One of Northern Michigan’s Oldest Bars Closing After 134 Years

After more than a century of late nights, live music, and shared memories, a Northern Michigan institution is preparing to close its doors. The bar is scheduled to close at the end of the month, ending a run that began in the 1890s.

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Union Street Station: A Century of Memories

Operating since 1892, Union Street Station in Traverse City proudly bills itself as downtown’s oldest bar. After 134 years, it’s hard not to imagine the sheer volume of memories held within its brick walls. Locals meeting for the first time. Tourists wandering in by accident. Musicians stepping onto a stage for what might have been their very first real show.

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More than just a bar, Union Street Station has long served as a gathering place and creative home, welcoming live bands, DJs, karaoke, comedy nights, and generations of artists who first found their footing under its lights.

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Owners Speak Out on Closure

Owners Rick and Christina Thompson have run the business for the past 15 years, with Rick’s connection going back even further. He first started working there when he was just 19 years old.

In a Facebook post announcing the closure, Rick shared that the decision was not theirs and they are not happy about it:

The building owner has decided he has other plans and we have no choice in the matter. We do not know his plan. False accusations have been made with the court about our obligations under the lease, which we will be filing an answer to next week to explain. Our hope at this time is for everyone who has a memory from USS, please come spend one more time with us and create your last memory.

According to Traverse City Ticker, the building is owned by 117 S Union LLC, which is connected to the Robert Guyot B III Trust. The Ticker was unable to reach Guyot for comment.

Final Shows and Community Farewell

Union Street Station's final day in business downtown Traverse City will be Saturday, February 28. Leading up to that will be several final shows, giving the community one last chance to gather in a place that has meant so much to so many. One Hot Robot is scheduled to perform February 21, followed by a “Last Dance” DJ night with Dominate and GR on February 26. The Jay Hawkins Band will also take the stage on Saturday, February 7.

In a social media, the band reflected on what the venue has meant to them.

All of us in the band have cut our teeth here and played many shows on this stage in various bands. We were informed yesterday that this Mecca and shrine to live music will permanently close at the end of February. We are honored to grace this stage one more time and to celebrate the history of all the great artists that have played here...it will be at times emotional, but we will give the stage what it deserves and rock all night.

Historic Origins and Name Changes

The bar’s story stretches back well beyond its current name. While Union Street Station’s website lists its founding year as 1892, The Northern Express reported in 2008 that the two-story brick building was constructed in 1894 by Howard Whiting and Joseph Lautner. Originally known as the Whiting Saloon, it later became Lautner’s Home Plate Restaurant.

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In 1969, the building returned to its saloon roots, rebranding as the Cabaret and eventually embracing live music and entertainment. By the 1980s, it became known as Union Street Station, a name that would stick for decades and become synonymous with Traverse City nightlife.

Get in soon to say goodbye to Union Street Station, one of Northern Michigan’s oldest bars.