GRAND TRAVERSE COUNTY

County Offices
400 Boardman Avenue
Traverse City
231-922-4622
www.co.grand-traverse.mi.us

Chamber of Commerce
202 East Grandview Parkway
Traverse City
231-947-5075
http://tcchamber.org

Scenic Grand Traverse County is anchored by Traverse City, a vital center of commerce that also serves as the healthcare, educational, and cultural hub for a five-county region. Recent economic growth in Grand Traverse County has driven the contemporary name of “Tech Coast” for this primarily rural area in northwestern Michigan. At the same time, the county is known for its cherry blossoms, cherry harvests, and cherry motifs on everything from businesses to logos. Michigan is the leader in the production of tart cherries, and the peninsula that juts out into the Grand Traverse Bay grows the lion’s share of this delicious fruit. Little wonder that the community is also known as the “Cherry Capital of the World.”

While agriculture has been a mainstay of the local economy since the 1800s, manufacturing and industry are also flourishing. New construction is rapidly expanding the available retail, office, hotel, and living space to accommodate more permanent residents and visitors. Complementing the orchards on Old Mission Peninsula, the area’s vineyards and winemakers are becoming more recognized and successful with each passing year. Other urban advantages that add to the quality of life include major healthcare facilities, high-tech ventures, oil and gas companies, and a two-year college with a university center.

Services
Students in a three-county region that includes Grand Traverse County receive a quality education in Traverse City Area Public Schools. Other public school districts and private schools that serve this area reflect the dedication to academic excellence associated with the Michigan educational system. Northwestern Michigan College offers a comprehensive two-year institution that combines academic degrees and certification programs with personal enrichment and cultural activities as well as corporate and customized training. One of the exciting innovations at the college is the University Center, a partnership between the college and a number of respected four-year institutions of higher education. This consortium of leading colleges and universities allows students to complete upper-level courses and earn undergraduate and even graduate degrees in the Grand Traverse area. The Northwest Michigan Horticultural Research Station of Michigan State University is also located in Traverse City.

State-of-the-art healthcare is anchored in northern Michigan by Munson Healthcare, providing quality facilities and services that include a number of community-based hospitals. The flagship institution is located in Traverse City, repeatedly named among the nation’s Top 100 hospitals. Munson Medical Center serves as a regional referral center for patients from 32 counties. With 368-inpatient beds and a staff of more than 350 physicians, the hospital is the largest in northern Michigan. Some of the nation’s most highly respected specialists are on staff at the medical center, supported by skilled technicians and dedicated employees. These services are integrated into the rural communities that radiate from Traverse City by a number of local specialty clinics and smaller community hospitals.

Lifestyle
Well known for its spectacular natural beauty, the deep waters of Lake Michigan, and wooded terrain dotted by vineyards and orchards, Traverse City is a photographer’s paradise. It comes as no surprise that this area is a haven for artists, and many acclaimed sculptors, painters, and woodworkers display their work in local museums and galleries. At the same time, Grand Traverse County is a magnet for naturalists and sports enthusiasts who appreciate the region’s active lifestyle around the four seasons. Boating, sailing, swimming, water sports, cycling, hiking, camping, horseback riding, hunting, fishing, nature photography, bird-watching, and winter sports are among the popular pastimes. Regardless of the sport or activity you enjoy, Grand Traverse County has the perfect environment or facility.

The golf courses in this area are some of the finest in the nation, offering the stunning beauty and impeccable conditioning you would expect from designers like Nicklaus, Palmer, Player, Doak, and Weiskopf. The single most outstanding natural feature is the extraordinary beauty and power of Lake Michigan, offering hundreds of miles of shoreline. This area also features blue-ribbon trout streams and sparkling inland lakes. The vineyards and orchards of the Old Mission Peninsula, the blanket of winter snow, breathtaking fall foliage, and lazy summer picnics under the umbrella of a large shade tree are just a few of the post-card images of Grand Traverse County.

Traverse City also outpaces many urban centers that are triple its size with the abundance and quality of its performing and visual arts. Symphony orchestra concerts, live stage performances, ballet and opera, and renowned venues like the Interlochen Center for the Arts or Dennos Museum Center create a culturally rich environment. Families will appreciate the lush parks, sandy beaches, and attractions like the Clinch Park Zoo as well as the many colorful celebrations and festivals. Two state parks, Sleeping Bear National Lakeshore Park, a boat harbor, gourmet restaurants, historic downtown or suburban shopping, casino gaming, and day or night entertainment spots are just a few of county’s many highlights. From quiet historic neighborhoods to handsome new construction, Grand Traverse County is sure to remain at the top of the list of livable communities for decades to come.

Kingsley
Municipal Offices
231-263-7778
www.villageofkingsley.com

Chamber of Commerce
231-947-5075
http://tcchamber.org

The village of Kingsley is situated in the southern section of Grand Traverse County along M-113. The community was originally settled in 1874 as a lumber-harvesting point for the railroad. Today, the village proudly retains its unique identity and small-town heritage in spite of its status as an adjunct community in the shadow of the rapidly growing Traverse City area. The village maintains its own school system covering preschool through 12th grade. Residents have easy access to Traverse City retail and cultural amenities, but they can also shop in local stores where shopkeepers greet customers by name and neighbors often greet each other or stop to chat. A number of rural townships dot the area between Kingsley and Traverse City, offering a country atmosphere for residential development.

Traverse City
Municipal Offices
231-922-4440
www.traversecitymi.gov

Chamber of Commerce
231-947-5075
http://tcchamber.org
The “star” of a five-county region, Traverse City continues to receive national accolades for livability and a business-friendly environment. Natural beauty, Lake Michigan recreation, Old Mission Peninsula, an exceptionally active and rich arts community, fine museums and galleries, and small-town charm create a dynamic mix that is virtually unrivaled across the nation. The city is dedicated to preserving its vintage neighborhoods while it welcomes modern subdivisions and new country manors along the rural outskirts. Residents of Traverse City enjoy relaxing in lush parks, engaging in active sports in regional recreational areas, sunning on the beach, skiing down the overlooking hillsides, and picking out fresh produce at the farmers market. Revitalization and protection of natural resources are evident throughout Traverse City. One of the recent initiatives was the dedication of the “Open Space,” a 20-acre park adjacent to the bay that provides a unique and picturesque area for community enjoyment. The Village at Grand Traverse Commons, renovating and revitalizing the grand architecture of a former state hospital, is a shining example of the city’s vision and energy.