46-605: The Old Mission Inn , previously known as Hedden Hall or the Porter Hotel , is an inn located at 18599 Old Mission Road near Traverse City, Michigan . It was designated a Michigan State Historic Site in 1980 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1982. In 1867, George and Amanda Hedden purchased 37 acres (15 ha) of land that had previously been part of the nearby Old Mission , which had been abandoned in 1852. The Heddens constructed this 25-room inn on
92-472: A cobblestone foundation, and covered with a shingled gable roof. The front features a wide open veranda and overhanging eaves supported by triangular brackets. Gabled dormers project from the roof. Traverse City, Michigan Traverse City ( / ˈ t r æ v ər s / TRAV -ərss ) is a city in the U.S. state of Michigan . It is the county seat of Grand Traverse County , although it partly extends into Leelanau County . The population
138-574: A village . This began the major commercial growth of the town. In 1890, another rail line was extended to Traverse City, this one from Baldwin via Copemish and Interlochen . This line primarily served lumber companies, such as the Buckley & Douglas Lumber Company, and was used to transport logs from the vast forest of Northwest Michigan to sawmills in Manistee and Traverse City. Two years later, new railroads were extended out of Traverse City. One line
184-567: A central government until 1851, when it was reorganized as Grand Traverse County . The newly designated county government was assigned a county seat at Boardman's Mills , a location in present-day downtown Traverse City. As of 1853, the only operating post office in the Grand Traverse Bay region was the one located at Old Mission , which was then known as "Grand Traverse". While in Washington, D.C. in 1852, Mr. Lay had succeeded in getting
230-505: A federally protected sand dune on Lake Michigan, is located about 20 miles (32 km) west-northwest of Traverse City, in the southwest of Leelanau County. Traverse City is laid out in a grid plan , with major streets running east–west and north–south. The tallest building, at 10 stories, is the Park Place Hotel . The City of Traverse City officially recognizes the following neighborhood associations : The city also recognizes
276-482: A few years prior in 1951. The former high school building was converted to Traverse City Junior High. In 1997, the high school split into Traverse City Central and Traverse City West High Schools due to extreme overcrowding at the 1960s building. In 1989, the Traverse City State Hospital closed, leaving hundreds without jobs, massive abandoned buildings, and many homeless former patients. Since 2000,
322-464: A peninsula, and dividing it from the Grandview Parkway . The river terminates at Grand Traverse Bay northeast of downtown Traverse City. The river's 287-square-mile (740 km ) watershed contributes one-third of the water volume to the bay and is one of Michigan's top-ten fisheries, with more than 36 miles (58 km) of its 179 miles (288 km) designated as a Blue Ribbon trout fishery. It
368-500: A pie-eating contest, and cherries. The Traverse City Film Festival was held in July and August from 2005 to 2019. The Great Lakes Equestrian Festival features jumping, show hunting and equestrian competitions. Traverse City State Park , with about 250 campsites, is located east of the city, and features a beach on the East Bay arm of Grand Traverse Bay. The Boardman River Nature Center
414-581: A prominent Michigan Republican , used his political influence to secure its location in Traverse City. Under the supervision of prominent architect Gordon W. Lloyd , the first building, known as Building 50, was constructed in Victorian - Italianate style according to the Kirkbride Plan . The hospital opened in 1885 with 43 residents. Under Dr. James Decker Munson, the first superintendent from 1885 to 1924,
460-469: A small plaque reading "OLD INDIAN TRAIL CADILLAC TO TRAVERSE CITY". A number of these markers are located along major roadways, while some are on private property. In 1940, Cadillac residents Milo Petoskey Crosby and Jim Pontiac planted the first 14 markers, between Lake Mitchell and the Manistee River. In the 1960s, the next five markers were placed by local residents Ed Babcock and James Comp. In 1987,
506-544: A small portion of the city extends northwesterly into Leelanau County. This portion was annexed by the city in 1989. Traverse City is located in the northwest of Michigan's Lower Peninsula , and is located at the head of Grand Traverse Bay, a long, natural harbor separated from the waters of Lake Michigan by the Leelanau Peninsula . The bay is divided into an East Arm and West Arm by the Old Mission Peninsula ,
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#1733106964044552-478: A spring festival. Also in 1925, Munson Medical Center opened, and has since grown to serve much of Northern Michigan and serves as one of Traverse City's largest employers. In 1929, Traverse City's first airport, Ransom Field, opened, offering flights to Grand Rapids . It closed in 1936, when the new Traverse City Airport (now called Cherry Capital Airport ) was opened. In 1953 the grounds of Ransom Field were redeveloped as Memorial Gardens Cemetery. In 1934,
598-488: A thin strip of rolling hills and farmland known for its cherry crop and viticulture industry. As Traverse City contains shores on both of Grand Traverse Bay's East and West Arms, one cannot access the Old Mission Peninsula without entering Traverse City. The Boardman River is a prominent river bisecting Traverse City from south to north. It also snakes through Traverse City's downtown district, effectively forming
644-703: Is 105 °F (41 °C ), recorded in 1936, and its low temperature is −37 °F (−38 °C), recorded on February 17, 1979. - Of Traverse City's 15,678 residents in 2020, 15,341 lived in Grand Traverse County, with 337 (about 2.1%) in Leelanau County. Traverse City is part of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Gaylord . The city is part of the Episcopal Diocese of the Great Lakes and
690-470: Is a part of the 37th senate district . Companies headquartered in Traverse City include Hagerty Insurance Agency and Oilgear , and 20Fathoms, a technology incubator, is there. Most of Traverse City's economy is based on tourism. In November, Beer Week offers tours of breweries, samplings, and workshops. The National Cherry Festival , held annually in July, features parades, fireworks, an air show, carnival rides, election of festival royalty, music,
736-729: Is also a state-designated "Natural River". As of 2023, only one of the five dams constructed on the Boardman River remains. Traverse City is surrounded by a substantial suburban ring, especially within Garfield Township , to its southwest. Garfield Township is the largest municipality in Northern Michigan by population. Other adjacent townships, East Bay , Elmwood , and Peninsula , and nearby Blair and Long Lake townships, boast significant suburban populations dependent upon Traverse City. Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore ,
782-530: Is also known for its wine production . Two American Viticultural Areas are adjacent to the city. Traverse City is home to the Traverse City State Hospital , a former state psychiatric institution , and Coast Guard Air Station Traverse City . Prior to European settlement, what is now Traverse City was part of the territory of the Council of Three Fires , an alliance of three Anishinaabe tribes,
828-618: Is attached at its base to Traverse City. The city borders four townships– East Bay , Elmwood , Garfield , and Peninsula –all of which contain substantial suburban sprawl. Traverse City is nicknamed "the Cherry Capital of the World", as the area surrounding Grand Traverse Bay is a hotspot for cherry production . The city hosts the National Cherry Festival , attracting approximately 500,000 visitors annually. The Traverse City area
874-678: Is in Michigan's 1st congressional district , represented by Jack Bergman ( R – Watersmeet ). Like the rest of Michigan, it is served by Debbie Stabenow and Gary Peters (both Democratic ) in the United States Senate . It is represented in the Michigan House of Representatives by Betsy Coffia (D–Traverse City), and is a part of the 103rd district . It is represented in the Michigan Senate by John Damoose ( R – Harbor Springs ) and
920-642: Is served by Grace Episcopal Church . Traverse City is a home rule , charter city under the Home Rule Cities Act , incorporated on May 18, 1895. The city is governed by six commissioners and a mayor, elected at-large . Together they compose a seven-member legislative body. The commission appoints a city manager who serves as chief executive for city operations. As of 2023, the city commission consists of mayor Amy Shamroe, mayor pro tem Mark Wilson, and commissioners Jackie Anderson, Heather Shaw, Mi Stanley, Mitch Treadwell, and Tim Werner. Traverse City
966-512: Is the T/S State of Michigan , a 224-foot (68 m) former Navy submarine surveillance vessel. The vessel is used as a classroom and laboratory while cadets of the academy are underway and shore side. Old Indian Trail (Michigan) The Old Indian Trail is a historic trail in the northwestern Lower Peninsula of Michigan , running for roughly 55 miles (89 km) between Cadillac and Traverse City . In use since as early as 600 BCE by
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#17331069640441012-688: Is the interpretive center and management headquarters for the Grand Traverse Natural Education Reserve, a 505-acre local park and natural area. Traverse City is located immediately adjacent to two American Viticultural Areas , the Leelanau Peninsula AVA and the Old Mission Peninsula AVA . There are over 50 wineries near Traverse City. Located in the harbor of the Great Lakes Maritime Academy
1058-684: The Cadillac area. Grand Traverse Bay was named by 18th-century French voyageurs who made la grande traverse , or "the long crossing", across the mouth of bay, from present-day Norwood to Northport . The area was French territory at first, and then part of the Kingdom of Great Britain as the Province of Quebec . The area was ceded to the United States in 1783 following the Treaty of Paris , becoming part of
1104-614: The Hopewell civilization, the Old Indian Trail began to be used regularly by the Anishinaabe in the 13th century , and was largely used until European settlement in the 1800s. Today, the trail no longer exists, but its location is marked by 33 white stone markers . The Old Indian Trail began along the shore of Lake Mitchell near Cadillac, and ran northwesterly past the modern-day communities of Boon and Meauwataka before reaching
1150-575: The Manistee River . Here, a massive log jam allowed for travelers to cross the river, continuing north past present-day Buckley , Hannah , and Chums Corner . The trail then descended northerly into Traverse City, where it ended at the shore of the West Arm of Grand Traverse Bay , a bay of Lake Michigan . There are 33 markers along the Old Indian Trail. Each marker is a pentagonal white stone slab, painted with its corresponding number, and featuring
1196-639: The Northwest Territory . In 1847, Captain Horace Boardman of Naperville, Illinois , purchased the land at the mouth of the Boardman River (then known as the Ottawa River) at the head of the west arm of the bay, which at the time was still inhabited by Native Americans. In 1847, the captain, his son, and their employees built a dwelling and sawmill near the mouth of the river. In 1851 the Boardmans sold
1242-571: The Odawa , Ojibwe , and Potawatomi . The Odawa, who were particularly prevalent in the area, called the area Kitchiwikwedongsing , a name which was often shortened to Wequetong , meaning "place at the head of the great bay". The area was the northern end of what is today known as the Old Indian Trail , a trail which serviced travel for the Hopewell , and later the Anishinaabe, coming to and from
1288-400: The Boardman River and along Boardman Lake into Traverse City, and ended at a station along the Grand Traverse Bay, at the corner of present-day Grandview Parkway and Park Street. This new line of transportation from Southern Michigan opened up the area to settlement and industrial development. Many more people started flocking to the small community, and in 1881, Traverse City was incorporated as
1334-548: The Minervini Group has undertaken the project of renovating the entire property into a social center, including many restaurants, retail spaces, office space, and residential space. On November 3, 2015, Traverse City elected Jim Carruthers, its first openly gay mayor . After serving as mayor of Traverse City for six years, in June 2021 Jim Carruthers announced he would not run for his fourth mayoral term. May 18, 2020, served as
1380-469: The U.S. Post Office to authorize a new post office at his newer settlement. As the newer settlement had become known as " Grand Traverse City ", after the Grand Traverse Bay, Lay proposed this name for its post office, but the Post Office Department clerk suggested dropping the "Grand" from the name, as to limit confusion between this new office and the one at nearby Old Mission. Mr. Lay agreed to
1426-515: The aftermath of the backlash, the resolution was edited by TCAPS school board officials. No date for consideration of the revised resolution has been set. According to the United States Census Bureau , Traverse City has a total area of 8.66 square miles (22.43 km ), of which, 8.33 square miles (21.57 km ) are land and 0.33 square miles (0.85 km ) is water. Most of the city is located within Grand Traverse County, though
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1472-486: The area's diverse coastal weather patterns, which occasionally consist of sudden and/or large amounts of precipitation during the seasonally active periods. Lake-effect snowfall constitutes a large percentage of the total annual snow accumulation, which averages around 80 inches (203 cm). Periods of snowfall typically last from November to April, although light snow as late as May or as early as late September sometimes occur. Traverse City's record high temperature
1518-424: The blooming season. With the exception of the years before and during World War II, this tradition has been carried on since in Traverse City. The legislature moved the date of the festival to the summer, and it attracts tourists from around the state. During the week the festival takes place, the population of Traverse City rises from about 15,000 to about 500,000. In 2004 the legislature added "Blossom Days", again as
1564-457: The city's 125th anniversary of Traverse City's incorporation as a city in 1895, and was known as the "quarantine quasquicentennial". In April 2021, a group composed mostly of White students from two Traverse City area school districts held an online mock slave auction via social media app in a private group chat titled "Slave Trade", wherein they traded their Black student peers for monetary amounts while using derogatory language. After
1610-479: The elderly, served as a rehab for drug addicts, and was used to train nurses . On May 18, 1895, Traverse City was incorporated as a city . Perry Hannah served as the first mayor of Traverse City, after also serving as first and third village president. The first National Cherry Festival was held in Traverse City in 1925. It was first called "Blessing of the Blossoms" and held in the spring to attract people during
1656-735: The following commercial districts : The city employs two tax increment financing (TIF) districts: TIF 97, overlapping with the Front Street District, and Old Town TIF in the Old Town District. Traverse City has one superfund site , according to the Environmental Protection Agency . This is the Avenue E Groundwater Contamination Site. At this location, toxic runoff from the Coast Guard Air Station contaminated
1702-588: The groundwater along Avenue E. Traverse City has a warm-summer continental climate (Köppen Dfb) close to being a hot-summer continental climate (Dfa). Its location near the 45th parallel is tempered by the strong and moderating effects of Lake Michigan and Grand Traverse Bay, which have a particularly noteworthy effect on the peninsulas that branch north of the city. As a result, they have viticulture and cherry orchards . Consequently, it generally experiences warm, mild summers and severe winters. Lake Michigan especially, but also Grand Traverse Bay, greatly impact
1748-504: The inn to Alfred and Ella Porter, who changed the name to the "Porter Hotel" and managed the property for 40 years. It was sold again in 1945 to Norman and Doris Nevinger, who named it the "Old Mission Inn." The Nevingers ran the property until 1998, when they sold it to the Jensen family. It continues to be used as a historic inn. The Old Mission Inn is a 2 + 1 ⁄ 2 -story L-shaped frame structure sided with clapboards , sitting on
1794-432: The institution expanded. Twelve housing cottages and two infirmaries were built between 1887 and 1903 to meet the specific needs of male and female patients. The institution became the city's largest employer and contributed to its growth. While the hospital was established for the care of the mentally ill, its use expanded during outbreaks of tuberculosis , typhoid , diphtheria , influenza , and polio . It also cared for
1840-443: The local community was made aware of this event, a coalition of community members and Traverse City Area Public School (TCAPS) Board of Education officials drafted in response a resolution which denounced the behavior. The draft of the resolution itself led to community backlash initiated largely by White conservative parents and community members who regarded the planned resolution to be "...interlaced with critical race theory ". In
1886-499: The new, shortened name of "Traverse City" for the post office, and the village took on this name. Also around this time, the first cherry trees were being planted on the Old Mission Peninsula, something the peninsula is widely known for today. In December 1872, rail service arrived in Traverse City via a Traverse City Railroad Company spur from the Grand Rapids and Indiana Railroad line at Walton Junction . The railroad tracked along
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1932-569: The original Traverse City High School building burnt down, with no casualties. For three years, while the high school was being rebuilt, classes were moved to the Perry Hannah House , the former residence of the city's founder. Classes were moved back to the new school building in September 1937. In 1960, the high school was moved from downtown Traverse City to a new college-style campus on the grounds of Northwestern Michigan College , which opened
1978-596: The property in 1874, and operated it as "Heddon Hall." In the 1880s, the railroad and steamship lines service in the area began promoting the Grand Traverse region as a summer tourist destination, and the Old Mission Inn was recognized as one of the best hotels in the area. In 1890, the Heddens added a section onto the inn. The Heddens continued to run the inn until Amanda Hedden's death in 1900. In 1902, George Hedden sold
2024-454: The sawmill to Hannah, Lay & Co (made up of Perry Hannah , Albert Tracy Lay and James Morgan), who improved the mill greatly. The increased investment in the mill attracted additional settlers to the new community. Perry Hannah today is known as the founding father of Traverse City. Traverse City was originally part of Omeena County, which was originally set off in 1840 from Michilimackinac County . The county remained unorganized, lacking
2070-530: Was 15,678 at the 2020 census , with 153,448 residents in the four-county Traverse City metropolitan area . Traverse City is the most populous city in the Northern Michigan region. Traverse City is at the head of the East and West arms of Grand Traverse Bay , a 32-mile-long (51 km) bay of Lake Michigan . Grand Traverse Bay is divided into arms by the 18-mile-long (29 km) Old Mission Peninsula , which
2116-678: Was extended along the bay into Leelanau County, and curved south to a preexisting spur at Lake Ann . Another line was extended east into present-day Williamsburg , and to Charlevoix and Petoskey . This railroad was largely to serve tourists. In 1881, the Northern Michigan Asylum, later the Traverse City State Hospital , was established as the demand for a third psychiatric hospital in Michigan, in addition to those established in Kalamazoo and Pontiac , began to grow. Perry Hannah, by then
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