women enjoying wine over a fall colored vineyard

Traverse City

As temperatures cool down, the colors heat up, painting Traverse City in stunning hues of reds, oranges, and yellows. Take the wheel, embark on a self-guided color tour, explore Old Mission Peninsula, or experience the sweeping views of the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. This is your invitation to experience Traverse City — where every bend in the road unveils a new burst of fall magic and you find yourself exactly where you should be. C’mon up this season! 

Fall Color

a couple on the sidewalk in front of many golden colored trees and large house

Outdoors

a couple biking on the trails of golden autumn colored trees

Wineries

a couple walking in the vineyard on an autumn day

Sleeping Bear Dunes

two men overlooking sleeping bear dunes from atop, golden autumn colored trees line below

Four Season Playground

woman on a little scooter riding on the paved trail by the lake

Places to Stay

sunset over the vineyard looking from your hotel room

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Fall in Love with Traverse City: Your Ultimate Autumn Adventure!

Good Housekeeping Names Traverse City 2024 Family Travel Award Winner 

As the air gets cooler and the leaves change to vibrant reds, oranges, and yellows, nothing reminds us more of what we love about Traverse City than fall. Whether driving up Old Mission Peninsula on a self-guided color tour or exploring the panoramic views of the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, autumn will never disappoint. Take in the scenery on a hike or a bike ride, relax in an amazing spa, play another round of golf, or go on a wine tour. The magic of the season awaits you in Traverse City. 

When do leaves change color in Traverse City?

Some leaves will start to change color as early as the beginning of September, however, peak colors usually occur in mid-October. 

What are the top attractions in Traverse City?

Located along the coast of Lake Michigan, Traverse City is home to award winning wineries, restaurants, the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore and six historic lighthouses.

What is Traverse City known for?

Traverse City is known as the "Cherry Capital of the World." The area is also known for their natural attractions like freshwater beaches, vineyards, wineries and the proximity to Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.

When is the Cherry Festival in Traverse City?

The National Cherry Festival is June 28 - July 5, 2025! More than 500,000 people flock to Traverse City for the festival every year!

Plan Your Trip:
Traverse City Tourism
West Michigan Tourist Association
two women drinking wine at the counter and having crudités with the wine
Experience Fall in Traverse City

Take a bite out of fresh local apples in September, take a color tour, and explore a corn maze in October, and get a head start on holiday shopping in November. C'mon up and explore the magic of fall in Traverse City!

Keep It Fresh in Traverse City

Experience Michigan's stunning natural beauty along beaches and trails, as well as incredible flavors at wineries and downtown dining gems. Keep It Fresh this summer in Traverse City.

Learn more at traversecity.com

Be Who You Are in Traverse City

Feel free to explore. Feel free to escape. But more than anything, feel free to be yourself. Traverse City is recognized as a great place for the LGBTQ+ community - it's warm and welcoming. Come to relax, get away and have some fun. But mostly, come to be yourself.

Welcome to Benzie County

Your bags are packed, and the gas tank is full. the road ahead is dotted with forests and farms, leading you toward quaint towns and endless stretches of Lake Michigan. The bustle of city life fades into the rearview mirror as you enter Benzie County.

Exactly Where You Should Be

Life can be a long journey until you find your place. Where everything feels right, and you find your direction. Maybe it's because we face north, but here things tend to look up. Where everywhere you look is wide open, it has a way of making you feel the same. Come join us.

Up Next:
Experience Fall in Traverse City

Take a bite out of fresh local apples in September, take a color tour, and explore a corn maze in October, and get a head start on holiday shopping in November. C'mon up and explore the magic of fall in Traverse City!

Keep It Fresh in Traverse City

Experience Michigan's stunning natural beauty along beaches and trails, as well as incredible flavors at wineries and downtown dining gems. Keep It Fresh this summer in Traverse City.

Learn more at traversecity.com

Be Who You Are in Traverse City

Feel free to explore. Feel free to escape. But more than anything, feel free to be yourself. Traverse City is recognized as a great place for the LGBTQ+ community - it's warm and welcoming. Come to relax, get away and have some fun. But mostly, come to be yourself.

Welcome to Benzie County

Your bags are packed, and the gas tank is full. the road ahead is dotted with forests and farms, leading you toward quaint towns and endless stretches of Lake Michigan. The bustle of city life fades into the rearview mirror as you enter Benzie County.

Exactly Where You Should Be

Life can be a long journey until you find your place. Where everything feels right, and you find your direction. Maybe it's because we face north, but here things tend to look up. Where everywhere you look is wide open, it has a way of making you feel the same. Come join us.

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a couple walking out in the vineyard, trees are golds, reds and greens that line the vineyard
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guy and gal hiking in the woods on a trail, she has bright yellow shirt, blue hat and blue backpack, he has bright blue shirt, red hat and red backpack
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