Old Mission State Park
Overview: Where the 45th Parallel Meets Grand Traverse Bay
Stretching across approximately 650 acres at the tip of the Old Mission Peninsula—the narrow, 18-mile finger of land that splits Grand Traverse Bay into its east and west arms north of Traverse City—Old Mission State Park occupies one of the most scenically dramatic and geographically significant locations in northern Michigan. The park sits near the 45th parallel, the latitude popularly (if not precisely) described as the halfway point between the North Pole and the Equator, and features the historic Mission Point Lighthouse (1870), nearly 10 miles of trails through former cherry orchards and forests, and sandy beaches on both sides of the peninsula tip.
Managed cooperatively by Peninsula Township under a long-term lease from the Michigan DNR, Old Mission State Park is a day-use destination with no camping facilities—but the experience of standing at the tip of the peninsula with Grand Traverse Bay shimmering on both sides, the lighthouse behind you, and the distant silhouette of the Leelanau Peninsula on the horizon makes this one of the most memorable parks in the Michigan system, camping or no camping.
The 45th Parallel
Old Mission Peninsula’s claim to fame as the location of the 45th parallel—the line of latitude equidistant between the Equator and the North Pole—has been celebrated for generations by markers and signs along M-37 as it runs the length of the peninsula. A historical marker near the park notes the 45th parallel crossing, though geographers have pointed out that because the Earth is an oblate spheroid (wider at the equator than at the poles), the true geographic midpoint between the poles is approximately 10 miles north of the 45th parallel line.
Geographic precision aside, the 45th parallel narrative adds a layer of conceptual resonance to the park experience: standing at a point equidistant between the planet’s extremes, surrounded by the temperate beauty of northern Michigan’s cherry-and-wine country.
Mission Point Lighthouse (1870)
The Mission Point Lighthouse was built in 1870 to warn mariners of the dangerous shoals extending from the tip of the peninsula into Grand Traverse Bay. The light served for 63 years before being decommissioned in 1933 and replaced by an automated offshore light. Today, the restored lighthouse and keeper’s dwelling operate as a museum, typically open May through October with limited November hours.
- Museum: Exhibits on lighthouse history, Great Lakes navigation, and the cultural heritage of the Old Mission Peninsula
- Hesler Log Cabin (1856): A restored pioneer log cabin on the lighthouse grounds, providing a window into mid-19th-century settlement life on the peninsula
- Lighthouse Keeper Program: A unique program that allows volunteers to serve as lighthouse keepers, living in the lighthouse for a period and greeting visitors
Nearly 10 Miles of Trails
The trail network winds through a landscape that tells the agricultural history of the peninsula—former cherry orchards gradually returning to forest, open meadows, and shoreline paths along both arms of Grand Traverse Bay.
- Ridgewood to Murray Road: The main trail corridor traverses the park’s interior through mixed forest and former orchard land
- Shoreline Trails: Paths along both the east and west bay shores provide water views and beach access
- Year-Round Use: Trails are open for hiking in summer and Nordic skiing in winter
The Beaches
The peninsula tip’s geography creates a distinctive dual-beach experience.
- East Bay Beach: Faces the east arm of Grand Traverse Bay—typically calmer water with morning sun exposure
- West Bay Beach: Faces the west arm and receives afternoon sun and spectacular sunset views toward the Leelanau Peninsula
Both beaches are sandy and provide access to the bay’s clear, gradually deepening water. Grand Traverse Bay’s water temperature is warmer than open Lake Michigan, reaching comfortable swimming levels by late June.
Wine Country
Old Mission Peninsula is one of Michigan’s two premier wine appellations (the other being the Leelanau Peninsula to the west). The drive to the park along M-37 passes nearly a dozen wineries and tasting rooms, making a wine-tasting tour a natural complement to a park visit. The peninsula’s microclimate—moderated by Grand Traverse Bay on both sides—creates growing conditions that support exceptional Riesling, Pinot Grigio, and sparkling wines.
Practical Information
- Camping: None. This is a day-use park. Traverse City area campgrounds provide overnight options.
- Lighthouse Hours: Typically May–October (check missionpointlighthouse.com for current schedule)
- Fees: Michigan Recreation Passport required for vehicle entry
- Best For: Lighthouse photography, peninsula hiking, beach visits, wine-tasting day trips from Traverse City
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this really the halfway point between the Equator and North Pole? Approximately. The 45th parallel passes through the area, which is popularly described as the halfway point. Due to Earth’s oblate shape, the true geographic midpoint is about 10 miles north—but the concept remains a compelling part of the park’s identity.
Can I camp here? No. Old Mission State Park is day-use only. Traverse City offers numerous campground and lodging options.
Can I tour the lighthouse? Yes. The Mission Point Lighthouse museum is typically open May through October, with a unique lighthouse keeper volunteer program.
Are there wineries nearby? Nearly a dozen wineries line M-37 along the drive to the park, making Old Mission Peninsula one of Michigan’s premier wine destinations.
