Do I need prior photography experience to join?

No prior experience is required. This tour welcomes all skill levels and offers a semi-guided format to assist you.

Is the tour suitable for children?

The tour is best suited for adults or older teens due to the nature of the locations and walking involved.

Are tripods required or can I use handheld cameras?

Tripods are highly recommended to take full advantage of the low-light environments but handheld cameras are allowed.

What should I bring besides my camera?

Bring a charged battery, extra memory cards, comfortable shoes, and a flashlight or headlamp.

Is the underground steam tunnel safe to enter?

Yes, the tunnel is part of the guided experience and safety protocols are followed during the visit.

What is the maximum group size for the tour?

Groups are kept small to ensure an intimate experience and ample photography time at each location.

Extended Tripod Photography Tour in Traverse City, MI

Discover a unique photography experience with the Extended Tripod Photography Tour offered by The Village at Grand Traverse in Traverse City, Michigan. Over the course of five immersive hours, participants explore hidden, unrestored buildings rich with history and character, including an unforgettable journey through the historic 1883 underground steam tunnel. Designed for small groups, the semi-guided tour grants ample time to set up shots and capture the beauty and intrigue of these rarely seen locations with your tripod. Whether you're a seasoned photographer or an enthusiastic hobbyist, this tour provides a refreshing opportunity to experiment with composition, lighting, and perspective. Traverse City’s blend of industrial heritage and architectural charm creates a captivating backdrop for your photography portfolio. Along the way, knowledgeable guides share fascinating facts about each site, enhancing your appreciation of their historical significance. The cool, quiet interiors and weathered textures offer striking contrasts and creative challenges, perfect for producing stunning images. This trip offers not only a chance for artistic growth but also a deeper connection with the region’s past, giving every click of the shutter added meaning.

About The Village at Grand Traverse

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.