Our History

The Greilickville corridor served the Traverse City community as an industrial waterfront for more than 70 years, bringing fuel, road salt, and other commodities to the region. The land that Discovery Center & Pier stands on has been home to several industrial and commercial businesses over the years, restricting the public’s access to the Grand Traverse Bay waterfront. In 2006, the Discovery Center campus property was donated to Rotary Camps & Services by Mike and Rhea Dow, with the intent that the property serve the public. Valued at more than a million dollars, the Dow’s charitable gift will benefit our community for generations to come

In 2016, a $1million grant from Rotary Charities of Traverse City was used to purchase the former coal dock across the street from Traverse City Light & Power, beginning a new chapter for the Greilickville shoreline property now called Discovery Pier. 

Today, we are working towards making Discovery Center & Pier a universally accessible public park, and partnering with water-focused nonprofits and businesses to create meaningful experiences for everyone.