Explore Traverse City's rich history and vibrant craft beverage scene on the NEW! Taste of the Village Tour. Walk historic tunnels, sip local brews, and savor award-winning wines for a truly memorable experience.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
3–4 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; requires moderate walking and standing.
Wildlife
History
Traverse City State Hospital opened in 1885 as an advanced mental health facility and played a significant role in regional health care development.
Conservation
Many vineyards in the area practice sustainable farming techniques to preserve soil health and reduce chemical use.
The Village at Grand Traverse
Explore Traverse City's rich history and vibrant craft beverage scene on the NEW! Taste of the Village Tour. Walk historic tunnels, sip local brews, and savor award-winning wines for a truly memorable experience.
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 Walking Shoes
The tour involves walking through historic sites and vineyards on uneven surfaces, so supportive footwear is recommended.
Bring a Light Jacket
Temperatures can vary inside the steam tunnel and outdoor stops, so layering is advisable.
Stay Hydrated
With craft beer and wine tastings, remember to drink water in between to stay refreshed.
Reserve in Advance
This private tour has limited availability, so booking ahead ensures your spot and preferred dates.
Comfortable walking shoes
Supportive shoes keep you comfortable during walks through historic sites and vineyards.
Light jacket or layers
Layering helps adapt to changing temperatures inside tunnels and outdoors.
spring
Reusable water bottle
Hydrate throughout the tour, especially when sampling alcoholic beverages.
Sun protection (hat, sunscreen)
Protects skin during sunny outdoor stops at vineyards and breweries.
summer