Old Mission Peninsula, often referred to as simply "The Peninsula", is a region in Grand Traverse County in the U.S. state of Michigan. The Peninsula is known for its beautiful scenic drives, fantastic view of both East and West bays, vineyards, cherry orchards, and farmlands.
Approximately 18 miles long and 3 miles wide at its widest point, the Peninsula is surrounded by the blue water of Grand Traverse Bay, a popular spot for outdoor activities such as boating, fishing, kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding.
The region is also a must-visit destination for wine lovers. Its location on the 45th parallel, similar to famous wine regions such as Bordeaux in France, makes for ideal conditions for ripening cool climate grapes. The Peninsula is home to numerous wineries and wine tasting rooms, which are part of the region's wine trail. The varietals commonly grown here include Riesling, Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir, and Cabernet Franc. The scenic views of rolling vineyards and bay vistas add to the overall wine-tasting experience.
The Peninsula is dotted with beautiful historic homes, landmark lighthouses like the Old Mission Point Lighthouse, local art galleries, and charming restaurants serving fresh local cuisine. The historic Old Mission Peninsula School is also located in this region.
Another distinct feature of the Peninsula is its orchards. The region is well-known for its fruit growing, especially cherries, apples, and peaches. The blossoming of cherry trees attracts tourists every spring.
In addition, the region's unique microclimate caused by the surrounding waters of the bay creates ideal conditions for agriculture, contributing to the Peninsula's patchwork of farms, orchards and vineyards. This makes Old Mission Peninsula a beautiful rural retreat within easy reach of Traverse City.
