15 Best Things to Do in Northport Michigan (2026 Local’s Guide)

Last Updated: April 2026

The best things to do in Northport, Michigan are concentrated at the very tip of the Leelanau Peninsula — a town of about 500 year-round residents that swells every summer with visitors who come for the beaches, the Grand Traverse Lighthouse, the wineries, and the kind of quietly beautiful Northern Michigan experience that’s harder to find as the more famous towns fill up. Northport is about 20 minutes north of Leland/Fishtown and 40 miles northwest of Traverse City — far enough up the peninsula that many visitors don’t make it here, which is exactly why it’s worth the drive.

I’ve been coming to Northport in summer and fall for years — it’s one of those places that rewards the extra 20 minutes on M22 past Leland. The cherry orchards on the hills heading north, the marina in the late afternoon, the annual Dog Parade in August where the whole town turns out — Northport has a strong sense of community that you feel the moment you arrive. Here’s everything worth your time.

Northport sits on Grand Traverse Bay, surrounded by cherry and apple orchards, forests, and some of the quietest beaches on the Leelanau Peninsula. It’s the kind of town where you can actually get a parking spot and a table without planning a week in advance — and that’s increasingly rare in Northern Michigan.

Getting to Northport Michigan

Northport is located about 40 miles northwest of Traverse City — roughly a 50-minute drive via M-22 along the Leelanau Peninsula. From Detroit or Ann Arbor (approximately 250 miles), take I-75 north to exit 254 (M-72), then follow M-72 west — the total drive is about 4 hours and 15 minutes. The nearest major airport is Cherry Capital Airport (TVC) in Traverse City; car rental is the most practical option from there.

Best Things to Do in Northport Michigan

Explore Leelanau State Park and Climb the Grand Traverse Lighthouse

Leelanau State Park is the anchor of any Northport visit — 1,300+ acres at the very tip of the Leelanau Peninsula, with 8.5 miles of hiking trails through forest and dunes, a rustic campground, two mini cabins, and picnic areas along the Lake Michigan shore. The Grand Traverse Lighthouse, built in 1858, sits inside the park at the northernmost tip of the peninsula and is open seasonally for tours including climbing the lighthouse tower for sweeping views of Grand Traverse Bay and Lake Michigan. The shoreline here is also one of the better spots on the peninsula for finding Petoskey Stones.

Important practical detail: a Michigan Recreation Passport is required to enter Leelanau State Park ($13/day vehicle or included with annual state park pass). The lighthouse address is 15310 N Lighthouse Point Rd, Northport MI 49670.

Beach Hop in Northport

Northport has several beaches worth visiting — and because most visitors don’t make it this far up the peninsula, they’re meaningfully less crowded than the beaches near Glen Arbor and Empire. Peterson Park (10001 E Peterson Park Rd) is the standout — a Lake Michigan overlook and beach with clear views of both South and North Manitou Islands on a good day. It’s also one of the better sunset spots in the area.

Other options: Christmas Cove Beach (E Christmas Cove Rd) for a quieter Lake Michigan spot; Cathead Bay Beach at the southern edge of Leelanau State Park with good rock hunting and open dune views; and Onomonee Road Beach for Manitou Island views and good swimming.

Pick Cherries at Hallstedt Homestead

Northport sits at the heart of Michigan’s cherry country, and Hallstedt Homestead Cherries (8227 N Matheson Rd, Northport) offers U-pick cherry experiences in summer when the fruit is ripe — eating straight off the tree in a working orchard with Grand Traverse Bay visible in the background is one of those pure Northern Michigan moments that’s hard to replicate anywhere else. Check their availability before the trip; peak picking runs mid-to-late July depending on the season.

Go Rock Hunting

Michigan beaches are among the best in the country for finding Petoskey Stones and Leland Blue Rocks. The Leelanau State Park shoreline is particularly good for Petoskey stones — the rocky beach at the park is less picked-over than the more popular spots farther south. Peterson Park and Christmas Cove are also worth checking.

Take a Charter Fishing Trip

The waters around Northport are productive for salmon, trout, and walleye, and several charter fishing operators work out of the Northport marina. This is one of the more accessible charter fishing setups on the Leelanau Peninsula — the marina is easy to find, the boats are well-maintained, and the fishing here gets less pressure than the charters out of Traverse City.

Explore the Northport Art Scene

Downtown Northport has a genuine arts community concentrated in a handful of galleries within easy walking distance of the marina. Worth a browse:

• Borealis Gallery — 109 E Nagonaba St, Northport, MI 49670
• Joppich’s Bay Street Art Gallery — 109 Bay St, Northport, MI 49670
• Studio 106 — 106 Mill St, Northport, MI 49670

Catch a Friday Night Concert and the Farmers Market

Two of the best free activities in Northport happen regularly all summer. Music in the Park runs every Friday evening — locals and visitors gather for live music in a genuinely community-oriented setting that feels nothing like a tourist event. The Northport Farmers Market at the marina runs through the summer season with local produce, honey, baked goods, and artisan crafts. Both are worth timing your visit around.

The Northport Dog Parade

Every August, Northport hosts one of Michigan’s most delightful community events: the Northport Dog Parade, sponsored by the Northport-Omena Chamber of Commerce. Costumed dogs, their equally enthusiastic owners, and the entire town turned out along the main street — it’s genuinely fun even if you don’t have a dog. It’s the kind of event that makes Northport feel like itself.

Go Wine Tasting on the Leelanau Peninsula

Northport is a natural base for exploring Leelanau Peninsula wine country. The peninsula has more than 25 wineries and tasting rooms, several within easy reach of Northport:

• Green Bird Organic Cellars — one of the most highly rated stops near Northport; try the sangria
• Leelanau Wine Cellars — along M22 on Grand Traverse Bay with 40+ wines and one of the best views from any tasting room on the peninsula
• Willow Vineyards and Boathouse Vineyards — both within easy reach
• Tandem Ciders — 2055 N Setterbo Rd, Suttons Bay MI — the best hard cider stop in the area, with a beautiful outdoor patio

The Northport Wine Festival in August celebrates the region’s wines with more than 20 local wines to taste alongside live entertainment, food, and waterfront views of the marina.

Get Out on the Water

PlayNorth Watersports in Lake Leelanau offers pontoon and jet ski rentals, paddleboard rentals, and water trampolines — and they’ll bring equipment to your location in Northport. It’s one of the more convenient water rental setups on the peninsula for people staying in the area without their own gear.

Shop and Browse Downtown Northport

Downtown Northport is small and entirely walkable from the marina. Cherry Republic has an outpost here selling cherry salsa, cherry BBQ sauce, cherry wine, and the Imperial chocolate-covered cherries that are worth the trip by themselves. Tucker’s of Northport (116 W Nagonaba St) does gourmet pizzas with fresh local ingredients — the artichoke and garlic pizza is the one to order.

Best Places to Eat in Northport MI

Barb’s Bakery and Café — 143 Mill St

Start your Northport day here. Barb’s is a cozy bakery and cafe known for homemade pastries, bread, and sandwiches — the Turkey Bacon Avocado Sandwich and the donuts are both worth the stop. Coffee and espresso drinks, too. Gets busy on summer mornings — arrive early.

Tucker’s of Northport — 116 W Nagonaba St

Gourmet pizza made with fresh, local ingredients. The artichoke and garlic pizza is the one locals recommend — it’s genuinely better than it sounds. Also serves salads, sandwiches, and pasta.

The Garage Bar and Grill — 129 N Mill Street

Casual American dining with burgers, sandwiches, and salads. The Garage Burger (short rib and brisket blend) is the signature, and there’s a solid craft beer selection on tap. Good outdoor seating with marina views.

Willowbrook Mill — 11390 E St. Hill Road

Set inside a restored 19th-century flour mill, Willowbrook runs a seasonal, farm-to-table menu that changes based on what’s available locally. The cozy ambiance and the Wild Mushroom Fettuccine are both worth planning around. Reservations recommended — this one fills up on weekends.

Mitten Brewing Company

Northport’s own brewery — locally brewed beer with indoor and outdoor seating. The best beer in town by reputation, and a natural stop after a day at the lighthouse or beach. Check hours before visiting as they vary seasonally.

Day Trips Near Northport Michigan

Northport’s location at the peninsula tip makes it a natural base for exploring the surrounding area. Everything below is within 30 minutes.

• Leland / Fishtown — 20 minutes south on M22. Historic working fishing village, smoked fish at Carlson’s, Village Cheese Shanty, Verterra wine tasting.
• Suttons Bay — just across the narrows to the south. Hop Lot Brewery, Leelanau wineries, Tandem Ciders, Shady Lane Cellars.
• Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore — about 25 minutes south in Empire and Glen Arbor. Dune Climb, Pierce Stocking Drive, Empire Bluff Trail.
• Glen Arbor — Cherry Republic flagship, Art’s Tavern, Crystal River float, M22 store.

Northport Michigan Frequently Asked Questions

What is Northport Michigan known for?

Northport Michigan is known for its historic marina, the Grand Traverse Lighthouse at Leelanau State Park, rolling cherry orchards, Leelanau Peninsula wineries, and its strong community events including the annual Northport Dog Parade each August and Music in the Park on Friday nights throughout summer. It’s located on the iconic M22 scenic drive, close to Sleeping Bear Dunes, Leland, Suttons Bay, and Omena.

How far is Northport Michigan from Traverse City?

Northport is approximately 40 miles northwest of Traverse City — about a 50-minute drive via M22 along the Leelanau Peninsula. It’s a natural full-day day trip from Traverse City, often paired with stops in Leland, Suttons Bay, or winery visits along the way.

Is there a fee to visit Leelanau State Park and the Grand Traverse Lighthouse?

Yes — a Michigan Recreation Passport is required to enter Leelanau State Park. Day vehicle passes are approximately $13, or you can purchase an annual Recreation Passport ($35) that covers all Michigan state parks. The lighthouse museum inside the park charges a small additional fee for tours; check current prices at the lighthouse before your visit.

When is the Northport Dog Parade?

The Northport Dog Parade takes place every August in downtown Northport, sponsored by the Northport-Omena Chamber of Commerce. Exact dates vary by year — check the chamber’s website for the current year’s schedule. It’s one of the most fun community events in Northern Michigan.

What are the best beaches near Northport Michigan?

The best beaches near Northport are Peterson Park (Lake Michigan, Manitou Island views, great sunsets), Christmas Cove Beach (quieter, good for families), Cathead Bay Beach inside Leelanau State Park (rocky shoreline, Petoskey stone hunting), and Onomonee Road Beach (open water swimming with island views). All are within a short drive of downtown Northport.

Are there wineries in Northport Michigan?

Yes — Northport sits in the heart of Leelanau Peninsula wine country. Green Bird Organic Cellars and Leelanau Wine Cellars are two of the most-recommended stops near Northport. Willow Vineyards and Boathouse Vineyards are also within easy reach. Tandem Ciders in Suttons Bay is the best hard cider stop in the area. The Northport Wine Festival in August brings more than 20 local wines to the waterfront park.