Recently visited the speech while I was in the area. After visiting all the shops in the area I…read moredecided to visit the beach that was nearby. The beach was easy access from the street. The beach was pretty busy too with plenty of people with their boats out close to shore and people just playing volleyball into sand nearby. The water was actually pretty warm too. Overall, this beach is great for strolling up and down in or just casual sitting

This is a small little park that delivers a huge amount of what you might want -- very close to…read moredowntown, but right on the water with beautiful views -- and it has a tidy little playground that is a mix of nice climbing structures and fun splash park, making it the perfect place to spend an hour or two in the summer while passing through Traverse City. (I tried to think of a good "clinch" related wordplay, but I couldn't, so I'll just say it does the trick.)

Any place we visit with our kids we always find or 'owe them' some park fun. There are a few…read moreparks in the area but the F and M park from what I found definitely is the best. Our kids loved it. Wide open for them to run around. A very cool playground and I appreciate the old school metal slide that our daughter got to experience that so many parks have removed. Everyone around was really friendly. Easy walk from the main strip. If youre visiting TC with kids, definitely check this Park out.

Nice park with a train themed play scape area. There was a pavilion, basketball courts, swings and…read moreslide. Only street parking though.

Nice little turn in park right by the bay…read more It has a little picnic area and plenty of parking Probably mostly useful just to be able to park somewhere and enjoy the scenery Very simple, but will probably meet your needs if you just need a place to rest, which is what I was looking for !

Having lived in Traverse City during my elementary school years, I remember when coal would be off…read moreloaded nearby, and all summer there'd be a mountain of coal to the south of the beach. I also remember the yummy hamburgers that came from a burger stand that used to be where the covered tables are now. Often childhood memories are selective and triumph over what is happening now; but, the current '17 version of this beach is very, very fine. It is far better than what I remember. I am impressed by the community's effort on improving and maintaining this beach. It is very special.

This is such an absolute gem of a place! We love visiting these gardens whenever we are in town…read more They are so well maintained, and the volunteers are so friendly and love to share their knowledge about both the plants and the history. It is a perfect opportunity to learn and stretch your legs. Festival it is free to walk around the grounds and take in the breathtaking views that this site provides here in the shadows of the spires of this former state hospital. The children's garden, fairy garden and Japanese gardens are all breathtakingly, beautiful, and fun to explore how fortunate the city is to have Such a place to retreat to.

It is totally free, including guided tours. They do request donations as the place is fully funded…read moreby donations and grants. They have a large grounds with a lot of different gardens and the old farm buildings being repurposed. The history of the place is interesting: The land was initially part of the Grand Traverse Commons, which was once the site of the Traverse City State Hospital, a mental institution. They have healing gardens, labyrinth, fairy garden, Asian garden, fire resistant garden, community garden, etc... they also have a lot of trails and a self guided tour with a map. The guided tours are done by volunteers.

Pretty park near the Northwestern Michigan Campus. The beach was had a lot of rocks and some boats…read moreanchored in the water. But theres a nice playground, restrooms and plenty of sand for families to enjoy.

Perfect quick trip to the beach. We live in TC and we go to the beach for a few hours here and…read morethere. Small beach with a small swimming area for my little kids. Playground and restrooms all nearby. A little hidden from the main road. Turn at the 8th at light. 7-11 is just up the road for slurpees!

We love Interlochen campground. We typically choose the rustic side as it is more quiet and…read morepeaceful. Check in is on the Duck Lake side and Green Lake is across the road. Our site was overlooking Green Lake, but was difficult to see because of the tree cover. Our site had a trail leading down to the lake. We swam in the lake and no complaints of swimmer's itch. Rustic means no electric and pit toilets. We love getting dirty and just camping for a few days, but there is a modern side on Duck lake with showers and electric and a small camp shop. Just down the road is Tom's grocery, several restaurants, a mini golf/ icecream shop and Interlochen arts camp. Check them out for free shows. Traverse City is about 30 min north. This is a great jumping off point to check out TC, sleeping bear dunes, or whatever else is in the area.

We rolled into this campground fairly late in the day after an extremely long drive from New York…read more The check in process was super quick and we were able to purchase our Michigan recreation pass. All of the sites are super close together, but well kept and clean. We were in site 380 and were close to the restrooms, but not too close that it was a nuisance. The sunrise on the lake was beautiful. Overall, we had a great single night stay here !

If you are going kayak or bike this is the place to be with both that can be rented. The Boardman…read moreLake Trail is here for biking and the lake is setup to get kayaks in. There is a pavilion with bathrooms and drinking fountains. Lots of open space to walk dogs on leash too.

It's delightful. Go get yourself some nature. Fall color is quite satisfying. Follow a trail and…read morelisten to the river to soothe your soul.

Stopped in with a 2.5 year old that I care for. Immediately upon entering there were activities and…read moretoys that were great to capture her attention. A woman named Rachel was at the reception desk. She was absolutely the most accommodating and wonderfully patient person with the little one! She went above and beyond to make sure that we had an excellent and personalized experience even though it was freezing outside. She encouraged us to touch whatever we would like in the reception area, and to hang out and play as long as we would like. Thoroughly a wonderful experience, and we WILL be back to explore the trails!