Welcome to Peninsula Township

​​The Old Mission Peninsula is perhaps Michigan's most unique and scenic township. Unlike the typical six-mile by six-mile-square township, the Old Mission Peninsula is finger-like in shape, projecting approximately 16 miles into Grand Traverse Bay. The township varies from one to three miles in width and encompasses approximately 42 miles of Great Lakes shoreline. Peninsula Township was founded February 3, 1853. The 2020 U.S. Census lists a population of 6,068.

Peninsula Township Office Closure

Peninsula Township offices are closed Thursday, June 18, 2026, in observation of Juneteenth.

Public Hearing Notices

Zoning Board of Appeals will hold a public hearing at their regular meeting on June 16, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. at the Peninsula Township Hall, 13235 Center Road, Traverse City, MI 49686, (231) 223-7318. The following applications will be heard:
Request No. 933 - Applicant & Property Owner: Kelly Clark, 9882 Center Rd, Traverse City, MI 49686, Property Address: 9882 Center Rd, Traverse City, MI 49686, Parcel Code #28-11-017-006-01. Requesting a variance to allow the construction of a second-story addition over an existing single-family residence and a main-level deck over an existing lower-level deck on a lot with no buildable envelope due to overlapping setback requirements. The request is based on the existing nonconforming site constraints, which prevent expansion in compliance with current ordinance front and water setback standards while maintaining the existing building footprint.
Request No. 934 - Applicant & Property Owner: Annmarie & Paul Erickson, 12014 Peninsula Dr, Traverse City, MI 49686, Property Address: 12014 Peninsula Dr, Traverse City, MI 49686, Parcel Code #28-11-440-017-00. Requesting a variance to allow the relocation and reconstruction of an existing waterfront deck and stairs within the required waterfront setback due to site constraints and existing shoreline conditions, to replace deteriorated structures in a similar location along the shoreline within the floodplain and front setback.
Please be advised that the public may appear at the hearing in person or by counsel. A copy of the variance application may be viewed here (website open in new tab). Written comments may be submitted to the Peninsula Township Planning and Zoning Department at 13235 Center Road, Traverse City, MI 49686, no later than 12:00 p.m. on June 8, 2026. If you are planning to attend the meeting and require any special assistance, please notify the Planning and Zoning Department at 231.223.7318.

​Log Cabin Day at Lighthouse Park, Old Mission Peninsula

Sunday, June 28, 2026, 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. celebrate the 250th birthday of the U.S.A. with the Old Mission Historical Society. Tour interiors of Hessler Log Cabin and Mission Point Lighthouse, music, poetry, craft demonstrations, children's activities, and light refreshments.
Continue your historic journey at the village of Old Mission at Peter Dougherty’s House and Log Church.
omphistoricalsociety.org 

​Peninsula Township Announces Boardwalk Construction at 
Pelizzari Natural Area

Summary: Peninsula Township will begin the first stage of a boardwalk construction in the popular hemlock wing of Pelizzari Natural Area beginning the week of April 20th with completion expected by the beginning of June.
Dates, location, and contact: April 20th through early June at Pelizzari Natural Area on Center Road of Old Mission Peninsula/Peninsula Township. For media inquiries, please contact parks chairperson Dave Murphy at 231.313.5177.
Pelizzari Natural Area on the east side of Center Road on Old Mission Peninsula is among the Traverse City Area’s top hiking destinations. The hemlock wing of the park is its most popular feature, and a successful “Hope for Hemlocks” fundraising effort will pay for a necessary boardwalk to preserve the keystone species within the park.
Construction begins the week of April 20th and is expected to conclude by early June. There will be trail disruption during construction with barriers placed for the protection of hikers. Please comply with the suggested precautions.
The park will be closed for one day during construction for the primary delivery of boardwalk materials. Please check the township’s website for the precise date of closure as well as other updates at peninsulatownship.com.
The preservation campaign began nearly three years ago when it became clear that the hemlocks were literally being “loved to death” with so much foot traffic that sensitive roots were being damaged. The township applied a portion of its ARPA funds and secured significant grants from the Huckle Family Foundation, the Thomas Family Foundation, the Tim and Libby Ash Foundation, the Oleson Foundation, the Biederman Family Foundation, the Traverse City Track Club, and the Schmuckal Family Foundation. The balance of funding was provided by generous donations of hundreds of individuals.
As always, Peninsula Township also thanks the Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy for its partnership in preserving Pelizzari Natural Area and ongoing support in the park’s management.
As the project approaches completion, a ribbon cutting ceremony will be announced.

​Employment Opportunity – Part-time Peninsula Township Code Enforcement Officer

Peninsula Township is accepting letters of interest/resumes for a part-time Code Enforcement Officer. Appointee must be available nights and weekends. This position is for 15 hours maximum per week. Click here to view the job description (website opens in new tab). Contact Maura Sanders, supervisor, at [email protected] or 231.223.7323. Please submit a letter of interest and/or resume to Becky Chown, township clerk, at [email protected] or by mail to 13235 Center Road, Traverse City, MI 49686.

Township Meetings Streaming on YouTube

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​Most township meetings held at the township hall are streamed live on the township's YouTube channel (website opens in a new tab) and are available for viewing for 30 days after they are held.

Quick Connect

New Interactive Zoning Map

Searchable Interactive Zoning Map (website opens in tab)

Grand Traverse County Household Hazardous Waste

Sign up is available one month before each event.  Go to the Grand Traverse County Recycle Smart website (website opens in new tab) for details on how to make an appointment.​​ Schedule:​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​ 
  • Thursday, June 25, 2020,  1:00 - 6:00 p.m.
  • Thursday, August 13, 2026, 1:00 - 6:00 p.m.  
  • Saturday, September 12, 2026, 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. 

​The Grand Traverse County Resource Recovery Department (RecycleSmart) will be conducting Scrap Tire Collection Events. 

Appointments are required and can be made by calling the Resource Recovery Department, 231-995-6075 to schedule your appointment.​​​
  • Saturday, September 12, 2026 - Scheduling opens August 2026

​Donation of Development Rights​

The Township's DDR program may be a great option for you! 
Contact the Planner at 231.223.7314 if you are interested in more information.

Sign-up for Grand Traverse County Grand Traverse Alert