Jack Blesma Pavilion
Jack Blesma Pavilion offers a beautiful and scenic park experience right on the bay with panoramic views of East Bay and Grand Traverse Bay. The park features playgrounds and various amenities including public restrooms and is wheelchair accessible. It’s a great spot for families with kids and pets, providing an enjoyable outdoor environment with basketball hoops, tennis courts, and opportunities for picnicking and playing. The pavilion is suitable for events, though it requires a DIY approach for setup and supplies. The setting is tranquil and less touristy, making it ideal for peaceful outdoor activities.
Reviews
Very scenic harbor, beach very nice, town much less “touristy” than other towns on Lake Michigan.
Architectural a very pleasing to the eye. Million dollar setting. Panoramic views of Grand Traverse Bay and Old Mission peninsula.
Absolutely beautiful park right on the bay. There are bathrooms, tennis courts, basketball hoops, play structures for kids and of course the water to play in. This is a great place to spend an afternoon playing and picnicing with your kids. I can’t wait to return.
If you are planning on renting the pavilion for an event, BEWARE that it is a complete D.I.Y. situation with no customer service. The Jack Blesma Pavilion at the Edward C. Grace Memorial Harbor is in a stunning location with panoramic views of East Bay facing west. However, unless the staffing is amended in 2025, you will need to bring in ALL of your supplies, able-bodied strong people to set up and break down the tables and chairs, all cleaning materials, and lights and sound equipment, if needed, with personnel to run them.
I live in Nashville, but a couple flew me to Michigan to photograph their wedding here at the Marina. And it was incredible. It was a perfect August day and the setting provided a beautiful, intimate feeling for such a holy gathering. And I had plenty to work with for our bridal party portraits after the wedding. I’d love to work here again!