Book a Tour

Step back into the abundant history of the former Traverse City State Hospital. 

The Village story is unique and vital to the history of Traverse City.  Join us for an array of tours that give an accurate snapshot of Dr. Munson’s “Beauty is Therapy” theory on patient care, the former uses of the structures on the property, the purpose of the architecture and more. Tours are available year ’round rain or shine. Please dress for the weather, at least half of the tour will be outdoors.

An old door with chipping white paint propped slightly open, leading out of a brick building to an outdoor area with colorful trees.

Guided Historic Walking Tour

Join us for a Historic Tour of The Village campus, formerly the Traverse City State Hospital grounds.

2 Hours ⏺ $30 per person

    • 2 hour Guided Tour of The Village campus

    • $30 per person, (Ages 12 & over - 11 & under NOT permitted on tour; under 18 requires parent or guardian present) 

    • Approximately 1 mile of walking - Not wheelchair accessible 

    • Learn about Dr. Munson’s “Beauty is Therapy” theory on patient care, former uses of the structures on the property, purpose of the architecture and much more

    • Venture through an unrenovated historic building and walk through an amazing brick steam tunnel built in 1883 

    • Dress for the weather - up to 50% of this tour is outdoors

    *TOUR DATES ARE PUBLISHED 1-2 MONTHS IN ADVANCE.*

A dark, brick tunnel with small light fixtures attached at the top.

History Transformed

The Evolution of Building 50

New for the winter months! This 1-hr indoor historic tour explores the evolution of Building 50.

1 Hour ⏺ $20 per person

  • Stay indoors and step back into the abundant history of this fascinating building with a guided walking tour without stepping outside.

    • 1 hour indoor walking tour

    • $20 per person, must be 12 years and older (under 18 years old requires parent or legal guardian to attend)

    • Tour includes a walk through the 1883 Steam Tunnels.

    *Offered Monday through Thursday at 2:30pm.

A building at The Village at Grand Traverse Commons at night, surrounded by barren trees.

Asylum Twilight Tour

For those seeking an evening experience at the campus of the former Traverse City State Hospital.

1.5-2 Hours ⏺ $35 per person

    • 1.5 - 2 hour Evening Guided Walking Tour

    • $35 per person, must be 16 years and older (under 18 years old requires parent or legal guardian to attend)

    • Hear excerpts of first hand experiences from former employees and listen for the creaks and groans of the asylum “cottages” settling at night

    • Tour includes an excursion into the basement of a former Men's Ward Cottage as well as the underground steam tunnels

    • Dress for the weather - 50% of this tour is outdoors. Flashlights recommended.

    TOUR DATES ARE PUBLISHED 1-2 MONTHS IN ADVANCE.

Several tall towers surrounding a building at The Village at Grand Traverse Commons.

NEW! Visual History Presentation

Developed by veteran tour guides Joe Kilpatrick and Catherine Allen-Goodwin, this is a seated multimedia exploration of the history of the Northern Michigan Asylum.

90 Mins. ⏺ $20 per Person

  • The Visual History Presentation takes place in the comfort of Kirkbride Hall, the former Chapel of the Asylum.

    Attendees journey through a broad collection of photos and videos related to the remarkable legacy of the Northern Michigan Asylum, from its construction in 1883 through its century of operation and closing in 1989, to its re-birth in the early 2000s.  

    Private groups of 10 to 120

    90 minute presentation, $20 per person

    Email or Call to Book: Kate@thevillagetc.com or 231.941.1900 ext. 120

Private Golf Cart Tour

Jump on our 6 seater golf cart and with your driver/tour guide and take a spin around the former Traverse City State Hospital! Offered May through October.

1 Hour ⏺ $120 for Up to 5 People

    • 1 hour guided golf cart ride of the Village Campus with view of the former farm of the asylum the Botanic Gardens

    • $120 for up to 5 people (Ages 8 & over - 8 and under not permitted on tour; under 18 requires parent or guardian present)

    Please call Kate at 231.941.1900 ext. 120 for availability 

wine and beer in cups, bottles, and jugs in a dark brick tunnel.

Taste of the Village Tour

On this unique tour, guests will experience a taste of the many things The Village, formerly known as the Traverse City State Hospital, has to offer.

2 hours and 15 Mins. ⏺ $58 per Person

  • Join us on this exclusive tour, where you'll immerse yourself in the rich history and charm of The Village, formerly the Traverse City State Hospital, while enjoying tastes from the neighborhood brewery and wineries. Start your journey with a fascinating walk through the 1883 brick steam tunnel, learning about the Kirkbride plan, the evolution of patient care, and the remarkable efforts to preserve and repurpose this historic landmark.

    Your tasting begins at Earthen Ales Brewery, where you’ll savor their craft brews and discover the story behind their exceptional offerings.

    Next, cross the street to ŌBrien Vineyards, a hidden gem where you'll taste limited-edition sparkling and still wines from their boutique Old Mission winery.

    Finally, wrap up the experience at The Barrel Room, where you'll sample a variety of wines produced by Left Foot Charley while learning about the fascinating history of this stunning tasting room.

    $58 per person, (Ages 21 & over, ID required)

Extended Photography Tour

The semi-guided TCSH Tripod Photography Tours give photographers of all levels a chance to respectfully explore various unrestored buildings that are not normally included on our Guided Historic Tour.

5 hours ⏺ $100 per Person

  • 5 hours with and hour break for lunch

    The semi-guided TCSH Tripod Photography Tours give photographers of all levels a chance to respectfully explore various unrestored buildings that are not normally included on our Guided Historic Tour. Smaller groups are escorted through a variety of spaces such as basements and attics, with enough time to allow everyone opportunities to capture the building elements they find compelling. This tour also includes an excursion into the 1883 underground steam tunnel.

    *About a mile of walking

90 Minute Explorer

Building and Tunnel Tour

Join us for this 90 Minute History Tour that includes a tour of 2 patient cottages and the 1883 steam tunnel.

90 Mins. ⏺ $30 per Person

  • Take a guided tour into historic unrenovated buildings and the underground tunnel system of the former Traverse City State Hospital. Learn about Dr. Munson’s “Beauty is Therapy” theory on patient care, former uses of the structures on the property, purpose of the architecture, and much more. Venture through an unrenovated historic building and walk through an amazing brick steam tunnel built in 1883

    The tours will guide participants through the original unrenovated buildings of the former Traverse City State Hospital which has sat vacant since the State closed the doors almost 25 years ago. Due to changing construction schedules, the historic buildings viewed may change from tour to tour. In addition, guests will be guided through underground utility tunnels, originally used to connect and serve buildings across the original State Hospital campus. The tour ends in the restored Mercato portion of Building 50 where shops, tasting rooms and eateries are now open seven days a week.

    - Ages 11 & under not permitted to go on tour. Tour is not handicap accessible.

    - Under the age of 18 requires parent or guardian present

    - Approximately 1 mile of walking - Not wheelchair accessible

    - Closed-toed shoes are recommended, and please dress for the weather as you will be spending at least an hour outside rain, snow or shine.

Special Tours

Interested in booking a private, corporate, school, or large group tour?

Please reach out to Kate Angove for more information and to schedule your tour.
tours@thevillagetc.com | 231.941.1900 ext.120