Explore Traverse City’s historic state hospital tunnels and enjoy craft beers and wines on this exclusive culinary tour. Discover hidden history and indulge in local flavors on the Taste of the Village Tour.
Explore Traverse City’s historic state hospital tunnels and enjoy craft beers and wines on this exclusive culinary tour. Discover hidden history and indulge in local flavors on the Taste of the Village Tour.
Book with The Village at Grand Traverse
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by The Village at Grand Traverse · Traverse City, Michigan
The Taste of the Village Tour offers a fascinating culinary and historic adventure through Traverse City’s unique landmark—the former Traverse City State Hospital. This guided experience invites guests to wander beneath the surface and explore the rarely seen 1883 steam tunnel, a remarkable relic of the past preserved with great care. Along the way, you’ll learn about the history and preservation efforts that keep the site vibrant. The tour continues with a visit to Earthan Ales Brewery, where you can savor some of Michigan’s finest craft beers in a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Then, indulge your palate further with a curated wine flight at The Barrel Room, known for its exceptional regional wines and cozy ambiance. Perfect for food and history lovers alike, this tour seamlessly combines local flavors with intriguing stories from Traverse City’s historic medical facility. Whether you’re a resident or a visitor to Northern Michigan, the Taste of the Village Tour provides an unforgettable way to experience the area’s rich heritage paired with its flourishing craft beverage scene.
easy.
2–3 hours.
Suitable for most fitness levels; involves moderate walking and some stairs.
The tour involves alcohol tastings and walking through tunnels, so it is recommended for adults aged 21 and over.
Yes, booking in advance is required due to limited group sizes and private tour availability.
The tour involves approximately 1–2 miles of walking, including stairs and uneven ground in the tunnels.
Yes, you can purchase additional drinks at Earthan Ales Brewery and The Barrel Room after the included tastings.
Due to tunnel stairs and uneven surfaces, this tour is not fully wheelchair accessible.
Comfortable shoes and layered clothing are recommended to adjust for indoor and cooler tunnel temperatures.
The Traverse City State Hospital opened in 1885 and was one of the earliest mental health institutions in Michigan, with the steam tunnels serving vital functions for heating and maintenance.
Preservation efforts focus on maintaining the historic integrity of the site while minimizing environmental impact through sustainable tourism practices.
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.
Book with The Village at Grand Traverse