With the 50th anniversary reunion and 50th graduation ceremonies just over eight months away, it’s time to make your plans to come back to campus. Reunion activities run from Thursday, May 24 to Sunday, May 27, 2012. Now is the time to start booking flights and hotel rooms, and most importantly, calling all your old Academy friends.
Interlochen is working with major air carriers and local hotels to ensure that your return to the north woods is as pleasant, comfortable and easy as possible. Below you’ll find information to help you plan your trip to Interlochen. Happy planning!
AIR TRANSPORTATION
Delta, American and United Airlines have all been informed of the 50th graduation and reunion activities and are working to schedule extra flights and arrange for larger planes. While Traverse City (TVC) has a new and attractive airport that is only 30 minutes away from the Interlochen campus, capacity is limited. Interlochen will run shuttles to and from the Traverse City Airport for a nominal fee.
DRIVING
Some travelers might find it more cost-effective to fly into other Midwest airports and drive or carpool to Interlochen. Below are the approximate drive times from the four closest major airports to Interlochen:
Grand Rapids (GRR) 2.5 hours
Detroit Metro (DTW) 4.5 hours
Chicago Midway (MDW) 5 hours (depending on traffic and time of day)
Chicago O’Hare (ORD) 6 hours (depending on traffic and time of day)
ACCOMMODATIONS
A variety of lodging accommodations are available for the 50th graduation/reunion weekend.
Interlochen Housing - Although Stone Hotel is already sold-out, there are a variety of other on-campus options.
Summer Faculty Housing is available and includes studio, one, two and three bedroom houses, with and without kitchens. Most facilities are seasonal and not heated, although hot water will be available. Bedding/towels provided.
Summer Student Cabins: For those alumni who want a more rustic camp experience, summer student cabins will be available with hot water. Each cabin sleeps 12. Renters will be responsible for providing their own sleeping bag, pillow, and towels.
Please call 231-276-7570 for availability and pricing. Please identify yourself as “Interlochen Alumni” when reserving accommodations.
Off-Campus Hotels - We have agreements with several area hotels to provide special rates for visiting alumni. Interlochen Reunion attendees can call and provide the “specific code” located below to secure the special room rate. Please note that rooms will only be held until certain dates and released after that time.
Crystal Mountain Resort (20 minute drive time, located in scenic Benzie County)
(800) 968-7686
12500 Crystal Mountain
Thompsonville, MI 49683
Mention: "Interlochen Center for the Arts" or Group Number 45J58W to secure the special rate. Prices range from $109-$399.
Park Place Hotel (30 minute drive time, located in downtown Traverse City)
(231) 946-5000
300 East State Street
Traverse City, MI 49684
Mention: "Interlochen 50th Anniversary Celebration" to secure the special rate. Prices range from $119.95-$149.95.
Rooms will be released after April 9, 2012
Grand Traverse Resort and Spa (45 minute drive time, located east of Traverse City)
1-800-236-1577
100 Grand Traverse Village Boulevard
Acme, MI 49610
Mention: “Interlochen Arts Academy” to secure the special rate. Prices range from $149-$279.
Rooms will be released after April 23, 2012
Baymont Inn & Suites (15 minute drive time, located near the Grand Traverse Mall)
(231) 933-4454
2326 US 31 South
Traverse City, MI 49684
Mention: “Interlochen Arts Academy” to secure the special rate. Prices range from $80.96-$98.96
Rooms will be released on April 23, 2012
Best Western Scenic Hill Resort (25 minute drive time, located in scenic Benzie County)
(231) 882-7754
1400 US 31 Highway
Beulah, MI 49617
Mention: "Interlochen Alumni Weekend" to secure the special rate. Prices range from $75-$150.
Rooms will be released on May 1, 2012
Courtyard by Marriott (15 minute drive time, located near the Grand Traverse Mall)
(231) 929-1800
3615 W South Airport Road
Traverse City, MI 49684
Mention: “IAG” to secure the special rate. Prices range from $119-$169.
Rooms will be released on April 15, 2012
Fairfield Inn & Suites (15 minute drive time, located near the Grand Traverse Mall)
(231) 922-7900
3701 North Country Drive
Traverse City, MI 49684
Mention: “50th Anniversary Celebration” to secure the special rate. Prices range around $120.
Online booking code: IACIACA for Double Beds, IACIACB for King Beds
Rooms will be released on May 2, 2012
Econo Lodge (12 minute drive time, located between Interlochen and Traverse City)
(231) 943-3040
1065 M 37 Highway
Traverse City, MI 49684
Mention: “Interlochen Alumni” to secure the special rate. Prices range around $139.95.
Rooms will be released on April 23, 2012