The Peter Dougherty Pier

A short pier was built to service vessels arriving at the Mission, which was then a deep water harbor. A larger dock was built north of it at Haserot Beach by the Parmater family, and became known as the Big Dock. The Big Dock became the center for commercial shipments, until replaced by competition from Northport first, and then by Traverse City.  Over time, the Big Dock deteriorated and became dangerous. High school students were given a box of dynamite and told to dismantle the pier. Its remnants may be found beneath the surface. The near-shore lake bottom has since filled with sand, and it is no longer a deep water harbor.