Cities and Towns in Grand Traverse County, Michigan
Founded in 1851, Grand Traverse County is one of 83 counties in the state of Michigan. Historically, Grand Traverse County was formed from part of Omeena County. The city of Traverse City is the county seat. With FIPS code of 55, Grand Traverse County has a population of 95,860 and area of 601 square miles (1,557 km²).
List of all cities in Grand County, MI alphabetically
| City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
| Acme, MI | 49610 | 231 |
| Barlow Branch, MI | 49686 | 231 |
| 49696 | 231 | |
| Grawn, MI | 49637 | 231 |
| Interlochen, MI | 49643 | 231 |
| Karlin, MI | 49643 | 231 |
| Kingsley, MI | 49649 | 231 |
| Mayfield, MI | 49666 | 231 |
| Old Mission, MI | 49673 | 231 |
| Traverse City, MI | 49684 | 231 |
| 49685 | 231 | |
| 49686 | 231 | |
| 49696 | 231 | |
| Williamsburg, MI | 49690 | 231 |
Major Cities and Towns in Grand Traverse County, Michigan
1. Traverse City
Area, Population, and Zip Codes
- Area: 8.66 square miles
- Population: Approximately 15,678 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 49684, 49685, 49686
- Latitude: 44.7631° N
- Longitude: 85.6206° W
Location and History
Traverse City, the largest city in Grand Traverse County, is located at the southern end of Grand Traverse Bay, an inlet of Lake Michigan. Originally a logging settlement in the mid-19th century, Traverse City was founded in 1852. The city became a hub for agriculture, particularly cherries, which earned it the nickname “Cherry Capital of the World.” The arrival of the railroad in the late 1800s and the growth of tourism in the 20th century spurred further development. Traverse City is now known for its vibrant arts scene, wineries, and stunning natural surroundings, making it one of Michigan’s premier travel destinations.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Traverse City is served by Traverse City Area Public Schools (TCAPS), with Traverse City Central High School and Traverse City West Senior High School being the primary educational institutions. Major landmarks include The Grand Traverse Commons, a former state hospital campus turned into a unique shopping, dining, and living community. Clinch Park offers a beautiful waterfront area with beach access and walking trails along the bay. The National Cherry Festival, held annually in July, celebrates the region’s agricultural heritage. Traverse City State Park offers campsites and beach access along the shores of Grand Traverse Bay. The city is also home to the Traverse City Film Festival, founded by filmmaker Michael Moore, which brings independent cinema to the area each summer.
2. Kingsley
Area, Population, and Zip Codes
- Area: 1.42 square miles
- Population: Approximately 1,527 (2020 Census)
- Zip Code: 49649
- Latitude: 44.5842° N
- Longitude: 85.5353° W
Location and History
Kingsley is a small village located about 15 miles southeast of Traverse City, surrounded by rolling farmland and forests. The town was founded in the late 1800s as a logging settlement and later became an agricultural community. Named after Judson Kingsley, an early settler and prominent figure in the town’s development, Kingsley grew as a transportation stop for timber and farm products. Over the years, the village has retained its rural character, with a strong sense of community and easy access to outdoor recreation in the surrounding area.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Kingsley is served by Kingsley Area Schools, with Kingsley High School being the main educational institution. Major landmarks include Brownson Memorial Park, a central gathering spot in the village offering a playground, picnic areas, and sports fields. Kingsley Civic Center South provides additional recreational facilities, including walking trails and a sledding hill. The Rock Historic Windmill is a local landmark that pays tribute to the area’s agricultural history. Kingsley Heritage Days, an annual festival, celebrates the town’s history with a parade, fireworks, and community events. The surrounding state forests provide ample opportunities for hiking, fishing, and hunting.
3. Fife Lake
Area, Population, and Zip Codes
- Area: 1.26 square miles
- Population: Approximately 443 (2020 Census)
- Zip Code: 49633
- Latitude: 44.5747° N
- Longitude: 85.3481° W
Location and History
Fife Lake is a small village located in southeastern Grand Traverse County, nestled along the shores of Fife Lake. Founded in the late 1800s, the town was originally a lumbering community, utilizing the lake and nearby forests for logging and milling operations. As the timber industry declined, Fife Lake became a quiet residential and vacation spot, attracting visitors to its clear waters and peaceful surroundings. The village is known for its charming, small-town atmosphere and proximity to outdoor activities, making it a popular destination for nature enthusiasts and those seeking a tranquil retreat.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Fife Lake is served by Forest Area Community Schools, with students attending Forest Area High School in nearby communities. Key landmarks include Fife Lake Beach, a public beach offering swimming, boating, and picnic areas along the lake’s shores. Fife Lake Historical Museum, housed in the old train depot, showcases artifacts from the town’s logging past and railroad history. Springfield Park provides additional outdoor space for family gatherings and fishing. The village hosts the annual Fourth of July Celebration, which includes a parade, fireworks, and other festive activities. The surrounding state forests and the North Country Trail offer excellent hiking and wildlife viewing opportunities.
4. Interlochen
Area, Population, and Zip Codes
- Area: 1.11 square miles
- Population: Approximately 607 (2020 Census)
- Zip Code: 49643
- Latitude: 44.6317° N
- Longitude: 85.7686° W
Location and History
Interlochen is located southwest of Traverse City and is best known for being home to the world-renowned Interlochen Center for the Arts, a prestigious fine arts boarding school and summer camp. Founded in 1928, Interlochen began as a small resort town between Duck Lake and Green Lake. The establishment of the music camp and later the arts academy transformed Interlochen into a cultural hub, attracting students, artists, and visitors from around the world. The village remains a quiet residential area, while the presence of the arts center provides a vibrant cultural atmosphere.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Interlochen is served by the Traverse City Area Public Schools (TCAPS) district, with students attending nearby Traverse City West Senior High School. The primary landmark is the Interlochen Center for the Arts, which hosts a wide array of performances, concerts, and exhibitions throughout the year. Interlochen State Park, Michigan’s oldest state park, offers camping, boating, and hiking, with access to both Duck Lake and Green Lake. Green Lake Township Park provides additional recreational facilities for residents. The Interlochen Arts Festival, held annually, draws visitors for world-class performances in music, theater, and dance.
5. Acme
Area, Population, and Zip Codes
- Area: 25.8 square miles (township)
- Population: Approximately 4,686 (2020 Census)
- Zip Code: 49610
- Latitude: 44.7792° N
- Longitude: 85.4886° W
Location and History
Acme, located northeast of Traverse City along the shores of East Grand Traverse Bay, is a scenic township with a rich history in agriculture and tourism. The area was first settled in the mid-19th century, with farming and orchards playing a key role in its early economy. Acme’s proximity to Grand Traverse Bay made it a desirable location for summer resorts in the early 20th century, attracting visitors to its beaches and scenic vistas. Today, Acme remains a mix of agricultural lands, residential areas, and tourist attractions, known for its fruit orchards and natural beauty.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Acme is part of the Traverse City Area Public Schools (TCAPS) district, with students attending Traverse City Central High School or Traverse City West Senior High School. Major landmarks include Turtle Creek Casino & Hotel, one of the region’s largest entertainment venues, offering gaming, dining, and live events. Bayside Park, located on the shores of East Grand Traverse Bay, provides beach access, playgrounds, and walking paths with stunning views of the bay. The Grand Traverse Resort and Spa, a world-class resort, offers golfing, spa services, and luxury accommodations. Acme Fall Festival celebrates the community’s agricultural roots with local produce, crafts, and family activities each September.
