Pickleball is the fastest-growing sport in the country, and Traverse City offers plenty of venues for “picklers” to practice, compete, and have some fun on the court.
What’s The Deal With Pickleball?
Pickleball was invented in 1965, but its popularity really began to pick up in the early 2000s. It surged during the COVID-19 pandemic thanks to the low-impact nature of the sport, the ability to play outside, and the minimal equipment required.
It made its first appearance in Traverse City in 1985, but it wasn’t until 2014 that the Traverse Area Pickleball Association was formed. Today, courts can be found all across town.
A mashup of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong, pickleball can be played by people of all ages, either solo or as a two-person team.
Where to Play Pickleball in Traverse City
When the weather is nice, a number of outdoor sites offer public courts, including Beulah Village Park (cool off in Crystal Lake afterward), Veterans Memorial Park, Grace MacDonald Park (weeknights are particularly happening), Bowers Harbor Park, and the Boardman Valley Nature Preserve.
Indoor courts are also plentiful across the city. Pickle U’s eight indoor courts are open to players of all ages. Reserve a court or join for open play hours — paddle rentals are available. And Grand Traverse Bay YMCA (South) is a popular location for drop-in play, league play, or private lessons.
Want to squeeze in a match during a weekend getaway? Get the whole family swinging at Crystal Mountain’s outdoor courts, which are free for guests to access. (Kids five and older are welcome.) Day guests can book the courts by the hour, and rentals are available at the fitness center.
Grand Traverse Resort and Spa boasts five indoor and four outdoor courts. Paddles and balls are included in court rentals, which are open only to club members and hotel guests. A weekly league and junior camps are available, too.
And Nature’s Ridge opened a recreation room that includes a pickleball court alongside cornhole, a putting green, and a barrel sauna, so you can really loosen up your muscles.
Special Traverse City Pickleball Events
It’s not all about eating at the National Cherry Festival — one of the city’s signature events, now in its 99th year. The annual celebration also includes a Pickleball Tournament (June 28–29, 2025). Pros and hobbyists are invited to register for the friendly outdoor competition. The round-robin–style event includes men’s and women’s doubles and mixed doubles.
Also, the Great Lakes Open, a regional tournament run by the Traverse Area Pickleball Association, is held every August.
Plan Your Pickleball Getaway
Whether you’re a seasoned player or just discovering what all the buzz is about, Traverse City is the perfect destination to dive into the game. With a welcoming community, diverse venues, and exciting events, it’s a great place to play — or learn — pickleball. So grab a paddle, plan your visit, and get ready to serve up some fun in northern Michigan!