East Bay Shores and Forest Trails: Exploring Traverse City’s Hidden Gems

East Bay Shores and Forest Trails: Exploring Traverse City’s Hidden Gems

By Deep Dive AI Podcast

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Introduction

When people think of Traverse City, Michigan, their imaginations often go straight to the cherry orchards, the busy downtown, or the rolling vineyards perched on Old Mission and Leelanau peninsulas. But the deeper you look, the more you find the real Traverse City is a blend of bustling waterfront life and quiet forest escape.

Nowhere is this contrast sharper—or more rewarding—than between two under-the-radar spots: East Bay Park on the sandy edge of Grand Traverse Bay, and Scheck’s Place State Forest Campground, tucked away along the trout-rich Boardman River.

One is a family park, small but beloved, with a shallow swim beach where toddlers splash in clear water under the watchful eye of lifeguards. The other is a rustic campground, a cluster of hand-pump water stations and picnic tables where the nights are black with stars and the days echo with horse hooves along the Shore-to-Shore Trail.

This blog will take you through both—history, features, stories, and travel tips—so you can plan a Traverse City adventure that balances the lively beach energy with the serene forest quiet.

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East Bay Park — Traverse City’s Shallow Jewel

The Setting

East Bay Park is small—just over 3 acres—but it feels expansive because of the sweep of East Grand Traverse Bay. The water here is famously shallow, stretching out with a gentle slope that makes it ideal for kids, families, and anyone nervous about diving into the deep blue.

The shoreline is sandy, golden in the sunlight, and the views sweep across to the peninsula like a watercolor painting of Michigan summer.

A Brief History

East Bay Park has long been Traverse City’s “locals’ beach.” Unlike Clinch Park, right downtown with its marina and busy boardwalk, East Bay Park catered to the residential neighborhoods along East Bay Blvd. Generations of families have learned to swim here.

Local lore says that in the 1950s and 60s, summer lifeguards doubled as informal music DJs, bringing transistor radios and creating a pop-up soundtrack of surf-rock and Motown. Over time, the City of Traverse City improved the park: ADA accessible paths, modern restrooms, playground equipment, grills, and picnic shelters. But it has never lost its community feel.

Facilities

Restrooms (open seasonally)

Playground with updated equipment

Picnic tables and grills

Parking lot (fills quickly on hot days)

Beach access with lifeguards in summer

Paddling launch access

Community Role

Traverse City is full of beaches, but East Bay Park is the family pick. Tourists often flock to the busier beaches closer to downtown, while East Bay Park quietly hums with local life. You’ll find church picnics, neighborhood reunions, and toddlers toddling in life jackets.

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Scheck’s Place State Forest Campground — Where the River Runs

The Setting

Leave the bustle of the bay behind, and within 20 minutes you can be deep in the Pere Marquette State Forest. Here lies Scheck’s Place State Forest Campground, a rustic outpost along the Boardman River.

The campground takes its name from early settlers in the region, though exact details are hazy—another example of how Michigan’s forests hold onto their secrets.

Facilities

30 rustic sites (tents or small trailers)

Vault toilets

Hand-pump water well

Fire rings

Picket posts for horses

No electricity

Self-registration kiosk (first-come, first-served)

Recreation

Fishing: Trout-rich Boardman River, fly-fishing paradise

Paddling: Canoe and kayak routes pass through

Hiking & Equestrian: On the cross-state Shore-to-Shore Trail

Wildlife: Deer, bald eagles, songbirds

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Traveler’s Comparison

Feature East Bay Park Scheck’s Place SFCG

Primary Use Day-use family beach Rustic camping

Water East Grand Traverse Bay (swimming) Boardman River (fishing, paddling)

Amenities Restrooms, playground, picnic tables, lifeguards Vault toilets, hand pump, fire rings, no electric

Accessibility City park, ADA accessible Rustic forest road

Best For Families, young swimmers Campers, paddlers, equestrians

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Planning Your Visit

Best Seasons

East Bay Park: June–August peak, May and September quieter

Scheck’s Place: Spring–fall, with paddling best in May–June and colors peaking in October

What to Bring

East Bay Park: Sand toys, picnic gear, sunscreen, paddling gear

Scheck’s Place: Cash/card for kiosk, water jugs, bug spray, fishing gear, lantern

Tips

Pair a morning swim at East Bay with an evening campfire at Scheck’s

Stock up in Traverse City before heading out

Check Michigan DNR for closures and restrictions

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Stories & Lore

East Bay Park: Winter skating parties across the bay; 1970s expansion plans were stopped by locals to preserve its charm.

Scheck’s Place: Near the Brown Bridge Dam removal in 2012, which restored the Boardman River. Riders often speak of “trail magic” at the campground.

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The Larger Traverse City Experience

Pairing these two places gives you a layered Traverse City trip:

Downtown: Restaurants, State Theatre, craft breweries

Beaches: Clinch Park (busy), Bryant Park (local), East Bay Park (family)

Day Trips: Old Mission wineries, Sleeping Bear Dunes, Interlochen Arts concerts

Trails: North Country Trail segments, Spring Lake nearby

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Conclusion

East Bay Park and Scheck’s Place are like two sides of the Traverse City coin—one polished by sun and laughter, the other burnished by forest quiet and river song. Together, they create a balanced itinerary for travelers who want more than just cherry pie photos.

So pack your beach towels and your camp stove. Let Traverse City show you both its shining bay and its shadowed woods.

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