Grand Traverse County, Administrative county in northern Michigan, United States
Grand Traverse County is an administrative county in northern Michigan that combines forests, farmland, and shoreline around Grand Traverse Bay. The region includes several townships and the city of Traverse City, which serves as the county's main population center.
The county was founded in 1851 and named after Grand Traverse Bay, a term used by French voyageurs who crossed the water in the 18th century. These early explorers left their mark on local place names and the region's historical identity.
Northwestern Michigan College in Traverse City provides higher education opportunities to county residents while maintaining strong connections with local industries and communities.
The county offers both urban services in Traverse City and rural infrastructure across surrounding townships and communities. Visitors will find varying levels of accessibility depending on whether they explore the central city or more remote areas.
The region is Michigan's leading cherry producer, with orchards dotting the landscape and seasonal markets throughout the area. This agricultural heritage shapes local economies and draws visitors to farmers' markets and harvest celebrations.
Location: Michigan
Inception: 1851
Capital city: Traverse City
Shares border with: Antrim County, Kalkaska County, Wexford County, Manistee County, Benzie County, Leelanau County, Missaukee County
Website: http://co.grand-traverse.mi.us
GPS coordinates: 44.73000,-85.55000
Latest update: December 7, 2025 10:02
Coast Guard Air Station Traverse City
3.2 km
Bijou by the Bay
6.9 km
Interlochen State Park
20.3 km
Bowers Harbor Inn
17.5 km
Traverse City State Park
1.7 km
State Theatre
6.7 km
Perry Hannah House
7 km
Dennos Museum Center
4.9 km
City Opera House
6.9 km
Boardman Neighborhood Historic District
6.1 km
TART Trail
1.6 km
American Legion Memorial Bridge
6.6 km
Fountain Point
29.3 km
Dougherty Mission House
25.7 km
Skegemog Point Site
18 km
Hughes House
21.3 km
Central Neighborhood Historic District
7.2 km
William and Margaret McFarland Core Farm
21.1 km
Old Mission Inn
25.9 km
Lake Leelanau Narrows Bridge
30.8 km
Elk Rapids First Methodist Episcopal Church
21.4 km
South Union Street–Boardman River Bridge
6.8 km
John Pulcipher House
8.7 km
Bingham District No. 5 Schoolhouse
19 km
Fife Lake–Union District No. 1 Schoolhouse
20.3 km
Mission Point Light
29.6 km
Guntzviller's Spirit of the Woods Museum
18.7 km
Kresge Auditorium
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