One of the nicest places to see cherry blossoms in the nation is actually right here in Michigan, and you might not have even heard of it!
The charming and picturesque Traverse City has been known to host one of the biggest Cherry Festivals in the nation every summer, and every spring, the over 2 million cherry trees surrounding the city all bloom around the same time, making it one of the state’s most iconic spring sights!
So, if you want to make the springtime pilgrimage to see one of the nation’s most magical seasonal sights, you can plan your road trip today!
When are the cherry blossoms around Traverse City going to bloom?
The cherry blossoms around Traverse City typically bloom between late April and mid-May, but the exact timing depends on the weather throughout their blooming process.
In the early stages of the cherry blossoms’ blooming process, just a single day of cold weather could delay the peak bloom period by days!
This year’s bloom seems to be on pace for a peak bloom period around the first week of May, with several trees blooming throughout May.
That being said, this could easily change as the season progresses, so be sure to monitor Traverse City’s page dedicated to their cherry blossoms for live updates.
The best places to see cherry blossoms around Traverse City
Since the area around Traverse City is largely of privately owned cherry farms, visitors need to be cautious about entering any orchards without proper permission.
For the best possible experience, and to avoid any incidental trespassing, a self-guided tour was created to take visitors to the region’s most stunning sights and to see as many cherry blossoms as possible.
There are two self-guided tours you can opt for:
- Old Mission Peninsula – Along this route, you’ll see stunning views of both East and West Grand Traverse Bay! Cherry orchards and vineyards line the drive’s route, making it easy to stop and visit the places you want for a tasting. You’ll also be guided past the Mission Point Lighthouse at the route’s northern tip, which has several fantastic hiking routes and a fantastic sunset view.
- Leelanau Peninsula – This route takes you through the heart of the ‘Traverse Wine Coast’, which is where some of the nation’s greatest wines are being grown. The route encourages you to pack snacks, but feel free to pop into one of the dozens of wineries along the way for a meal and a glass of wine.
Where to stay during your visit to Traverse City
If you don’t want to make the trek from Detroit to Traverse City and back all in one day, particularly after you spent a few hours admiring cherry blossoms, we do not blame you!
There is a fantastic selection of places to stay in the region, ranging from cozy bed-and-breakfasts to luxury hotels!
Here are a few spots to help you kick off your search if you aren’t sure where to start:
- Comfort Inn Traverse City – $
- Tamarack Lodge of Traverse City – $$
- Bayshore Resort – $$
- Hotel Indigo Traverse City – $$$
- Delamar – $$$$