Traverse City State Hospital

In this episode, Mike dives into the deep and fascinating history of one of Traverse City’s most iconic landmarks: the Traverse City State Hospital, also known historically as the Northern Michigan Asylum and the Traverse City Regional Psychiatric Hospital.

Recorded on November 28, 2025 (yes, Black Friday—no, he’s not out shopping), Mike shares personal stories, local history, and some memories connected to the vast and beautiful grounds of what is now called the Village at Grand Traverse Commons.

What Mike Covers in This Episode

???? A Brief History of the State Hospital

Established in 1881 and opened in 1885.

Founded by Dr. James Decker Munson, namesake of Munson Healthcare, alongside Traverse City’s “father,” Perry Hanna.

Built as a Kirkbride Plan psychiatric hospital—one of four in Michigan and the only one still standing and in active use today (though no longer as a hospital).

????️ Architecture & Design

Beautiful Victorian-style buildings with spires, long wings, wide porches, and landscaped grounds.

Built on the idea of beauty, light, and nature aiding psychiatric healing.

Gorgeous gardens supported by on-site greenhouses that provided year-round flowers.

???? A Self-Sustaining Community