Old Mission Peninsula Self-Guided Driving Tour from Traverse City: Wineries, Bays & Lighthouse
About this English self-guided 1h:39m driving tour in Traverse City
Welcome to Old Mission Peninsula, one of the most beautiful corners of northern Michigan.
Stretching north from Traverse City for about 18 miles, this narrow finger of land divides Grand Traverse Bay into its East and West Arms. And while the peninsula may be small, it packs an incredible amount into a relatively short drive — sparkling blue water, rolling hills, cherry orchards, vineyards, historic farms, wineries, quiet beaches, and a lighthouse waiting for us at the very tip.
Old Mission also has a fascinating history. Long before the vineyards and vacation homes, this land was home to Anishinaabe communities. In the 1800s, missionaries and European-American settlers arrived, and the mission established here eventually gave the entire peninsula the name we know today.
Agriculture would become another important part of the story. The surrounding waters of Grand Traverse Bay help moderate the peninsula's climate, creating excellent conditions for growing fruit. Cherries and apples flourished here, and more recently, vineyards have transformed parts of the landscape. Today, Old Mission Peninsula is an officially recognized American wine-growing region, particularly known for its cool-climate wines.
Our journey will take us north through the heart and eastern side of the peninsula, passing orchards, vineyards, wineries, historic sites, and beautiful overlooks. We'll visit the historic Old Mission area before continuing all the way to Mission Point Lighthouse, where you'll have an opportunity to park, walk along the clear waters of Grand Traverse Bay, and explore the northern tip of the peninsula.
Then we'll turn south for a completely different perspective, eventually reaching Peninsula Drive and the shores of West Grand Traverse Bay for a beautiful waterfront journey back toward Traverse City.
Along the way, we'll point out places worth stopping, share some of the stories behind what you're seeing, and introduce you to a few things you might otherwise drive right past.
There's no need to rush. This is your tour, so explore at your own pace. Stop for a view, visit a winery if you're not the one driving, grab some local fruit or ice cream, walk along the beach, and simply enjoy the scenery.
So get comfortable, keep your eyes on the road, and let's begin our journey around Old Mission Peninsula.
- 1For the best experience, begin at the tour's recommended starting point and follow the stops in order.
- 2Want to start somewhere else? Simply use Start At on the tour screen, before tapping Start Tour, to begin from any stop.
- 3Need to detour or skip a stop along the way? Tap Tour Assistant (
![UCPlaces AI Bot Icon]()
) to use Force Play, Skip, and Back, for full flexibility.
) to use Force Play, Skip, and Back, for full flexibility.
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Places (POIs) visited during this tour
1102 Peninsula Dr, Traverse City, MI 49686, USA
But for now, our adventure begins.
We're about to enter one of Michigan's most scenic drives. Stretching nearly 20 miles into Grand Traverse Bay, Old Mission Peninsula is a narrow ribbon of land surrounded by water on both sides. In many places, it's only a couple of miles wide, creating breathtaking views throughout the journey.
Over the next few hours, we'll explore rolling vineyards, cherry orchards, historic churches, charming lakeside communities, and spectacular overlooks before reaching Mission Point Lighthouse at the peninsula's northern tip. On our return, we'll follow a different route, discovering quieter roads, hidden beaches, and a whole new perspective of this remarkable landscape.
So sit back, enjoy the drive, and let's discover why Old Mission Peninsula has become one of Michigan's most treasured destinations.
25 Homestead Ct, Traverse City, MI 49686, USA
Unlike the bustling beaches closer to Traverse City, this small natural preserve remains largely untouched. A short walking trail leads through native vegetation to the shoreline, where visitors are rewarded with beautiful views across East Grand Traverse Bay. It's a wonderful place to pause, enjoy the fresh lake air, watch for birds, or simply take in the tranquil surroundings.
The preserve is named after the Pelizzari family, longtime residents who helped conserve this scenic property so future generations could continue to enjoy its natural beauty. Today, it's managed as a public nature area, protecting both the shoreline habitat and the peaceful character that makes this peninsula so special.
As we continue our drive, notice how the landscape begins to transition once again. The vineyards and orchards gradually give way to wooded hillsides and quiet lakeshore, reminding us that Old Mission Peninsula is much more than wine country—it's a place where agriculture, history, and nature exist side by side.
Place 1
Welcome to Old Mission Peninsula – Between Two Bays
Place 2
Pelizzari Natural Area – A Hidden Bayfront Preserve
Place 3
Mari Vineyards – Old World Winemaking on Old Mission
Place 4
East Arm Grand Traverse Bay – A Freshwater Inland Sea
Place 5
Leaving East Bay – Back Into the Peninsula
Place 6
Center Road – The Heart of Old Mission Peninsula
Place 7
Center Road Scenic Overlook – One of the Peninsula's Best Views
Place 8
St. Joseph Cemetery – A Glimpse of Old Mission's Past
Place 9
Peninsula Township Hall – Since 1876
Place 10
Chateau Chantal – Wine with a View
Place 11
Twin Maples Farm – More Than a Century of Farming
Place 12
Mission Log Church – A Window into Old Mission’s Beginnings
Place 13
Dougherty Mission House – The Story of Old Mission
Place 14
Haserot Beach – Old Mission Harbor
Place 15
Old Mission Peninsula’s Northern Tip – Mission Point Lighthouse
Place 16
Peninsula Drive – The West Bay Side
Place 17
Why Old Mission Peninsula Makes Great Wine
Place 18
Bowers Harbor Vineyards
Place 19
Peninsula Drive – Welcome to West Grand Traverse Bay
Place 20
West Grand Traverse Bay – Islands, Steamships & Henry Ford
Place 21
Across the Bay – Bingham & the Leelanau Peninsula
Place 22
From Old Mission to the Cherry Capital
Place 23
Back to Traverse City – Thanks for Joining Us!