Getting to and from this historic beauty at the tip of Old Mission Peninsula is part of the adventure. From must-stops to can’t-miss views, here’s our favorite way to get to Mission Point Lighthouse.
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With rolling vineyards, orchards and surrounding big blue bays, the 18-mile cruise up Traverse City’s Old Mission Peninsula is a worthy day trip unto itself. But Lighthouse Park, at the tip of the peninsula, is a treasure. At the end of your drive, you’ll be rewarded with an amble-worthy arc of dreamy beach, a forest full of hiking trails, the historic Hessler Log Cabin and the main attraction: the 1870 Mission Point Lighthouse, a prim white beacon of Great Lakes history that’s open seasonally for self-guided tours (climb to the top of the tower!).
Photo by Taylor Brown
What to Explore After Mission Point Lighthouse
After you’ve explored the lighthouse, head south. On Mission Road, you’ll find the old-timey Old Mission General Store, a purveyor of penny candy, gourmet deli delights, pizza and fresh-made subs. Dating to the mid-1800s, it’s one of the state’s oldest general stores.
Old Mission General Store. Grab a delicious treat and head next door to Haserot Beach for an afternoon well spent.
Photo by Dave Weidner
Passing by a sunflower field on Old Mission Peninsula in August.
Stop at Old Mission Peninsula’s Wineries
Finish at one of the 10 wineries along the Old Mission Peninsula Wine Trail for a glass, tasting flight or just to grab a bottle to have with dinner.
- 2Lads Winery | 16985 Smokey Hollow Road
- Black Star Farms | 360 McKinley Road East
- Bowers Harbor Vineyards | 2896 Bowers Harbor Road
- Brys Estate Vineyard & Winery | 3309 Blue Water Road
- Chateau Chantal |15900 Rue de Vin
- Chateau Grand Traverse | 12239 Center Road
- Hawthorne Vineyards | 1000 Camino Maria
- Mari Vineyards | 8175 Center Road
- Peninsula Cellars |11480 Center Road
- Tabone Vineyards | 14916 Peninsula Drive
Photo by Dave Weidner
View from the deck of Brys Estate Vineyard & Winery.