Our Vision
Plans for the future
Discovery Center ~ Great Lakes is centrally located, only a fraction of a mile outside the Traverse City limits. It is highly visible and has the potential to be developed for any number of commercial uses.
The Discovery Center bayfront property adjoins property to the north owned by Traverse City Light & Power (TCLP)—the deepwater dock formerly used for the offloading of coal. Maritime Heritage Alliance currently uses the inner side of the deepwater dock for the storage and display of its historic sailing vessels, including the schooner Madeline and the sloop Welcome. TCLP recently completed a major landscaping project, significantly improving the appearance of its property.
Elmwood Township Park is located to the north of the TCLP property, and offers swimming, picnic pavilions, and playground equipment. Beyond the park is the Elmwood Township Marina with boater facilities, including rest rooms. The Township currently has plans for a major park renovation, which will improve its appearance and accessibility. The potential for collaborative recreational, educational, and community uses of the Elmwood, TCLP, and the Discovery Center properties is immense.
Thanks to the vision of Mike Dow, it is a truly unique opportunity to be able to secure this exceptional site for use as an educational center. His generous gift, along with the resources, abilities and creativity of the partners involved will help to create a preeminent educational center that will be one of the region’s leading cultural, scientific, and recreational attractions. Our hope is that Discovery Center ~ Great Lakes will be a location that will serve our community for generations.