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The Atlas Obscura Guide To Traverse City

15 Cool, Hidden, and Unusual Things to Do in Traverse City, Michigan

Updated September 18, 2020

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

World's Largest Cherry Pie Tin

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

See All 15 Things To Do in Traverse City

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.

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Recent Traverse City Activity

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has been to World's Largest Cherry Pie Tin
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wants to go to Old Mission General Store
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DAMN That Was Fun

wants to go to Doug Murdick’s Rooftop Box of Fudge

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