Exploring Old Mission Peninsula, Michigan: My Perfect Day Trip Itinerary

Last Updated: June 2026

Old Mission Peninsula is an 18-mile sliver of land that splits Grand Traverse Bay in two, with water on both sides of the road, rolling vineyards, and cherry orchards running right to the shore. It’s one of the easiest great day trips in northern Michigan — you can taste world-class Riesling, swim off a quiet bay beach, and watch the sun set from a lighthouse on the 45th parallel, all without driving more than 20 miles from Traverse City.

I’ve driven this peninsula in every season, and it never stops earning the trip. Just north of Traverse City, it packs vineyards, orchards, peaceful beaches, and bay views into a stretch you can cover in a single unhurried day. Below is exactly how I’d plan it — my favorite stops, the wineries worth your limited tasting slots, and the practical tips that make the difference between a good visit and a great one.

Getting to Old Mission Peninsula

Old Mission Peninsula starts right at Traverse City and runs north about 18 miles to Mission Point Lighthouse. The drive is the point: M-37 is the scenic ribbon up the spine, lined with water views, wineries, farm stands, and overlooks. Give yourself the whole day so you’re not rushing past the turnouts.

Parking & navigation tips:

• Download an offline map — cell service gets spotty near the tip
• Parking is generally free at wineries, parks, and roadside stands
• Watch for farm markets and roadside cherry sellers in summer — they’re worth the stop

My Perfect Old Mission Peninsula Day Trip

Here’s how I’d spend a full day on the peninsula, whether you’re with friends, family, or your special someone. It moves north up M-37 so you’re never backtracking.

Morning: Grab coffee in Traverse City, then drive up and stroll Haserot Beach — a quiet bay beach with soft sand and gentle water to start the day slow.

Late morning: Wine tasting at Chateau Chantal, where the hilltop views span both arms of the bay. Their Riesling is the pour to start with — it’s what this region does best.

Lunch: Picnic at the overlook near Mission Point Lighthouse, or grab deli sandwiches from the Old Mission General Store on the way up.

Afternoon: Wander the lavender fields at Brys Estate in July, then continue along the Old Mission Peninsula Wine Trail, stopping at two or three more wineries of your choice.

Evening: Sunset at Lighthouse Park. Bring a blanket for the bluff view — it’s one of my favorite spots in the state to watch a Michigan sunset.

Things to Do on Old Mission Peninsula

Mission Point Lighthouse

Mission Point Lighthouse sits at the tip of the peninsula and is one of my favorite Lake Michigan lighthouses. Built in 1870 and now run by Peninsula Township, it’s open as a museum most days May through October. Climb the tower for sweeping Grand Traverse Bay views, walk the beach for rock hunting, and picnic in the surrounding park. Through its keeper program, you can even stay overnight in the lighthouse.

💡 PRO TIP: The lighthouse sits right at the 45th parallel marker — the sign at the gate puts you halfway between the North Pole and the Equator. The museum closes by 5pm and runs on volunteer hours, so come for the tower in the afternoon, then stay for the free sunset over the bay after it closes.

Brys Estate Lavender Fields

In July, the lavender fields at Brys Estate are the photo everyone drives up for — rows of purple running toward the bay. Wander the secret garden, then stop in the shop for lavender-infused treats. Even outside bloom season, the view from the deck earns the stop, and the winery itself has racked up 500-plus medals in national and international competitions.

Old Mission General Store

Stepping into the Old Mission General Store feels like walking into 1839. You’ll find homemade fudge, nostalgic candy, local goods, and deli sandwiches built for a beach or lighthouse picnic. I love their pizza, and when the fresh cherry pies are in stock, I grab one with napkins and forks and eat it right in the parking lot with the peninsula spread out in front of me. I’ll be honest, that parking-lot pie is half the reason I keep coming back.

Haserot Beach

Haserot Beach is the quiet one — soft sand, calm bay water, and a peaceful setting on the east side near the tip. It’s ideal for families and couples, and it rarely feels crowded even in summer. This is where I’d start a morning before the wineries open.

Bowers Harbor Park

Bowers Harbor Park is the family-friendly midday stop — shaded picnic tables, a playground, and calm West Bay water for wading. It’s the easy break between wineries when you’ve got kids in the car.

Bonobo Winery & Charcuterie

Even if wine isn’t your main focus, Bonobo Winery’s patio over West Bay and its locally sourced charcuterie boards make a memorable stop. Service can run slower here than at the other tasting rooms, so give it a little extra time and settle in for the view.

Hike Old Mission Point Park

Old Mission Point Park, near the tip, has miles of easy, free, interconnecting trails through forest and former orchards. The terrain is flat and beginner-friendly, which makes it a great walk in any season. I’d save it for fall and fold it into a Michigan fall color tour — the leaf color through the old orchards is genuinely worth the drive.

Best Wineries on Old Mission Peninsula

Old Mission’s cool climate and bay-moderated growing season produce standout Rieslings, Chardonnays, and Pinot Noirs. There are eleven wineries on the peninsula; these are the ones I send people to first.

• Chateau Chantal — hilltop estate with views of both arms of the bay; known for its Riesling and Late Harvest Riesling
• Brys Estate Vineyard & Winery — Pinot Noir, the lavender fields, and a great deck; 500-plus competition medals
• 2 Lads Winery — sleek glass-and-steel tasting room with sweeping East Bay views and excellent sparkling wines
• Mari Vineyards — Italian-style varietals and an underground barrel cellar tour you can’t get elsewhere on the peninsula
• Bonobo Winery — cozy room, charcuterie boards, and a friendly, unhurried vibe

💡 PRO TIP: Most Old Mission wineries take reservations from June through October, and the popular tasting rooms fill on summer weekends. Book your first two stops ahead and leave the rest open — and pick a designated driver, because the tasting rooms are close together and easy to string back-to-back.

Best Beaches & Outdoor Spots

• Haserot Beach — quiet, sandy, and perfect for a morning walk on the calm bay
• Lighthouse Park Beach — stunning views but rockier underfoot, so bring water shoes
• Bowers Harbor Park — family-friendly, with picnic areas and calm water for wading

💡 PRO TIP: Check the Michigan EGLE BeachGuard water-quality report before you swim, especially after heavy summer rain — it lists any current advisories for Grand Traverse Bay beaches.

When to Visit Old Mission Peninsula

• Spring: blossoming cherry orchards and far fewer crowds
• Summer: cherry season, winery patios, and warm bay breezes — the busiest stretch
• Fall: colorful vineyards and harvest season — my personal favorite
• Winter: quiet drives and cozy tasting rooms, though some stops keep limited hours

Where to Eat

• Jolly Pumpkin Restaurant & Brewery — rustic-chic, house craft beer, and wood-fired pizza on the bay at Bowers Harbor
• Old Mission General Store — sandwiches, local treats, and old-fashioned charm
• Bonobo Winery — charcuterie and small plates to pair with the view

Practical Tips for Your Visit

• Check the National Weather Service forecast the morning of your trip
• Arrive early on weekends for prime parking at the lighthouse and beaches
• Most wineries require reservations June through October
• Bring layers — temperatures shift fast with the bay breeze
• Check Michigan DOT traffic alerts for road work on M-37

Frequently Asked Questions About Old Mission Peninsula

How long does it take to drive Old Mission Peninsula?

It’s about 18 miles and roughly 30 minutes from downtown Traverse City to Mission Point Lighthouse at the tip via M-37, without stops. Plan a full day if you want to taste wine, hit a beach, and catch sunset — the stops are what make it, not the driving.

Can you walk to the lighthouse from the parking lot?

Yes. The main lot is just steps from Mission Point Lighthouse and the beach, and a paved path leads to the lighthouse for accessibility. The interior of the historic lighthouse, including the tower stairs, is not wheelchair accessible.

Are dogs allowed on Old Mission Peninsula beaches?

Leashed dogs are generally welcome on the Old Mission Point Park trails, and several wineries, including Bowers Harbor Vineyards, are dog-friendly. Beach rules vary by spot, so check posted signage at Haserot Beach and Lighthouse Park before letting a dog onto the sand.

What is the best time to visit the wineries?

Weekdays and shoulder season — late May or late September — are quieter but just as beautiful, and easier to get tasting reservations. Summer weekends are busiest, so book your first stops ahead. Fall pairs harvest-season wine with the best vineyard color.

Is Old Mission Peninsula really on the 45th parallel?

Just about. Mission Point Lighthouse sits right at the 45th parallel marker — a sign at the gate marks the spot as halfway between the North Pole and the Equator. The exact line actually runs a few hundred feet north of the tip, but the marker is the photo everyone stops for.

How many wineries are on Old Mission Peninsula?

There are eleven wineries on Old Mission Peninsula, including Chateau Chantal, Brys Estate, 2 Lads, Mari Vineyards, Bonobo, Bowers Harbor Vineyards, and Chateau Grand Traverse. Two or three tastings is a comfortable pace for a single day with a designated driver.

More Michigan Adventures

If you loved Old Mission Peninsula, these guides are the natural next stops:

• Best Michigan Day Trips
• Michigan Beach Towns
• Best Traverse City Fall Activities
• Suttons Bay
• Glen Arbor
• Empire

Old Mission pairs naturally with the rest of Traverse City — make it one day of a longer northern Michigan trip and you won’t regret it. Share your Old Mission memories in the comments, and join my newsletter for more insider Michigan travel guides.