Interlochen (/ˈɪntərˈlɒkən/ IN-tər-lock-ən) is an unincorporated community and census-designated place (CDP) in Grand Traverse County in the U.S. state of Michigan.

Beginning in the late 19th century, European settlers began logging and fishing industries in the area, and founded the small village of Wylie, one mile south of present-day Interlochen.

Similarly, the Chicago and West Michigan Railway extended its line north from Baldwin on its way to Traverse City in 1890.

The original townsite, however, was platted just south of the depot along either side of the M&NE rail line in late 1889 or early 1890, with the business district centering on the now-former M-137 and Riley Rd/10th Street.

However, it was predicted from the beginning that the area would become a popular summer resort, and so Buckley and Douglas set aside 186 acres of virgin pines between Duck and Green lakes for preservation.

Visitors began flocking to the region during the warmer months to camp, fish, boat, and escape the heat of the crowded cities.

[7] The camp has expanded to both sides of J. Maddy Parkway (previously designated as a highway, M-137, in 1930[8] but decommissioned in 2020,[9]), and enveloped the entire village of Wylie.

The community of Interlochen was listed as a newly organized census-designated place for the 2010 census, meaning it now has officially defined boundaries and population statistics for the first time.

BATA recently completed a bus transfer terminal on Hall Street in Traverse City, which opened July 21, 2006.

Given the long dirt and gravel roads that cover much of Interlochen and its surrounding area, in 2011, BATA began an experimental transit program consisting of rentable skateboards, scooters, bicycles and cross country skis (only available during the winter seasons).