LEELANAU NORTHERN MICHIGAN
WINERIES, DUNES, BEACHES Clay Cliffs Natural Area
CEDAR ∙ EMPIRE ∙ GLEN ARBOR LAKE LEELANAU ∙ LELAND ∙ MAPLE CITY NORTHPORT ∙ OMENA ∙ PESHAWBESTOWN SUTTONS BAY ∙ SLEEPING BEAR DUNES 2021 MYNORTH
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YOU’RE INVITED
The viewers of Good Morning America chose it as “The Most Beautiful Place in America”. It features sandy beaches, sparkling waters, and towering dunes, preserved and protected by the National Park Service. Others claim to be close to it. We don’t. It surrounds us. So, save the driving ... vacation here and stay here.
RSVP
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The Insider's
LEELANAU Fun ways to get to know this beautiful peninsula better.
Have a fresh-air breakfast of croissants and coffee at 9 Bean Rows in the countryside between Lake Leelanau and Suttons Bay. 9beanrows.com
Bike the Leelanau Trail from Suttons Bay to Shady Lane Cellars and enjoy a glass of chilled white wine. traversetrails.org; shadylanecellars.com
Take on the mountain bike trails in the 1,000-acre Palmer Woods Forest Preserve. leelanauconservancy.org
Fill your basket at the weekly farmers markets in Empire, Glen Arbor, Leland, Suttons Bay and Northport. leelanaufarmersmarkets.com
Get a lesson in glacier-shaped topography on the Kettles Trail, the newest trail in Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. nps.gov/slbe
Kayak the sandy-bottomed, shallow Crystal River in Glen Arbor. crystalriveroutfitters.com
Reel in a monster lake trout or king salmon on a charter excursion out of Leland or Glen Arbor. michigancharterboats.com
PETERSON PARK
Catch the sunset at Peterson Park located north of Northport. northportomenachamber.org
FARMERS MARKET
Order up gourmet sandwiches to go at Shipwreck Cafe for a picnic at nearby Empire Beach. shipwreckcafe.com
CHARTER FISHING
HARBOR HOUSE TRADING COMPANY
PALMER WOODS FOREST RESERVE
COVER PHOTO BY DAVE WEIDNER
KETTLES TRAIL
LEELANAU TRAIL
We
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CRYSTAL RIVER
PICNIC
9 BEAN ROWS
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Rent a paddleboard and suit up with one of the best selections of outdoor wear in the North at Harbor House in Leland. lelandharborhouse.com
2021 MYNORTH
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Discover more must-do's.
MyNorth.com/SleepingBearDunes
PIERCE STOCKING SCENIC DRIVE
in Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
Take this 7.4-mile drive to get the lay of this beautiful land. BY ELIZABETH EDWARDS
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Most folks associate Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore with the fun mountain of sand known as the Dune Climb. While no one should miss that park attraction, the Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive unlocks the natural wonders of this precious landscape. Before heading to Pierce Stocking, it’s worth stopping at the visitor center (corner of M-72 and M-22 in Empire) for maps, guidebooks and a park pass—though you can also purchase a pass at the gate. There are 12 stops along the scenic drive. Here’s a sneak peek at some of the most dramatic.
STOP 2: GLEN LAKE OVERLOOK
This stop offers a bird’s-eye view of the glittering Glen Lakes, products of glaciers that formed in the Ice Age. From here, you can see across Little Glen to where it joins Big Glen under the M-22 bridge known as The Narrows.
STOP 2A: PICNIC MOUNTAIN PHOTOS BY TAYLOR BROWN
Yep, this is the perfect place to spread a blanket and open that food basket.
STOP 3: DUNE OVERLOOK
From this point, you can pick out North and South Manitou islands across Lake Michigan’s Sleeping Bear Bay, Pyramid Point (so named by sailors for its shape), the dunes and the Glen Lakes.
STOP 4: COTTONWOOD TRAIL
Here’s your chance to stretch your legs and get up close and personal with the dunes. This 1.5-mile hike moves you up and down dunes, across blowouts, past patches of bearberry and buffalo berry and cottonwood trees half-buried in the sand. Sand makes a marvelous canvas for animal tracks, so keep your eyes peeled. Note, the trail is strenuous in several spots.
STOP 8: CHANGES OVER TIME
Learn how the landscape has changed since the last glaciers in the area melted about 11,800 years ago.
STOP 9: LAKE MICHIGAN OVERLOOK
This is the pièce de résistance of all Northern Michigan attractions. The viewing platform is perched 450 feet above Lake Michigan. You’ll catch your breath at the sight of glittering water that stretches below you. South—to your left—are the Empire Bluffs, which are the gateway to Platte Bay. The Manitou Islands are on the horizon and Sleeping Bear Point is to the north.
STOP 10: SLEEPING BEAR DUNE OVERLOOK
From this view, you can see what is left of the dune that lent its name to the entire 111-square-mile national lakeshore. The dune was formed some 2,000 years ago by Lake Michigan winds depositing sand from the bluff. It once stood 230 feet above the lake. By 1961, the dune was only 132 feet high, and by 1980, it was down to 103 feet. The process is a continuing one. The major cause of the dune’s erosion is wave action wearing away the base of the plateau on which it rests. 2021 MYNORTH
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Ready to get on the water? MyNorth.com/Boating
beautiful beaches ON THE LEELANAU PENINSULA On a warm summer day, these Lake Michigan beaches feel like the Caribbean—only nothing bites or stings in this water! BY EVAN PERRY
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NORTH BAR LAKE, EMPIRE
Cool off in Lake Michigan after basking in the warm water of North Bar Lake—a small inland lake that drains into Lake Michigan. The creek between North Bar and Lake Michigan was made for skim boarding, sand dams and general splashing around. Find restrooms at the paved parking area. National Park Pass required. nps.gov/slbe GET THERE: From Voice Road north of Empire, take N. Bar Lake Road to Larahr Road.
GLEN HAVEN BEACH
Work a little maritime history lesson into your beach day at the Cannery Boathouse Museum and/or the Sleeping Bear Point Coast Guard Station (both a part of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore). But no one would blame you if you skipped the history for the mile or so of sandy beach bordered by blue water (with the Manitou Islands on the horizon) that runs from Glen Haven to Sleeping Bear Point. Find restrooms in Glen Haven and at the Coast Guard Station Museum. National Park Pass required. nps.gov/ slbe GET THERE: From Glen Arbor, drive west on M-109, turn right onto Glen Haven Road.
Shalda Creek / Good Harbor Beach
SHALDA CREEK/GOOD HARBOR BEACH
Some folks call Good Harbor Beach the Copacabana of Sleeping Bear Dunes—a big, long beach that can accommodate the crowds that flock to it. Views of the Manitou Islands, huge swathes of soft sand and a softly-sloping, kid-friendly beach; perfect for a sunset bonfire. Wait there’s more: Turn left at the Bohemian Road beach and keep going until you see the sign for Shalda Creek—a slow-mo, shallow, sandy-bottomed dream that empties into Lake Michigan. Vault toilets. National Park Pass required. nps.gov/slbe GET THERE: Take either CR-669 (Bohemian Road) or CR-651 (Good Harbor Trail) from M-22, between Glen Arbor and Leland.
VAN’S BEACH, LELAND
PHOTO BY TAYLOR BROWN
This beach gives you the best of all worlds: soft sand, views of the Manitou Islands, great rock hunting (including the coveted Leland Blue stone) and easy access to the food and drink hangouts of Leland and Fishtown. Public restrooms at Leland Township Marina. GET THERE: Access at the west end of Cedar Street (turn by Van’s Garage).
CHRISTMAS COVE, NORTHPORT
A township park, this is a secluded half-moon stretch of sandy beach near the tip of the peninsula. A short downhill path leads to Nirvana. Some parking and pit toilets are available. northportomenachamber.org GET THERE: From Northport, head north on CR-201 (N. Mill Street) for 1.5 miles. Jog left on N. Kilcherman Road until it turns into E. Christmas Cove Road. The beach is just over a mile down E. Christmas Cove Road. 2021 MYNORTH
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D.H. Day Campground
LODGING LEELANAU STYLE
No big hotels here. Only lodging that will become a part of your vacation memories. Here’s a taste of what Leelanau has to offer.
Find your home base. MyNorth.com/Hotels MyNorth.com/Cottages
BY ELIZABETH EDWARDS
CLASSIC INNS, LODGES AND RESORTS
The Homestead: A jewel set on Sleeping Bear Bay loaded with condos, hotel rooms, homes and an inn, great eateries and many more amenities. thehomesteadresort.com Inn at Black Star Farms: Elegant inn surrounded by Black Star Farms’ vineyard and winery. blackstarfarms.com Falling Waters Lodge: Stay in Leland’s Fishtown in this 12-room/ suite hotel wedged between the Leland River and the Leland Harbor. fallingwaterslodge.com Fountain Point Resort: A historic family resort with a 14-room inn and 19 cottages on Lake Leelanau. fountainpointresort.com Jolli Lodge: Vintage-feeling guest rooms, condos and cottages set on Good Harbor Bay. jollilodger.com
PHOTO BY TAYLOR BROWN
Leland Lodge: Gracious updated icon tucked in the heart of Leland outfitted with rooms and cottages. lelandlodge.com
Whaleback Inn: Updated vintage inn with rooms and cottages on Lake Leelanau just south of Leland. whalebackinn.com
RV RESORTS
Indigo Bluffs: Amenity-filled RV Park, RV resort and cottages conveniently set between Empire and Glen Arbor. indigobluffs.com Lake Leelanau RV Park: 196 sites with hookups, restrooms, showers, boat ramp, laundry facilities and more, all set on 800 feet of Lake Leelanau frontage. lakeleelanaurvpark.com Wild Cherry Resort: Large lots, peaceful, set in wine country. Welcomes Class A, 5th wheels and travel trailers. Also offers a yurt, tent and cabins. wildcherryresort.com
CAMPING
Leelanau State Park: Set at the tip of the peninsula, offering a rustic campground and several cabins on or near Lake Michigan. michigan.gov/dnr D.H. Day Campground: Tucked in Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, rustic sites are on or near Sleeping Bear Bay. nps.gov/slbe
M22 Inn Empire: A Victorian Inn with mid-century modern motel units. Set in the midst of Sleeping Bear Dunes, two-minute walk to Little Glen Lake. m22inn.com
Empire Township Campground: Rustic serenity in the woods outside of Empire. leelanau.gov/empiretwp.asp
Snowbird Inn: Stately and comfortable, located just south of Leland near beaches and wine country. snowbirdinn.com
Leelanau Pines: 181 modern campsites loaded with amenities including frontage on Lake Leelanau. leelanaupinescampresort.com
Sunset Lodge: Established in 1898. Modern suites and apartments overlooking sweet Omena Bay. sunsetlodgeomena.com Riverside Inn: Lovely, renovated historic inn on the Leland River in downtown Leland. theriverside-inn.com Vineyard Inn: A 12-suite European-style inn on West Grand Traverse Bay two miles from Suttons Bay. vininn.com
LUX
LeBear Luxury Resort: On Sleeping Bear Bay in downtown Glen Arbor. lebearresort.com
RENTAL COTTAGES, BED & BREAKFASTS AND MORE
Yes, they abound in the woods and on the beaches throughout the Leelanau Peninsula. lvrrentals.com; airbnb.com; vrbo.com and many more!
2021 MYNORTH
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Northport
Leland
Omena
PHOTO BY TAYLOR BROWN
PHOTO BY TAYLOR BROWN
Downtown Northport
Peshawbestown Suttons Bay Lake Leelanau Leland
Glen Arbor
PHOTO BY MAE STIER
Empire Village Beach
Empire
Maple City & Cedar
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SMALL TOWNS, BIG CHARM
The eclectic towns of the Leelanau Peninsula are all alive with shopping, restaurants, outdoor concerts and more. Here’s your introduction. BY ELIZABETH EDWARDS
CEDAR/MAPLE CITY
Cedar boasts a new coffee shop and market/butcher shop this summer. Also check out Wool & Honey, a sheep-to-needles yarn shop, and the Polish Art Center. Due east in Maple City find killer breakfasts at Pegtown Station and eat, drink and learn to curl (on an indoor rink) at Broomstack Kitchen & Taphouse. Over on M-22, put the Little Traverse Inn and Market 22 on your must-eat-there list.
EMPIRE
The Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore’s Visitors Center is located here and so is the Empire Bluff hiking trail with its glorious view of Lake Michigan. Empire Beach, just off the downtown, boasts a combo of Lake Michigan and (the warmer) South Bar Lake frontage. Browse sweet shops and take a surfing lesson from Sleeping Bear Surf & Kayak. The Village Inn and Joe’s Friendly Tavern do pub fare right, and Shipwreck Cafe offers fab sammies and wood-fired pizza. empirechamber.com
GLEN ARBOR
Set in the middle of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore and on Sleeping Bear Bay, this town exudes outdoor fun. Kayak the Crystal River, bike the Heritage Trail (rent bikes and kayaks at The Cyclery and Crystal River Outfitters) or spread your towel at an in-town beach. Discover all things cherry at Cherry Republic, eat a burger at iconic Art’s Tavern, dine on the bay at Blu and wine taste at M22 Winery, Cherry Republic and Glen Arbor Wines. visitglenarbor.com
LAKE LEELANAU
Situated on the beautiful Lake Leelanau Narrows, this town mixes a friendly vibe with the buzz of three wine and cider tasting rooms (Boathouse, Amoritas and Soul Squeeze) and Northern Latitudes Distillery. Find authentic Indian carry-out at NJ’s Grocery, great coffee at Pedaling Beans, classic tavern fare at Dick’s Pour House and Florentine-style street pizza at Nittolo's. A small public beach on Lake Leelanau at the end of North Popp Road is perfect for kids and picnics. leelanauchamber.com
LELAND
This coastal town shines from its Main Street down to its harbor and the wharf and shanties of Fishtown. Book a Lake Michigan charter here or hop the ferry to the Manitou islands. Don’t miss beautiful Van’s Beach behind Falling Waters Lodge. Sweet little Nedow’s Bay Beach is on Lake Leelanau at the end of Pearl Street. Dining scene stars include to-go sammies at the Village Cheese Shanty in Fishtown and restaurants including The Cove, Riverside Inn, Bluebird and Bogey's at the Leland Lodge. Wine taste downtown at Verterra. lelandmi.com
NORTHPORT
This postcard-perfect town is the gateway to the tippy-top of the Leelanau Peninsula where Grand Traverse Lighthouse, Leelanau State Park and Peterson Park are located. Find fun, funky shops and eateries (standouts: The Tribune, Garage Bar & Grill and New Bohemian Cafe) and The Mitten Brewing Company. Just south of town, Fischer’s Happy Hour Tavern is a classic. Beach-it downtown at Bay Front Park or head to the state park. northportomenachamber.org
OMENA/PESHAWBESTOWN
Omena, a charming postage stamp-sized town perched on Omena Bay, is home to Tamarack Gallery. Take a table overlooking lovely Omena Bay at Knot Just a Bar and Leelanau Cellars. In Peshawbestown, home of the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians, find Leelanau Sands Casino and the Eeyawing Museum and Cultural Center. northportomenachamber.org; gtbindians.org
SUTTONS BAY
Set on the waters of Suttons Bay and embraced by wine country, this town rocks a hip vibe with its eclectic mix of shops, restaurants (Martha’s Leelanau Table, Wren, Streetside Grille, Prime Time Pub and VI Grill are musts) and the community-owned Bay Theatre. The hopping Hop Lot Brewing Co. is just south of town. Find TART’s Leelanau Trail at the edge of town. Beach it at Suttons Bay Marina a block off the downtown where the picture-worthy schooner and schoolship Inland Seas is docked. suttonsbayarea.com 2021 MYNORTH
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15 THINGS TO DO IN FISHTOWN This quaint collection of last-century fishing shanties at the edge of the Leland Harbor offers no end of excuses to linger. Here’s a list to get you started.
PHOTO BY TAYLOR BROWN
BY AMANDA HOLMES
Pick up smoked whitefish at Carlson's and enjoy a true taste of Fishtown.
Browse the galleries and boutiques packed into Fishtown’s weathered nooks.
Check out exhibits that reveal Fishtown’s storied past on each of the shanties.
Watch the steel tug Joy come in at the end of the afternoon with her catch of whitefish.
Get an ice cream cone from The Dam Candy Store and watch the sunset over the marina.
Take a frame-able photo of the Fishtown tugs Janice Sue and Joy tied up at the wharf.
Order a pretzel-bread sandwich at Village Cheese Shanty and eat it on the dock.
Take a selfie in front of the dam (with the shanties and harbor in the background).
Book a charter boat and catch your own fish on the big lake.
Bring a rod and reel and fish off the dock.
Watch for otters swimming up the river.
Eat at The Cove restaurant, overlooking Fishtown.
Stop at the Fishtown Preservation Welcome Center and learn 10 things you didn’t know about Fishtown. Book a room at Falling Waters Lodge across the river so you can go to bed in Fishtown and wake up there. Make a donation at fishtownmi.org and ensure Fishtown remains here forever.
For more about Fishtown go to fishtownmi.org 2021 MYNORTH
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SuttonsBayArea.com
Suttons Bay MICHIGAN Throughout the year Suttons Bay is host to many art, wine and social events. Go to SuttonsBayArea.com/calendar for a current listing.
Over 100 artists from Michigan & Beyond!
August 13 & 14: Sidewalk Sales (Friday & Saturday) October 16: Art & Wine Walk 5 – 8 pm November 27: Holiday in the Village Family Day & Holiday Stroll (Small Business Saturday)
Celebrating
41 years!
August 7th & 8th, 2021 Marina Park, Suttons Bay
www.SuttonsBayArtFestival.org 4th Annual
The Village of Suttons Bay is committed keeping our residents and visitors safe. We’re open and practicing safe guidelines to ensure wellness of all those who live in or pass through our beautiful town.
Pop-Up Art Show in Leelanau County
October 9th & 10th, 2021
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THE 2021 TOUR WILL BE VIRTUAL!
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BIKE THE SLEEPING BEAR HERITAGE TRAIL
More than just a bike ride, this 20-mile trail that stretches from Empire to north of Glen Arbor is a day destination. BY ELIZABETH EDWARDS
A great way to tackle this trail is to spot a car at one end and brake at the attractions along the way. Here’s a snapshot of the trail’s highlights, beginning in Empire and heading north to the trail’s end at Bohemian Road.
LEG 1: EMPIRE TO THE DUNE CLIMB
Pick up sandwiches (you won’t regret this decision, trust us!) at Shipwreck Cafe, tuck them in your backpack for a picnic later and head off to the Bar Lake Road Trailhead. It’s about a five-mile ride with one big downhill (remember that’ll be uphill if you work this trail north to south) to the Sleeping Bear Dune Climb where there are picnic tables, bathrooms, a concession— and a chance to add a hike up this big, beautiful dune to your day’s workout.
LEG 2: DUNE CLIMB TO GLEN HAVEN
It’s about a 4.5-mile pedal along a wooded trail to tiny Glen Haven with its stunning beach, old-fashioned general store, the Cannery Boat Museum and nice bathrooms, all owned and managed by Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. While you’re in Glen Haven, check out the renovation progress on the old Sleeping Bear Inn across the road from the general store.
LEG 3: GLEN HAVEN TO GLEN ARBOR
This stretch takes you through the D.H. Day Campground then back into the woods to Glen Arbor. This town is filled with eateries, shops and wine tasting spots. Check out the Glen Arbor section in “Small Towns, Big Charm” (page 37) for highlights.
LEG 4: GLEN ARBOR TO THE HOMESTEAD
Just north of Glen Arbor, take time to pedal into The Homestead resort and explore the darling Mountain Village with its outdoor bar and seating at Whisker’s Bar and Grill, as well as the pizza, ice cream and other eats at Cavanaugh’s Grocerant.
LEG 5: THE HOMESTEAD TO BOHEMIAN ROAD
This section leads past Oleson Farm, headquarters for the Port Oneida Historic District that you’ll be pedaling past. Stop for a quick history lesson that will greatly enrich your experience on this last leg of the trail. Note: When complete, the Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail will stretch 27 miles from the northern end of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore (Good Harbor Beach at CR-651), to Manning Road, just south of Empire. Find more info at friendsofsleepingbear.org and nps.gov/slbe. 2021 MYNORTH
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PHOTO BY MAE STIER
PHOTO BY TAYLOR BROWN
Taste something new.
PHOTO BY MAE STIER
MyNorth.com/FoodandDrink
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SIP LIKE A LOCAL
Leelanau is known as “The Land of Delight,” so you might imagine that when the ingredients are Leelanau-grown and the bottles are poured in the Leelanau countryside, the region’s wine, beer, hard cider and spirits taste, well, delightful. BY CARLY SIMPSON & ELIZABETH EDWARDS
New to the peninsula, Farm Club opened in July 2020. The farm/market/restaurant/brewery is a collaboration between Allison and Gary Jonas of Traverse City’s Little Fleet and Sara and Nic Thiesen of Leelanau’s Loma Farm. With a farm-fresh menu, nuanced, lower-ABV beers and easy access to the Leelanau Trail, it’s become a destination for all ages. For the 21-plus club, it's only fitting when visiting Leelanau, set as it is on the 45th Parallel (the same parallel as France’s Bordeaux and Côtes du Rhône regions and the Piedmont region of Italy), that your trip includes a stop at one of this peninsula’s 32 wineries and tasting rooms with their watery views and gorgeous settings. But this American Viticultural Area (AVA) is more than just a pretty face. Grapes thrive in this microclimate buffered from frosts and debilitating heat by Lake Michigan and inland lakes. The complex soil—a tapestry of clay, sand and glacial till—creates complex flavors that a handful of talented winemakers are turning into national and international award-winning wines. From the light, stone fruit sweetness of a riesling to the elegant notes of a pinot noir, Leelanau’s wines are world-class. The Leelanau Peninsula Wine Trail (the marketing organization for the wineries) makes it simple to plot your route by mapping the wineries into three loops: Sleeping Bear, Northern and Grand Traverse Bay. The organization’s website, lpwines.com, keeps you up to date on fun events happening in wine country and has extensive information about chauffeured tours (DDs being so important!), weddings and other group events at the wineries. Where grapes flourish, so do apples, and Leelanau is lucky to have three rustic cideries, all located in Suttons Bay, where you can sip hard cider surrounded by orchards. Nikki and Dan Rothwell opened Tandem Ciders a decade ago after having a cider epiphany on a bicycle tour of Southern England. Since then, two more cideries, Suttons Bay Ciders and Two K Farms, have grown up on the peninsula, using both heritage apple varieties and agricultural newcomers like the Honeycrisp to produce a range of bone dry to satisfyingly sweet beverages. Many of the wineries also produce cider, so it’s easy to get your apple fix. And there’s not a town on the Leelanau Peninsula that doesn’t have at least one Up North-style tavern with an array of taps and an ice-cold glass waiting for you. The past decade has also brought a handful of breweries, including Hop Lot Brewing Co. in Suttons Bay, The Mitten Brewing Co. in Northport and Cherry Republic Brewing Co. in Glen Arbor. At Hop Lot, the Lutke family has created a welcoming hangout inside the taproom and out—but the four-season beer garden really takes the cake with fire pits, a stage for live music and plenty of room to spread out. And Cherry Republic Brewing Co. has the very cherry bonus of being located at the original Cherry Republic campus with its cheerful gardens, pit-spitting arena and lots of goodies for not-yet-21 visitors. When you’re in need of good spirits, you’ll find them aplenty at Northern Latitudes Distillery in Lake Leelanau, where the vibe is always relaxed, and glasses are full. Founders and owners Mark and Mandy Moseler craft vodkas, gins, rums, liqueurs and bourbon whiskey with Leelanau water, cherries and saskatoon berries, and you bet the corn, malt, barley and sugar beets are Michigan-grown, too. In nearby Leland, you’ll also want to check out the Traverse City-based spirits at Grand Traverse Distillery’s intimate tasting room with its old-timey bar ambiance (open seasonally; find hours online). 2021 MYNORTH
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EXPLORE
Leelanau State Park Don't miss this jewel at the tip of the Leelanau Peninsula. BY ELIZABETH EDWARDS
North of Northport, perched at the tip of the Leelanau Peninsula, and surrounded by the expanse of Lake Michigan, this approximately 1,350-acre park offers camping, captivating beaches, hiking trails and lighthouse tours.
GRAND TRAVERSE LIGHTHOUSE
This 1858 beauty that sits within the equally beautiful Leelanau State Park has been fully restored. Climb 50 feet to the top of the tower for an unforgettable view of Lake Michigan, and tour the keeper’s quarters and exhibits that feature lighthouse history and archaeology, shipwrecks and area Native American settlements. A rare opportunity to live a light-keeper’s life is offered through a volunteer keeper program. grandtraverselighthouse.com
CAMPING
Up at the tippy top of the Leelanau Peninsula, you’ll wake to Lake Michigan sunrises and go to sleep to Lake Michigan sunsets at this state park that houses a rustic campground and three mini cabins. michigan.gov/dnr
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HIKING TRAILS
Six miles of looped trails that cover everything from hills, forested trails, wetlands along serene Mud Lake and dunes make this a lovely hiking destination. Don’t miss the 2.2-mile roundtrip hike to Manitou Overlook, accessed from the Lake Michigan Trail where (on clear days) you’ll see North Manitou and the Fox Islands floating on the horizon. Access the trailhead at the end of Densmore Road, approximately five miles south of the lighthouse/day-use area. michigan.gov/dnr
CATHEAD BAY
This pristine bay on Lake Michigan with its 1.5 miles of shoreline (no pets, please), wide sandy beaches and great rock hunting lies at the park’s southern end. Access it from the main trailhead at the end of Densmore Road, five miles south of the campground. Once you park your car, you’ll need to hike about a mile along the Lake Michigan Trail/Cathead Spur to reach the beach—a destination that’s well worth the effort! michigan.gov/dnr
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Shalda Creek
HAVE A DOG? HAVE FUN!
Finding a place for Fido to unwind isn’t hard in this land of forests and beaches. Here are some places any dog would pay to go. Remember, Michigan law requires dogs to be on 6-foot leashes in public. BY ALLISON JARRELL
NATURE PRESERVES
All Leelanau Conservancy natural areas allow your canine companions. The best dog walking trails are at DeYoung Natural Area, Clay Cliffs Natural Area, Palmer Woods Forest Reserve, Krumwiede Forest Reserve and Chippewa Run Natural Area. (Note: Pets and humans are discouraged from visiting ecologically sensitive areas, including Soper Natural Area and Gull Island Preserve.)
In Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, dogs are allowed on most trails and on beaches from the Maritime Museum in Glen Haven to the western edge of Glen Arbor, from Pyramid Point to CR-669 and from CR-651 north to the park boundary. Pups are also welcome at the Glen Lake picnic area just across M-22 from the Dune Climb.
LEELANAU STATE PARK
The Leelanau State Park, at the northern tip of Leelanau County, has 8.5 dog-friendly miles of trails! Dogs are also allowed at the state park campground, but make a note to skip the beaches, as they’re home to protected nesting areas for the endangered piping plover. 48
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SLEEPING BEAR DUNES
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CHANGES AND NO CHANGES Much has been changed to be safer and better for you. But your favorites – the dunes, beaches, and sunsets – haven’t changed. They’re just as beautiful. And they invite you to vacation on Lake Michigan.
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