A Wheelchair Accessible Guide to Traverse City, Michigan

Over the past few years, whenever someone asks me what my favorite state is, I usually respond with something to the effect of “My favorite state might be Michigan.” People are typically somewhat surprised when I say that, but it really is a special place. I’ve explored Michigan cities like Detroit, Grand Rapids, Muskegon, and even up into the Upper Peninsula, but I didn’t have a chance to experience Traverse City until very recently. 

Traverse City has been on my wish list for quite a while because I’ve heard so many great things about it. Not only does it have freshwater beaches, great dining options, a beautiful downtown area, and fun attractions, but it’s also known as the “cherry capital of the world“… and I love cherries! From seeing giant sand dunes at nearby Sleeping Bear Dunes to drinking wine at one of the best wineries in the city and eating my weight in cherries, my trip in Traverse City was so much fun and made me fall even more in love with Michigan.

I was immensely excited to spend a few summer days checking out Traverse City’s wheelchair-friendly offerings. In this travel guide, I’ll start by sharing some of the best wheelchair accessible Traverse City attractions that I enjoyed and then I’ll let you know where to eat and drink in the city. Finally, I’ll tell you all about the wonderful hotel that I stayed in! Here is everything you need to know about visiting Traverse City as a wheelchair user –

Wheelchair Accessible Traverse City Attractions & Things to Do

The Traverse City area has a lot of attractions that you can enjoy, no matter what your abilities are. Whatever your interests are, you’re sure to find it in Traverse City! Below are some of my top recommendations for you of things to do next time you’re in the city.

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore 

To see the world’s largest collection of freshwater sand dunes, you’ll need to drive about 30 minutes outside of Traverse City to Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. While it technically isn’t in Traverse City, visiting the dunes is a must-do during any trip to the area. It’s a beautiful place and unlike anywhere else on the planet. I was excited to check it out for a full day during my trip! 

If you’re wondering how I got to Sleeping Bear Dunes from Traverse City, I’ll let you know that we rented a wheelchair accessible van from Creative Mobility Group. The minivan was really nice with an in-floor ramp. The passenger seat was also removed, so I was able to sit in the front of the van and easily take in all of the sights.

Our first stop at Sleeping Bear Dunes was the Philip A. Hart Visitor Center. In here, there are exhibits that explain the history of the area and you can watch a short film to gain a greater understanding of the lakeshore as well. Souvenirs are also available to purchase in the Visitor Center and park rangers are happy to chat with you about what the area has to offer. This was a perfect first stop since we were able to learn about what we would be seeing throughout the course of the day. 

Our friends Meegan, founder of AbleVu and AbleEyes, and Joe joined my mom and I for our Sleeping Bear Dunes adventures. After spending some time in the Visitor Center, we all headed to Glen Haven Beach. Since Joe and I use powered wheelchairs, we were happy to see an accessible seating area on the beach. Compared to many other beaches that I’ve visited, we were actually pretty close to the water, which was nice. However, if you’d like to get even closer to the water, manual beach wheelchairs are available for free and they’re located inside the Glen Haven Cannery and Boat Museum. 

Within walking/rolling distance of Glen Haven Beach, you can visit a blacksmith shop, a general store, and as I mentioned before, the Glen Haven Cannery and Boat Museum. All of these, including the museum, are completely free to visit and wheelchair accessible. I really enjoyed seeing the old boats in the museum and watching the blacksmiths at work. 

As I said, the manual beach wheelchairs are available, but if you’d like to take your outdoor adventuring to the next level, track chairs are offered at Sleeping Bear Dunes as well. With these motorized all-terrain track chairs, you can roll on the sand or hike on outdoor trails. They are amazing chairs and they’re available on a complimentary basis, but need to be reserved in advance of your visit. You can reserve one online right here. 

By this point in the day, we were ready for a bite to eat, so we headed back toward the Visitor Center and had lunch at Shipwreck Cafe. I had a tasty tuna melt wrap and chips, but there are so many options on the menu, including pizza. Shipwreck Cafe had a companion care restroom inside, but since the interior of the restaurant is very small, you will likely need to eat outside at one of their picnic tables. Since it was a hot day when I visited, I was happy that the picnic tables had an umbrella to provide some shade. 

Across the street from Shipwreck Cafe is another must-visit, especially if you love chocolate as much as I do. We visited Grocer’s Daughter Chocolate for some dessert and it certainly did not disappoint. I tried several of their chocolate truffles, including the Michigan maple and cherry port truffles. They were absolutely delicious and I even got one of their iced lattes to wash it all down. 

Now that we were refueled, we were ready to see more of Sleeping Bear Dunes, so it was time to check out Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive. This scenic drive is 7.4 miles long and there are twelve stops along it, where you can take in the views. Some of the scenic overlooks are more accessible than others, but I highly enjoyed stopping at a couple of the overlooks. 

Two of the most wheelchair accessible overlooks were overlooks 3 and 11. Overlook 3 had a ramped deck with two levels and I was able to access both levels in my wheelchair. I could see the sand dunes and even had some lake views from this overlook. At Overlook 11, I had a great view of the lake as well and it might’ve been my favorite overlook that I visited. From these overlooks, it was easy to see why Sleeping Bear Dunes is such a notable place to visit, as its beauty is remarkable. 

The last stop that we made at Sleeping Bear Dunes was the Dune Climb. At the Dune Climb, you can get up-close and personal to the giant sand dunes and many people climb the steep dunes, hence the name. While Joe and I opted to stay at the bottom of the dunes, my mom and Meegan decided to give it a try and they made it pretty far up (see the photo below)! Even though I couldn’t climb the dune, it was really fun to watch them do it and this is just a beautiful area to enjoy the scenery of the dunes. From here, you can also really understand how massive the dunes are, so I’d definitely recommend checking out the Dune Climb! 

In one full day, we were able to see the accessible highlights of Sleeping Bear Dunes. It was a memorable time and I loved getting to experience this Michigan wonder. If you’ll be in Traverse City, plan some time to head over to Sleeping Bear Dunes for a unique, and wheelchair accessible, experience! 

Watch my short video about my day in Sleeping Bear Dunes below!

Downtown Traverse City 

One of my favorite things to do when I’m exploring a new city is to just wander around the downtown area. And I’m happy to say that Traverse City has an excellent downtown area for exploring! It’s easily walkable/rollable with smooth curb cuts and nice, smooth sidewalks. 

I spent a delightful afternoon rolling along Front Street, immersing myself in the vibrant atmosphere. The street is lined with a fantastic array of shops and restaurants, and I was pleasantly surprised by the high level of accessibility – I’d estimate about 90% of the establishments were wheelchair accessible. Cherry Republic quickly became a favorite; I couldn’t resist stocking up on their cherry-flavored goodies and enjoyed the complimentary cherry samples. Higher Self Bookstore offered a captivating experience, including a memorable oracle reading. And Outpost, with its delectable lattes made with homemade syrups, was the perfect spot to refuel. 

I spent several hours checking out many of the shops in downtown Traverse City, but you could honestly spend more time than that, especially if you love shopping. It’s a great area and has something for everyone to enjoy! 

The Village at Grand Traverse Commons

One of Traverse City’s most unique places to visit actually used to be a hospital. Back in the day, it was the Traverse City State Hospital, a psychiatric hospital. However, it is now one of the city’s most popular attractions.

This historic site has been thoughtfully repurposed into a vibrant community hub known as The Village at Grand Traverse Commons, blending old-world charm with modern amenities. The sprawling complex houses a diverse array of shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues, making it a perfect destination for exploring.

I had a great brunch here at Red Spire Brunch House (I’ll tell you about this restaurant later on in this guide!) and enjoyed checking out the many shops. All of the shops that I saw were easily wheelchair accessible and elevators were available to access multiple floors of The Village at Grand Traverse Commons. 

If you’ll be visiting, plan to be here for at least 2-3 hours because there’s a lot to see & enjoy. It was a lot bigger than I expected and I eventually had to stop myself from shopping, so that I could visit other wheelchair accessible Traverse City attractions! 

Dennos Museum Center 

Located on the campus of Northwestern Michigan College, the Dennos Museum houses one of the largest collections of Inuit art in the U.S. Open Tuesday through Sunday, this museum is very spacious and the wheelchair accessibility here is perfect. Upon arrival to the museum, you’ll find accessible parking spots near the entrance. 

The most noted area of art includes the signature collection of Inuit art. This museum includes nearly 2,000 Inuit art prints and sculptures. I was enthralled to see the wooly mammoth’s size, complete with its tusks, as well as the polar bear in the life sized display. All of the pieces of artwork told the story of the Canadian Arctic and showed the diversity that the arctic entails. The exhibit was spacious and I had no problem admiring the many pieces of art from my wheelchair. 

The Dennos Museum has a permanent collection of 3,100 works and is home to three temporary exhibition galleries, and the entire museum is located on one floor, so it’s fully accessible. The museum also oversees a collection of 14 outdoor sculptures around the grounds of the college campus. These outdoor works of art were created by Michigan artists as well as internationally known artists. This museum is a great way to develop a deeper appreciation of the arts and enjoy your time spent in wheelchair accessible Traverse City. 

Plan to spend about 2 hours at the Dennos Museum, as it is rather large and you’ll want enough time to fully appreciate all of the great artwork. Admission is $10 per adult and $5 per child.  

Chateau Chantal 

Before visiting Traverse City, I had no idea that it was such a booming wine destination! But it’s actually one of the top wine destinations in the country with over 50 wineries in the Traverse City area. Yes, you read that correctly… there are over 50! While I couldn’t visit all of them, I did visit one winery and had a spectacular experience. 

Honestly, whether you’re a wine drinker or not, Chateau Chantal is worth visiting. It is a beautiful vineyard and I was able to enjoy a wine tasting here on the outdoor patio. With stunning views, I discovered one of the best wines I’ve ever drank, a bubbly cherry wine. Traverse City is known as the cherry capital of the world, so it makes sense that I loved their cherry wine so much! 

Inside Chateau Chantal, you can purchase bottles of wine or grab a drink at the bar. This would be a perfect place to visit and just relax with a glass, while taking in the vineyard views for a while. Having recently visited multiple wineries in Sonoma, California, I was a bit skeptical about how great Michigan wineries could be, but Chateau Chantal blew me away and is a must-visit!

Old Mission Point Park

Just a short 30 minute drive from downtown Traverse City is Old Mission Point Park’s most famous and historic lighthouse. During my visit to Traverse City, I heard that this is a must-visit when touring the area. The drive from downtown to the lighthouse was an easy drive and so beautiful, as we passed a multitude of cherry orchards and more wineries than I could count. 

As we rolled into Lighthouse Park, we found accessible parking near the paved trail that leads to the front entrance of the lighthouse. Along this trail, I also quickly found a paved side pathway that led to an old cabin. This cabin, known as The Hessler Log Cabin, has a ramped entry and I was able to roll inside and see the setting of the rooms from long ago. The Hesslers were pioneers who built this cabin between 1854-1856, but it wasn’t moved here until many years later when it was declared historic and moved here for visitors to admire and appreciate. 

After being taken back in time, I then rolled down the paved and narrow pathway toward the Mission Point Lighthouse. Along this path is the most epic view of the beach and Lake Michigan. Although I did not see wheelchair access to the beach, the photo ops from the pathway are breathtaking. 

After snapping some pictures, I then rolled toward the amazingly stoic lighthouse. Although the lighthouse is open to guests from May through October most days, and weekends only in November, it is not wheelchair accessible, as there are steps to get inside. However, I did access the pathways both in front and beside the lighthouse to gather the views of it from both angles. 

I was also happy to see that there was a wheelchair accessible restroom at the path entrance near the parking area. Don’t let the fact that the lighthouse isn’t accessible deter you from visiting, as the views of the water, the beach, and lighthouse are all beautiful, and the atmosphere here is very relaxing. I sat here for over an hour just taking in the views. 

Where to Eat (and Drink) in Traverse City

Apache Trout Grill

If you are looking for the perfect dining experience in Traverse City with spectacular views of Lake Michigan and foods that will make any palate salivate, Apache Trout Grill is where it’s at. This delectable restaurant has its own parking area and has plenty of wheelchair accessible spots near the main entrance. Upon entering inside, you can immediately feel the warmth and welcoming environment of this chic dining experience. Known for their fresh seafood and ribs, you can’t go wrong with anything on their menu. My friends, Meegan and Joe, suggested meeting up at this perfect dinner spot and after looking over the menu, I was all in. We chose the indoor seating, but honestly there isn’t a bad seat in the house. The windows to the outdoor patio are floor to ceiling, so you can see the lovely Lake Michigan whether you are inside or out.

For our appetizer, we chose the Smoked Whitefish Dip which came with baby gherkins, naan bread, and flatbread crackers. This was honestly some of the best fish dip that I have eaten in all of my travels. After getting this as a starter, I was ready for my main course, which was the Apache Whitefish. This dish came with panko crusted Lake Superior filet, Yukon Gold mashed potatoes, and a chef’s vegetable. I never knew how good the taste of whitefish is until this night. I thoroughly enjoyed my meal.

Great conversation with friends, a delicious meal, and the most perfect views of Lake Michigan made me put this restaurant as a “must-do” when visiting Traverse City. And don’t forget to head outside after dinner to the waterfront area for the perfect photo ops! Lastly, it’s worth noting that Apache Trout Grill is tremendously popular and had a 2.5 hour wait time on the weeknight that we visited, but you can join their waitlist online. I’d highly suggest joining the waitlist online before you go to Apache Trout Grill. 

Artisan Restaurant 

People come from all over the area to eat at Artisan Restaurant. It is located inside the Delamar hotel (I’ll tell you more about this hotel later in this travel guide!), but it is certainly not your typical hotel restaurant. Artisan has amazing waterfront views of Lake Michigan and offers both indoor and outdoor dining. Known for their Great Lakes-inspired, New American cuisine, they have an emphasis on farm-fresh foods from both regional and local farms. You can tase the freshness in every bite and the service is just as great. I was able to roll inside smoothly and easily and parked at the perfect table with a waterfront view of Lake Michigan.

For my appetizer, I chose the Bread & Butter, which had a lemon poppy blueberry loaf and artisan ciabatta. This was the perfect beginning for my exquisite dining experience. After devouring the tasty breads and butter, I then chose the Scallops for my meal. They came to me adorned in herb buttermilk and beet emulsion with seasonal vegetables and potato pave. Every bite was like an explosion of deliciousness in my mouth. I’ve had scallops before, but these were so flavorful and some of the best I’ve ever eaten. Whether you are staying at the Delamar or not, this is one restaurant you will want to visit during your trip! 

The Filling Station Microbrewery

The Filling Station Microbrewery is located in such a fun location. It sits along the train tracks in Traverse City and has a slogan on their t-shirts of “Ales By The Rails”. Here, you can find plenty of hand-crafted microbrews including beers, hard seltzers, and ciders. They’re also known for having the best pizza in Traverse City, as they are wood-fired. All dining is outdoor and has the perfect view of the railroad tracks. This is such a cool atmosphere and the smell of the pizzas cooking made it even more incredible. I was able to find wheelchair accessible parking near the entrance.

For my appetizer, I chose the Spinach & Artichoke Dip. After scarfing this down in about 5 seconds, I then went for the Cock O’ The Walk pizza. This wood-fired delicacy came with basil oil, roasted chicken, artichokes, roasted tomatoes and mozzarella. Each bite that I took got better and better to the point that I felt like I was going to pop. I can’t wait to eat here again and sample other tasty pizzas, as I have no doubt they are all scrumptious. 

Reflect Bistro

Located inside the Cambria Hotel is  Reflect Bistro, where I enjoyed breakfast one morning. Diners can park near the entrance and then choose to dine either outside on their patio, or inside just as I did. I was immediately seated and given a menu. When my eyes read the words “Giant Cinnamon Roll”, I quickly chose it as a shared appetizer with my mom. It came to our table soaked in steamy custard and cream cheese frosting. It also had a cup of fresh fruit and potatoes on the plate and it was all so good!

I was almost too full for my main meal after devouring the cinnamon roll, but when it arrived, I couldn’t resist eating it either. I chose the Cherries Jubilee griddle cakes with Michigan maple sausage. When I say the cherries are different in Traverse City, I mean they are even better than anywhere I’ve ever eaten them. This meal and the service was phenomenal and I highly recommend eating here if you’re anywhere near the area. 

Red Spire Brunch House

Sitting just beneath the red spire of Grand Traverse Commons is the Mercato entrance that showed me the way to Red Spire Brunch House. Here, diners are able to sit in a relaxed atmosphere with impeccable service, and enjoy breakfast, brunch, or lunch. I found wheelchair accessible parking near the Mercato ramped entrance and rolled inside following my nose to the smell of bacon! After a short wait, I was escorted to my table with a friendly, smiling waitress.

After briefly looking over the menu, I chose the Classic. This tasty treat was complete with two eggs of my choosing, ham, bacon or sausage (I chose the bacon), hash browns, and toast. To me, it just couldn’t have been any better. Everything was cooked perfectly per my request, right down to my crispy bacon. I washed it all down with a glass of pineapple juice. This meal was a “classic” for sure and I was full and ready to tour the rest of the day in wheelchair accessible Traverse City. 

H&L Social at Hotel Indigo

Located on the rooftop of Hotel Indigo is H&L Social. This is a hot spot on any evening and I can see why. The views from here of Lake Michigan are fabulous, but pair that with the breathtaking sunsets and you have the perfect evening cocktail. H&L is open-air, so it was perfect on a summer night.

This is a full service bar and they also offer a variety of small plates. They are open daily for lunch and dinner so grabbing that afternoon drink with friends is a perfect way to enjoy a few laughs and good conversation in Traverse City. As the night vibes set in, I saw that they offered cocktails, beer, and wine. Watching the sun set from here with a drink in hand was a great way to spend the evening, but with friends and great conversation added to the mix, you’ve got yourself the perfect setting.  

Where to Stay: Delamar Traverse City

While in Traverse City, I stayed at the Delamar. This hotel is waterfront and without a doubt, it’s one of the best places to stay in the city. I absolutely loved staying here and would certainly stay here again next time I’m in Traverse City. 

The Delamar has a complimentary breakfast buffet every morning for guests and as I mentioned earlier, it has a superb restaurant on-site called Artisan. The hotel is also in a great location and just a ten minute walk or roll from the heart of downtown. 

In my wheelchair accessible room (room 201), there were two queen beds. The beds were 29 inches tall and on a block frame, so there wasn’t any clearance underneath them if you need to use a hoyer lift/hoist for transferring. The room was quite spacious and had beautiful views of the water from two large windows. 

In the bathroom, there was a pull-under sink, grab bars by the toilet, and a roll-in shower. The roll-in shower had smooth entry and a fold-down shower seat. The bathroom really couldn’t have been better for my accessibility needs. 

For me, the Delamar was a fantastic choice for my needs and the staff were super friendly as well. Two staff members even offered to move our beds around to give me more space in the room, which I appreciated. If you are interested in learning more about the Delamar or want to book a stay of your own, just click here. 

Before visiting Traverse City, friends of mine told me how great of a city it is, so my expectations were high. But even still, it managed to exceed my expectations in every way. If you are looking to enjoy a stunningly beautiful destination with a plethora of accessible things to do, consider wheelchair accessible Traverse City for your next getaway to the great state of Michigan! 

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*Thank you to Traverse City Tourism for working with me on this trip and showing me the best of wheelchair accessible Traverse City! While my experiences were complimentary, all opinions expressed are authentic and my own.

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