15 Best Things to Do in Northport Michigan
Beautiful Northport Michigan in Leelanau County is one of my favorite pure Michigan destinations, especially in the summer and fall months.
I’m not alone.
Many people have discovered this charming village on the shores of Grand Traverse Bay, and return year after year for vacations, bringing friends and families to this special spot.
Located at the tip of the Leelanau Peninsula in the northwest region of Michigan’s Lower Peninsula, scenic Northport is surrounded by beautiful lakes, orchards, vineyards, and forests. There is a lot to do here, from exploring lighthouses, swimming on the beautiful beaches and shopping at the cute boutiques in the village of Northport.
I’ve put together a complete travel and visitors guide to Northport MI, including the best activities in Northport, so read on for the best places to stay, play and eat in this top Michigan travel spot.
Historic Northport, Michigan is known for its pretty marina, stunning natural beauty, its quaint village atmosphere and rich maritime history.
You’ll find beautiful lighthouses, rolling cherry orchards, art galleries and Leelanau State Park, one of the best state parks in Michigan. Located on the iconic M-22 scenic drive, Northport is close to other popular vacation spots including Sleeping Bear Dunes, Leland, Suttons Bay and Omena.
Northport is also known for its annual Northport Dog Parade, which features costumed dogs and their canine companions, held every August in downtown Northport. It’s a true highlight of the summer season!
About Northport Michigan
Historic Northport, Michigan is known for its pretty marina, stunning natural beauty, its quaint village atmosphere and rich maritime history.
You’ll find beautiful lighthouses, rolling cherry orchards, art galleries and Leelanau State Park, one of the best state parks in Michigan. Located on the iconic M-22 scenic drive, Northport is close to other popular vacation spots including Sleeping Bear Dunes, Leland, Suttons Bay and Omena.
Northport is also known for its annual Northport Dog Parade, which features costumed dogs and their canine companions, held every August in downtown Northport. Sponsored by the Omena Chamber of Commerce, It’s a true highlight of the summer season!
How to Get to Northport MI
Northport MI is located in northwest Michigan, about 40 miles north west of Traverse City.
By Plane: The nearest major airport is Cherry Capital Airport (TVC) in Traverse City. From there, you can rent a car or take a taxi to get to Northport.
You can also fly to Gerald R. Ford International Airport (GRR) in Grand Rapids, Michigan. GRR is about 160 miles south of Northport. From Grand Rapids MI, you can rent a car and take the scenic drive up the west Michigan coast to Northport. If you follow M-22, You’ll pass through several popular Michigan travel spots including Benzie County and Manistee County.
By Car: Northport is located about 250 miles from Detroit, and Ann Arbor. From Detroit, you can take I-75 north to the M-72 exit (exit 254) and follow M-72 west to Northport. The drive takes about 4 hours and 15 minutes.
Why You Should Visit Northport Michigan
Tiny Northport might just be one of the best travel secrets in Michigan.
While its small in size, it’s big on fun, especially during the summer and fall months. That’s when the regular population of 500 swells with vacationers from across the country, who come to play and splash along northern Michigan’s quiet shores in this friendly community.
People visit Northport for its lively atmosphere and the strong sense of community and pride, on display during popular events.
From residents and visitors gathering for weekly Friday night concerts at”Music in the Park,” to the bustling Northport Farmers Market held at the Northport Marina, you’ll find outdoor activities going on all throughout the summer and fall.
Best Things to Do in Northport Michigan
Northport is known as a popular tourist destination, and its many shops, restaurants, and art galleries give visitors a taste of the local culture. Here are some of our favorite things to do in Northport.
Go Beach Hopping in Northport
You’ll find several beautiful beaches in Northport, including Peterson Beach, Christmas Cove Beach, Onomonee Road Beach and Cathead Bay Beach.
There are some of the prettiest secret beaches in Michigan, with soft sand beaches and clear blue water. Pack a picnic lunch and enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and picnicking at these scenic spots.
You can catch some amazing views of the Manitou Islands from Onomonee Beach, too. Both South Manitou and North Manitou are visible here.
Take a Lake Michigan Charter Fishing Trip
You’ll find a variety of fish, including salmon, trout, and walleye in the waters near Northport. Charter fishing trips are available through several local outfitters, such as Leland Charters and Reel Fun Fishing Charters.
Explore Leelanau State Park
Leelanau State Park, just north of Northport, provides a picturesque 1,300 acre area for camping and wandering the 8 miles of hiking trails that wind through forests, dunes, and along the shore of Lake Michigan. Other outdoor recreation opportunities include swimming, and fishing. You’ll also find more than 50 campsites available for overnight camping.
Climb the Grand Traverse Lighthouse
The historic Grand Traverse Lighthouse was built in 1858, and is located in Leelanau State Park. Located on the shores of Lake Michigan, the grounds here are quite picturesque.
You can tour the lighthouse and learn about its history and significance in the area and stop by the gift shops to purchase some souvenirs.
Check out the Northport Art Scene
You’ll find many galleries here featuring the work of local artists. Downtown Northport is a great spot to pick up a unique piece of art and support the vibrant arts community. Try these spots:
- 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
Try Some Michigan Wine at the Northport Wine Festival
The Northport Wine Festival is an annual August event, celebrating the wine from Leelanau Township and the Leelanau Peninsula area.
Guests can taste more than 20 different wines from the region, as well as beer and cider from local breweries. Live entertainment, food stalls, and artisans selling different items are also a part of the festivities. The location for the event is outdoors and attendees can admire the gorgeous views of Northport’s waterfront park while tasting the different drinks.
Go Rock Hunting on a Lake Michigan Beach
Michigan beaches are known for their amazing treasures, and the beaches in and around Northport are no different. Keep your eyes peeled for Petoskey Stones and Leland Blues.
Try Some Local Cherries At Cherry Republic
An outpost of the popular spot in Glen Arbor. This popular store in Northport sells a variety of cherry-based products, including cherry salsa, cherry BBQ sauce, and cherry wine. This whole area is the heart of Michigan’s cherry industry, and you’ll find some delicious treats here, like their amazing Imperial chocolate-covered cherries.
Wander the Shops of Downtown Northport
Experience the unique atmosphere of downtown Northport where you can find several wonderful stores and eateries, some of which feature seating outside and incredible sights of the marina and Lake Michigan. Some of the popular places to check out are Tucker’s of Northport, Barb’s Bakery, and The Garage Bar & Grill.
Go Wine Tasting
Explore Leelanau Peninsula’s many wineries, such as Willow Vineyards, Boathouse Vineyards and Laurentide Winery, for both tasting and tours. Northport is the perfect place to start your adventure. You can also do wine tours of both the Leelanau Peninsula and Traverse City, Michigan. Grand Traverse County Bike Tours offers wine tours on bike, so you can cycle to the wineries.
Go Tubing on Lake Leelanau
PlayNorth Watersports in Lake Leelanau MI offer pontoon, jet ski and paddleboard rentals, as well as water trampolines. Even better, they will bring them to your location in Northport.
Best Places to Eat in Northport
The Garage Bar and Grill, 129 North Mill Street, Northport MI
This casual restaurant offers a range of American-style dishes, including burgers, sandwiches, and salads. They also have a variety of craft beers on tap, Try the Garage Burger, made with a blend of short rib and brisket.
Tucker’s of Northport, 116 W Nagonaba St., Northport, MI
Specializing in gourmet pizzas made with fresh, local ingredients, they make an out-of-this-world Artichoke and Garlic pizza. You’ll also find tasty salads, sandwiches, and others entrees.
Barb’s Bakery and Café, 143 Mill St, Northport, MI
This cozy bakery and cafe is known for its homemade pastries, bread, and sandwiches, including the . Turkey Bacon Avocado Sandwich. They also offer coffee and delicious espresso drinks
Willowbrook Mill, 11390 E. St. Hill Road, Northport, MI
Set in a historic 19th-century flour mill, I love the cozy ambiance here. The seasonal, farm-to-table menu never disappoints, and that includes the Wild Mushroom Fettuccine.
Food Trucks in Northport
You can easily find a tasty food truck in Northport, featuring everything from pizza and tacos to down-home comfort food.
Cool Places to Visit Near Northport
Tandem Ciders, 2055 N Setterbo Rd, Suttons Bay, MI 49682
This local cidery is located just outside of Northport and offers tastings of their delicious and fruity ciders. They also have a beautiful outdoor patio for visitors to enjoy.
Shady Lane Cellars, 9580 E Shady Ln, Suttons Bay, MI 49682
This boutique estate winery and vineyard hosts a wide array of great local events including live music, wine pairing dinners, and private events.
Leland MI aka Fishtown
Take a 20 minute ride just southwest of Northport to this historic fishing village on the Leelanau Peninsula. Wander the cute shops and boutiques and treat youself to a grilled cheese sandwich at the Village Cheese Shanty.
Visit Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore in Empire and Glen Arbor MI
Need a good trip idea? Northport is just about 25 minutes north of the towering sand dunes of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore a top spot for summer fun. Try kayaking down the Platte River to Platte Point, where the river opens into Lake Michigan.
You’ll find picnic tables and a beautiful Michigan beach. This is a Michigan summer rite of passage for many, so be sure to give it a try.
Great Lakes Childrens Museum
Need a great rainy-day activity for kids? Head to the Great Lakes Children’s Museum,13240 S W Bay Shore Dr, Traverse City, MI 49684. You little ones can have fun learning exploring with many hands-on and indoor play activities including a fabulous water table that will keep them busy for hours.
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