The Horse Girl’s Guide To Traverse City Horse Shows
Picture this: sunny days, world-class footing, well-run arenas, and picturesque views across 130 acres—plus lakeside breweries, wineries, beaches, and charming towns to explore just minutes away.
This could be your summer horse show experience, should you choose to be at Traverse City Horse Shows in Northern Michigan.
Hosted at the continually enhanced Flintfields Horse Park, Traverse City Horse Shows presents 13 weeks of premier hunter, jumper, and equitation competition. This year, Traverse City Horse Shows becomes one of just three U.S. venues to host a FEI Nations Cup. The CSIO3* event takes place during Week Four of the Great Lakes Equestrian Festival, July 23–27, 2025, and will welcome competitors from 14 countries. It joins an already impressive season lineup that includes three CSI5* weeks on the calendar.
The 2025 season kicks off June 4 with the Traverse City Spring Series, followed by the Great Lakes Equestrian Festival, and concludes in September with the Tournament of Champions.
Considering Traverse City for your competition season? We’ve got everything you need to know about our favorite summer circuit.
Competition For Everyone
Traverse City Horse Shows has spent the last decade improving Flintfields Horse Park, transforming it into one of the best equestrian sport venues in the country. With four permanent FEI barns, competitors can expect modern, secure stabling that meets the highest international standards.
Newly renovated arenas – including seven competition and schooling rings, plus designated lunging areas – all boast premium GGT footing. The Grand Prix and schooling arenas are also fitted with Ebb & Flow Footing systems for top performance and horse welfare.
The horse park, spanning one hundred thirty acres, offers vibrant jogging paths throughout the venue.
Spectators can rest comfortably and stay focused on the action in the arenas under permanent pavilions outfitted with bars and prime viewing of the Main Hunter rings, Jumper annex and the GGT ring. Video boards offer another easy way to watch in many of the top arenas.
Clear-span tents with raised tent pads are strategically placed to host elegant events across the horse park.
Gorgeous Accommodations
Whether you want to stay close to the action at the on-site campground, enjoy the vibrant energy of downtown Traverse City with its top-rated restaurants and shops, or unwind in the charming lakefront village of Elk Rapids just 15 minutes away, there’s something for everyone.
Turtle Creek Casino & Hotel: Here, you’ll find high-end, comfortable rooms and some of Northern Michigan’s best nightlife, from a full-line casino to a slew of entertainment options, including a calendar of touring acts.
Grand Traverse Resort & Spa: With a variety of options, from hotel rooms to tower suites to spacious condos or a rental home, there’s plenty to choose from at the Grand Traverse Resort & Spa. Don’t miss the award-winning Aerie Restaurant, play golf at one of three championship courses and, of course, book a treatment at the renowned spa.
The Dexter: This urban boutique hotel, located in downtown Elk Rapids, is within walking distance of the town’s beaches, restaurants, and unique shops. Enjoy a craft cocktail in the lobby at The Noble Club and enjoy the comforts of many thoughtful in-room amenities.
*Our honorable mention picks include Winter Wood Property Management for vacation home rentals and the Avid Traverse City, an IHG hotel property. Find a full list of affiliated hotels and rentals here.
A Foodie’s Dream Town
PepeNero: A hidden gem in The Village at Grand Traverse Commons, PepeNero serves refined Italian cuisine in an unforgettable historic setting. You won’t be disappointed.
Trattoria Stella: Traverse City’s original farm-to-table destination, Trattoria Stella serves handcrafted Italian dishes in an elegant, historic setting tucked within The Village.
Bourbon 72: Located at Turtle Creek Casino & Hotel, Bourbon 72 delivers classic steakhouse indulgence with an elevated twist—perfectly aged steaks, top-shelf bourbon, and a refined Northern Michigan vibe.
Modern Bird: A chef-driven spot in the heart of downtown Traverse City, Modern Bird blends bold, seasonal flavors with creative flair in a warm, modern setting. Come for the taste, but stay for the ambiance.
Red Ginger: A downtown Traverse City staple, Red Ginger offers vibrant, upscale Pan-Asian cuisine and craft cocktails just steps from the bay. The view and glass of something good will make your whole night.
From Brunch to Happy Hour:
Blush: Perched atop the charming Alexandra Inn, Blush pairs stunning bay views with stylish brunches, small plates, and craft cocktails—perfect from late morning to golden hour.
The Dam Shop – This laid-back lakeside stop in Elk Rapids serves up all-day bites, breakfast sammies, and local brews—ideal for a casual brunch or post-ride wind-down.
S2S Sugar to Salt: A beloved brunch spot in the Warehouse District, S2S crafts seasonal, locally inspired dishes that turn breakfast into an experience.
Bonobo Winery: Overlooking the rolling hills of Old Mission Peninsula, Bonobo Winery offers small plates, curated flights, and a relaxed, scenic setting perfect for afternoon sipping.
Fun For The Whole Family
You can’t come to Northern Michigan in the summer and not get outside. Enjoy these great family friendly picks to explore everything Traverse City and beyond has to offer.
Rent a boat: Get out on a pontoon and see everything the lake has to offer. From tubing, swimming and cruising around, it’s one of the greatest summer pastimes. Elk Rapids Marina is conveniently located in Traverse City and charters daily rentals. While you’re at it, book another boating adventure but this time, make it a fishing charter.
Tour The Village at Grand Traverse Commons: Explore the unique history of the former Traverse City State Hospital as it evolved from a state-run asylum to a bustling community featuring incredible architecture, picturesque landscapes, local boutiques and restaurants, and so much more.
Biking: From mountain to paved trails, there’s a beautiful path for every type of cyclist in Traverse City. You can find information about local trails here. Hiking is also a grand adventure in the summer. Pro tip: go see the Sleeping Bear Dunes.
Lighthouses: Did you know that Michigan has more lighthouses than any other state? You can see several right in Traverse City.
Movie theaters: For the film and history buffs in the fam, you don’t want to miss out on the variety of historic movie theaters, some dating back to the silent film era, that are still in use today around Northern Michigan.
Shopping: You don’t want to miss the electric blocks of local shops in downtown Traverse City. But if you want to shop until you drop, you can take your shopping spree on the road to browse the local offerings in many nearby port towns, from Suttons Bay to Glen Arbor, Leland and North Port.
Plan your summer experience at Traverse City Horse Shows, from competition to vacation, now. Book your stalls to reserve your spot.