The best things to do in Traverse City

9 things to do we’ve checked and stand behind — with the story on each one. Not a ranking; a record.

Browse another shelf: all of Traverse City’s best · Restaurants · Bakeries & Sweets · Beauty · Nightlife · Home & Garden · Arts & Culture · Shopping · Sporting Goods · Antiques, Thrift, & Vintage · Hobbies, Books, & Crafts

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Entertainment · 9 places · showing the latest additions first

Elmbrook Golf Course

Entertainment

Elmbrook Golf Course has been locally loved for 60 years, serving up 18 rolling par-72 holes with mature trees and panoramic views of East…

1750 Townline Rd · ✓ checked Jul 28

“Elmbrook Golf Course has been locally loved for 60 years, serving up 18 rolling par-72 holes with mature trees and panoramic views of East and West Grand Traverse Bay. Warm up on the range, chase a number, then celebrate on the deck... the perfect nudge to play more golf this week.”

From the Traverse City newsletter, August 5, 2026

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The Crown Golf Club

Entertainment

Challenging 18-hole golf course with well-maintained fairways and greens.

2430 W Crown Dr

“Challenging 18-hole golf course with well-maintained fairways and greens.”

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The Bear Golf Course

Entertainment

Challenging 18-hole course at the Grand Traverse Resort and Spa designed by Jack Nicklaus.

100 Grand Traverse Village Blvd (Acme)

“Challenging 18-hole course at the Grand Traverse Resort and Spa designed by Jack Nicklaus.”

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Traverse City Country Club

Entertainment

Mature trees line the 18-holes at this established golf course & country club with a huge clubhouse.

1725 S Union St

“Mature trees line the 18-holes at this established golf course & country club with a huge clubhouse.”

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State Theatre

Entertainment

Vintage movie theater with cozy seating, a starry ceiling and an old-time atmosphere.

235 E Front St · ✓ checked Aug 5

“Vintage movie theater with cozy seating, a starry ceiling and an old-time atmosphere.”

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Bay Meadows Family Golf Course

Entertainment

Family-friendly golf course with an executive 9-hole course and a driving range.

5550 Bay Meadows Dr

“Family-friendly golf course with an executive 9-hole course and a driving range.”

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Pirate's Cove Adventure Park

Entertainment

Two 18-hole mini-golf courses featuring pirate-themed challenges, plus a zipline & water rides.

1710 US-31 North

“Two 18-hole mini-golf courses featuring pirate-themed challenges, plus a zipline & water rides.”

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Great Wolf Lodge | Traverse City

Entertainment

Down-to-earth suites in a lively lodging with 4 restaurants, an indoor water park & a spa.

3575 US-31

“Down-to-earth suites in a lively lodging with 4 restaurants, an indoor water park & a spa.”

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The Cathedral Barn at Historic Barns Park

Entertainment

Park with a botanical garden, fairy garden, community gardens, and a barn available for weddings and other events.

1500 Red Dr

“Park with a botanical garden, fairy garden, community gardens, and a barn available for weddings and other events.”

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