Take a Tour
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.
Guided Historic Walking Tour
Join us for a Historic Tour of The Village campus, formerly the Traverse City State Hospital grounds.
- 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.*
History Transformed - The Evolution of Building 50
New for the winter months! This 1-hr indoor historic tour explores the evolution of Building 50 - the main building of The Traverse City State Hospital - now home to the Mercato. 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.
Offer daily at 3:00 pm - Monday through Thursday
Asylum Twilight Tour
For those
seeking an evening experience at the campus of the former Traverse City State Hospital.
- 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.*
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, presented 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
Email or Call to Book
Kate@thevillagetc.com or 231.941.1900 ext. 120
90 minute presentation, $20 per person
90 Minute Explorer Tour
Ready to explore a little more? Join us for this faster-paced tour which highlights the history of the Village Campus, takes you through 2 unrenovated buildings and includes a tour of the 1883 steam tunnels.
- 90 Minute guided tour of the Village Campus
- $30 per person (Ages 12 & over - 11 and under not permitted on tour; under 18 requires parent or guardian present)
- Approximately 1 mile of walking - not wheelchair accessible
- Dress for the weather - up to 50% of this tour is outdoors
*TOUR DATES ARE PUBLISHED 1-2 MONTHS IN ADVANCE*
Private Golf Cart Tour
Jump on our 6 seater golf cart and with your driver/tour guide take a spin around the former Traverse City State Hospital!
- 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)
Offered May through October.
Please call Kate at 231.941.190 ext. 120 for availability
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. Experience the amazing 1883 brick steam tunnel while learning about patient care and the Kirkbride plan. On your brief walk to The Barrel Room at Left Foot Charley, learn about the preservation and reuse of the former state hospital. Taste a variety of wines created by Left Foot Charley before walking to neighboring Brewery, Earthen Ales, where you will sip and savor while learning about their delicious offerings.
$40 per person, (Ages 21 & over, ID required)
PRIVATE, CORPORATE, SCHOOL and LARGE GROUP TOURS
Please reach out to Kate Angove for more information and to schedule your tour.
kate@thevillagetc.com or 231.941.1900 ext.120
Photo by Christian Van Antwerpen
Photo by Christian Van Antwerpen
Photo by Gary EnnisI've explored the grounds on my own and read a lot of history, but nothing compares to the guided tour we took this past weekend. As a mental health professional, this tour was incredible. The tour guide was incredibly knowledgeable and passionate about mental health care, history, and the restoration of the buildings. Not to mention, hilarious. It was amazing to see the inside of these buildings and hear their stories. I recommend this tour to anyone with even the slightest interest in history, mental health care, or just a curiosity about these buildings and their story. Well worth the $25 and the time we spent on the tour.
Julie from Grand Rapids
We have been coming here for years to shop, buy coffee and eat at various places. We have hiked many of the trails but today we decided to take the official tour. THE TOUR IS A MUST DO EVENT!!!! Joe was our lively and very knowledgeable tour guide. You sign a waiver for a reason- you get to go into abandoned buildings and tunnels and Joe knows the history of this place very well. The price for the tour was more than fair. I'd go again tomorrow if I could- it was just that good. Seriously, I'd like to come back this summer and do it again.
Becky B.