State Theatre, Traverse City
Located in the heart of downtown Traverse City, the State Theatre is a cornerstone of the city鈥檚 cultural and cinematic life. Originally built in 1918 and rebuilt in 1923 after a fire, the theater began its modern history under the name Lyric Theatre, famously screening Northern Michigan鈥檚 first talking film in 1929. Over the decades, the site saw multiple iterations鈥攅ach shaped by fire, restoration, and changing times. The current State Theatre structure opened in 1949 and served as a first-run movie house until 1996.
After years of vacancy and uncertain proposals, the turning point came in 2005 when the Traverse City Film Festival adopted the venue as its home. With support from filmmaker Michael Moore and the Grand Traverse Rotary, the theater underwent a sweeping restoration effort, powered by generous donations and hundreds of volunteer hours. The result was a fully transformed art house cinema, reborn with modern amenities and a design nod to classic 鈥渁tmospheric鈥� movie palaces.
The State Theatre officially reopened to the public on November 17, 2007, offering a year-round program of independent, international, and classic films, along with live performances and community events. Operated by the Traverse City Film Festival, the venue continues to serve as both a cinematic institution and a lively arts center. Its marquee lights and retro charm have made it a beloved gathering place for locals and visitors, anchoring East Front Street as a destination for film, culture, and shared experience.
After years of vacancy and uncertain proposals, the turning point came in 2005 when the Traverse City Film Festival adopted the venue as its home. With support from filmmaker Michael Moore and the Grand Traverse Rotary, the theater underwent a sweeping restoration effort, powered by generous donations and hundreds of volunteer hours. The result was a fully transformed art house cinema, reborn with modern amenities and a design nod to classic 鈥渁tmospheric鈥� movie palaces.
The State Theatre officially reopened to the public on November 17, 2007, offering a year-round program of independent, international, and classic films, along with live performances and community events. Operated by the Traverse City Film Festival, the venue continues to serve as both a cinematic institution and a lively arts center. Its marquee lights and retro charm have made it a beloved gathering place for locals and visitors, anchoring East Front Street as a destination for film, culture, and shared experience.
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State Theatre on Map
Sight Name: State Theatre
Sight Location: Traverse City, USA (See walking tours in Traverse City)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Traverse City, USA (See walking tours in Traverse City)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Traverse City, Michigan
Create Your Own Walk in Traverse City
Creating your own self-guided walk in Traverse City is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Traverse City Introduction Walking Tour
Nestled along the shores of Lake Michigan's Grand Traverse Bay lies Traverse City, a charming spot rich in natural beauty. Originally inhabited by the Ojibwe and Odawa peoples, the area saw an influx of European settlers in the 18th century, drawn by its lush forests and abundant fishing grounds.
Grand Traverse Bay, named so by French voyageurs for "the long crossing" across its... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.3 Km or 2.1 Miles
Grand Traverse Bay, named so by French voyageurs for "the long crossing" across its... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.3 Km or 2.1 Miles