Art Treks and Public Art

Discover Public Art, Sculpture & Outdoor Creativity Across Northern Michigan

Each stop on this tour offers a unique opportunity to engage with sculpture, murals, and public art installations while exploring some of the most scenic landscapes in Northern Michigan. Whether walking a wooded path or strolling through a vibrant downtown, you’ll find creative works waiting to inspire.

Stops on the Art Treks & Public Art Self-Guided Tour include:

• Michigan Legacy Art Park — Located on 30 wooded acres within Crystal Mountain Resort, this renowned outdoor sculpture park features over 50 works celebrating Michigan’s history, culture, and natural environment.

• Lay Park (Traverse City) — A creative green space in Traverse City with public art installations, murals, and a peaceful setting for reflection and connection with nature.

• Dennos Museum Center — A cultural destination on the campus of Northwestern Michigan College in Traverse City, the Dennos Museum features an acclaimed outdoor sculpture collection alongside its renowned galleries of Indigenous and contemporary art.

• Walk of Art Sculpture Park — Set along the shoreline of Lake Michigan in Elk Rapids, this unique sculpture trail offers a walking experience where art and nature beautifully intersect.

• TART Trails Public Art — Traverse City’s TART Trails system (Traverse Area Recreation and Transportation Trails) offers miles of multi-use paths featuring public art along the way — murals, sculptures, bike rack art, and community installations make this trail system an art-filled outdoor experience all on its own. Whether biking, walking, or running, you’ll encounter creative works that enhance the natural beauty of the region.  Explore the TART Trails Here.

Why Take This Northern Michigan Art Trek?

• Discover sculpture parks, murals, public art installations, and trails integrated with creative works

• Enjoy a self-paced driving tour combined with outdoor walking, biking, and nature experiences

• Support local artists, public art initiatives, and cultural organizations

• Experience a wide range of art forms — from monumental sculpture and community murals to trail-side installations and interactive works

• Explore how Northern Michigan’s natural landscapes inspire and showcase creativity

Plan Your Artful Adventure Today

Ready to explore the vibrant public art of Northern Michigan? Use our interactive map to plan your route and embark on this one-of-a-kind journey through sculpture parks, creative green spaces, and scenic art-filled trails.

View the Driving Tour Map Here.