghosts, this one’s considered “haunted” by some.

Robert H. Manning Light 1991

This little known light is only the second memorial light in Michigan.

Point Betsie Light 1858

Point Betsie Light celebrates 150 Year Anniversary
This is the oldest operating light in Michigan and the second most photographed in the United States. The light marks the southern entrance to the Manitou passage.

Frankfort North Breakwater Light 1932

Walk along the pier and you’ll find this light guiding boats safely into the Betsie

Mistwood Golf Course
 

Mistwood is undoubtedly the best place to satisfy your golf passion. Since opening in 1993, Mistwood has established a reputation as one of the finest public golf courses in Northern Michigan.

Mistwood Features

  • 27 Championship Holes: bentgrass fairways, true & fast greens, four-tee system for all skill levels
  • New Par 3 "Little Nine"
  • PGA Pro Lessons Available
  • Practice Range & 3 Practice Putting Greens
  • Online Tee Time Reservations
  • Clubhouse & Pro Shop
  • Sunset Bar & Grill

 

Mistwood Golf Course

7568 Ole White Drive
Lake Ann, MI 49650

 

phone: 231.275.5500

web:  www.mistwoodgolf.com

 

Mistwood, named for it’s characteristic misty mornings, is consistently rated "4 stars" by Golf Digest Magazine

 

Music House Museum
 

A stroll through the Music House Museum is like a walk back in time. Join us for a revolving guided musical tour as we explain and demonstrate our one-of-a-kind collection of rare antique musical instruments and music-making machines, dating from 1870 – 1930.

 

  • Our collection includes fully restored and functioning instruments including the magnificent 97-key Mortier dance organ from Belgium and the 1924 Wurlitzer Theater Organ from the Cinderella Theater in Detroit
  • Sample the sounds of nickelodeons & jukeboxes, phonographs & radios
  • Experience our turn-of-the-century general store and old town saloon
  • Browse our musical themed gift shop specializing in music boxes
  • And limited viewing of the Mini City, a 1931 scale model of Traverse City

 

The Music House Museum Hours:

Open daily from May – October
November & December: open weekends
December 26 - 31: open daily

Consider the Music House Museum for your next special event. It’s a unique atmosphere for anniversaries, reunions, parties, weddings, receptions and more. Ask about our concerts, dances and theater parties.

 
Music House Museum

 7377 US 31 North

PO Box 297

Acme, Michigan 49610

 

Phone: 231.938.9300

web: www.musichouse.org

email: info@musichouse.org

Pirate’s Cove

 

Meet the challenge at Pirate’s Cove! It’s family fun for all ages.

 
Adventure Golf

Putt your way through mountain caves, over footbridges and under waterfalls on two 18-hole championship courses.

 
 Go-Carts

Speed on the ultimate road track and experience the rush of car racing against a fleet of 18 go-carts.

 
Watercoaster

 A burst of speed sets your raft off to drop more than 50 feet, as you twist and turn into a screaming landing. Designed to ride in your street clothes.

 
Bumper Boats

Beat the heat in the hottest and coolest boats that rock, spin and spray.

 
Game Room

 Explore Blackbeard’s Den and enjoy the latest in video arcade games.

 
Kiddy Cars

2-6 year olds can be king of the road in their own rugged Jeeps.

 
Pirate’s Cove Adventure Park

231.938.9599

www.piratescove.net

Right Brain Brewery

221 Garland St
Traverse City, MI
231.944.1239
877.944.BEER

www.rightbrainbrewery.com

Welcome to Right Brain Brewery, Traverse City’s only micro-brewery. We only serve our own beers because that’s what we do well. We usually have 12 beers on tap, but it depends on the day and the thirst of the people.

Right Brain Brewery Hours

Open: Monday - Saturday, noon - midnight
Sunday, noon - 8pm
 

  • Non-smoking
  • Bring your own food
  • Get a growler to-go

Located next to Salon Saloon

"You Sip, We’ll Snip!"
www.salonsaloon.com

231.929.4602

 

 
Riverside Canoe Trips
 

Experience the Platte River in the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore Park.

 
Lower Platte:

Friendly river with a gentle current – ideal for the whole family! Let the kids paddle a kayak on their own or float in their own tubes. Riverside will furnish the rope and you tow the tube behind your canoe. The trip ends at Lake Michigan with a beautiful sugar sand beach! This is our most popular “family” trip.

 
Upper Platte:

Our “fast water” trip – it’s a natural for good times. Clean, spring fed waters and fast current with an average depth of 2-3 feet. Often narrow and full of quick turns and low branches, this trip is a challenge. It’s an “adult” trip.

 
Rental Services:
  • Canoes
  • Tubes
  • Kayaks
  • Rafts
  • Boats
  • And more!

Including a complete country general store! VISA & MasterCard accepted.

 
Season:

May 1st – Mid-October 7 days a week

 

For more information, contact:

 
Riverside Canoe Trips

5042 Scenic Hwy.

Honor MI 49640

 

(231) 325-5622

www.canoemichigan.com

Traverse Tall Ship Co., LLC
 

Leave your cares ashore and sail back in time aboard the tall ship Manitou! This majestic 114’ replica of an 1800’s schooner plies the sparkling waters of Grand Traverse Bay from her pier in Traverse City.

 
Sailing three times daily:

 12:00pm – 2:00pm (picnic meal)

3:00pm – 5:00pm

6:30pm – 8:30pm (picnic meal)

 
Specialty Cruises in July & August:

 Moomers Ice Cream Monday Mondays, 3:00pm cruise

Wine Tasting Cruise featuring Leelanau Cellars, with catering by Silver Swan Homemade Foods Tuesdays, 6:30pm cruise

Entertainment Cruise with northern Michigan favorite Song of the Lakes Wednesdays, 6:30pm cruise

Family Packages available Private charters for up to 62 passengers

 
Traverse Tall Ship Co., LLC

 13390 S West Bayshore Dr

Traverse City, MI 49684

 

231-941-2000/800-678-0383

www.tallshipsailing.com

 

Traverse City Golf Center
Voted #1 Public Golf Shop by Northern Michigan PGA Professionals

 

Northern Michigan’s Premier Golf Shop
A full service, four-season golf facility in Traverse City, Michigan. Owned and operated by PGA golf professional Doug Lichty.

Outdoor Facilities:

  • 300 yard driving range
  • PGA golf instruction available
  • 30 individual practice stations
  • Putting green practice area with sand bunkers

 

Indoor Facilities:

  • 8 hitting stations with chipping targets
  • Two golf simulators
  • Putting green

 

Pro Shop

Area’s best selection of pro-line equipment & apparel. Repair & regripping service. Authorized Ping Fitting Center.

 

Golf Simulator

Over 50 courses to experience including Pebble Beach, Torrey Pines & Pinehurst

 

Traverse City Golf Center
6270 Secor Road
Traverse City, MI

231.947.1185

www.tcgolfcenter.com

 

Hours

Monday - Saturday:  9:00am – 8:00pm

Sunday:  11:00am – 7:00pm

 

Turtle Creek Casino

Featuring Bourbons 72 and Level 3 Lounge
 
Bourbons 72

You’ll find a casual dining experience with a touch of first class at Turtle Creek’s Bourbons 72. Featuring Bourbon Marinated Beef, Fresh Seafood and Pastas from around the world. Enjoy our specialty Bourbon sauces and glazes paired up with special creations and premium Bourbons. Exclusive desserts are prepared daily. Captains service available nightly.

Open

Sunday - Thursday | 4:30pm - 10pm
Friday - Saturday | 4:30pm - 11pm

 

Located in the Turtle Creek Casino
800.922.2WIN
www.turtlecreekcasino.com

 
Level 3 Lounge

Never Ending Nightlife
Turn up the heat every weekend at the Level 3 Lounge and experience live entertainment and our outdoor party deck.

Open

Thursday - Sunday | 8pm - 2am

 

Located in the Turtle Creek Casino
800.922.2WIN
www.turtlecreekcasino.com

Owned and operated by the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians
Turtle Creek Casino graphicTurtle Creek Casino map
The Village at Grand Traverse Commons

 

Discover The Village at Grand Traverse Commons.

 

The Village at Grand Traverse Commons is one of the largest historical rehabilitation sites in the country. Formerly the Traverse City State Hospital, our 18th century Victorian-Italianate buildings now host a thriving community where creative people live, work, shop, and simply enjoy life.

We’re located just over one mile west of Downtown Traverse City. Visit us for an unforgettable day in the area’s largest public park, and discover our many attractions:

FIne Foods • Wine Tasting • Fun Shops • Food Artisans • Great Coffee • Galleries • Salon & Spa Services • Historic Buildings • Hiking and Biking Trails  •  Local Art  • Cafes • Picnic Lawn  •  Seasonal Farmers Market

 

West Eleventh St. at Cottageview Dr., Traverse City

 

231-941-1900

 

The Minervini Group

Featured in the Chicago Tribune, New York Times, Detroit News, and Grand Rapids Press

www.thevillagetc.com

 
Wilderness Crossing
Family Entertainment Center

 

Open Daily 10:00 am - 2:00 am
100% Smoke Free!

Bowling
16 high tech lanes, automatic scoring, Cosmic Bowling Friday & Saturday

Laser Blast
A two story enclosed arena with black lights, hazers, and multiple tagging ports. 20 vests available

Billiards
The "Corner Pocket" is equipped with 8 Gold Crown, drop pocket, eight foot tables.

Cosmic Golf
9 holes of woodland theme putt-putt glow golf. Fun for all ages.

Wild Pony Saloon

  • Live entertainment Friday & Saturday
  • Full service restaurant
  • Sports Bar
Wilderness Crossing Adventure & Entertainment Center

Located on US 31 just 1 1/2 mile West of Chums Corners in Traverse City, MI. 231.943.9200  www.wildernesscrossing.com