Keith J. Charters Traverse City State Park - 4 Things to Know Before Visiting

Keith J. Charters Traverse City State Park is a popular destination for Michigan tourists and locals alike. Lake Michigan's cool waters provide an idyllic beachfront for visitors looking to swim, fish, or simply enjoy the wonderful views. Away from the beach, hiking trails traverse the park's dense hills, offering climbers beautiful natural vistas. Sports enthusiasts will find plenty to do as well - the park boast courts and fields for a variety of outdoor recreational activities.

The Traverse Area Recreation Trail located in Grand Traverse County, Michigan is a great way to explore this beautiful region. This trails system includes more than 20 miles of car-free paths that wind through forests, meadows and wetlands. Scenic views of West Grand Traverse Bay are complemented by the sights and sounds of various species of birds and other wildlife. With a growing list of amenities like benches, campsites and restrooms spaced along the trails.

The Tart Trail, is a great opportunity for those with a passion for the outdoors. Featuring a relatively flat surface and approximately nine miles of trailway, the range presents an ideal backdrop for biking expeditions. Along this unique corridor users can explore vistas from various heights, traverse numerous bridges and boardwalks, and explore parts of Grand Traverse County that visitors may have otherwise overlooked.

The Dennos Museum Center is the perfect destination for those who appreciate fine art and culture. It houses an impressive collection of historical and modern art from around the world, including pieces from Native American tribes as well as interactive exhibitions. Visitors also have access to a wide variety of educational activities such as lectures, workshops, classes and more. There's even a sculpture garden for visitors to wander through and explore during their visit.

Mission Point Lighthouse is a well-preserved part of the state's history. This lighthouse was built in 1870 to replace an 1830s wooden tower, and used for navigation on the west arm of Grand Traverse Bay until 1980. Located on Cathead Point, it stands 34 feet tall with a Signature Fresnel lens. The current structure is painted white with brown trim and sits atop a white retaining wall that contains former boathouse entrances. All around the lighthouse are sprawling manicured gardens.

Bryant Park is an incredible spot in Grand Traverse County. This park is a truly idyllic place to enjoy nature and spend time with friends and family. It stretches across 760 acres of meadows, pastures, wetlands, and a variety of habitats for native wildlife species. The views here are breathtaking; visitors can observe white-tailed deer frolicking in the meadows, turkeys and other birds passing through, and even beavers meandering along the edge of one of the many ponds.