TRAVERSE CITY STATE PARK
Traverse City State Park features a quarter mile of beautiful beach on the Grand Traverse Bay. The park is only two miles from downtown Traverse City, one of the most popular resort towns in Michigan. The campground is open year round with heated restrooms.
The park was established in 1920 on about 16 acres of land after the logging industry in the area began to wane. In 1921 and 1939, parcels were added to increase the park's land area to its present size. The original inhabitants of the land were the Ottawa branch of the Algonquin Indians.
The Recreation Passport is required for vehicle entry into state parks and recreation areas, state boat launches, state forest campgrounds and state trail parking lots. Details and information on how to obtain your Michigan Recreation Passport can be found by visiting the
MICHIGAN RECREATION PASSPORT web page.
A food concession and boat rental is located in the day-use area.
Traverse City-Group Use Area(231) 922-5270Electrical Service, Group Use Area, Modern Restrooms, Winter Camping
Traverse City-Modern(800) 447-2757 343 site(s)Electrical Service, Mini Cabin, Modern Restrooms
1. Traverse City State Park offers a quarter-mile sandy beach on Grand Traverse Bay for swimming.
2. Lifeguards are not provided, so swim at your own risk.
3. The park's shallow water near the shoreline is ideal for children and novice swimmers.
4. Swimming after sunset or before sunrise isn't allowed due to safety concerns.
5. Inflatable devices aren't permitted in deep waters as per state regulations.
The park, located in Michigan, offers a variety of boating options for visitors. It is situated near two bodies of water - the East and West Arms of Grand Traverse Bay - providing ample opportunities for different types of boating activities such as sailing, motor-boating or paddle sports like kayaking and canoeing. There are also several boat rental services available nearby offering boats suitable to all skill levels from beginner to advanced. However, there isn't any direct access point within the park itself; instead you can launch your vessel at public ramps close by.
Powerboating and sailboating are popular Traverse Bay aquatic activities. Fishing charters are available in Grand Traverse Bay and anglers can expect to catch their share of salmon, trout, and panfish.
Traverse City State Park is located near Traverse City
The day use area consists of a strip of land bordered by a sugar-sand beach to the north and US-31 to the south. A swim area, picnic tables, and grills are available to day use visitors. The parking lot can accommodate 150 vehicles. No beach fires are allowed.
There is a paved bike trail, which is accessible through the park, and runs east and west, parallel to the park.
Along with biking, the TART Trail provides multiple uses for hiking, cross-country skiing and other trail recreation.
The park offers birdwatching opportunities with a variety of species, including warblers and waterfowl. Birders can explore diverse habitats such as wetlands, forests and beaches. The location is part of the Sleeping Bear Birding Trail which spans 123 miles along Lake Michigan's coastline.
Traverse City State Park is a short drive from Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. The National Cherry Festival is a popular annual event as well as the wide range of self-guided, fall color tours. Also popular around Traverse City State Park are the wineries and casinos.
MiWiFi provides wireless Internet access in the campground area of this park. The access point is located near the contact station and radiates about 150 feet from this location in all directions.