Keep Fit At Grand Traverse County Civic Center
The large sports center at Grand Traverse County Civic Center is open to the public. Spread across 45 acres, the complex has something to suit all fitness enthusiasts. Outside, theres a one-mile-long track where you can walk or jog as well as a sledding hill.
There are seven softball/baseball fields and an indoor swimming pool, skating rink, and arena. The skate park is often popular with teens, while younger visitors can have fun at the community play area.
Tuesday July 6 2021 National Cherry Festival In Traverse City Michigan
Tuesday, July 6, 2021
Go for the Gold! Pin Program, Open Space Park – , Take home a festival keepsake! Commemorative pins are available for $5, with the possibility of winning one of the grand prizes. Commemorative pins will also be needed for entry into the beer tent.
Senior Horseshoes, 9:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. Senior Center.
Festival Open Space Park, 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM, Open Space Park
National Cherry Festival Souvenir Tent,10:00 AM – 10:00 PM, Open Space Park. Great spot to get souveniers!
Arnold Amusements Midway, 12:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. Corner of Grandview Parkway at Union Street. Ride the Ferris Wheel for a great view of the festival, city and beach! Lots of rides and games! Fee for tickets and wristbands.
Beer Tent 12:00 PM – 10:00 PM Open Space Park Must be 21 to enter the tent and have a commemorative pin.
Wednesday, July 7, 2021
Go for the Gold! Pin Program, Open Space Park – , Take home a festival keepsake! Commemorative pins are available for $5, with the possibility of winning one of the grand prizes. Commemorative pins will also be needed for entry into the beer tent.
Senior Horseshoes, 9:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. Senior Center.
Senior Shuffleboard, 9:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. Senior Center.
Festival Open Space Park, 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM, Open Space Park
Great American Duck Race, 10 a.m., 12:00 p.m, 2:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. Open Space Park
National Cherry Festival Souvenir Tent,10:00 AM – 10:00 PM, Open Space Park. Great spot to get souvenirs!
Ten Michigan Pie Companies
Apples, cherries, blueberries, peaches were known for the many varieties of juicy fruit grown here in Michigan. And theres no better way to enjoy that fruit than by putting it in between some crust and making a pie out of it. Pie is one of the best comfort foods. Its sweet, delicious and conjures up thoughts of Thanksgiving and Grandmas house. With this abundance of fruit, its only natural that Michigan is also a great place to get a slice of pie. If you have a hankering for some yummy Michigan-made pie, youll find it at these 10 Michigan pie companies.
House of Pies Youll find House of Pies in Alanson in Northern Michigan. Their large menu will make the heart of any pie connoisseur sing. They have four kinds of cherry, blueberry and apples pies. But it doesnt stop there. Do you love fall, sweater weather and pumpkins? Then youll probably love their selection of fall flavors including pumpkin, sweet potato, pecan and maple syrup. And thats not all. How about four kinds of chocolate pie? The list goes on and on. Youll have to visit and see for yourself all the amazing things they do between the crusts. They also have a full bakery with doughnuts, cookies, bread and even special order cakes.
Maisys Pie Company Maisys Pie Company in Grand Rapids make pies in all sizes for one person or for a crowd. They have bite size pies, handheld pies and standard nine inch pies. Cherry is a customer favorite.
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Take The Kids To Great Lakes Childrens Museum
The Great Lakes Childrens Museum is a fabulous place for families with young children as it is fun and interactive.
Filled with numerous hands-on exhibits and activities, the museum seeks to encourage learning and pique curiosity. Exhibits are related to diverse topics, including science, art, mathematics, and design. The enchanting story-time sessions are sure to capture the imagination too.
- Admission: $7 per person, $2.50 for active-duty military
- Address: 13240 S W Bay Shore Dr
Four & Twenty Blackbirds
Brooklyn, New YorkThe Elsen sisters have made a huge splash in the Brooklyn baking scene on the strength of their incredible pies, honed in the cold of their motherland South Dakota and brought to stunning life out east. Theyll ship pies pretty much everywhere, meaning you can get a taste of their Bittersweet Chocolate Pecan, the comfort-food-plus Salted Caramel Apple, and the Black Bottom Oat anywhereeven South Dakota.
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Camp In Traverse City State Park
Covering some 48 acres, Traverse City State Park has a large camping area with around 250 pitches. Convenient and comfortable, the site has water facilities and electrical hook-up points, as well as picnic areas and fire pits for some al fresco dining.
Even if you dont plan on spending the night, the park is still well worth visiting. Close to downtown, it has a section of beach along Grand Traverse Bay. Swim in the lake, soak up some sun, go fishing, and have fun on a boat ride. The park also has walking trails and a play area for kids.
Cherry Desserts Worth Traveling For
1. GRAND TRAVERSE CHERRY CRUMB PIE // GRAND TRAVERSE PIE COMPANY // TRAVERSE CITY, MICHIGAN
Michigan grows several varietals of cherries, and Michiganders love cherries so much the Lower Peninsula hosts the National Cherry Festival, in Traverse City, every summer. Mike and Denise Busley take advantage of the vast cherry supply in their state by making cherry pies at their bakery, Grand Traverse Pie Company. Their Grand Traverse Cherry Crumb, the signature pie of the festival is made with tart Montmorency cherries. The bakery, which has more than a dozen locations across the state, also makes a natural cherry pie, adding no additional sugar cherry berry and a cherry pie coated with ganache.
2. TOMS CHEERY CHERRY CHERRY BERRY PIE // SWEETIE-LICIOUS // DEWITT, MICHIGAN
Another Michigan standout is Sweetie-licious. Linda Hundts pies have won first place at Criscos national pie competition, Food Networks Amazing Pie Challenge, Michigan Lives best pie in the state, and many other awards. Hundt named her signature pie, Toms Cheery Cherry Cherry Berry, after her brother-in-law because he loved the cherry pies she made for him. The pie contains Montmorency cherries, dried Michigan cherries, and blueberries, and can be found at three locations across Dewitt and Grand Rapids.
3. CERISES JUBILÉ // ANTOINES RESTAURANT // NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA
4. CHERRY KRIEK // STRANGE CRAFT BEER COMPANY // DENVER
5. CHERRY CRISP // MASTROS STEAKHOUSE // SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA
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Where To Park At The Traverse City National Cherry Festival
If you arrive at the festival early, you can get parking in the downtown Hardy parking garage shown on the map above and also the interactive map.
There is also a shuttle .
Is there a Shuttle at the National Cherry Festival?
The Bayline will run from 7am to 1am during the National Cherry Festival every 12-15 minutes. The best places to get on the shuttle is at Woodland Creek , Cherry Lot at Northwestern Michigan College and Meijer Parking Lot adjacent to the Car Wash.
Shuttles coming from the west will drop you off at State St & Union St. Shuttles coming from the east will drop you off at Front St & Union St.
Fantastic Things To Do In Traverse City Michigan
Home»Destinations»North America»United States»Michigan»21 Fantastic Things to Do in Traverse City, Michigan
There are plenty of things to do in Traverse City for all visitors, especially in the summer when it seems something is going on every day! Traverse City has been charming visitors for decades now, and it makes for a romantic getaway in Michigan.
Traverse City is well known for its beaches, an abundance of fresh produce from Michigans best farms, and some tantalizing restaurants. Also, the town is a stones throw away from the dramatic Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Of course, that is just scratching the surface as there is a lot to love about Traverse City.
Although there are many things to do in Traverse City, the best may be to enjoy the slower pace of life here. It wont take long to learn why cherished as one of Americas best small towns.
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Cherry Tree Inn And Suites
Cherry Tree Inn and Suites: 2345 N US Highway 31 N, Traverse City, MI
The Cherry Tree Inn and Suites have a lovely pool that overlooks the Grand Traverse Bay. There’s a lovely private beach for swimming and the rooms have a magnificent view of the Bay. Each room is fully equipped with a kitchenette. Complimentary hot breakfast each morning.
- Traverse City Hotels on Beach
- Traverse City Hotels on the Water
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore was named The Most Beautiful Place in America in 2011. With good reason. Its a pristine wilderness of sand, water and wood. Theres so much to see and do with its miles of beach and trails.
Climbing the sand dunes that rise 450 feet above Lake Michigan is an absolute must if youre visiting the area. You can climb at far as you want. It takes three to four hours to make it all the way to the top where youll see Lake Michigan span out in front of you. Its tiring, but rewarding.
If you dont want to climb all the way to the top of a dune to see Lake Michigan, dont worry. There are beaches in the park you can access without a long trek or climb. Glen Haven Beach is one of my favorite Lake Michigan beaches in the park. While youre there, you can also tour the old beach-side town of Glen Haven.
Lake Michigan can be pretty cold. If you want to swim, and prefer warmer water, try inland North Bar Lake. With its shallow, sandy bottom its especially perfect for families with young children. There are 20 other inland lakes inside the park, and many allow fishing and some boating. Check with a park ranger to be sure of the rules and restrictions.
While youre at the park, you can also take a ferry to a remote lighthouse on South Manitou Island, paddle the Platte River or bike the Heritage Trail. The trail is a 22 mile non-motorized path that runs through the park.
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Parkshore Resort Traverse City
Parkshore Resort Traverse City – 1401 N US Highway 31 N, Traverse City, MI
This Traverse City resort has a private sandy beach with lots of lounge chairs. Swim to your hearts content at this Traverse City beachside resort.
Many of the rooms have balconies with great views of the Grand Traverse Bay and some have jacuzzies. This Traverse City hotel can also accommodate weddings.
The Parkshore Lounge is also a great place to grab dinner and drinks after a long day of exploring!
- Traverse City Hotels on Beach
- Traverse City Hotels on the Water
Thursday July 8 2021 National Cherry Festival In Traverse City Michigan
Thursday, July 8, 2021
Go for the Gold! Pin Program, Open Space Park – , Take home a festival keepsake! Commemorative pins are available for $5, with the possibility of winning one of the grand prizes. Commemorative pins will also be needed for entry into the beer tent.
Cherry Kids Fun Run, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM. Grand Traverse Civic Center
Open Space Park ,10:00 AM – 10:00 PM Main festival grounds located on West Grand Traverse Bay in the Open Space Park.
Grab a slice of Grand Traverse Cherry Pie with ice cream , grab a meal from a local restaurant booth, shop everything Cherry at the Cherry Farmer’s Market, and snag some awesome cherry shirts, purses and souvenirs!Stop into the Beer Tent for a beverage Also there:
- Lost and Found
- Other Festival necessitates
Great American Duck Race – 10 a.m., 12:00 p.m, 2:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. Open Space ParkSouvenir Tent 10:00 AM – 10:30 PM Open Space Park
Ultimate Air Dogs: Come out to cheer on your favorite dog athletes! There will be almost 100 dogs this year! 11:00 a.m, 1:00 p.m, 3:00 p.m, 5:00 p.m.
Arnold Amusements Midway 12:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. Corner of Grandview Parkway at Union Street. Ride the Ferris Wheel for a great view of the festival, city and beach! Lots of rides and games! Fee for tickets and wristbands.
Beer Tent 12:00 PM – 11:00 PM Open Space Park Must be 21 to enter the tent and have a commemorative pin.
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Ogle The Biggest Cherry Pie Pan In The World
Another unusual attraction in Traverse City, the huge cherry pie pan on Cass Road, is 18 feet wide and 26 feet deep. This isnt just a quirky art installation. The enormous cherry pie pan once housed an actual cherry pie!
The gigantic cherry pie was baked in 1987 by a team overseen by Chef Pierre Bakeries. Around 35,000 people enjoyed a slice of the finished pie! Michigan cherries are a source of pride in Traverse City. Its not just locals who cherish the stone fruit as a half million visitors visit every year to enjoy the National Cherry Festival during the first week of July.
Visit Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is a scenic stretch of dunes along the shore of the sparkling Lake Michigan. The dunes run for 35 miles, with some reaching up to 450 feet in height. Created naturally over time, the stunning park area also includes two islands and several small inland lakes.
The area is home to diverse fauna, including various bird species, deer, squirrels, raccoons, bats, bobcats, and otters. The terrain is made up of wetlands and woodlands, with long, hardy grasses, thistles, and trees like juniper, oak, pine, black cherry, and beech.
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Best Cherry: Grand Traverse Pie Company
Grand Traverse Pie Company
Grand Traverse Pie Company, named for the city of its location, takes local, Michigan-grown produce and whips it into perfect pies that Oprah has endorsed. Their Cherry Crumb pie is the signature of the Traverse City National Cherry Festival, a celebration of the cherryone of Michigan’s most delicious exports. This award-winning pie is perfectly sweet and tart, with a tang that zips your tongue and a buttery crumb topping.
The company serves pies with everything a pie-lover could want, from apples and blueberries to cream pies, peaches, pumpkins, and more. Grand Traverse’s ever-popular Michigan ABC pie is a combination of apples, blueberries, and cherries that melds into a delicious mix.
Everything is available on their website with the standard option of two-day shipping to make sure the pies are kept fresh. Pies can even be customized with messages like “I Heart You” or “No. 1 Mom” for an extra-special touch. Another delicious option to consider is the pie of the month club.