Peninsula Township, Michigan facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Peninsula Township, Michigan
Old Mission Peninsula
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| Nickname(s):
"The Peninsula", "O.M.P."
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Location within Grand Traverse County
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 Peninsula Township, Michigan
Location in Michigan
Peninsula Township, Michigan
Location in the United States
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| Country |  United States |
| State |  Michigan |
| County |  Grand Traverse |
| Organized | 1853 |
| Area | |
| • Total | 31.8 sq mi (82.5 km2) |
| • Land | 27.9 sq mi (72.2 km2) |
| • Water | 4.0 sq mi (10.3 km2) |
| Elevation | 594 ft (181 m) |
| Population
(2020)
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| • Total | 6,068 |
| • Estimate
(2023)
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6,107 |
| • Density | 190.8/sq mi (73.6/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC-5 (Eastern (EST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-4 (EDT) |
| ZIP code(s) | |
| Area code(s) | 231 |
| FIPS code | 26-63340 |
| GNIS feature ID | 1626889 |
Peninsula Township is a special kind of local government area called a civil township. It is located in Grand Traverse County in the state of Michigan. In 2020, about 6,068 people lived here. This was more than the 5,433 people who lived here in 2010.
Peninsula Township is the same area as the Old Mission Peninsula. This long piece of land sticks out about 17 miles (27 km) north from Traverse City. It goes into Grand Traverse Bay, which is part of Lake Michigan. The peninsula divides Grand Traverse Bay into two parts: the East Arm and the West Arm.
The Old Mission Peninsula is famous for its cherry farms and grape growing. It is part of the Old Mission Peninsula AVA, which is a special area recognized for growing grapes. At the very northern tip of the peninsula, you can find Mission Point Light, a historic lighthouse.
Also part of Peninsula Township is Power Island. This is a small island located in the West Arm of Grand Traverse Bay.
Contents
History of Peninsula Township
The area known as Old Mission was the first place in the Grand Traverse Bay region settled by Europeans. This happened because of a government agreement called the Treaty of Washington (1836).
Early Settlement
In May 1839, two ministers, Rev. Peter Dougherty and Rev. John Fleming, started a Presbyterian mission here. They chose a good spot along the canoe routes used by Native Americans. When they arrived, they found a small, almost empty village. Native Americans from nearby areas came to meet them for a long discussion. The mission had peaceful relationships with the local Native American tribes. This settlement was first called Grand Traverse.
In June 1839, Henry Schoolcraft arrived and helped start a school. By 1841, the settlement grew into a permanent village with five log buildings and several wigwams. By 1850, it was quite large. A boat called the schooner Arrow made weekly trips from Mackinaw City to the mission.
Renaming the Area
In 1851, a post office was opened in Grand Traverse. It was the only post office in the entire Grand Traverse Bay region at that time. In 1852, Rev. Dougherty moved his mission across the bay to a Native American village. This new location is now Omena. Because of this move, the original community became known as the "Old Mission."
The U.S. Postal Service officially renamed the post office at Grand Traverse to "Old Mission" in 1852. They also renamed the post office at the Boardman River from "Grand Traverse City" to "Traverse City." This was because "Grand Traverse City" was too long for postal rules.
Township Organization
In 1853, Peninsula Township was officially formed. It was one of the first two townships in Grand Traverse County. The other was Traverse Township, which covered the rest of the mainland.
In the early 1940s, a road called Center Road was built. This made it much easier to travel up the peninsula. Before this, people had to use narrow, winding roads along the shoreline. Today, Center Road is the northern part of M-37, a state highway.
Geography and Natural Features
Peninsula Township includes the land known as the Old Mission Peninsula and Power Island. The township covers about 31.8 square miles (82.5 km2). Most of this is land, but about 4.0 square miles (10.3 km2) is water.
Old Mission Peninsula
The Old Mission Peninsula stretches about 17 miles (27 km) into Grand Traverse Bay. This bay is part of Lake Michigan. The peninsula splits Grand Traverse Bay into its West Arm and East Arm. Smaller inlets like Bowers Harbor and Old Mission Harbor are also nearby. At its widest, the peninsula is only about 3.25 miles (5.23 km) across.
The Old Mission Peninsula has unusually steep hills for this area. However, the northern end of the peninsula is much flatter.
Major Highway: M-37
M-37 is a main highway that runs for about 17.25 miles (27.76 km) along the center of the peninsula. It ends in a dead-end street at Old Mission Point.- In 2007, M-37 was named a Pure Michigan Byway Scenic Route. This means it's a beautiful road to drive, known for its scenery and the character of the peninsula.
- South of the peninsula, in Traverse City, M-37 connects with other major highways like US 31 and M-72.
Communities on the Peninsula
Peninsula Township is home to several communities, some of which are historic or even "ghost towns."
- Archie is a ghost town on the shore of East Grand Traverse Bay. It had a post office from 1885 to 1902.
- Mapleton is a small, unincorporated community located about halfway up the Old Mission Peninsula along M-37. It was founded in 1859.
- Neahtawanta is a historic summer resort community. Its name comes from an Ojibwe word meaning "placid waters," referring to Bowers Harbor. It was established in 1890.
- Ogdensburg is another ghost town. It was founded in 1855 and was one of the first settlements in the region. Today, only a cemetery remains.
- Old Mission is an unincorporated community near the end of the peninsula, on the east side of the bay.
- Traverse City is right next to Peninsula Township to the south. Many parts of southern Peninsula Township have grown into suburbs because they are so close to Traverse City. However, Traverse City is a separate city with its own government.
Fun Activities and Recreation
The Old Mission Peninsula offers many fun things to do outdoors!
- Biking: The "Old Mission Peninsula Cruise" is a favorite route for bike riders. Local bike clubs love it because of the beautiful scenery, good road quality, and low traffic.
- Kayaking: The bay is a great place for sea kayaking. The bay protects kayakers from strong winds and waves from Lake Michigan. You can paddle close to the shore, the lighthouse, and various parks.
- Events: There are many events held throughout the year. You can often find a calendar of activities to see what's happening.
Local Produce and Wineries
The Old Mission Peninsula is famous for its delicious produce, especially cherries and grapes!
Wineries on the Peninsula
There are eleven wineries on the Old Mission Peninsula. This area is close to the 45th parallel, a latitude known for growing excellent grapes. The two Grand Traverse Bays create a perfect climate for grapes, and the soil is very rich.
Northern Michigan is known for growing white grapes, especially Rieslings. These grapes grow well during the warm summers and late fall. Every October, the wineries host a harvest festival. Some Riesling grapes are left on the vines until they freeze. These frozen grapes are then used to make a special sweet wine called Ice Wine.
The wineries on the Old Mission Peninsula include:
- 2 Lads Winery
- Black Star Farms
- Bonobo Winery
- Bowers Harbor Vineyards
- Brys Estate Vineyard & Winery
- Chateau Chantal Winery And Inn
- Chateau Grand Traverse
- Hawthorne Vineyards
- Mari Vineyards
- Tabone Vineyards
- Peninsula Cellars
