Historic Tours & Events at The Village in Traverse City

Set in the heart of Traverse City, Michigan, The Village at Grand Traverse offers a distinct blend of history, culture, and quirky event experiences that stand apart from traditional outdoor adventures. This unique destination revolves around the sprawling former Traverse City State Hospital campus—a collection of architecturally significant Kirkbride-style buildings and underground tunnels that have been repurposed into lively community spaces and tour venues. Here, outdoor enthusiasts and history buffs alike can step off the beaten trail and into a living chapter of Michigan’s past.

Visitors can book guided tours that bring the historic buildings and tunnels to life, such as the Explorer Building and Tunnel Tour or the Twilight Asylum Tour, where stories of the hospital’s evolution and its ties to local heritage unfold. For photography lovers, The Village offers specialized tripod photography tours that take advantage of variable lighting and vivid architectural details. Seasonal events add to the calendar’s appeal, with highlights including the [NOT-SO-CHILLY] Chili Cook Off, the challenging Jigsaw Puzzle Competition, and community favorites like the Fall Fido Fest and the Christmas Carriage Rides.

The Village also hosts the Deer Widow’s Weekend, featuring crafts and vendors that showcase regional artistry, making it a hub not only of culture but also of social connection. Even casual visitors will appreciate the Taste of the Village Tour, a newer offering that samples local flavors amid a backdrop of historic walls and stories preserved in stained brick and ancient mortar.

Situated just minutes from Traverse City's vibrant downtown and Lake Michigan’s shores, The Village at Grand Traverse simulates adventure with a twist—combining outdoor walking and mild exploration with deep dives into architecture, local lore, and community events. Whether you’re documenting the site through a camera lens, navigating underground passageways, or simply enjoying a spirited bocce tournament, The Village offers a multifaceted trip that expands Traverse City’s outdoor recreation landscape into something undeniably original.