Traverse City has an eclectic history. Ancient glaciers carved the long deep lakes and dramatic hills that give Traverse City and its surrounding communities their splendid natural setting. Native Americans and missionaries, lumberjacks and fishermen, mariners and farmers all left their imprint on the landscape and helped create a colorful and vibrant culture. Indian hunters and French traders were the first people to settle and it was they who gave the region its name – La Grand Traverse, for the “long crossing” they had to make by canoe across the mouth of the bay. By 1847 a small sawmill operation had been established on the banks of the Boardman River, and soon it became the nucleus of a growing company town led by Chicago businessmen Perry Hannah and Tracy Lay.

The estimated population in 2003 was 14,466. Today tourism, both summer and winter, is a key industry. Freshwater beaches, golf resorts, vineyards, nearby ski resorts and more make Traverse City the second most popular tourist destination in the state behind Mackinaw City. Traverse City is the self-proclaimed Cherry Capital of the World, holding an annual weeklong Cherry Festival the first full week in July. Besides cherries, the surrounding Tuscany-like countryside produces grapes, and is one of the centers of wine production in the Midwest.