List of Michigan State Historic Sites in Grand Traverse County facts for kids

Grand Traverse County in Michigan is home to many special places called Michigan State Historic Sites. These are buildings, areas, or landmarks that are important because of their history. They help us learn about the past and how people lived long ago. Some of these sites are also listed on the National Register of Historic Places, which means they are important to the whole country! Let's explore some of these amazing historic spots in Grand Traverse County.
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Historic Sites in Grand Traverse County
Here are some of the cool historic places you can find in Grand Traverse County:
Acme Vicinity
- East Bay Township School District No. 2 School
This old school building, located near Acme, was listed as a historic site on May 10, 1990. It reminds us of how kids used to learn in smaller, local schools.
Fife Lake Vicinity
- Fife Lake–Union District No. 1 Schoolhouse
This schoolhouse, near Fife Lake, is also on the National Register of Historic Places. It became a historic site on October 27, 1983. Imagine going to school here!
- Grand Rapids and Indiana Railroad
This historic railroad played a big part in connecting communities. You can find an informational marker about it in a roadside park near Fife Lake. It was recognized as a historic site on February 12, 1959.
Interlochen
- Interlochen Center for the Arts
Located in Interlochen, this famous place is a school for talented young artists in music, theater, and dance. It became a historic site on November 14, 1961, celebrating its importance in arts education.
Old Mission
- Dougherty Mission
The Dougherty Mission, located in Old Mission, has a long history, becoming a historic site on February 18, 1956. It's a significant part of the area's early settlement.
- Hedden Hall
Also in Old Mission, Hedden Hall was listed as a historic site on February 27, 1980. It's another building that tells a story about the community's past.
- Joseph Hessler Log House
This old log house in Old Mission gives us a peek into how people lived many years ago. It's a great example of early homes in the area.
- Mission Point Lighthouse
This beautiful lighthouse on Center Road in Old Mission helps guide ships and is a popular landmark. It became a historic site on October 15, 1992.
- Old Mission Congregational Church
This church in Old Mission has been a community gathering place for a long time. It was recognized as a historic site on September 24, 1984.
Traverse City
- City Opera House
The City Opera House in Traverse City is a beautiful building where many performances and events have taken place. It's also on the National Register of Historic Places and became a historic site on October 29, 1971.
- Congregation Beth El
This synagogue in Traverse City is an important place of worship with a rich history. It was listed as a historic site on October 21, 1975.
- Grand Traverse Bay Informational Designation
Grand Traverse Bay itself is so important that it has an informational marker in Clinch Park in Traverse City. It was designated a historic site on July 19, 1956, highlighting its natural and historical significance.
- Grand Traverse County Courthouse
This building in Traverse City is where important county decisions are made. It became a historic site on July 26, 1974, showing its role in local government.
- Ladies Library Building
The Ladies Library Building in Traverse City was an important place for women's education and community activities. It was listed as a historic site on May 8, 1986.
- Mac's Super Service Station
This old service station in Traverse City shows us what gas stations looked like in the past. It became a historic site on April 28, 1987.
- Northern Michigan Asylum
This large complex in Traverse City, also known as The Village at Grand Traverse Commons, has a long and interesting history. It's on the National Register of Historic Places and became a historic site on October 26, 1985.
- Old Mission Peninsula Lighthouse Park
This park, located at 20500 Center Road in Traverse City, offers beautiful views and is a historic spot. It was listed as a historic site on July 15, 1999.
- Park Place Hotel
The Park Place Hotel in Traverse City is a well-known landmark. It became a historic site on May 10, 1990, and has hosted many visitors over the years.
- Perry Hannah House
The Perry Hannah House in Traverse City is a grand historic home. It's also on the National Register of Historic Places and was listed as a historic site on October 29, 1971.
- Site of Novotny's Saloon
This site in Traverse City marks where Novotny's Saloon once stood, an important part of the city's social history. It was recognized as a historic site on September 10, 1979.
- Sleder's Tavern
Sleder's Tavern in Traverse City is one of Michigan's oldest continuously operating taverns. It became a historic site on January 13, 1981.
- Weight Station
This old weigh station on Peninsula Drive in Traverse City played a role in transportation and commerce. It was listed as a historic site on July 20, 1982.
- Wilhelm Brothers Store
The Wilhelm Brothers Store in Traverse City is another historic building that tells a story about the city's past businesses. It was recognized as a historic site on November 26, 1985.