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8 Reasons to Make Glen Lake Your Show-Stopping Vacation of The Year

Glen Lake Mi Boats On Lake Smugmug 1

Glen Lake = Quintessential Michigan Summer on the Lake + Caribbean Blue Waters

Looking for a jaw-dropping beach spot to wow the family with this summer? Glen Lake is it! 

There are plenty of reasons why we think Glen Lake is one of the prettiest lakes in Michigan.

Swim in impossibly clear water, hike Michigan’s most famous sand dunes, and take out the kayak, canoe, or boat for some time on the water.

Don’t leave without exploring Glen Arbor and its quaint Michigan beach town feel.

Once you visit, you’ll see how Glen Lake is where the nostalgia of “a summer on the lake” meets a Caribbean getaway.

Here are our top eight reasons to visit Glen Lake:

Crystal Clear Turquoise Blue Water

Inland lakes are expected to have cloudy brown water, but not so with Glen Lake!

How does Glen Lake have such stunningly clear water? Glen Lake is fed through groundwater, not runoff, so the water is clear as can be.

Visitors often equate the color and clarity of the water to Caribbean waters. All it’s missing is some shady palm trees!

Glen Lake

Hello, Sleeping Bear Dunes!

Michigan’s most famous dunes – Sleeping Bear Dunes – lie along the shore of Glen Lake.

And what’s more, Lake Michigan is just on the other side of the dunes!

Climb the dune and your reward will be a stunning panoramic view of Glen Lake.

Dune Climb – Sleeping Bear Dunes

Beauty From Every Angle

One of the best things about Glen Lake is just how many ways you can experience it!

Take a dip in the lake and go for a swim, or opt for a view from on the water via powerboat, sailboat, kayak, canoe, or even paddleboard.

And those aren’t even all the options! Of course visitors enjoy a view of Glen Lake from atop the dunes, or take in the beauty by driving M22 right through the lake.

SUP on Glen Lake

Two For the Price of One

Glen Lake is separated by M22 into Little Glen Lake and Big Glen Lake.

Both have that signature crystal clear water, but each side is unique.

Looking for some fun on a speedboat, and maybe some water skiing? Big Glen is your lake!

Looking for shallower waters, lots of sandbars, and warmer temps? Head to Little Glen.

Overlook Of Big Glen Lake Canva DWalker44 From Getty Images Signature
Overlook of Big Glen Lake

Unforgettable Views

Take a leisurely drive along Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive, a 7.4 mile loop that offers stunning views of Glen Lake, the dunes, and Lake Michigan.

Each of the 12 stops give explorers the opportunity to get out of the car and enjoy the scenery a while.

Among the twelve stops are a Glen Lake overlook, a Dune overlook, and a Lake Michigan overlook.

pierce stocking drive stop 9 lake michigan overlook
Lake Michigan Overlook, stop #9 on Pierce Stocking Drive

Spark Some Romance at Inspiration Point

Heralded one of the most romantic spots in Glen Arbor, Inspiration Point is the perfect spot to cozy up to your person and enjoy a quiet moment together.

The view of Glen Lake from the stone bench here is awe-inspiring, and oh-so-romantic.

inspiration point
Inspiration Point

Score Your Catch of the Day

Fishing is a welcome activity at Glen Lake!

Those hoping to catch a few fish will find smallmouth bass and perch in the clear waters of Glen Lake.

Explore Glen Arbor

Glen Lake is nestled in the quaint beach town of Glen Arbor.

If you’re already at the lake, you might as well expand your day trip to visit some of the adorable local haunts.

Cherry Republic is a must, whether for lunch, dinner, or just an afternoon snack.

Shops like The Cottage Bookshop and “total package” experiences like River Club Glen Arbor give this town its charm.

River Club in Glen Arbor

FAQs

Where is Glen Lake MI?

Glen Lake is primarily located in Glen Arbor, Empire, and Kasson townships in Leelanau County, Michigan, about 30 minutes west of Traverse City and next to the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.

Can you swim in Glen Lake, Michigan?

Yes, Glen Lake in Leelanau County, Michigan, is a premier, crystal-clear destination for swimming. It is typically warmer and calmer than nearby Lake Michigan,

Why is Glen Lake so clear?

Glen Lake is famous for its striking clarity due to being fed by pure groundwater rather than surface runoff. This lack of organic matter allows sunlight to filter through and reflect off its white, sandy bottom. 

How deep is Glen Lake, Michigan?

Glen Lake is divided into two connected bodies of water with drastically different depths. 

Big Glen Lake reaches a maximum depth of 130 feet while Little Glen Lake is much shallower, with a maximum depth of only about 12 to 13 feet. 

Have Fun at Glen Lake!

Glen Lake is one of the best all-in-one Michigan lake destinations around. 

Caribbean blue water? Check! 

Dunes? Check! 

Small beach town feel? Check! 

Activities for having fun in and on the water? Double check! 

Have we got you convinced yet? Why not load up and go see for yourself!

Glen Lake girl jumping off boat - Steph Weeks

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Hannah Austin

Hannah is a wife to her husband Chris and stay-at-home mom to their two boys. Among her favorite things are singing, pilates, opera, dabbling in knitting and hand embroidery, writing, spending time with her family, waffles, Jesus, and a good cup of tea. She loves Michigan with her whole heart and is proud to call it home!

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