Discover Traverse City's hidden history on a private guided tour through historic buildings and underground tunnels. Learn fascinating stories while exploring off-the-beaten-path sites.
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
1.5–2 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels as walking is moderate with few stairs and some crouching in tunnels.
Wildlife
History
Traverse City's tunnels were originally used during Prohibition to transport goods discreetly and now serve as captivating historical sites.
Conservation
Efforts are ongoing to preserve these historic structures through community-led restoration projects and careful maintenance.
The Village at Grand Traverse
Discover Traverse City's hidden history on a private guided tour through historic buildings and underground tunnels. Learn fascinating stories while exploring off-the-beaten-path sites.
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 sturdy footwear
Comfortable shoes are essential as the tour involves walking on uneven surfaces and through tunnels.
Bring a flashlight
Some tunnels have low lighting, so having a small flashlight helps you see details better.
Prepare for temperature changes
Tunnels tend to be cooler than outside air; bring an extra layer just in case.
Ask questions on the tour
Guides welcome curiosity, so don’t hesitate to engage and learn more about the history.
Comfortable walking shoes
Supportive shoes help navigate uneven terrain and tunnels safely.
Light jacket or sweater
Useful for cooler temperatures inside tunnels and changing spring weather.
spring
Flashlight or headlamp
Helpful for better visibility in dimly lit tunnels.
Water bottle
Staying hydrated is important during warmer months, especially outdoors.
summer