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Ionia Free Fair

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Ionia ( / aɪ ˈ oʊ n j ə / eye- OH -nyə ) is the largest city in, and the county seat of, Ionia County , Michigan , United States. The population was 13,378 at the 2020 census . Every July it hosts what is said to be the world's largest free-admission fair, the Ionia Free Fair . The city is mostly within Ionia Township , with small portion extending into Easton Township and Berlin Township , but is politically autonomous of the townships. The city is named after Ionia , a historic region in Greece .

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68-564: The Ionia Free Fair (IFF) is what is said to be the world's largest free-admission fair, hosted annually in July. The Fair was established in 1915 and takes place in Ionia, Michigan at the fairgrounds near the city center. It brings in hundreds of thousands of attendees annually, with an estimated 400,000 guests in 2023. The Fair was established by Governor Fred Green – a former Ionia mayor – as well as his partner Fred Chapman in 1915. The fair started as

136-574: A village . This began the major commercial growth of the town. In 1890, another rail line was extended to Traverse City, this one from Baldwin via Copemish and Interlochen . This line primarily served lumber companies, such as the Buckley & Douglas Lumber Company, and was used to transport logs from the vast forest of Northwest Michigan to sawmills in Manistee and Traverse City. Two years later, new railroads were extended out of Traverse City. One line

204-567: A central government until 1851, when it was reorganized as Grand Traverse County . The newly designated county government was assigned a county seat at Boardman's Mills , a location in present-day downtown Traverse City. As of 1853, the only operating post office in the Grand Traverse Bay region was the one located at Old Mission , which was then known as "Grand Traverse". While in Washington, D.C. in 1852, Mr. Lay had succeeded in getting

272-505: A federally protected sand dune on Lake Michigan, is located about 20 miles (32 km) west-northwest of Traverse City, in the southwest of Leelanau County. Traverse City is laid out in a grid plan , with major streets running east–west and north–south. The tallest building, at 10 stories, is the Park Place Hotel . The City of Traverse City officially recognizes the following neighborhood associations : The city also recognizes

340-482: A few years prior in 1951. The former high school building was converted to Traverse City Junior High. In 1997, the high school split into Traverse City Central and Traverse City West High Schools due to extreme overcrowding at the 1960s building. In 1989, the Traverse City State Hospital closed, leaving hundreds without jobs, massive abandoned buildings, and many homeless former patients. Since 2000,

408-548: A flood there at the B-93 Birthday Bash country music concert. It took over a week before the vehicles – over 1,400 of them – could begin to be removed. The influx of tourists that come in for the Fair affects the local economy, with hotels, gas stations, restaurants, grocery stores, and campgrounds in the area all benefiting directly. Sales for entities like furniture, farm equipment, real estate, vehicles, and more also benefit from

476-596: A group interview, a solo interview, and a pageant where contestants will give a speech, answer questions, and be judged. For several years in the 1940s–1950s, the Ionia Free Fair Queen won a three-day trip to Chicago. In 2023, judges named Lilly Reams as the Ionia Free Fair Queen, with Caitlin McGuire and Ava Perry being named as 1st Runner-up and 2nd Runner-up, respectively. The year prior, 2022, saw Brooke Smith become Queen with Paige Campbell and Ella Boucher making up

544-464: A peninsula, and dividing it from the Grandview Parkway . The river terminates at Grand Traverse Bay northeast of downtown Traverse City. The river's 287-square-mile (740 km ) watershed contributes one-third of the water volume to the bay and is one of Michigan's top-ten fisheries, with more than 36 miles (58 km) of its 179 miles (288 km) designated as a Blue Ribbon trout fishery. It

612-453: A pie-eating contest, and cherries. The Traverse City Film Festival was held in July and August from 2005 to 2019. The Great Lakes Equestrian Festival features jumping, show hunting and equestrian competitions. Traverse City State Park , with about 250 campsites, is located east of the city, and features a beach on the East Bay arm of Grand Traverse Bay. The Boardman River Nature Center

680-581: A prominent Michigan Republican , used his political influence to secure its location in Traverse City. Under the supervision of prominent architect Gordon W. Lloyd , the first building, known as Building 50, was constructed in Victorian - Italianate style according to the Kirkbride Plan . The hospital opened in 1885 with 43 residents. Under Dr. James Decker Munson, the first superintendent from 1885 to 1924,

748-544: A small portion of the city extends northwesterly into Leelanau County. This portion was annexed by the city in 1989. Traverse City is located in the northwest of Michigan's Lower Peninsula , and is located at the head of Grand Traverse Bay, a long, natural harbor separated from the waters of Lake Michigan by the Leelanau Peninsula . The bay is divided into an East Arm and West Arm by the Old Mission Peninsula ,

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816-478: A spring festival. Also in 1925, Munson Medical Center opened, and has since grown to serve much of Northern Michigan and serves as one of Traverse City's largest employers. In 1929, Traverse City's first airport, Ransom Field, opened, offering flights to Grand Rapids . It closed in 1936, when the new Traverse City Airport (now called Cherry Capital Airport ) was opened. In 1953 the grounds of Ransom Field were redeveloped as Memorial Gardens Cemetery. In 1934,

884-488: A thin strip of rolling hills and farmland known for its cherry crop and viticulture industry. As Traverse City contains shores on both of Grand Traverse Bay's East and West Arms, one cannot access the Old Mission Peninsula without entering Traverse City. The Boardman River is a prominent river bisecting Traverse City from south to north. It also snakes through Traverse City's downtown district, effectively forming

952-451: A tradition dating back to 1927. Since 1988 or 1989, the Fair has been hosting an annual Cops Day celebrating corrections officers, police department employees, fire department employees, sheriff department employees, court employees, active or retired military members, and public safety employees. Many years, these days include free or discounted snacks, ride wristbands, and merchandise for these employees, as well as their families. Kids Day

1020-536: A variety of musical performances ranging from big-name acts to local cover bands. While the line-up changes year to year, there is usually an '80s-themed band, talent show and/or singing competition, and rock cover bands. They have also hosted a number of internationally-recognized musicians and performers over the years. Several acts – including the Beach Boys , REO Speedwagon , Blue Oyster Cult , Def Leppard , Styx , Deep Purple , and Loretta Lynn – have performed at

1088-531: A way to offer something different and spectacular to people nearby, with the notable feature of free admission that still exists to this day. Originally intended to only last a few days, it has turned into a week-and-a-half's worth of festivities. The Fair celebrated its centennial in 2015. Nowadays, it is billed as the "ten best days of summer" and still boasts one of the largest midways in Michigan . Weather conditions like extreme rain or heat will occasionally impair

1156-703: Is 105  °F (41  °C ), recorded in 1936, and its low temperature is −37 °F (−38 °C), recorded on February 17, 1979. - Of Traverse City's 15,678 residents in 2020, 15,341 lived in Grand Traverse County, with 337 (about 2.1%) in Leelanau County. Traverse City is part of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Gaylord . The city is part of the Episcopal Diocese of the Great Lakes and

1224-422: Is a day focused on making the Fair a welcoming place for children, and usually includes additional activities focused on the younger demographic. This tradition dates back to 1932. The Fair hosts an annual day for seniors, with bingo, music, wellness vendors, and a luncheon. This tradition dates back to 2004. The fairgrounds have a designated space for fairgoers to park their vehicles and camp for some, or all, of

1292-470: Is a part of the 37th senate district . Companies headquartered in Traverse City include Hagerty Insurance Agency and Oilgear , and 20Fathoms, a technology incubator, is there. Most of Traverse City's economy is based on tourism. In November, Beer Week offers tours of breweries, samplings, and workshops. The National Cherry Festival , held annually in July, features parades, fireworks, an air show, carnival rides, election of festival royalty, music,

1360-729: Is also a state-designated "Natural River". As of 2023, only one of the five dams constructed on the Boardman River remains. Traverse City is surrounded by a substantial suburban ring, especially within Garfield Township , to its southwest. Garfield Township is the largest municipality in Northern Michigan by population. Other adjacent townships, East Bay , Elmwood , and Peninsula , and nearby Blair and Long Lake townships, boast significant suburban populations dependent upon Traverse City. Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore ,

1428-530: Is also known for its wine production . Two American Viticultural Areas are adjacent to the city. Traverse City is home to the Traverse City State Hospital , a former state psychiatric institution , and Coast Guard Air Station Traverse City . Prior to European settlement, what is now Traverse City was part of the territory of the Council of Three Fires , an alliance of three Anishinaabe tribes,

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1496-551: Is also prone to dense and heavy fog, along with flooding (sometimes very damaging) due to the Grand River that flows through the city, during the spring. According to the Köppen Climate Classification system, Ionia has a humid continental climate , abbreviated "Dfb" on climate maps. As of the census of 2010, there were 11,394 people, 2,428 households, and 1,520 families living in the city. The population density

1564-618: Is attached at its base to Traverse City. The city borders four townships– East Bay , Elmwood , Garfield , and Peninsula –all of which contain substantial suburban sprawl. Traverse City is nicknamed "the Cherry Capital of the World", as the area surrounding Grand Traverse Bay is a hotspot for cherry production . The city hosts the National Cherry Festival , attracting approximately 500,000 visitors annually. The Traverse City area

1632-628: Is in Michigan's 1st congressional district , represented by Jack Bergman ( R – Watersmeet ). Like the rest of Michigan, it is served by Debbie Stabenow and Gary Peters (both Democratic ) in the United States Senate . It is represented in the Michigan House of Representatives by Betsy Coffia (D–Traverse City), and is a part of the 103rd district . It is represented in the Michigan Senate by John Damoose ( R – Harbor Springs ) and

1700-642: Is served by Grace Episcopal Church . Traverse City is a home rule , charter city under the Home Rule Cities Act , incorporated on May 18, 1895. The city is governed by six commissioners and a mayor, elected at-large . Together they compose a seven-member legislative body. The commission appoints a city manager who serves as chief executive for city operations. As of 2023, the city commission consists of mayor Amy Shamroe, mayor pro tem Mark Wilson, and commissioners Jackie Anderson, Heather Shaw, Mi Stanley, Mitch Treadwell, and Tim Werner. Traverse City

1768-688: Is the interpretive center and management headquarters for the Grand Traverse Natural Education Reserve, a 505-acre local park and natural area. Traverse City is located immediately adjacent to two American Viticultural Areas , the Leelanau Peninsula AVA and the Old Mission Peninsula AVA . There are over 50 wineries near Traverse City. Located in the harbor of the Great Lakes Maritime Academy

1836-684: The Cadillac area. Grand Traverse Bay was named by 18th-century French voyageurs who made la grande traverse , or "the long crossing", across the mouth of bay, from present-day Norwood to Northport . The area was French territory at first, and then part of the Kingdom of Great Britain as the Province of Quebec . The area was ceded to the United States in 1783 following the Treaty of Paris , becoming part of

1904-579: The Michigan State Fair exhibit of the same name – became an annual tradition in 2014. This interactive exhibit features animals and plants and often includes animals giving birth live or on video as a learning opportunity for fairgoers. Vendors – primarily retail – reside in the indoor marketplace known as the Merchants Building. The Antique Village portion of the Fair includes history-focused displays, crafters and artisans, and live music. On

1972-639: The Northwest Territory . In 1847, Captain Horace Boardman of Naperville, Illinois , purchased the land at the mouth of the Boardman River (then known as the Ottawa River) at the head of the west arm of the bay, which at the time was still inhabited by Native Americans. In 1847, the captain, his son, and their employees built a dwelling and sawmill near the mouth of the river. In 1851 the Boardmans sold

2040-621: The Odawa , Ojibwe , and Potawatomi . The Odawa, who were particularly prevalent in the area, called the area Kitchiwikwedongsing , a name which was often shortened to Wequetong , meaning "place at the head of the great bay". The area was the northern end of what is today known as the Old Indian Trail , a trail which serviced travel for the Hopewell , and later the Anishinaabe, coming to and from

2108-498: The census of 2000, there were 10,569 people, 2,421 households, and 1,534 families living in the city. The population density was 2,095.9 inhabitants per square mile (809.2/km ). There were 2,621 housing units at an average density of 519.8 per square mile (200.7/km ). The racial makeup of the city was 71.08% White , 21.94% African American , 1.05% Native American , 0.65% Asian , 2.13% from other races , and 3.15% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 5.08% of

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2176-400: The Boardman River and along Boardman Lake into Traverse City, and ended at a station along the Grand Traverse Bay, at the corner of present-day Grandview Parkway and Park Street. This new line of transportation from Southern Michigan opened up the area to settlement and industrial development. Many more people started flocking to the small community, and in 1881, Traverse City was incorporated as

2244-561: The Fair over the years. The Deggler family's midway attractions appeared at the Fair from 1965 to 1978. As of 2023, Arnold Amusements has been the provider of rides at the Fair for several years. The company is best known for providing the rides used at the 2021 Traverse City Cherry Festival, where a ride malfunction made national headlines. There are multiple on-site barns that feature an array of animals, including horses, cows, goats, and chickens, as well as various craft projects done by 4-H members. The Miracle of Life exhibit – inspired by

2312-458: The Fair's duration. The IFF features a number of carnival games like coin drops, balloon darts, and water gun shooters. These games often come with prizes, traditionally ranging from stuffed animals all the way to live fish. The Fair's original mascot, BIFFY, dates back to 1966. His name is an acronym for "Best Ionia Free Fair Yet". Early into the 21st century, Kelsey the Cow was made the new mascot of

2380-401: The Fair, which have traditionally included root beer, sausages, fries, popcorn, corn dogs, gyros, lemonade, elephant ears, cotton candy, taffy, deep-fried candy bars, and other carnival food staples. In recent years, new items like elote have been offered. Alcohol is offered in limited areas. The Fair's ride offerings fluctuate year by year. Several different companies have provided rides to

2448-500: The Fair. In these cases, the Fair will start late or end early. In 2011, the Fair ended several days early for the first time ever due to flooding. There have only been two instances of the Fair closing down for the entire duration of "Fair week". During World War II, the IFF was cancelled. In May 2020, IFF organizers canceled the upcoming 105th event due to the COVID-19 pandemic . This marked

2516-500: The IFF. Throughout the year, the fairgrounds are used for other events, including the world's largest food truck rally, car shows, concerts, and yard sales. Private events are also held here, and the fairgrounds – particularly, the Floral Building – are a popular venue for weddings. Camping is also allowed outside of the fair, from May through October. The fairgrounds gained some notoriety in 2009 when over 1,000 cars were totaled in

2584-548: The Minervini Group has undertaken the project of renovating the entire property into a social center, including many restaurants, retail spaces, office space, and residential space. On November 3, 2015, Traverse City elected Jim Carruthers, its first openly gay mayor . After serving as mayor of Traverse City for six years, in June 2021 Jim Carruthers announced he would not run for his fourth mayoral term. May 18, 2020, served as

2652-469: The U.S. Post Office to authorize a new post office at his newer settlement. As the newer settlement had become known as " Grand Traverse City ", after the Grand Traverse Bay, Lay proposed this name for its post office, but the Post Office Department clerk suggested dropping the "Grand" from the name, as to limit confusion between this new office and the one at nearby Old Mission. Mr. Lay agreed to

2720-515: The aftermath of the backlash, the resolution was edited by TCAPS school board officials. No date for consideration of the revised resolution has been set. According to the United States Census Bureau , Traverse City has a total area of 8.66 square miles (22.43 km ), of which, 8.33 square miles (21.57 km ) are land and 0.33 square miles (0.85 km ) is water. Most of the city is located within Grand Traverse County, though

2788-428: The age of 18 living with them, 38.9% were married couples living together, 17.8% had a female householder with no husband present, 5.9% had a male householder with no wife present, and 37.4% were non-families. 30.6% of all households were made up of individuals, and 10.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.53 and the average family size was 3.12. The median age in

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2856-486: The area's diverse coastal weather patterns, which occasionally consist of sudden and/or large amounts of precipitation during the seasonally active periods. Lake-effect snowfall constitutes a large percentage of the total annual snow accumulation, which averages around 80 inches (203 cm). Periods of snowfall typically last from November to April, although light snow as late as May or as early as late September sometimes occur. Traverse City's record high temperature

2924-405: The average family size was 3.16. In the city, the population was spread out, with 18.5% under the age of 18, 26.8% from 18 to 24, 34.1% from 25 to 44, 13.5% from 45 to 64, and 7.2% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 26 years. For every 100 females, there were 213.8 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 260.8 males. The median income for a household in the city

2992-424: The blooming season. With the exception of the years before and during World War II, this tradition has been carried on since in Traverse City. The legislature moved the date of the festival to the summer, and it attracts tourists from around the state. During the week the festival takes place, the population of Traverse City rises from about 15,000 to about 500,000. In 2004 the legislature added "Blossom Days", again as

3060-437: The city has a total area of 5.48 square miles (14.19 km ), of which 5.35 square miles (13.86 km ) is land and 0.13 square miles (0.34 km ) is water. Ionia is between Michigan's capital, Lansing , and its second largest city, Grand Rapids . This climatic region is typified by large seasonal temperature differences, with warm to hot (and often humid) summers and cold (sometimes severely cold) winters. This region

3128-401: The city was 32.3 years. 15.7% of residents were under the age of 18; 16.7% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 39.4% were from 25 to 44; 21.8% were from 45 to 64; and 6.4% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 71.1% male and 28.9% female. 5,230 of Ionia's 11,394 residents (45.9%) are institutionalized in the state's various correctional facilities in the city. As of

3196-457: The city's 125th anniversary of Traverse City's incorporation as a city in 1895, and was known as the "quarantine quasquicentennial". In April 2021, a group composed mostly of White students from two Traverse City area school districts held an online mock slave auction via social media app in a private group chat titled "Slave Trade", wherein they traded their Black student peers for monetary amounts while using derogatory language. After

3264-479: The elderly, served as a rehab for drug addicts, and was used to train nurses . On May 18, 1895, Traverse City was incorporated as a city . Perry Hannah served as the first mayor of Traverse City, after also serving as first and third village president. The first National Cherry Festival was held in Traverse City in 1925. It was first called "Blessing of the Blossoms" and held in the spring to attract people during

3332-548: The event multiple times. Footage from the Ionia Free Fair appears in the 1987 music video for Eddie Money 's " We Should Be Sleeping ". After the popularity of American Idol , a singing competition called Ionia Idol started to take place over the course of the Fair, as early as 2005. A panel of judges scores finalists on their stage presence, talent, vocal range, and overall impression; then, scores are tallied and winners are announced. The competition has had winners from across

3400-401: The first Fair cancellation since World War II . In its place, there was a two-day drive-up food sale that July featuring Italian sausages, lemonade, and elephant ears, a decision that complied with social distancing guidelines. This drive-up model echoed a similar event held over Mother's Day weekend just months prior, where more than 1,200 cars drove through to purchase food. The Fair returned

3468-482: The first Saturday of the Free Fair, there is a parade held downtown to celebrate the events. According to differing accounts, this parade tradition either dates back all the way to the fair's inaugural year or 1949. Since 1949, choosing an Ionia Free Fair Queen has been an annual tradition. As of the 2020s, the process to be crowned as Ionia Free Fair Queen includes an application (with headshot), an introductory breakfast,

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3536-735: The following commercial districts : The city employs two tax increment financing (TIF) districts: TIF 97, overlapping with the Front Street District, and Old Town TIF in the Old Town District. Traverse City has one superfund site , according to the Environmental Protection Agency . This is the Avenue E Groundwater Contamination Site. At this location, toxic runoff from the Coast Guard Air Station contaminated

3604-446: The following year, in July 2021. In addition to the well-known entertainers that have come to the IFF to perform, many other celebrities and politicians have spent time at the event. Governor Gretchen Whitmer , Former Governor Rick Snyder , and Former State Representative and Michigan Second Lady Julie Calley and her husband Former Lieutenant Governor Brian Calley have notably attended the event. The Fair has been known for hosting

3672-588: The groundwater along Avenue E. Traverse City has a warm-summer continental climate (Köppen Dfb) close to being a hot-summer continental climate (Dfa). Its location near the 45th parallel is tempered by the strong and moderating effects of Lake Michigan and Grand Traverse Bay, which have a particularly noteworthy effect on the peninsulas that branch north of the city. As a result, they have viticulture and cherry orchards . Consequently, it generally experiences warm, mild summers and severe winters. Lake Michigan especially, but also Grand Traverse Bay, greatly impact

3740-522: The increased commerce. Ionia, Michigan Before Euro-American migration, this was the location of an Odawa village. The leader of the Odawa here was Cobmoosa . His people planted crops here in 1833 but when Dexter and his associates arrived, they sold these crops to Dexter and relocated to the Flat River. In the 1850s, they were relocated to Oceana County. According to the United States Census Bureau ,

3808-432: The institution expanded. Twelve housing cottages and two infirmaries were built between 1887 and 1903 to meet the specific needs of male and female patients. The institution became the city's largest employer and contributed to its growth. While the hospital was established for the care of the mentally ill, its use expanded during outbreaks of tuberculosis , typhoid , diphtheria , influenza , and polio . It also cared for

3876-443: The local community was made aware of this event, a coalition of community members and Traverse City Area Public School (TCAPS) Board of Education officials drafted in response a resolution which denounced the behavior. The draft of the resolution itself led to community backlash initiated largely by White conservative parents and community members who regarded the planned resolution to be "...interlaced with critical race theory ". In

3944-499: The new, shortened name of "Traverse City" for the post office, and the village took on this name. Also around this time, the first cherry trees were being planted on the Old Mission Peninsula, something the peninsula is widely known for today. In December 1872, rail service arrived in Traverse City via a Traverse City Railroad Company spur from the Grand Rapids and Indiana Railroad line at Walton Junction . The railroad tracked along

4012-569: The original Traverse City High School building burnt down, with no casualties. For three years, while the high school was being rebuilt, classes were moved to the Perry Hannah House , the former residence of the city's founder. Classes were moved back to the new school building in September 1937. In 1960, the high school was moved from downtown Traverse City to a new college-style campus on the grounds of Northwestern Michigan College , which opened

4080-409: The population. There were 2,421 households, out of which 37.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 43.6% were married couples living together, 15.0% had a female householder with no husband present, and 36.6% were non-families. 30.7% of all households were made up of individuals, and 11.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.53 and

4148-479: The rest of the court. In 2024, Becca Hopkins was named the Ionia Free Fair Queen, Addy Roundtree as 1st Runner Up, with Hailey Miller as 2nd Runner Up. The fair boasts a variety of demolition derbies , tractor pulls, off road derbies, monster truck throw-downs, motocross races, and other machine-focused exhibitions, most of which take place in the Grandstand. The Fair hosts a traditional Governor's Day luncheon,

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4216-454: The sawmill to Hannah, Lay & Co (made up of Perry Hannah , Albert Tracy Lay and James Morgan), who improved the mill greatly. The increased investment in the mill attracted additional settlers to the new community. Perry Hannah today is known as the founding father of Traverse City. Traverse City was originally part of Omeena County, which was originally set off in 1840 from Michilimackinac County . The county remained unorganized, lacking

4284-590: The state and usually involves a cash prize, with first place landing around $ 1,500. Past winners include Maverick Musser of Saranac , Shaena Poehner of Flint , MaRynn Taylor of Rockford , and Ionians Caitlin Cusack and Savanna Curtis. For many years, the Fair has brought animals to perform for the crowds. This has included the Sea Lion Splash, banana derbies (monkeys riding dogs), pig racing, Goat Island, and full circuses. There are dozens of food and beverage booths at

4352-486: The west of downtown along Bluewater Highway and W Main Street, respectively. The city levies an income tax of 1 percent on residents and 0.5 percent on nonresidents. Traverse City, Michigan Traverse City ( / ˈ t r æ v ər s / TRAV -ərss ) is a city in the U.S. state of Michigan . It is the county seat of Grand Traverse County , although it partly extends into Leelanau County . The population

4420-456: Was $ 38,289, and the median income for a family was $ 45,794. Males had a median income of $ 30,373 versus $ 22,332 for females. The per capita income for the city was $ 12,157. About 13.3% of families and 15.8% of the population were below the poverty line , including 22.0% of those under age 18 and 7.5% of those age 65 or over. The Ionia Correctional Facilities are major employers in Ionia. They are to

4488-530: Was 15,678 at the 2020 census , with 153,448 residents in the four-county Traverse City metropolitan area . Traverse City is the most populous city in the Northern Michigan region. Traverse City is at the head of the East and West arms of Grand Traverse Bay , a 32-mile-long (51 km) bay of Lake Michigan . Grand Traverse Bay is divided into arms by the 18-mile-long (29 km) Old Mission Peninsula , which

4556-443: Was 2,129.7 inhabitants per square mile (822.3/km ). There were 2,775 housing units at an average density of 518.7 per square mile (200.3/km ). The racial makeup of the city was 70.9% White , 25.0% African American , 0.7% Native American , 0.4% Asian , 1.6% from other races , and 1.4% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 7.7% of the population. There were 2,428 households, of which 37.5% had children under

4624-678: Was extended along the bay into Leelanau County, and curved south to a preexisting spur at Lake Ann . Another line was extended east into present-day Williamsburg , and to Charlevoix and Petoskey . This railroad was largely to serve tourists. In 1881, the Northern Michigan Asylum, later the Traverse City State Hospital , was established as the demand for a third psychiatric hospital in Michigan, in addition to those established in Kalamazoo and Pontiac , began to grow. Perry Hannah, by then

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