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Resources & References

Digital & Print Resources

Essential Apps for the Destination

  • Google Maps

    For navigation and public transit information.

  • Uber/Lyft

    For ride-sharing services.

  • Weather Apps

    For current conditions and forecasts.

  • Yelp/TripAdvisor

    For restaurant and attraction reviews.

  • BATA Bus App

    For public transit schedules and tracking.

Recommended Guidebooks and Maps

  • Regional Michigan Guidebooks

    Moon Travel Guides or Falcon Guides offer broad coverage.

  • Local Tourism Maps

    Pick these up from the Traverse City Visitor Center.

  • National Park Service Maps

    Specific maps for Sleeping Bear Dunes are available.

  • Traverse Magazine

    A regional lifestyle magazine with articles on local culture, food, and events.

  • Books on Michigan

    "The Traverse City State Hospital" or Great Lakes maritime history books.

Useful Websites

Traverse City Tourism

The official tourism site for the region.

Leelanau Peninsula Wine Trail

Comprehensive information about wineries on the peninsula.

Sleeping Bear Dunes NPS

The official park information site.

Further Reading & Exploration

Media & Communities

  • Documentaries featuring the Great Lakes or Michigan's history
  • Music by Michigan artists
  • Online forums for Michigan travel
  • Explore photography courses on Skillshare

Books & Publications

  • "The Traverse City State Hospital" for local history
  • Books on Great Lakes maritime history
  • Local newspapers for current events
  • Fiction set in Northern Michigan

Local Publications

Traverse Magazine

  • Regional lifestyle magazine
  • Articles on local culture
  • Food and event information
  • Insight into area happenings

Local Newspapers

  • Current event schedules
  • Community happenings
  • Local news updates
  • Spotlight on businesses

Visitor Center Info

  • Maps and brochures
  • Personalized local advice
  • Event calendars
  • Discovery of hidden gems

Emergency & Medical Information

Contacts & Locations

Emergency Numbers

  • Police, Fire, Ambulance: Dial 911
  • Munson Medical Center: +1 (231) 935-5000
  • Poison Control: +1 (800) 222-1222
  • Immediate assistance when needed

Medical Facilities

  • Munson Medical Center: 1105 6th St, Traverse City
  • Various urgent care centers nearby
  • For non-emergency medical needs
  • Specialized care if necessary

Lost Document Procedures

  • Contact local police for a report
  • Contact your country's embassy/consulate for replacement
  • Report to airline and credit card companies
  • Steps for document recovery

Natural Disaster Protocols

Weather Monitoring

  • Monitor local weather alerts
  • Follow National Weather Service updates
  • Be aware of severe weather possibilities

Action in Severe Weather

  • Follow local emergency guidance
  • Shelter in place if advised
  • Avoid travel during warnings

    Many hotels have plans in place.

Embassy & Consulate Information

For International Travelers

  • Locate your country's embassy in the U.S.
  • Most are in major cities: Washington D.C., New York
  • No local offices in Traverse City

Assistance with Documents

  • Contact your embassy for passport replacement
  • Assistance with other lost documents
  • Reach out for consular support

Contact Information

Important Numbers

  1. Emergency Services (911)
  2. Munson Medical Center (+1 (231) 935-5000)
  3. Poison Control (+1 (800) 222-1222)
  4. Local Police Department
  5. Fire Department

Hospital Services

  1. Emergency Room availability
  2. Urgent Care Centers for minor ailments
  3. Specialized medical departments
  4. Pharmacy services
  5. Patient visitor guidelines

Local Assistance

Visitor Centers

Traverse City Tourism Visitor Center for maps and local guidance.

General Information

Check official tourism websites for events and attractions.

Safety Advice

Stay informed about local conditions and follow directives.

Travel Document Safety

Always keep copies of important travel documents separate from the originals.

Pre-Trip Checklist

Chronological Planning Timeline

-6 Months Before Departure

  • Book Accommodation

    Options fill quickly, especially for summer travel.

  • Book Rental Car

    Secure well in advance, specifically during peak season.

  • Research Attractions

    Plan your essential must-do list.

-2 Months Before Departure

  • Finalize Itinerary

    Detail your daily plans for your trip.

  • Restaurant Reservations

    Book for popular dining spots.

  • Purchase Travel Insurance

    For financial protection during your journey.

Pre-Trip Actions

Weeks Before

Confirm all bookings; notify bank of travel plans; pack essential documents; charge electronics; download offline maps.

Week Before

Start packing based on weather; arrange pet/house-sitting; hold mail/newspaper delivery.

Home Preparation

Secure your home: lock doors/windows; set timers for lights; turn off appliances.

Arrival and Departure Steps

Upon Arrival

  • Collect luggage from baggage claim
  • Pick up rental car or arrange transfer
  • Check into your accommodation
  • Visit Traverse City Tourism Visitor Center for maps

Departure Preparation

  • Purchase souvenirs before departure day
  • Inquire about shipping services if needed
  • Allow ample time for airport check-in and security
  • Confirm flight times and repack luggage

Pre-Trip Research Suggestions

Area Knowledge

  • Read up on Sleeping Bear Dunes for trails and access
  • Familiarize yourself with wine trails on both peninsulas
  • Check festival and event schedules for your dates
  • Plan specific routes for scenic drives

Other Useful Checks

  • Check passport validity and visa needs for international travel
  • Notify your bank/credit card company of travel
  • Download useful apps and offline maps
  • Understand airline luggage weight limits

Time Allocation

Allow extra time for travel between attractions, especially during peak season, due to winding roads and stops.