The History of Bayview Terrace Inn

The Bay view Terrace Inn is one of a handful of Historic Hotels remaining in Northern Michigan. In continuous operation since 1911, the Terrace offers visitors a glimpse of a simpler time. Walking into the Terrace Inn, recalls one regular, is "like stepping into 1910". The hemlock paneled lobby, a crackling fire on chilly nights, and a friendly receptionist to greet you create an immediate sense of warmth and nostalgia. Original owner William DeVol referred to this atmosphere as "home-like and attractive" with such modern amenities as "electric lights, hot water, large closets and call bells". While no longer in use, the call bell system still hangs on the lobby wall where it has nearly a hundred years.

 

 

The Terrace is actually the second Inn on this site, the original having been razed in 1912 after the current building was completed. The original Inn was located in what is now the parking lot on the northeast end of the facility and was of typical Victorian design.

An article in the Petoskey Evening News, July 15, 1911 referred to the “New Terrace Inn” as a “thing of delight and pleasure, specially built with a view to sanitation and ventilation and leaving no room for doubt that the house will maintain all its former excellence with much added by way of convenience.” (Petoskey Library archives).

 

Located on a bluff in Bay View Association, the Inn boasts expansive views of Little Traverse Bay from the long veranda, over 130 original windows with wavy glass (some with transoms) and French doors at the end of each hall permitting air to flow throughout. The hotel and “cafe-in-connection” also owned Nonabel cottage at the foot of the hill on Fairview. The cottage accommodated overflow guests and is still owned by relatives of the DeVols.

Little has changed since Bay View was settled by a group of Michigan Methodists in 1875. They chose Bay View because of its “salubrious summer climate, its beautiful location on the shores of Little Traverse Bay, and its availability by railroad and lake steamer” (Bay View museum archives.) Around 1885, Methodist organizers affiliated with the Chautaqua association, named after Chautaqua, New York, where the movement originated. Cultural programs were added to the religious and intellectual activities, and emphasized music, theatre and current events.(www.chautauqua.org). Many famous and notable speakers, writers, poets, and politicians lectured here. Bay View’s entertainment schedule begins mid-June and ends mid-August and productions are open to the public.

In the 1990's, Bay View was granted National Historic Landmark status and in 2009, the Terrace Inn received Michigan State Historic designation. Preserving the traditions and values of its founders and historic integrity continues to be a common goal among residents and visitors alike. More information can be viewed at Bay View's museum (open seasonally) and at www.bayviewassociation.org. We hope you have a chance to visit our unique community!

Take a tour of our website and see why so many of our guests return year after year. Make sure you look at our menus and wine lists!