If you haven’t seen Traverse City’s cherry blossoms in full bloom, you’re missing out. Every spring, the orchards and parks fill with pink and white petals, offering a kind of view that makes you stop mid-sentence just to take it all in.
But finding the perfect spot to enjoy it? That’s another story. Lucky for you, we’ve got the most accessible orchards and parks in Traverse City to check out countless cherry trees flowering at once without dealing with tricky terrain or packed crowds.
Traverse City’s Best Cherry Orchard for Stunning Views
If you want to catch the blooms at their best, consider visiting the following cherry orchards in Traverse City.
Heirloom Orchards on M-37
If you’re heading up Old Mission Peninsula in the spring, there’s no better route than M-37. This state highway snakes its way up the peninsula, offering endless views of orchards, rolling hills, and the shimmering blue bay on both sides.
One standout stop along the way is Heirloom Orchards, a picturesque farm known for its stunning cherry trees and classic Northern Michigan charm. If you time it right, you might even catch that golden-hour glow, making the blossoms look extra magical.
Similarly, you can head over to Leelanau County. One of the best routes to venture along is County Road 633. This road connects with the M-22 highway and splits off north of Suttons Bay. You’ll drive past different rolling farmland and cherry orchards, such as Cherry Blossom Farm and Hillside Homestead, giving you a more intimate, up-close experience with the blossoms.
It is important to note that these orchards are on private property, so you might need permission to walk among the trees or take close-up photos.
Vineyards and Cherry Blossoms: A Perfect Pairing
When in Traverse City, you simply cannot leave without wine tasting. Luckily, many of Traverse City’s wineries are located along the way, so you don’t have to choose between a scenic drive and a glass of Riesling or Chardonnay.
Some of the must-visit spots include Mari Vineyards, Chateau Grand Traverse, Brys Estate Vineyard & Winery, Chateau Chantal Winery and Inn, Bowers Harbor Vineyards, Rove Winery, Hawthorne Vineyards, Black Star Farms Old Mission, and 2 Lads Winery. While some wineries may not have cherry orchards on-site, they offer panoramic views of the surrounding countryside, where cherry trees bloom in every direction.
Top Parks and Scenic Spots for Cherry Blossom Viewing in Traverse City
Besides orchards, you can visit the following parks for cherry blossom viewing this spring!
Old Mission Peninsula Park: A Peaceful Retreat
Nestled along the stunning Old Mission Peninsula, this park has a great mix of open fields and wooded areas, with plenty of cherry trees that light up the landscape with soft pink hues.
The park also features picnic areas, benches, and accessible pathways, making it a great spot for a relaxing afternoon under the blossoms. Since parking can get busy during peak bloom season, you must arrive early to find a suitable parking spot.
Mission Point Lighthouse: Blossoms With a View
Located at the northernmost tip of Old Mission Peninsula, this historic location offers stunning views of the bay, sandy beaches, and rows of cherry blossom trees that beautifully frame the lighthouse. Trust us, it’s pretty enough to make you consider dropping everything and becoming a lighthouse keeper.
Once you’re done taking a million photos, you can hunt for Petoskey stones along the shore, challenge yourself to find the best skipping rock, or test how long you can keep your feet in the ice-cold Michigan Lake water.
It’s important to note that the lighthouse itself isn’t wheelchair-accessible, but there are dedicated handicapped parking spaces and boardwalks for easy navigation.
Other Accessible Parks to Check Out
If you want to see even more cherry blossom trees, consider visiting Bowers Harbor Park, Clinch Park, East Bay Park, or Bryant Park. These parks have paved walkways and a good mix of orchard and bay views.
The Traverse City Cherry Festival: More Than Just Blossoms
While cherry blossoms may steal the show in spring, the National Cherry Festival is all about celebrating the fruit itself. Happening between June 28 – July 5, 2025, this week-long event features everything from classic parades and airshows to high-energy pit-spitting contests. You can attend the royal parade, check out the Arts & Crafts Fair, watch decked-out floats roll through downtown, or visit a massive cherry farmer’s market.
There are cherry pie eating contests, cherry-infused barbecue sauce slathered on grilled meats, cherry salsa, cherry cheesecake, and more cherry-spiked treats than you ever thought possible.
The festival also features a carnival, a classic car show, and live music to keep you entertained. When the sun sets, grab a spot by the water to watch fireworks over Grand Traverse Bay, which makes for the perfect cherry on top.