Are you making plans for traveling up north this summer, perhaps taking in a festival, or just visiting one of Michigan’s beautiful peninsulas? This month we explore some of the more unique northwestern Michigan architectural buildings and historical areas that reinforce MAF’s mission of advancing awareness of how architecture enriches life. If you are planning a trip to northwest Michigan this summer, please consider some of the following options to learn more about Michigan Architecture.
Headlands Dark Sky Park:
In May 2011, Emmet County’s Headlands property became the sixth International Dark Sky Park in the United States and only the ninth in the world. This 600-acre parcel of old-growth forest sits on more than two miles of undeveloped Lake Michigan shoreline at the northwest tip of Michigan’s lower peninsula, where the Straits of Mackinac sweep into the great lake. Here you will find the darkest of skies, undiluted by light pollution and preserved in perpetuity by Emmet County through the International Dark Sky Association. The Waterfront Event Center and Observatory features a green roof and stunning views of Lake Michigan.
https://www.midarkskypark.org/
SkyBridge Michigan at Boyne Mountain:
Take a walk on the wild side and take in the world’s longest timber-towered suspension bridge. This unique structure was completed in 2023 and features a 1,200-foot-long, 118-foot-high pedestrian bridge between McLouth and Disciples Ridge peaks, overlooking the Boyne Valley. Cross first thing in the morning, stay late to catch the sunset, or watch the changing landscape throughout the day. Your ticket includes a scenic chairlift ride to the mountain top.
SkyBridge Michigan (boynemountain.com)
Village of Bay View (North of Petoskey):
It is hard to find a place that better captures the spirit of a Michigan summer “up north” than Bay View. Built in the late 1800’s, Bayview today is comprised of more than 440 cottages and over 30 public buildings. The community’s collection of summer cottages ranks among the best in Michigan. To drive or bicycle through on a summer day is to be transported back in time. Do not miss the Must-See Michigan Architecture article on Bay View in this month’s Newsletter.
Bay View Association – BAY VIEW WALKING TOUR (uberflip.com)
About the Bay View Association
Great Lakes Children’s Museum:
If you are looking for a place to take the kids, then look no further than the Great Lakes Children’s Museum (GLCM). The GLCM overlooks the West Arm of the Grand Traverse Bay in Traverse City and is true to the area’s nautical theme. See, touch and explore the interactive water-focused exhibits to discover the world around you. Sage age-appropriate activities encourage imaginative play for children and the adults in their lives.
Great Lakes Children’s Museum – Traverse City, MI (greatlakeskids.org)
The Great Lakes Campus of Northwest Michigan College:
The Great Lakes Campus of Northwest Michigan College includes the Great Lakes Maritime Academy, the Great Lakes Water Studies Institute, the Great Lakes Culinary Institute and the Hagerty Conference Center. The Hagerty Center is a premier waterfront venue providing state-of-the-art conferencing facilities for local, regional, national and international groups. Learning opportunities include seminars, conferences and specialized training. The breath-taking bayside location features a 380-seat conference and exhibition facilities.
Home : Great Lakes Maritime Academy at Northwestern Michigan College (nmc.edu)
Waterfront Event Center | Waterfront Event Venue | Hagerty Center
Interlochen Center for the Arts:
Since 1928, Interlochen has offered an immersive arts experience that fosters a sense of closeness discovered only through a deep, shared appreciation. Generations of artists and arts enthusiasts have experienced the special and intangible magic that transpires on Interlochen’s beautiful campus, nestled between two pristine lakes and surrounded by quiet pines in northwest Michigan. The 1,200-acre campus includes more than 400 buildings, many of which were designed by Alden B. Dow.
Interlochen Center for the Arts | Facilities & Venues
360-Degree Virtual Tours (interlochen.org)
Historic Fishtown in Leelanau County:
Fishtown is a collection of weathered fishing shanties, smokehouses, overhanging docks, fish tugs and charter boats along the Leland River in Leland, Michigan. Once the heart of a more active commercial fishing village, the structures and docks are real places where people can walk through, see and feel a connection to Lake Michigan’s fishing heritage. For the past half-century, it has been enjoyed and appreciated by thousands of visitors and regional residents who find the shanties, fish tugs and docks that make up the property a living legacy of our maritime culture.
Fishtown Preservation (fishtownmi.org)
Visit Leland & Fishtown in Leelanau County – West Michigan Guides