Step aboard Discovery Cruises and embark on a journey where the water whispers stories from centuries past. Grand Traverse Bay is more than a stunning natural landmark—it’s a living archive of Michigan’s rich maritime and cultural history. From ancient shipwrecks to 19th-century commerce routes, every cruise is a voyage through time.
A Natural Harbor with a Storied Past
Nestled along the eastern edge of Lake Michigan, Grand Traverse Bay has long been a vital part of regional life. Indigenous peoples, including the Anishinaabe—comprising the Ojibwe, Ottawa, and Potawatomi tribes—have lived along its shores for thousands of years. Their deep connection to the water continues today through the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians. The bay provided fish, transportation, and spiritual meaning, shaping the area’s earliest human history.
Later, French fur traders and missionaries made their way into the bay’s calm channels, laying the groundwork for early trade routes. By the 1800s, the timber industry took root, forever changing the landscape and launching Traverse City’s growth.
The Perry Hannah Legacy
Known as the “Father of Traverse City,” Perry Hannah was a lumber baron and key figure in developing the region’s economy. His lumber company thrived on the bay’s access to Lake Michigan, allowing logs to be floated down the Boardman River into waiting ships. Hannah’s influence can still be seen today in the city’s architecture and layout, particularly in his stately Victorian mansion near downtown.
Shipwrecks Beneath the Surface
Beneath the sparkling waves lie remnants of this maritime legacy. Grand Traverse Bay is home to several known shipwrecks, some dating back to the 1800s. Preserved in the cold freshwater, these sunken vessels offer a silent glimpse into the lives of sailors and merchants who once navigated the bay. While not all wrecks are visible, your cruise guide may highlight the most notable sites and the legends surrounding them.
Old Mission Peninsula: A Beacon of History
Cruising north through the East Arm, passengers are treated to views of the Old Mission Peninsula. Its lighthouse, built in 1870, helped guide ships through the narrowest part of the bay. This landmark stands as a testament to the bay’s importance in commerce and transportation—and to the challenges mariners once faced on these deceptively calm waters.
Power Island: A Presidential Hideaway
In the West Arm of the bay sits Power Island, a scenic gem with a rich past. Formerly known as Marion Island, it has hosted everyone from Native peoples to modern presidents. In the 1970s, President Gerald Ford camped here with his family. With no bridges or roads, it remains a peaceful, unspoiled destination with a story all its own.
Stories from the Shoreline
As you glide by the scenic shores of Leelanau and Grand Traverse counties, look for the Victorian cottages, historic boathouses, and converted summer resorts that dot the waterfront. These picturesque remnants reflect the early 20th century, when Traverse City began to transform into the beloved vacation destination it remains today.
Cruise Through Time with Discovery Cruises
Every Discovery Cruise offers more than breathtaking views—it’s an experience rooted in the stories of the past. With knowledgeable crew members sharing facts, legends, and local insights, passengers leave with a deeper appreciation of Grand Traverse Bay’s role in Michigan’s heritage.
Whether you're a history buff, nature lover, or someone looking for a peaceful day on the water, Discovery Cruises offers the perfect setting to connect with the beauty and history of northern Michigan.
Ready to set sail into the past? Book your next adventure with Discovery Cruises and see Grand Traverse Bay through a whole new lens.