15 Cool and Unusual Things to Do in Traverse City - Atlas Obscura

Unusual Attractions in Traverse City

Traverse City, Michigan

Tunnels of Traverse City State Hospital

A subterranean world of tunnels links several buildings of this rare 19th-century asylum.

Traverse City, Michigan

The Hippie Tree

Though its branches are painted bright colors by generations of locals, the tree is said to be a haunted portal to hell.

Traverse City, Michigan

Botanic Garden at Historic Barns Park Fairy Trail

This enchanting forest trail leads to ethereal abodes and a giant bird's nest.

Traverse City, Michigan

Traverse City State Hospital

Former self-sufficient mental institution now a planned community.

Traverse City, Michigan

Botanical Garden Visitor's Center Gift Shop Tunnel

It leads to a former hospital’s old root cellar.

Traverse City, Michigan

Old Mission General Store

Easily overlooked in favor of the wineries that dot the region, this blast from the past is equally worth the visit.

Traverse City, Michigan

Doug Murdick’s Rooftop Box of Fudge

For more than 50 years, an iconic sign has greeted visiting “fudgies” to the Traverse City area.

Traverse City, Michigan

Protected Indian Trail Marker Tree

This tree was warped centuries ago to serve as a botanical wayfaring tool.

See All 15 Things to Do in Traverse City See All 15 Places

Want to see fewer ads? Become a Member.

Cool Places to Eat & Drink in Traverse City

Traverse City, Michigan

Old Mission General Store

Easily overlooked in favor of the wineries that dot the region, this blast from the past is equally worth the visit.

Traverse City, Michigan

Doug Murdick’s Rooftop Box of Fudge

For more than 50 years, an iconic sign has greeted visiting “fudgies” to the Traverse City area.

Traverse City, Michigan

World's Largest Cherry Pie Tin

An enormous roadside pan tells the story of a battle for pie glory.

Traverse City, Michigan

Cherry Growers Weigh Station

This vacant station is a relic of harvest processing techniques of the mid-20th century.

Community Forums / United States / US: Midwest

Top Discussions in the US: Midwest Travel Forum

Post	Replies	Views	Activity
Enchanted Highway Sculptures	5 September 12, 2019	5146	September 12, 2019
Beaver Dam Pepper	3 July 3, 2019	2238	July 3, 2019
Hudson-Meng Bison Kill	4 May 19, 2019	1691	May 19, 2019
Windmill Island Gardens	2 August 7, 2019	2238	August 7, 2019
World's Largest Ball of Stamps	1 July 9, 2019	1611	July 9, 2019

New Post Visit the Forum

Explore Traverse City, Michigan

Launch Map

Traverse City Leaderboard

Places Added

Places Edited

Places Visited

Recent Traverse City Activity

nicktallent1039 has been to Protected Indian Trail Marker Tree

raymondteo9137 wants to go to Traverse City State Hospital

raymondteo9137 wants to go to Tunnels of Traverse City State Hospital

myfamilyvine wants to go to World's Largest Cherry Pie Tin

hjazzie has been to Botanic Garden at Historic Barns Park Fairy Trail