Northern Lights, Sunny Days: How Traverse City Still Teaches Through Joy

When Sesame Street first aired, it illuminated the idea that learning could happen anywhere—even on a street corner.

 

In Traverse City, that lesson has taken deep root.

 

From the Great Lakes Children's Museum to community reading circles in local cafés, education here feels just as joyful as it did in 1969.

 

Teachers bring curiosity outdoors, families volunteer at local literacy events, and kindness is still the first lesson of every school year.

 

In April 2025, the Traverse Area District Library hosted MakerFest 2025, a hands-on celebration of imagination and innovation.

 

The event featured over 40 vendors offering activities ranging from electronics to 3D printing, embodying the community's commitment to interactive learning.

 

Additionally, the Compass Learning Center introduced hybrid and online classes, providing flexible educational opportunities for high school students seeking alternative paths to graduation.

 

These initiatives reflect Traverse City's dedication to fostering a love for learning in diverse and accessible ways.

 

Sesame Street may have started in New York—but Traverse City keeps its light glowing on the lakeshore.