Traverse City Asylum Tour Guide: History, Tours & What to Know

The former Northern Michigan Asylum, which became the Traverse City State Hospital, brings one of the region's most fascinating stories to light through halls and rooms, underground steam tunnels and the historic Men's Walk and Women's Walk. Today, visitors come to learn the Traverse City asylum story, explore The Village at Grand Traverse Commons and join guided tours through the former asylum. 

History of the Traverse City State Hospital

Long before the property became The Village, it operated as the Northern Michigan Asylum, later known as the Traverse City State Hospital. Officials selected Detroit architect Gordon W. Lloyd to design the asylum in January 1882. Construction of the Victorian-Italianate style institution began in April 1883, and the hospital welcomed its first patients in November 1885. 

The central structure, now commonly known as Building 50, followed the Kirkbride Plan that placed an administrative section at the center and patient wings on either side. Patient rooms offered outside views and access to light, fresh air and sunshine. 

Dr. James Decker Munson, who co-founded the institution and served as its first medical superintendent, believed in the principles of the moral treatment movement and the idea that "Beauty is Therapy." Munson felt patients benefited greatly from beautiful surroundings and thoughtfully designed grounds. 

A New Chapter: The Village at Grand Traverse Commons 

The Village at Grand Traverse Commons now occupies the former State Hospital property, where dozens of spaces currently house local shops, restaurants, wineries and a brewery. Today, you can take a guided tour focused on the site's history. 

Behind Building 50, the Grand Traverse Commons Natural Area provides hundreds of acres of unpaved paths through wooded passages and stream corridors. The trail system remains open year-round for visitors to hike, bike and cross-country ski. 

Types of Tours Available

Asylum tours vary by season, schedule and format. Make sure to consult the asylum website’s official tour calendar to guide your planning, as some tours have age and accessibility requirements. Tours at The Village include options like evening, photography and even a private tour. 

The Guided Historic Walking Tour runs two hours and explores the Village campus, an unrenovated patient cottage and the 1883 steam tunnels. Participants must walk about one mile.  

Other options include The Evolution of Building 50, a one-hour indoor tour focused on the main structure and the 1883 steam tunnels.  

The 90-Minute Explorer Building and Tunnel Tour covers key highlights of the Village's history, architecture and transformation while including about one mile of walking. 

Visitors looking for an after-hours experience may be interested in the Asylum Twilight Tour. This one is a 1.5- to two-hour guided walking tour that includes excerpts from past employee experiences, a basement excursion and the underground steam tunnels. 

Specialty offerings may include the Visual History Presentation, Private Golf Cart Tour, Taste of the Village Tour and Extended Photography Tour.  

Is the Asylum Haunted?  

Fans of all things spooky and haunted are often drawn to Traverse City’s former asylum. The site does have many elements that people associate with ghost stories: period cottages, underground tunnels and more than a century of institutional history. The evening setting of the Asylum Twilight Tour naturally adds to the atmosphere, and many people enjoy the fascination that surrounds the property after sunset. 

Stories and personal experiences connected to the site continue to circulate, though paranormal claims are not independently verified by facts. Whether you come for the history, architecture or lingering sense of mystery, the unusual setting leaves a lasting impression. The visit often says more about imagination, curiosity and the power of place than any single explanation ever could. So, is it haunted? Book a tour and decide for yourself! 

Tips for Visiting & Booking Tours 

Start with our Historic Asylum Tours page, where you'll find information and a captivating virtual tour, before choosing a date. As previously mentioned, each tour may set its own requirements for age, accessibility, season and group size, so review the details on the Asylum’s website for each experience before booking. 

Plan footwear and clothing around the tour details. Several tours require about one mile of walking, time outdoors and access to historic spaces. Closed-toe shoes are recommended in the Village's guidance for the 90-Minute Explorer Building and Tunnel Tour. As always, dress for the weather and arrive prepared for the specific tour conditions and terrain. 

Respect matters here, too. The campus operated for more than a century as a hospital serving thousands of patients and employing doctors, nurses and other staff. Take photos only where tour rules allow and follow your guide's instructions. 

Nearby Things to Do & Places to Eat 

The Village makes it convenient to keep exploring after a tour. The campus includes shops, eateries, cafes, two wineries, a brewery, hiking trails and additional historic spaces. 

For meals, you can stay close to The Village or expand further into Traverse City. If you feel like venturing out, take your pick of foodie approved restaurants. Then check out local events to see what else is going on in the area. An overnight stay gives your visit more time to unfold. Browse hotels and lodging to choose a spot that fits the rest of your plans, and you’re all set for the weekend!

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