Step into history with the Explorer Building and Tunnel Tour near Traverse City, Michigan. This 90-minute private adventure uncovers hidden tunnels and stories beneath the city’s charming streets.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
90 minutes
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; involves walking and some stair navigation indoors.
Wildlife
History
The tunnels near Traverse City were originally constructed for utility and transportation purposes in the early 20th century, serving as a vital element in the town’s development.
Conservation
Efforts are in place to maintain and preserve these historic tunnels while minimizing any environmental impact on the surrounding area.
The Village at Grand Traverse
Step into history with the Explorer Building and Tunnel Tour near Traverse City, Michigan. This 90-minute private adventure uncovers hidden tunnels and stories beneath the city’s charming streets.
The Village at Grand Traverse, located in Traverse City, Michigan, manages and programs the historic Grand Traverse Commons campus that grew from the 1883 Traverse City State Hospital. The Village at Grand Traverse offers guided tours, seasonal events, and curated experiences that highlight the site's architecture, history, preservation, and adaptive reuse. Experiences include multimedia presentations at Kirkbride Hall, guided golf cart tours of the hospital grounds, flashlight Twilight Tours through unrestored patient cottages and steam tunnels, and semi-guided Tripod Photography Tours for photographers aged 18 and over.
The Village at Grand Traverse also hosts community-focused events on the Historic Front Lawn, including craft and vendor shows on June 7, August 9, and October 4, a dog-friendly Fall Fido Fest with contests and agility features, and the Not‑So‑Chilly Chili Cook Off at The Mercato. Food-and-beverage experiences include Taste of the Village tours featuring local breweries and wineries such as Earthen Ales, The Barrel Room, ŌBrien Vineyards, and Left Foot Charley. Guides and event staff emphasize factual interpretation, historic preservation, and visitor safety. Programs vary seasonally and include options for private presentations, public small-group tours, and reservation-based vendor participation. The Village at Grand Traverse is a recognized destination in Traverse City for visitors seeking architectural history, culinary sampling, and community events on a preserved 19th-century hospital campus. Plans, schedules, and registration details are published through the Village at Grand Traverse visitor information channels. On-site shops and restaurants complement tours, and local artisans participate in seasonal vendor shows annually across the campus regularly.
Location
Traverse City, MI
Historic Grand Traverse Commons site
Tours Offered
10 experiences
Guided tours and special events
Event Dates
Jun 7 • Aug 9 • Oct 4
Seasonal craft and vendor shows
Historic Site
Established 1883
Kirkbride building and steam tunnels
Reserve guided tours, tastings, or event vendor space today — limited availability for select experiences.
Wear comfortable shoes
Expect some walking on uneven surfaces inside the tunnels and around the building.
Bring a flashlight
Though parts of the tunnels are lit, a personal flashlight can enhance visibility.
Watch your step
Tunnel floors may be damp or uneven—stay alert to avoid slips or trips.
Arrive early
Arriving 10 minutes before your scheduled tour helps ensure a timely start.
Comfortable walking shoes
Protect your feet and provide grip on uneven surfaces in and around the tunnels.
Light jacket or layers
Stay warm in the cooler tunnel environment and changing outdoor conditions.
spring|fall|winter
Flashlight or headlamp
Supplemental light helps you see details in dimmer tunnel spots.
Water bottle
Keep hydrated during warmer outdoor sections of the tour.
summer