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Grand Traverse County History

Grand Traverse County is located in the northern part of the Lower Peninsula of Michigan in the United States. The area was originally inhabited by the Ojibwe and Ottawa Native American tribes, who were later joined by French fur traders in the 18th century.

The first permanent settlement in the area was established in 1839 by a group of Presbyterian missionaries led by Peter Dougherty. The settlement, known as "the Mission," was located on the Old Mission Peninsula, just north of present-day Traverse City. The missionaries built a school, sawmill, and gristmill, and began farming the land.

In 1851, the Michigan Legislature created Grand Traverse County, named after the Grand Traverse Bay, which is located on the county's western boundary. The county's first courthouse was built in 1861, and the county seat was established in Traverse City.

During the late 19th century, Traverse City became a popular resort town, known for its beautiful beaches, clear lakes, and healthy climate. The city's tourism industry continued to grow throughout the 20th century, with the establishment of several national and state parks, as well as the construction of the Mackinac Bridge, which provided easy access to the Upper Peninsula.

Today, Grand Traverse County is a thriving community, known for its natural beauty, vibrant downtown area, and strong tourism industry. The area is home to several colleges and universities, as well as numerous businesses and industries, including healthcare, manufacturing, and technology. Despite its growth and development, Grand Traverse County has remained committed to preserving its natural beauty and unique cultural heritage.

Grand Traverse County Top Tourist Attractions

Grand Traverse County and the surrounding area offer a wide variety of tourist attractions, including:

• Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore - Located just west of Grand Traverse County, Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is one of the area's top attractions. The park features miles of sandy beaches, towering sand dunes, and stunning views of Lake Michigan.
• Traverse City's Cherry Festival - Held every July, the National Cherry Festival is a week-long celebration of the area's cherry harvest. The festival features carnival rides, live music, and plenty of delicious cherry-themed food and drink.
• Old Mission Peninsula - Located just north of Traverse City, the Old Mission Peninsula is known for its scenic beauty, historic lighthouse, and award-winning wineries.
• Grand Traverse Bay - The bay offers a wide variety of outdoor activities, including boating, fishing, and swimming. The bay is also home to several beautiful beaches, parks, and nature preserves.
• Interlochen Center for the Arts - Located just southwest of Traverse City, the Interlochen Center for the Arts is a prestigious arts institution that offers a wide variety of performances, workshops, and classes.
• Turtle Creek Casino - Located in Williamsburg, just east of Traverse City, Turtle Creek Casino offers a variety of gaming options, as well as several restaurants and entertainment venues.
• Leelanau Peninsula - Located just north of Traverse City, the Leelanau Peninsula is known for its picturesque small towns, beautiful beaches, and wineries.
• Grand Traverse Resort and Spa - This luxurious resort offers golf courses, spa services, and several dining options, as well as stunning views of Grand Traverse Bay.

Overall, Grand Traverse County and the surrounding area offer a wide variety of attractions for visitors of all ages and interests, from outdoor adventures to cultural experiences and more.

Grand Traverse County Climate

Grand Traverse County has a humid continental climate, with warm summers and cold winters. The area experiences four distinct seasons, with temperatures and weather patterns varying widely throughout the year.

Summer temperatures in Grand Traverse County typically range from the mid-70s to the low-80s Fahrenheit (around 24-28°C), although temperatures can occasionally reach into the 90s°F (around 32°C) during heat waves. Summer is also the wettest season, with frequent thunderstorms and occasional heavy rainfall.

Fall in Grand Traverse County is characterized by cool temperatures, crisp air, and stunning fall foliage. Average temperatures in September and October range from the mid-50s to the mid-60s°F (around 12-18°C), with nighttime temperatures dropping into the 30s°F (around 0°C) by late October.

Winter in Grand Traverse County is cold and snowy, with average temperatures in December and January ranging from the mid-teens to the mid-20s°F (around -8 to -4°C). Snow is common throughout the winter months, with an average snowfall of around 100 inches (254 cm) per year.

Spring in Grand Traverse County is marked by gradually warming temperatures and occasional rain showers. Average temperatures in March and April range from the mid-20s to the mid-40s°F (around -4 to 7°C), with daytime temperatures reaching into the 50s and 60s°F (around 10-15°C) by May.

Overall, the climate in Grand Traverse County is well-suited for a wide variety of outdoor activities, from skiing and snowshoeing in the winter to boating, swimming, and hiking in the summer.

Grand Traverse County Geography

Grand Traverse County is located in the northern part of Michigan's Lower Peninsula, bordered by Lake Michigan to the west and Grand Traverse Bay to the north. The county covers an area of approximately 601 square miles (1,557 square kilometers), with a population of around 93,000.

The landscape of Grand Traverse County is characterized by rolling hills, forests, and freshwater lakes and rivers. The county is home to several large lakes, including Lake Leelanau, Long Lake, and Silver Lake, as well as numerous smaller lakes and ponds.

The county is also home to several rivers and streams, including the Boardman River, which flows through Traverse City and empties into Grand Traverse Bay. The Boardman River is a popular spot for fishing, kayaking, and canoeing.

In addition to its natural features, Grand Traverse County is also home to several urban and suburban areas, including the city of Traverse City, which serves as the county seat. Traverse City is the largest city in northern Michigan and is known for its vibrant downtown area, diverse restaurants and shops, and strong tourism industry. Overall, the geography of Grand Traverse County is characterized by its natural beauty and diversity, from its lakes and rivers to its forests and rolling hills. The area's unique landscape and strong tourism industry have helped make it one of the most popular vacation destinations in Michigan.