When visiting the Traverse City area, one of the “must do” tours is the Old Mission Peninsula. This is a perfect day trip or at the very least a half-day trip. This picturesque finger of land separates East Grand Traverse Bay from West Grand Traverse Bay.

It can be accessed from Traverse City by driving North on M37. For an interesting loop tour, follow Peninsula Drive all the way to the end, which will keep you close to the beautiful shoreline and lovely homes. Once you reach the end, turn right on Swaney Rd. for a brief jaunt back over to M37. Hang a left there for a short drive up to the tip of the Peninsula where you can view the Old Mission Lighthouse. Inside tours are not available as it is now occupied but great photo ops abound. You may walk down to the beach area to get a closer view of the lake and perhaps find some pretty stones. There is a very interesting restored settler’s cabin on site and you can peer through the windows to see how early Michigander’s lived.

After leaving the lighthouse, stay on M-37 and begin heading South. There are five wineries on the Mission Peninsula. You definitely will want to stop at as many as time allows and sample our famous Michigan wines. Some of the best come from this area. Signs along M-37 direct you to their locations. The Chateau Chantal will be your first stop followed by Brys Estate, Bowers Harbor Vineyards, Chateau Grand Traverse and Peninsula Cellars. All have their featured favorites and all are worth sampling.

Regardless of your interests, you will find that The Old Mission Peninsula is a great place to spend your time. It is beautiful at any time of the year and reminds one of a cross between California’s wine country and New England. Go and explore on your own and have a fun time. As a footnote, you will not find many gas stations on the tour so you may want to fill up before you head out to enjoy your day.