Leelanau Peninsula Travel Guide: Best Towns, Beaches & Things to Do
There’s something about the Leelanau Peninsula that calls me back again and again. Maybe it’s the winding M-22 drives through cherry orchards, the smell of the lake, or the charm of each town, but this corner of Michigan is always one of my favorite escapes. Whether I’m hiking the dunes, kayaking Glen Lake, or grabbing a sandwich from the Village Cheese Shanty, there’s just so much to love.
Discover the Magic of Michigan’s “Pinky” Peninsula
This guide covers all the best things to do on the Leelanau Peninsula—from iconic hikes to quiet beaches, amazing wineries, and local eats. I’ve also included trail and beach tips, where to stay, and the little places that make this region so unforgettable.
📍 Where Is the Leelanau Peninsula?
The Leelanau Peninsula is located northwest of Traverse City and forms the “pinky” of Michigan’s mitten. Surrounded by Lake Michigan and Grand Traverse Bay, it includes charming towns like Leland, Glen Arbor, Empire, Suttons Bay, Northport, and Omena—and is home to the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore and the Manitou Islands.
🏙️ Towns to Explore on the Leelanau Peninsula
Empire
Empire always feels like the gateway to Leelanau. Every time I visit, I hit the Empire Bluff Trail for those iconic Lake Michigan sunset views—it’s a short hike with a big payoff. Don’t miss Grocer’s Daughter Chocolate for a treat after. You’re in the heart of the Sleeping Bear Dunes, here, so be sure to check out Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive for an understanding of the majesty of the dunes.
- Empire Bluff Trail – Trailhead: Wilco Rd, Empire, MI 49630
- Sleeping Bear Dunes Visitor Center – 9922 Front St, Empire, MI 49630
- Grocer’s Daughter Chocolate – 12020 S Leelanau Hwy, Empire, MI 49630
PRO-TIP: Empire is home to one of the best Michigan beaches for kids; the Empire Beach. A parking lot and plyaground separates the warm, gentle waters of South Bar Lake and the cooler, wavier waters of Lake Michigan, and you can psned the whole day running back and forth between the two!
Glen Haven has always been one of my favorite hidden gems within Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. This little historic village feels like stepping back in time, with its beautifully restored 19th-century buildings and peaceful, uncrowded vibe.
I love wandering through the old General Store and watching the blacksmith at work, then heading over to the Cannery Boathouse Museum to check out the vintage Great Lakes boats. But the real highlight for me is Glen Haven Beach—a wide, sandy stretch that’s perfect for skipping stones or just relaxing by the water. It’s a quick detour off M-109, but every time I visit, I’m reminded why Glen Haven is such a special spot for anyone exploring the Leelanau Peninsula.
Glen Arbor
Charming Glen Arbor has this breezy, laid-back energy that makes it easy to stay all day. It’s not your typical Lake Michigan beach town: sure, there are T-shirt shops and boutiques, but there are also upscale restaurants in Glen Arbor, right alongside burger joints. You’ll find hiking trails leading to some of the most spectaular beaches in Sleeping Bear Dunes here, too. My favorite summer day itinerary? I like to paddle on Glen Lake in the morning; spend the afternoon exploring shops and beachesl followed by a bonfire complete with stories compliments of the Beach Bard at the Leelanau School.
- Glen Lake Access – Day Forest Rd or Glen Lake Picnic Area
- Cherry Republic – 6026 S Lake St, Glen Arbor, MI 49636
- Alligator Hill Trail – Forest Haven Dr, Glen Arbor, MI 49636
- Beach Bard at Leelanau School – 1 Old Homestead Rd, Glen Arbor, MI 49636
Port Oneida
Port Oneida is one of those places that always captures my imagination every time I visit Sleeping Bear Dunes. Wandering through this historic rural district, I feel like I’ve stepped into a living postcard—rolling meadows, weathered barns, and quiet farmsteads scattered along peaceful country roads. I love exploring the old schoolhouse and pausing at the scenic overlooks, where you can almost picture what life was like for the early settlers.
There’s something peaceful about the open fields and the sense of history lingering in the air. Whether I’m biking the backroads or just taking a slow drive, Port Oneida is a spot I return to for its beauty, solitude, and the stories it holds from Michigan’s past.
Leland + Fishtown
Leland is postcard-perfect. You’ll love exploring the historic fishing village, shops, and riverfront dining. I always grab a pretzel bread sandwich from the Village Cheese Shanty in Fishtown, stroll the shanty shops, and hunt for Petoskey stones at Van’s Beach.
- Fishtown – 203 W River St, Leland, MI 49654
- Village Cheese Shanty – 199 W River St, Leland, MI 49654
- Riverside Inn – 302 River St, Leland, MI 49654
- Bluebird Restaurant & Tavern – 102 River St, Leland, MI 49654
- Van’s Beach – End of Cedar St, Leland
Suttons Bay
Suttons Bay is where I go to slow down. This charming lakeside town is home to a very walkable downtown, local shops, and wineries. I love the morning light at Bahle Park and the cider at Hilltop Road in the evening. It’s also one of the best spots to bike the Leelanau Trail.
- Suttons Bay Ciders – 10530 E Hilltop Rd, Suttons Bay, MI 49682
- 45th Parallel Café – 102 W Broadway St, Suttons Bay, MI 49682
- Martha’s Leelanau Table – 413 N St Joseph St, Suttons Bay, MI 49682
- Eyaawing Museum – 2605 N West Bay Shore Dr, Suttons Bay, MI 49682
- Bahle Park – 505 N Lincoln St, Suttons Bay, MI 49682
- TART/Leelanau Trail – Trailhead: 601 N St Joseph St, Suttons Bay
Northport
Located at the northern tip of the peninsula,Northport feels like a well-kept secret. I love heading to the lighthouse, picking up something from the gallery, and watching the waves roll in at Christmas Cove. Don’t miss the picturesque Lake Michigan lighthouse and state park – a great place for camping.
- Sailing Tour (Northport Bay Boat Yard) – 10800 N Shore Dr, Northport, MI 49670
- Leelanau State Park – 15310 N Lighthouse Point Rd, Northport, MI 49670
- Grand Traverse Lighthouse – Inside Leelanau State Park
- Christmas Cove Beach – 1795 N Christmas Cove Rd, Northport
Omena
The small village of Omena is tiny but beautiful, with organic farms, and stunning bay views. It’s a quick stop, but worth it for the art galleries, cider, and quiet views over Grand Traverse Bay.
- Tandem Ciders – 2055 N Setterbo Rd, Suttons Bay, MI 49682
- Grand Traverse Bike Tours – 13175 S Olive Rd, Suttons Bay, MI 49682
- Leelanau Cellars (Winery): 5019 N West Bay Shore Dr, Omena, MI 49674
🥾 Best Hikes in the Leelanau Peninsula
- Empire Bluff Trail – 1.5 mi round-trip, epic Lake Michigan views
- Sleeping Bear Point Trail – Sand dunes + forest, great loop
- Alligator Hill Trail – Overlooks Glen Lake
- Pyramid Point Trail – Stunning Views of Lake Michigan
- Shauger Hill Trail – Part of Pierce Stocking Drive
- Clay Cliffs Natural Area – Scenic M-22 overlook, near Leland
🥾 Tip: Bring good shoes and water—especially for sandy climbs!
🏕️ Camping in Sleeping Bear Dunes
- Leelanau State Park Campground – Rustic sites + lighthouse access
- Platte River Campground – 5685 Lake Michigan Rd, Honor, MI 49640
- DH Day Campground – 8010 W Harbor Hwy, Glen Arbor, MI 49636
🏖️ Best Beaches in Leelanau
- Good Harbor Bay Beach – Good Harbor Trail; quiet & sandy
- Esch Beach – Off Esch Rd, south of Empire
- Glen Haven Beach – 8800 M-109, Glen Haven, MI 49636
- Van’s Beach – Walkable from downtown Leland
- Christmas Cove – Beautiful and great for rock hunting
⛱️ Michigan allows up to 25 lbs of rock collection per year—but no collecting inside National Park boundaries like Sleeping Bear Dunes.
🍷 Wineries & U-Pick Farms
- Black Star Farms – 10844 E Revold Rd, Suttons Bay, MI
- Mawby Sparkling Wines – 4519 Elm Valley Rd, Suttons Bay, MI
- Blustone Vineyards – 780 N Sylt Rd, Lake Leelanau, MI
- Tandem Ciders – 2055 N Setterbo Rd, Suttons Bay, MI
- U-Pick Cherry Farms:
- Cherry Republic – 6026 S Lake St, Glen Arbor, MI
- Bardenhagen Farms – 7990 E Horn Rd, Suttons Bay, MI
🚴♀️ More Fun Things to Do
- Ice Cream Sail – Inland Seas, 100 Dame St, Suttons Bay
- Great Lakes Children’s Museum – 13240 S West Bay Shore Dr, Traverse City
- Leelanau Conservancy Hikes – leelanauconservancy.org
✅ Travel Tips Before You Go
- Best Time to Visit: June–October (color, fruit, hiking weather!)
- How to Get There: Fly into Traverse City (TVC) or drive scenic M-22
- Parking: Most towns are walkable—arrive early on weekends
- Where to Stay: Book early in Glen Arbor, Suttons Bay, or Leland
Plan Your Leelanau Peninsula Trip
Whether you’re here for a day or staying for a week, the Leelanau Peninsula has something for everyone. I hope this guide helps you plan a memorable adventure—and maybe even discover a new favorite place along the way.
Save this guide, share it, and tag me when you visit—I’d love to see what you find!
👉 Have questions or tips to share? Drop them in the comments or send me a DM