OLD MISSION PENINSULA (Michigan)

According to USA Today (Travel Section), dated June 17, 2013, the scenic drive around the Old Mission Peninsula is listed as one of their "10 Beautiful Coastal Drives Across North America".   It's one of many reasons why Michigan is such a great state to visit  ...

Located just north of Traverse City in the Northwest quadrant of Michigan’s Lower Peninsula is the Old Mission Peninsula.  This 22 mile long “finger” divides the Grand Traverse Bay into East and West Bays. 

The Traverse City area is one of our favorite weekend getaway destinations.  Whenever we revisit a place, we try to find new things to see and do.  That is how I discovered the Quilt Barn Tour.  I print a map and driving directions to ten historic barns located within the Old Mission Peninsula and off we go. 

According to Wikipedia, “A quilt trail is a series of painted wood or metal, hung or free standing, quilt squares installed at various locations along a route, emphasizing significant architecture and/or aesthetic landscapes. Currently North America has quilt trails in 43 of the United States as well as in two Canadian provinces.”

Following the driving map, we read how and why each of the ten owners selected their own personal and unique quilt pattern.  Each large square is hung on the front or side of the barn.   It is like going on a treasure hunt especially when we find ones that are not on the tour.   Since driving the Quilt Barn Trail, I have noticed barns in other parts of Michigan proudly displaying this new tradition. 

The Quilt Barn Tour is what brought us to the Old Mission Peninsula but there are plenty of other things to see and do.  In the village of Old Mission is the Old Mission General Store.  A visit here is like taking a step back in time.   Old cash registers, radios, telephones, signs, and barrels of merchandise make this a fun place to stop for a sandwich or a sweet treat.  

Down the road from the General Store is a small log church (Old Mission Church).  According to the plaque, “It is a replica of the original Mission Church which was erected in 1839.  Originally, the building stood on the bayshore but later was moved to this site where it remained for many years.  The bell which is now in the belfry is the original bell of the old church.” 

Across the street from the log church is the Old Mission School (1853-1955).  It is now a remodeled private home.  The bell tower is the only remaining indication that it was a school.   The side of this former school building has a quilt pattern too.  Although, I never found out what meaning the pattern held for the owners.

Nearby is the Old Mission Congregational Church.  It was built in 1891 and is listed on the National Registry of Historic Buildings. 

Adjacent to the church is the Old Mission Inn.  An historic 31 room hotel built in 1869 that now operates as a B&B.  Currently, there are five guest rooms on the second floor and two suites on the main floor.  The owners are very friendly and give us a tour.  They are diligently working to remodel and preserve the rest of the hotel.  It’s a labor of love!   The Inn is one of six historic homes located within the peninsula.

A little farther north is the Dougherty-Rushmore House (built in 1842).  It is believed to be the first post-and-beam frame house in Michigan’s Lower Peninsula between Grand Rapids and Mackinaw City.  “In 1839, the Reverend Peter Dougherty was sent to the Grand Traverse Region by the Presbyterian Board of Missions to establish a church and school for the Native Americans who inhabited the area.”  

In 1961, the House was placed on the Michigan Historic Sites Register.  In 2006, Peninsula Township purchased the property.  Currently, the site is undergoing a major restoration project.  Behind the house are the summer kitchen and a three-seater outhouse (restored in 2009).  

The 15-acre property has a couple of short nature trails. On this visit, the Sumac (low bushes) is offering the best color in vibrant oranges and reds.   The trail is not difficult to follow and it is a good leg-stretcher walk but we did notice some poison ivy growing along the edge of the trail.    

Back on M-37, we drive north to the end of the road where the Lighthouse Park is located.   On the park property is the Hessler Log House (completed in 1856).  The log cabin was rescued from demolition and moved to the Park in 1992.  It has been restored and furnished like a cabin would have been in the 1800’s.   It is a State of Michigan Historic Site.

     

Of course, the main attraction in Lighthouse Park is the Old Mission Lighthouse.  It was first lit in 1870 and decommissioned in 1933.  The lighthouse had a Fifth Order Fresnel lens.  Unfortunately, the whereabouts of that lens is unknown.  However, on the second floor of the lighthouse is a display which includes a Fifth Order Fresnel lens on loan from the Coast Guard.  There are seven orders of Fresnel lenses ranging from First Order (strongest and biggest) to the Seventh Order (smallest).

In 1992, the Mission Point Lighthouse was added to the Michigan Register for Historic Sites and was opened to the public in 2008.  We browse through the gift shop, wander through the lighthouse rooms, and climb the tower for a panoramic view of Lake Michigan.  The enclosed glass lantern room may be small in size but it is big on the view.   We watch a light fog rolling off Lake Michigan.  It may be cool and breezy outside but in the lantern room it is warm and cozy.  Within minutes, the fog disappears and blue skies prevail.  You know the saying about Michigan weather, if you don’t like it, wait five minutes and it will change.  

The Old Mission Point Park (part of the Lighthouse Park) can be accessed from several points.  We stop at the Ridgewood Road trailhead for a one-hour nature walk on the two track road that leads to a viewing area.  The trail is an easy walk through woods and meadows before reaching the viewing area.  At the top of a hill is a grassy area with a bench.  The trees have grown taller since the spot was originally designated a viewing point.  It is a pleasant place to sit and enjoy the solitude and natural surroundings.   

The Bower's Harbor School (1858-1955) is located at the corner of Kroupa and Ne-Ah-Ta-Wanta Roads.  This former one-room schoolhouse is now a private residence.  It is one of seven historic one-room schools (all privately owned) located within the peninsula.  Another one-room schoolhouse is the Maple Grove School (built in 1896 and operated until 1958).  The School retains its original windows, floor, slate boards and bell.  It is now being used as Peninsula Cellars Wine Tasting Room. 

       

Bower's Harbor School   

Maple Grove School

If you are interested in one-room schools, please click on the following link to visit my blog site on this subject:

Michigan One Room Schoolhouses

The Old Mission Peninsula is famous for its bountiful cherry orchards.  In the spring, the cherry trees burst with beautiful blossoms. 

From the miles of sandy shores along Grand Traverse Bay to the gently rolling hills lined with cherry trees and grape vineyards; from the historic buildings to the quaint towns; from the wineries to the parks; from the lake views to the sunset hues … Old Mission Peninsula has something for everyone to enjoy any season of the year.

Looking for more things to see and do?   I recommend clicking on the following link for a listing of restaurants, wineries, events, and points of interest in the Old Mission Peninsula.
Old Mission Peninsula

To view and print the map and directions for the Quilt Barn Tour, please follow this link
Barns of Old Mission Peninsula

Happy Driving!