Nothing symbolizes summer in Michigan more than a trip ‘up north’. For the second in MAF’s series of Architecture Road Trips, we are heading to the northwest region of the state, starting in Manistee and travelling north to Harbor Springs, near the tip of Michigan’s lower peninsula.
Each of the stops on our trip are taken from Michigan Architectural Foundation’s book, ‘Great Architecture of Michigan’, written by John Gallagher with photos by Balthazar Korab. (you can purchase the book here).
The entries below include the page from the book on which you’ll find the entry, read more about the architecture, and see photos. Should you choose to road trip in person (as opposed to virtually), keep in mind that some of the sites and architecture are public (and may be currently closed or have restricted hours), while others are private but provide photo opportunities taken from public land.
Let’s hit the road!
1. First Congregational United Church of Christ, Manistee Page 93
Romanesque 1892 church is a visible landmark from Lake Michigan, with 48 stained glass windows, including three thought to be from Tiffany.
https://www.uccmanistee.org/history
2. Port Betsie Lighthouse, Frankfort Page 4
Built in 1858, it is said to be one of Americas’ most-visited lighthouses and the most-visited attraction in Benzie County.
3. D.H. Day Farm, Leelanau County, near Glen Haven Page 110
A landmark of the agricultural heritage of the area. Incredibly fine detailing, it is architecture without pretense.
https://www.nps.gov/slbe/planyourvisit/dhdayfarm.htm
4. Hannah House, Traverse City Page 188
40 room, Queen Anne-style mansion with elaborate carvings and interior woodwork. Built in 1891, it has been operated as a funeral home since 1937.
https://www.traversecity.com/blog/post/perry-hannah-founder-of-traverse-city/
5. Traverse City State Hospital, Traverse City Page 136
A Victorian-Italianate decommissioned psychiatric hospital on the National Register of Historic Places and a designated Michigan State Historic Site. Now redeveloped as The Village at Grand Traverse Commons.
https://www.thevillagetc.com/history/
6. Richardi House, Bellaire Page 158
A classic example of Queen Anne Victorian Architecture, located near Torch Lake. The 1895 home now operates as the Grand Victorian, a B&B Inn.
http://www.grandvictorian.com/
http://www.grandvictorian.com/history.htm
7. The Chicago Club, Charlevoix Page 15
The Chicago Club captures the easy charm of a norther Michigan resort. Built in 1881 as a summer getaway by a Chicago church group.
http://www.chicagoclub.org/Default.aspx?p=dynamicmodule&pageid=396788&ssid=310141&vnf=1
8. Dwarf or Mushroom Houses, Charlevoix Page 160
Real estate developer Earl Young crafted these fairy tale-style dwellings out of local natural materials. The homes were featured in the Michigan Emmy-award winning documentary film ‘The Wizard of Boulder Park,’ a project supported by MAF Architecture Awareness Grants. (watch the trailer).
https://www.visitcharlevoix.com/Earl-Young_
https://www.oldhouseonline.com/house-tours/mushroom-houses-of-charlevoix
https://minivanadventures.com/charlevoix-mushroom-houses/
9. Village of Bay View, North of Petoskey Pages 182-183
Bay View is comprised of 440 cottages, most dating back to the 1800’s, and over 30 public buildings. This historic colony is the epitome of a classic northern Michigan getaway.
http://www.bayviewassociation.org/about-us#gsc.tab=0
http://www.bayviewassociation.org/history#gsc.tab=0
http://www.bayviewassociation.org/walking_tour#gsc.tab=0