Planning Your Trip to Old Mission Peninsula
When you’re staying in Delamar Traverse City, you don’t have to drive all too far for scenic vistas and sightseeing opportunities. Below is a quick guide to getting the most out of your drive up M-37 and to the tip of the nearby peninsula, voted as one the top 10 drives in America!
Scenic Detours at the Start
Two parks are right outside the start of the drive: Archie Roadside Park and Power Island Park. Archie is right on the edge of Lake Michigan, and would serve best as a spot for a quick picnic before heading back on the road to the end of the peninsula. A trip to Power Island would take more planning to visit, but is still worth checking out! If you’re interested in visiting any of its ten rustic campsites, prepare to detour to either Park Marina or Bower’s Harbor Marina to catch a ferry there.
A Drink Past Midway
Whether you’re on your way up or your way back down the peninsula, try and find the time to enjoy some wine at 2 Lads Winery. Only 15 miles from Delamar Traverse City, 2 Lads’ tagline, “Bold, Modern, True,” is undoubtedly accurate. Their cutting edge facility brings modern facilities to the eons old tradition of winemaking, and provides both a comfortable venue to stop at and sightseeing opportunities during tours of its 23 acres of vineyards.
You’ve Made It There!
But if you want to savor the moments before getting to the end of your short road trip, there are two nature spots off Murray road you can visit: Old Mission Point Park and its neighboring Brinkman Bog Nature Preserve. The former has access to a 6.1 mile trail loop that typically takes hikers about 2 hours to complete, and the latter is a natural preserve with scenic walks through the woods. If you’re lucky, you may even have a chance encounter with some of Michigan’s bald eagles who use the preserve as a sanctuary. Note that parking is unmarked at the preserve, so plan on a small bit of offroading before you’re able to visit.
Once you’ve made it all the way up the peninsula, check out the views from up high at the Mission Point Lighthouse. Over 150 years old, this lighthouse was constructed as an exact replica of the Mamajuda Lighthouse on the Detroit River. Feel free to walk the beach nearby or just sit back and take in the splendor of the view.
Before You Go
Be sure to book a hotel in advance so you can be sure to experience some quality rest and relaxation. If you’re in the market for excellent service and accommodations, then check out Delamar Traverse City! It’s the only place in town that has it all: beachside firepits, walks straight into the heart of downtown, and par-none dining at Artisan, our waterfront restaurant. Click here to see what dates are available before it’s too late!