The Village at Grand Traverse Commons
The Village at Grand Traverse Commons
The Village at Grand Traverse Commons
4.5
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Formerly the Traverse City State Hospital, The Village at Grand Traverse Commons is a historic neighborhood converted to boutique shopping & dining with an arboretum, guided tours, hiking trails and more.
Duration: 2-3 hours
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- Decaf4meBoise, Idaho57 contributionsWas very informativeWe took the nighttime tour. It was very interesting to learn the positive approach taken to mental healt at this location. The architecture is beautiful. You will go up and down many flights of stairs. Very little time or distance is spent in the tunnel but is cool to see. This is a professional informative tour, not a cheesy comedy act like some tours we found ourselves in at other locations (in another state)Visited May 2023Traveled with familyWritten June 2, 2023
- Patricia R2 contributionsTwo hour tour at the TC State HospitalWe enjoyed our experience on the two hour walking tour with Joe at 3pm. Joe was extremely knowledgeable, and fun. He welcomed and answered all questions, and even volunteered there as a youth in high school. Pioneers at that time; this concept seems amazing. Today our mental health care is so lacking.Visited June 2023Written June 25, 2023
- Barb EMichigan10 contributionsHistorical TC State Hospital Guided TourWe did the daytime guided historic tour of the former state hospital. It was great! Kristen did a very good job telling the history, the reason for the type of facility it was, and also shared interesting anecdotes about the facility. I’d highly recommend this tour.Visited July 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten July 6, 2023
- Cruise177Cleveland, Ohio30 contributionsHistory brought to lifeWhat an interesting tour! Our tour guide, Ruth Ann, had history with this institution, as her father worked there for 30+ years, so she shared many colorful stories about the people and place. I enjoyed the fact that we went 'behind the scenes,' through the tunnel, into abandoned cottages, and got to explore some areas on our own. I especially enjoyed all the stories of the characters who lived here, which brought the place to life! Good tour for a rainy day (though you will need rain gear walking between buildings)Visited June 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten July 7, 2023
- Alisha MLachine, Michigan9 contributionsHistory and Fun in one placeHighly Recommend the daytime tour, our host Joe Kirkpatrick was knowledgeable and had jokes. He knew alot of history about the premises, and also let us explore an old men's ward and walked us down the old steam tunnels (both of which are off limits to general public). The shops are a bit expensive, but that is to be expected at any tourist destination. Plan almost a whole day to see everything.Visited July 2023Traveled with familyWritten July 16, 2023
- Jeff L4 contributionsDon’t go if you are claustrophobicTook a 80 minute tour with Shaun, as 25 patrons paid for a 90 minute tour had to rush thru the tunnels since someone had claustrophobia. It was unfortunate, that our 90 minute tour was cut shorter. We rushed through another building/area just to make sure we got to the tunnels within the time limit. To find out that one of the patrons had claustrophobia and we had to all get quickly escorted out. It says on all the information as to what the tour entails, and it says outside, walking and TUNNELS!!! She (the patron) should have stayed away or cut her tour short not the 25 in the group! Otherwise I would recommend the tour as it was interesting to visit the buildings. (8/14/23)Visited August 2023Written August 17, 2023
- Happiness102139939033 contributionsDon't hesitate. Great tour!Fantastic tour! I wish I remembered my guides name. She was engaging with all ages on the tour I learned so much. Only negative is figuring out where to park and finding my car afterwards. Because of the design of the building there are lots of turns in the basement. If you're directionally challenged like me leave a popcorn trail. Large signs for tour parking in the parking lot would be welcomed. There are plenty of signs once inside the building directing you where to go to check in but outdoors is another story!Visited August 2023Traveled soloWritten August 28, 2023
- ChicagoTraveler11122232 contributionsTour of the Village at Grand Traverse CommonsWe had a fabulous tour of Grand Traverse Commons with RuthAnne. Her personal stories and her passion for the history of the facility and the care of the patients made her presentation all the more interesting. We highly recommend this tour when visiting Traverse City.Visited August 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten September 1, 2023
- Karen RLindsay, Canada4 contributionsFantastic historical tour, plus fun shopping and diningWe took the 2 hour tour and our guide was excellent. Her father had worked there for about 40 years as a care giver so she was passionate about the history of the asylum and told lots of stories about life there over the years. The architecture is stunning and we were so happy to see the building transformed into an underground shopping and dining mall, with offices, condos, and apartments filling the top three floors. We saw one of the cottages which had fallen into disrepair from being empty for decades but is starting to undergo renovations. We thoroughly enjoyed our day at The Village.Visited August 2023Traveled with familyWritten September 2, 2023
- Vicki TStamford, Connecticut8 contributionsExcellent tourMy husband and I would highly recommend this tour. The 2-hr tour was filled with interesting facts. Our tour guide Katherine was superb. Her knowledge of the asylum was highlighted by her childhood stories growing up a few blocks from the asylum campus.Visited September 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten September 21, 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Sandra Chuck S
Holland, MI11 contributions
Mar 2024 • Couples
We took the walking tour with guide and she was fantastic. It was interesting and very informative. So glad we decided to take it in.
Written March 3, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
joani e
New Hudson, MI6 contributions
Mar 2024 • Couples
Our asylum tour was great! Joe, our guide was so knowledgeable and interesting. We highly recommend this historical tour!
Written March 3, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Meg R
1 contribution
Feb 2024 • Friends
Some girlfriends & I planned an early February TC long weekend & didn’t have any concrete plans. After doing wineries & shops on Friday, we decided we’d try the Traverse City State Hospital tour on Sunday before we headed back home & it did not disappoint. Our tour guide Joe was incredible & had lots of information to share about how the hospital came to be, how it operated & why it eventually closed & what the plans are for it in the future. We got to see a unique perspective we otherwise would have never known & it was well worth the tour fee.
Written February 5, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Michael I
Fayetteville, GA51 contributions
Jan 2024 • Family
SHAWN DELIVERS A MASTERFUL TOUR of the former asylum. Trusting on the experiences of her parents and grandparents as former hospital employees, as well as collective historical notes, Shawn conducted a rousing overview of the buildings and legacy of the complex. Whether walking the grounds in frigid Michigan winter weather or wandering former underground steam tunnels, we felt the spirit of patients and staff who comingled under expectations of kindliness and human dignity. BRAVO, SHAWN!!!
Written January 23, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Carla G
1 contribution
Dec 2023 • Couples
This place is awesome! So much history here. Our tour guide, Catherine, was so fun and informative. I can’t recommend this tour enough.
Written December 31, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for the wonderful review! We are thrilled to hear of your great experience on our tour - hope to welcome you back in the future !
Written January 18, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Mouzouris
Livonia, MI1,581 contributions
Aug 2023 • Family
We booked this tour last minute the day before and we didn't regret it. Our tour guide was born and raised in the area so she shared a lot of stories from when she was growing up. I wouldn't recommend it for too young kids as they would probably get bored. Also be aware that it's a lot of walking and standing involved.
Written November 21, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
These are great tips for our tour, thank you so much for sharing! We hope to welcome you back in the future.
Written January 18, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
John M
Houston, TX41 contributions
Nov 2023 • Family
We took the Traverse City State Hospital tour on 10/31/23. It was a wonder tour given by “Cutter”. He will explain his nickname. It was very educational. I wouldn’t recommend it for children under 8 or physically impaired. It’s a jam packed 2 hour tour. We got to visit several of the buildings. It’s still a work in progress getting restored.
Written November 1, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Joy K
1 contribution
Oct 2023 • Friends
The guide Natalie is immature and spoke alot about herself. The stories were made up to try and make people believe that there was nothing horrible that happened to the patients here and no one wanted to leave because they were treated so well. Read up on your history. There should have been eerie stories since this was the flashlight twilight tour. The buildings were awesome but this tour could be so much more real and interesting.
Written October 22, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for taking the time to review your experience of the Twilight Tour; we are sad to read that it did not meet your expectation. We strive on providing the wonderful and positive aspects of the property, and aim at educating those taking the tours of its fascinating history.
Written January 18, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Kay P
5 contributions
Oct 2023 • Family
A lot of talking. It would have been nice to see a staged room from the past. The tour was very sugarcoated. But that may be liability. Tour guide locked two people in the building on accident.
Thankful for the men who bought it. Great job with restoration.
Thankful for the men who bought it. Great job with restoration.
Written October 13, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your feedback on your tour ! Our tour guides do their best at providing the rich and fascinating history of the property, which includes a lot of positive stories and facts surrounding its past.
Written January 18, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Randolph42
Michigan9 contributions
Oct 2023 • Family
We went on the twilight tour of the asylum tonight, and it was very interesting. Our guide was named Shannon (I think), but she did a great job, was very informative, and answered any questions anyone had on the tour. We got to go inside several old buildings and even into the steam tunnels. The only thing that disappointed me a little bit was that this was 99% an educational/historical tour. I was hoping for more of a “ghost tour.” There was one ghost story she told in while we were in the tunnel, but it was more of a story than an experience someone had on the grounds. Overall it was very educational, and the buildings themselves are very impressive architecturally. If you’re into history then this tour is definitely for you. If you’re looking for more of a spooky experience you might be disappointed.
Written October 5, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for taking the time to review ! You are correct, our tours are educational for telling the rich history of the property and not at all "ghost tours". We are happy you had a chance to experience the property and hope to have the chance to welcome you back in the future!
Written January 18, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Does the Taste of the Village Tour come with any drinks? Or are they all purchased outside of the $40 tour fee? Thanks!
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)
mistermcoolit
Farmington Hills, MI1 contribution
Are we allowed to go there and just take pictures outside without taking the tour or they won't let us in the property?
Brifree1776
Chicago, IL51 contributions
Yes. There is even a shopping area and restaurants you can eat at. All without doing the tour.
pattiloves2travel
Salem, OR20 contributions
I'll be in the area June 19/20. Not sure which tour time we will end up needing. Can I be flexible and get a tour upon arrival or do I need to pre-book? Not sure how busy these get or how big of a group they allow. Please advise. Thanks
Kristen C.
Waterford, MI870 contributions
If you're talking about the official guided tour, you have to book those in advance...we found that out the hard way. And also, we went in October, so there were more "spooky tours" than regular tours available and all were booked in advanced. But if you just want to go and explore grounds yourself, there are dozens of trails behind the main buildings that are available to be walked on from dawn to dusk. If you stop into the place that gives the tours and ask someone there, they'll give you a map of all the trail markers and points of interest...like the Hippie Tree. You can also find a map at the Traverse City Visitor Center and online too. Hope this helps...
trishamichelle
Detroit, MI49 contributions
Can you view the unrenovated part of the hospital and go into the tunnel by yourself of do you have to take the guided tour?
You have to take the tour - I am pretty sure
TDavey
Gladstone, MI
Is there lodging close by?
fancygirl523
Rochester Hills, MI22 contributions
I would highly recommend Cambria Suites. Located on Route 72 as you enter the city from the south or east. Excellent accommodations and friendly professional service. Free parking. They even offer a free shuttle that will drop off and pick up anywhere in the city. We used it to go downtown for dinner and to go for our tour at the Commons.
dgeoff1
Owosso, MI16 contributions
Is the Twilight Tour meant to be spooky? I know it's not a ghost tour, but I'm hoping to take my thrill-seeking sister next month, wondering if it's something she'd enjoy.
Rvenner
Traverse City, MI25 contributions
It’s spooky by nature but not intentionally. You can imagine what happened in the past while walking thru the brick lined tunnels
Laura W
Kalamazoo, MI20 contributions
Can you take a self guided history tour?
msfetch
Hillsborough, CA96 contributions
There are many old photos with descriptions as you walk around. You may certainly walk around as I did and get a feel for the place as it was. But you are experiencing it as it is as well.
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Claim your listingTHE VILLAGE AT GRAND TRAVERSE COMMONS: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about The Village at Grand Traverse Commons
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- (0.00 km) Cuppa Joe
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