Living and working near Interlochen Center for the Arts: An employee's guide to northwest Michigan
Build a career surrounded by crystal-clear lakes, award-winning restaurants, and a thriving arts scene. From school options to outdoor recreation, here’s the best of the area.
Interlochen Center for the Arts is nestled in the heart of northwest Michigan near popular destination Traverse City. Known as the Cherry Capital of the World, Traverse City offers a vibrant mix of culture, outdoor adventure, and amenities that make it an ideal location for Interlochen faculty and staff to build their lives and careers.
From indie bookstores to eclectic eateries, concerts in beautiful venues to excellent healthcare facilities, there's so much that makes northwest Michigan an attractive place to live and work. This guide will help you navigate the best the area has to offer for those considering joining the Interlochen community.
Best of Traverse City
Just 15 miles from campus, Traverse City serves as the cultural and commercial heart of the region, offering everything employees need for both daily life and entertainment.
Food and coffee
Good Bowl: Contemporary Vietnamese restaurant with fresh, healthy options from crispy ribs to pho
Mama Lu's: Affordable, modern taqueria with creative gourmet tacos
Outpost: Trendy, locally-owned cafe serving artisanal coffee, teas, pastries, and sandwiches in a space that's ideal for meetings or remote work
Red Ginger: Chef-owned pan-Asian fusion restaurant and sushi bar
Taproot Cider House: Rustic tavern featuring local ingredients and farm-to-table fare
Upscale dining and cocktails
Boathouse Restaurant: Farm-to-table restaurant nestled on the shores of Bowers Harbor on the Old Mission Peninsula, offering gorgeous waterfront views and sunset dining
The Cooks House: Farm-to-table restaurant offering a seasonally-inspired "New American" menu comprised almost entirely of local foods, led by James Beard Award nominees Chef Jennifer Blakeslee and Chef Eric Patterson
Grand Traverse Resort: Features stunning views of the area from Aerie Restaurant on the 16th floor, Grand Lobby Bar, and Jack's Taproom for upscale dining and drinks
Low Bar: Speakeasy-style lounge featuring crafted cocktails and over 200 rare spirits in a stylish pre-prohibition setting
Trattoria Stella: Highly acclaimed Italian restaurant known for exceptional hospitality and an unyielding commitment to quality with a daily-changing menu and featured items
Shopping
Brilliant Books: Independent bookstore with bestsellers and classics, plus a selection of fine journals and stationery
Cherry Republic: Everything cherry-related, from nutritious trail mix and legendary cherry sours to chocolate-covered cherries
Horizon Books: Three-story independent bookstore with a cafe, books, magazines, greeting cards, journals, and puzzles
l.a.cool: A luxury boutique offering curated wardrobe essentials and statement pieces for the modern femme, including ready-to-wear, outerwear, denim, beachwear, and accessories
Lululemon: Trendy athletic apparel and accessories
M-22: Local lifestyle brand named for a scenic shoreline highway, featuring Michigan-inspired clothing and gifts
Maggy's Vintage: Eclectic boutique offering vintage clothing, accessories, and home decor from various eras (offers a discount off all purchases for Interlochen employees)
Sportsman's Warehouse: Comprehensive outdoor sporting goods store for hunting, fishing, camping, and athletic equipment
The Blue Goat Wine & Provisions: Curated selection of wine, beer, cider, mead, spirits, and gourmet provisions in Traverse City's premier beverage destination
Urban Diversions: Upscale interior design studio and furniture showroom featuring world-class design services, unique furnishings, custom cabinetry, and distinctive lighting in nearby Williamsburg
Entertainment
The Alluvion: Local theatre venue welcoming a diverse lineup of artists from funk to jazz, plus storytelling events and a rotating gallery space
AMC CLASSIC Cherry Blossom 14: 14-screen movie theater with stadium seating and the latest blockbuster releases
Coin Slot: Retro arcade with classic games and pinball machines
Dennos Museum Center: Fine art museum featuring permanent Inuit art collection, rotating exhibits, and concerts
State Theatre: Historic 1918 theater operated by Traverse City Film Festival, presenting year-round films and live performances in a beautifully restored downtown art house venue
Traverse City Opera House: Historic opera house built in 1891 which hosts a variety of performances including Interlochen students through the Interlochen In Town series
Schools and education
For employees with families, the area offers excellent educational options. Traverse City Area Public Schools (TCAPS) serves as the main public district, operating 10 elementary schools, 2 middle schools, 2 high schools, 1 alternative high school, and 1 Montessori school, with over 8,600 students and a student-teacher ratio of 21:1. According to state test scores, 45% of students are at least proficient in math and 58% in reading. Private school options include Traverse City Christian School, which ranks within the top 20% of private schools in Michigan for the size of its student body, and Grand Traverse Academy, a charter school recognized by U.S. News & World Report as among the nation's best high schools nine times since 2013. Other private institutions include Grand Traverse Area Catholic School and The Pathfinder School. Grand Traverse Area Catholic Schools (GTACS) serves more than 1,000 students across multiple campuses, while The Pathfinder School operates as an independent day school with small class sizes and individualized learning approaches.
Groceries, malls, and other amenities
The Traverse City area provides excellent infrastructure for residents, including the Grand Traverse Mall with popular retailers like JCPenney, American Eagle, and Target. For groceries and household needs, Meijer offers a superstore experience with an excellent international foods section. Specialty markets include Traverse Asian Market and T.C. Latino Grocery for diverse culinary needs.
Healthcare and professional services
The region boasts excellent healthcare facilities, anchored by Munson Medical Center, a full-service hospital offering comprehensive medical care. The area also features numerous specialty clinics, dental practices, and mental health services, ensuring employees have access to quality healthcare close to home.
Interlochen community
The small town of Interlochen, just minutes from campus, offers a charming local community feel with:
Bud's: A beloved local gathering spot serving artisanal espresso, gourmet sandwiches, and house-made ice cream in a warm, woodsy-chic atmosphere perfect for casual meetings or weekend relaxation
Hofbrau Steak House & American Grille: A steakhouse founded in 1950, offering classic American fare from seafood to pizza in a welcoming atmosphere
Interlochen Golf Course: Scenic 18-hole course winding through mature trees along the Betsie River, rated one of America's Top 100 Best Value courses with opportunities to spot local wildlife while playing
Mimi's Taqueria: Authentic family-owned Mexican restaurant known for fresh ingredients, traditional recipes, and welcoming service that has made it a community favorite
Oaky's Tavern: Smokehouse and comfort food spot featuring signature burgers, BBQ ribs, and handcrafted cocktails with daily specials and patio dining for a casual experience
Tom's: Grocery store providing everyday essentials, local products, and friendly small-town service for convenient shopping close to campus
Wendy's: Reliable fast-food option for quick meals and the classic Frosty treat
Active living and recreation
Northwest Michigan is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts and those seeking an active lifestyle.
Center Ice: Year-round indoor ice skating facility offering public skating, hockey leagues, and figure skating programs for all skill levels
Crystal Mountain: Premier four-season resort featuring 58 downhill ski slopes in winter, plus mountain biking, hiking trails, and scenic chairlift rides during warmer months
ELEV8 Climbing and Fitness: State-of-the-art indoor climbing facility with routes for beginners to advanced climbers, plus comprehensive fitness equipment and group classes
Grand Traverse Bay YMCA: Full-fledged fitness facility offering a gym, weight room, sauna, swimming pool, hot tub, ice rink, and courts for basketball, tennis, and racquetball, as well as free fitness classes and childcare services (discounted membership rate for Interlochen employees)
Incredible Mo's: Entertainment complex just 10 minutes from campus, featuring 24 bowling lanes, challenging escape rooms, classic arcade games, and laser tag arenas
Timberlee Hills: Family-friendly winter destination offering snow tubing runs with lift service, plus warming lodge and equipment rentals
Interlochen's 1,200-acre campus offers extensive hiking trails and access to two beautiful lakes, providing employees with recreation opportunities right at their workplace. The institution also offers employees free access to the on-campus Dennison Center for Recreation and Wellness. In addition, the area boasts numerous beaches and the famous Sleeping Bear Dunes just 43 minutes from campus.
Housing and cost of living
The area offers diverse housing options, from charming downtown Traverse City apartments to lakefront properties and rural homes near campus. The cost of living is proportional to the region’s rich cultural and recreational amenities, making it attractive for education professionals and employees in other fields.
Community and culture
Beyond the world-class arts education environment at Interlochen, the region offers a thriving year-round cultural scene. The area hosts numerous festivals, farmer's markets, and community events. Many local churches welcome musicians and artists, creating additional opportunities for community involvement and professional networking.
Working at Interlochen Center for the Arts means joining a community that values both artistic excellence and quality of life, surrounded by the natural beauty and cultural richness that make northwest Michigan a truly special place to call home.
Ready to explore opportunities at Interlochen? Learn more about our employment opportunities and benefits today.
