The Mini-Metropolis in Traverse City: 1931-1973
The Miniature City at Clinch Park - 111 E Grandview Pkwy - in Traverse City is long gone. It was so very cool, and it’s a shame today’s generation can’t enjoy it.
Construction on the mini-city began in 1931 after a local city promoter came up with the idea; it would bring the tourist trade and put people to work.
Scale models of buildings within Traverse City were created, like the Park Place Hotel, St. Francis Church, residences, mill and water wheel, Pere Marquette Railroad Station, and others, with more than 100 buildings overall.
The structures were almost waist high to an adult, and head high to young children. The details on these models were very intricate: the colors, door frames, artwork, and architecture. Even more interesting, whenever the downtown shops were remodeled, their mini-counterparts were also updated.
A mini train carried spectators thru the mini-city on mini-tracks, and there were even mini-streets thru town.
That ain’t all, folks..... the scenery included dwarf trees and miniature plants and shrubs. It was quite the sight to witness.
After its debut in 1931, the mini-city thrilled youngsters and awed adults for 42 years – then it shut down permanently in 1973. Even though the mini-town was taken down each fall and put up every spring, the lake weather was taking its toll…along with vandalism by the local creeps. So, with no money for maintenance or preservation, it closed for good.
