Looking for a peaceful lakeside retreat with Northern Michigan charm? Head to Williamsburg! Just east of Traverse City, Williamsburg offers easy access to the shores of Lake Michigan, cherry orchards, wineries, outdoor adventures, and year-round recreation. Whether you're hiking in the summer or skiing in winter, Williamsburg is a cozy escape in Michigan’s Lower Peninsula.
Williamsburg, MI Highlights:
- For Golfers: Play at LochenHeath Golf Club – Scenic 18-hole course overlooking Grand Traverse Bay with championship-level design.
- For Outdoor Enthusiasts: Explore Turtle Creek Natural Area – Hike, birdwatch, or snowshoe through quiet woodlands and meadows.
- For Casino-Goers: Try your luck at Turtle Creek Casino & Hotel – Enjoy gaming, dining, and entertainment just minutes from the water.
- For Families: Visit the Music House Museum – Discover antique music machines and player pianos in an interactive, family-friendly setting.
- For Wine Lovers: Tour nearby Old Mission Peninsula – Sample award-winning wines with lake views at wineries like Chateau Grand Traverse and Brys Estate.
Best Time to Visit Williamsburg, MI
The best time to visit Williamsburg is from late spring through early fall (May–October), when you can enjoy warm weather, wine tasting, and scenic hikes. Summer brings festivals and beach days, while autumn offers colorful foliage and harvest events. Winter is ideal for skiing and cozy getaways.
How to Get to Williamsburg, MI
- If you are traveling by car: Williamsburg is located along M-72, about 15 minutes east of Traverse City and 2.5 hours north of Grand Rapids.
- By Plane: Fly into Cherry Capital Airport (TVC) in Traverse City, which offers daily service from Detroit, Chicago, and other regional hubs.
- By Bus: Indian Trails and local transit options connect Traverse City to other Michigan cities; a car is recommended to explore the area.
Where to Stay in Williamsburg, MI
- Recommended for Couples: Grand Traverse Resort and Spa – Full-service resort with golf, spa, shopping, and panoramic views of the bay.
- For Gamblers: Turtle Creek Casino & Hotel – Stylish, modern accommodations with gaming, dining, and nightlife under one roof.
- For a Cozy Stay: Elk Rapids Lakeshore Inn – A charming, lakeside inn just a short drive north offering comfort and tranquility.
Best Things to Do in Williamsburg, MI
1. Guntzviller's Taxidermy and Spirit of the Woods Museum
Explore wildlife displays and discover unusual exhibits on a fun, affordable family-friendly stop.
Guntzvillers has been a must-see destination in Northern Michigan since 1928. The Spirit of the Woods Museum features professional dioramas of Michigan wildlife with displays of a full-body elk, mountain lion, whitetail deer, bear, waterfowl, fish and more. The Museum also showcases an impressive collection of antique fishing and hunting gear and Indian artifacts. Guntzviller's Taxidermy offers high quality professional taxidermy services to preserve hunting or fishing trophies. In addition to taxidermy services, Guntzviller’s offers a great range of Northern Michigan-inspired gifts, books, souvenirs and home decor. Guntzviller’s is also a dealer for Minnetonka Moccasins, offering a range Minnetonka moccasins, fringe, sandals, shearling, boots, slippers, hats and accessories.
11060 US-31, Williamsburg, MI 49690, Phone: 231-264-5597
2. Rennie Orchards
Pick apples and enjoy fall colors on a peaceful, seasonal countryside outing.
Rennie Orchards near Williamsburg is one of a very few family farms left in northern Michigan. The farm is located off of Angell Road, on top of a hill, offering wonderful panoramic views. This fun family farm offers U-Pick cherries, apricots, peaches, pears, plums, 19 varieties of apples and pumpkins as well as scenic Hayride, Kid's Hay Bale Maze, Log Cabin, Teepee and cider and donuts in the fall. The best time to visit the farm is in the fall when the sky is blue, the air is crisp and the trees are gold and crimson. The farm is great fun to visit with a family, classroom or a church group. It is located just 15 minutes from Traverse City and a few miles from Elk Rapids.
11221 Monroe Rd, Williamsburg, MI 49690, Phone: 231-264-8387
Attractions for Couples
3. Turtle Creek Casino
Play slots or dine out on an exciting, quick night trip with friends.
Turtle Creek Casino & Hotel in Williamsburg, Michigan, is the perfect northern Michigan getaway. It offers a 56,000-square-foot casino floor, comfortable contemporary accommodations, and diverse dining options, from a high-end steakhouse to a light buffet. Turtle Creek Casino & Hotel is one of the top gaming destinations in Midwest. It also offers spa and golf services, with complimentary shuttle that takes guests to its sister property, Grand Traverse Resort and Spa. Turtle Creek Casino & Hotel, together with Leelanau Sands Casino & Lodge, and Grand Traverse Resort and Spa, is owned and operated by the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians, a federally recognized Native American tribe in Northern Michigan.
7741 M-72, Williamsburg, MI 49690, Phone: 231-534-8870
4. Farmer White's
Shop local goods and taste fresh pies on a cheap, family-friendly weekend visit.
Farmer White’s is a popular farmers market in Williamsburg and a piece of Northern Michigan heritage. This quaint market IS located about two miles from Elk Rapids and has been operated by Mary Cooper’s family for three generations. The market has been providing fresh fruit and vegetables, delicious jams, jellies and pies to customers since 1958. Locals and tourists come for the taste of handmade pies, artisan baked goods, jams and jellies and fresh fruits and vegetables. Most of the goods are created using old secret family recipes. A visit to Farmer White’s is also a nostalgic trip back to a gentler time when groceries were freshly harvested and baked goods made by hand in the neighborhood.
11373 US-31, Williamsburg, MI 49690, Phone: 231-632-1500
5. Osorio Tacos Y Salsas
Savor authentic tacos and bold flavors on a casual, affordable food stop.
Osorio Tacos y Salsa in Williamsburg, Michigan, offers authentic home-made Mexican Cuisine and delicious salsas made from scratch, bursting with traditional flavors and made from fresh ingredients every day. Cozy and colorful dining room is pleasant and cheerful, decorated with a massive Oaxaca poster on the wall. The menu is a combination of dishes from different parts of Mexico, mostly Baja and Oaxaca, with many authentic dishes from both regions such as mole, taquiza and alambre, but also all the expected Mexican favorites such as enchiladas, quesadillas and flautas. The stars of the show are their special salsas, which they bottle and sell in select grocery stores, or you can buy them in the restaurant.
6037 US-31, Williamsburg, MI 49690, Phone: 231-938-9144
If you are interested in local events:
- For Cherry Fans: National Cherry Festival (July) – Held in nearby Traverse City, this celebration includes parades, pie-eating contests, and live entertainment.
- For Wine Lovers: Traverse City Wine & Art Festival (Summer) – Taste regional wines while enjoying art, music, and food trucks.
- For Winter Fun: Cherry Capital Winter Wonderfest (December–January) – Holiday lights, ice skating, and winter activities throughout the area.
Day Trip Itineraries Within 30 Minutes of Williamsburg, MI:
- For Beachgoers: Traverse City State Park Beach (15 min) – Sandy shoreline, picnic areas, and a refreshing swim on East Bay.
- For Small-Town Charm: Elk Rapids (20 min) – Walk the quaint downtown, browse local shops, and visit the marina or beach.
- For Nature Lovers: Boardman River Nature Center (20 min) – Discover riverside trails, wildlife, and educational exhibits.
- For Lighthouse Fans: Mission Point Lighthouse (30 min) – Climb the tower, picnic on the beach, and explore Old Mission Peninsula’s northern tip.
- For Wine & Views: Brys Estate and Chateau Chantal (25–30 min) – Sample local wines with sweeping vineyard and bay scenery.
Frequently Asked Questions:
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Where is Williamsburg, Michigan located?
- Williamsburg is a small village in Michigan’s northwestern Lower Peninsula, situated in Grand Traverse County.
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What natural features surround Williamsburg?
- The village is located in the Skegemog Valley, near Lake Skegemog.
- Mabel Creek flows through Williamsburg and into the West Skegemog River, eventually reaching the lake.
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What forests and plains are near Williamsburg?
- Williamsburg is nestled between the Traverse City State Forest and the Trans-Whitewater Plain, a vast grassy area between Elk Lake and Grand Traverse Bay.
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What is Williamsburg known for agriculturally?
- The area is a haven for cherry growers, producing some of the best cherries in Michigan.
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What cultural attractions are in Williamsburg?
- The Music House Museum, located in a 1909 dairy barn and granary farmhouse, features a fascinating collection of restored antique musical instruments, early radios, and recordings.
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What unique museums can visitors explore?
- Guntzviller's Taxidermy and Spirit of the Woods Museum offers professional taxidermy services and features dioramas of Michigan wildlife.
At a Glance:
Best Time to Visit
Places to Stay
Tips for Visiting
Spring (March-May) – Mild temperatures and blooming cherry blossoms.
Grand Traverse Resort and Spa – A luxury stay with golf courses and spa amenities.
Visit the Music House Museum – Explore unique antique musical instruments.
Summer (June-August) – Warm and perfect for lake activities.
Elk Rapids Lakeshore Inn – A cozy waterfront stay near Williamsburg.
Enjoy a day at Elk Lake – Swim, boat, or fish in the crystal-clear waters.
Fall (September-November) – Crisp air and stunning fall foliage.
The Inn at Black Star Farms – A charming vineyard stay near Williamsburg.
Take a scenic drive on the Old Mission Peninsula – Experience beautiful fall colors and wineries.
Plan Your Trip