The eclectic towns of the Leelanau Peninsula are alive with shopping, restaurants, outdoor concerts and more—perfect for summer day trips.
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LELAND
The coastal town of Leland shines from its Main Street down to its harbor, where you’ll find the wharf and shanties of Fishtown filled with shopping, food and fresh fish. Book a Lake Michigan charter here or hop the ferry to the Manitou Islands. Dining scene stars include to-go sammies from Village Cheese Shanty, The Cove, Riverside Inn and The Bluebird (showing off a brand-new, from-the-ground-up renovation). Wine taste downtown at Verterra. Don’t Miss: Run for Fishtown 5K, July 20
CEDAR & MAPLE CITY
Stop in Cedar for a cuppa joe at Cedar River Coffee Company before discovering the treasures of this tiny shopping district, including L. Saile Jewelry, Wool & Honey yarn shop and the Polish Art Center. The good ol’ Cedar Tavern does pub fare right, but don’t miss the Cedar Sol Taco Stand and Polish Countryside Kitchen food truck. Find killer pizza at Market 22 in Maple City, learn to curl (on an indoor rink) at Broomstack Kitchen & Taphouse or pick your own lavender at Bohemian Lavender Farm. Don’t Miss: Cedar Polka Fest, Aug. 22–25
EMPIRE
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore’s Visitor Center is located in Empire, as well as the Empire Bluff hiking trail with its glorious view of Lake Michigan. Browse sweet shops and take a surfing lesson from Sleeping Bear Surf & Kayak. Fuel up at the Village Inn, Joe’s Friendly Tavern and Shipwreck Cafe (hearty sandwiches, but don’t skip the pizza). Don’t Miss: Empire Asparagus Festival, June 1
GLEN ARBOR
Set in the middle of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore and on Sleeping Bear Bay, Glen Arbor exudes outdoor fun. Kayak the Crystal River or bike the Heritage Trail. Discover all things cherry at Cherry Republic, eat a burger at iconic Art’s Tavern (cash or check only), grab coffee and a sammie at The Mill and sip wine at M22 Wine Tasting Bar, Cherry Republic and Glen Arbor Wines. Don’t Miss: Annual Glen Lake Woman’s Club Art Fair, July 17
LAKE LEELANAU
Situated on the beautiful Lake Leelanau Narrows, this town mixes a friendly vibe with the buzz of three wine tasting rooms (Amoritas, Boathouse, Soul Squeeze) and Northern Latitudes Distillery. Find fab brunch at Fiddleheads and Indian carry-out at NJ’s Grocery. Grab coffee at Pedaling Beans, try the classic tavern fare at Dick’s Pour House or enjoy the best of both worlds at Nittolo’s Seafood & Pizza. Don’t Miss: Lake Leelanau Street Fair, Oct. 12
NORTHPORT
A postcard-perfect town, Northport is the gateway to the tippy-top of the Leelanau Peninsula, where you’ll find Grand Traverse Lighthouse, Leelanau State Park and Peterson Park. Indulge in funky activities (bowling at Northport Pub & Grille) and eateries. Standouts: Fingers Crossed, Around the Corner, New Bohemian Cafe and the Mitten Brewing Company. Don’t Miss: Northport Dog Parade, Aug. 10
OMENA & PESHAWBESTOWN
In this charming postage stamp–sized town perched on Omena Bay, take a waterside table at Knot Just a Bar or Leelanau Cellars wine tasting room, and stop to U-Pick at Omena Cut Flowers. Find Leelanau Sands Casino in Peshawbestown, the home of the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians. Don’t Miss: Leelanau UnCaged, Sept. 28
SUTTONS BAY
Suttons Bay rocks a hip vibe with its vibrant mix of shops, restaurants (Martha’s Leelanau Table and Wren are highlights) and the community-owned Bay Theatre. The hopping Hop Lot Brewing Co. is just south of town. Find hiking and biking at the edge of town on TART’s Leelanau Trail. And check out Suttons Bay Marina a block from downtown, where the picture-worthy schooner and schoolship Inland Seas is docked. Don’t Miss: Suttons Bay Art Festival, Aug. 3–4
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