ABOUT US

Pier Access For All.

Discovery Pier is an open, community space along West Grand Traverse Bay designed to inspire a deeper connection to the Great Lakes through memorable experiences, on and off the water. Together with key partners, we are on a mission to inspire, educate and connect people of all ages, needs and abilities to the Great Lakes so everyone can discover the beauty and complexities of these treasured waters.

Our History

For over 70 years, the Greilickville corridor in Traverse City was an industrial waterfront, supplying the region with fuel, road salt, and other essential goods. This industrial use limited public access to the Grand Traverse Bay waterfront. In 2006, Mike and Rhea Dow donated the land where Discovery Center & Pier now stands to Rotary Camps & Services, intending it to serve the public. This generous gift, valued at over a million dollars, ensures long-term community benefits.

In 2016, a $1 million grant from Rotary Charities of Traverse City was used to buy the former coal dock, now called Discovery Pier. Today, Discovery Pier has transformed into a universally accessible public space, collaborating with water-focused nonprofits and businesses to create enriching opportunities for all to experience the Great Lakes.

From Discovery Pier, the Great Lakes are truly at your fingertips!

Our Work

We provide hands-on experiences for all to explore, learn and connect with the largest system of freshwater in the world. Our public green space and pavilion are open for lakeside gatherings, our classroom is available for hands-on ecological studies and our docks are host to a variety of maritime activities—boat tours, tall ship sails, fishing charter expeditions, ecology studies, marine technology explorations and more.


Partners. Programs. Pier Access For All.

We look for every opportunity to connect people of all ages, needs and abilities with the Great Lakes, removing barriers, improving accessibility and encouraging engagement. We partner with educational and recreational organizations to ensure our docks are a hub for maritime experiences, and we leverage our partnerships to create programs and provide free opportunities for youth around the region. With our accessible public pier and our All Aboard! Program, everyone can experience the greatness of our lakes.

THE GREAT LAKES
— FOR ALL

Our Values

We believe everyone should have the opportunity to bond with our waters in meaningful ways, and we know strong connections inspire more engagement, stewardship and career paths that will benefit our waters for generations to come. Northern Michigan values the Great Lakes as a vital natural resource, and our region embraces a lake-inspired culture, so we work tirelessly to ensure everyone can take part in our cherished waters.

We Value:

  • Our fresh water is one of the greatest natural resources on Earth and we actively support its health and conservation.

  • Our Vision and MIssion cannot be achieved alone. We actively engage with partners and stakeholders to accomplish our goals.

  • Discovery Pier is a destination for all people to create meaningful experiences, increased knowledge, and appreciation for the Great Lakes.

  • We promote and enable education and research to advance the environmental, economic, and recreational significance, opportunities, and benefits of the Great Lakes.

  • Diversity and inclusion drive how we work and what we do. We remove physical and financial barriers so that Great Lakes experiences are accessible for all. We strive to include people of diverse backgrounds and perspectives on our board and staff, and through our strategic partnerships.