Sleeping Bear Dunes Lakeshore – Philip A. Hart Visitor Center
9922 W Front St, Empire, MI 49630

Start with a visit to the Philip A. Hart Visitor Center, the Sleeping Bear Dunes headquarters. You’ll need a pass for any park activities you wish to do including visiting the picture-perfect beaches, trekking up the Dune Climb, or touring Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive.

Empire Bluff Trail
Empire Bluff Trail, Honor, MI 49640

This 1.5-mile roundtrip hike is through hardwoods and ends with a spectacular boardwalk bluff view of Lake Michigan. Bonus points if you get here for the sunset.

Grocer’s Daughter
11590 S Lacore St, Empire, MI 49630

Grocer’s Daughter is a hidden gem craft chocolate spot in a quirky bright green building on M‑22.

Tiffany’s Cafe
10213 W Front St, Empire, MI 49630

On main street Empire, Tiffany’s Cafe is a great ice cream or coffee stop.

Empire Beach Village Park
10484 Niagara St, Empire, MI 49630

Swim in Lake Michigan or South Bar Lake, depending on the wind and water conditions. A waterside playground, basketball court, and picnic spots are available for public use as well. There is a small parking fee at this beach.

North Bar Beach
North Bar Beach Parking Lot, Empire, MI 49630

A secret beach that drains into Lake Michigan and is famous for being shallow, sandy, and warmer than the big lake

Fishtown – Shop & Dine
Leland is probably most famous for its Historic District, otherwise known as Fishtown. Shanties filled with little shops, tugboats, and charter boats line the Leland River, as they have for years.

As in the past, today Leland is still a town with deep commercial fishing roots.

Two Fish Gallery
104 River St, Leland, MI 49654

While we love most every shop in Leland, one has stolen our hearts: Two Fish. Time after time, they stock items that make us smile and that we can’t seem to find anywhere else.

Vans Beach
205 Cedar St, Leland, MI 49654

This sandy beach offers great views of dunes in the distance to the south and Leland Harbor to the north. You might want water shoes if you’re going to swim – the lake has a rocky bottom here.

This is a great beach for rock hunting – you may even find a Leland Blue!

Cedar Sol Tacos
9452 S Cedar Rd, Cedar, MI 49621

Some of the tastiest tacos in the north are out in the “middle of nowhere” at the Cedar Sol Taco stand.

What makes these tacos so special is that Cedar Sol Hydro Farm is one of Michigan’s largest outdoor hydroponic farms. This growing method saves a ton of water and land and it’s what is used to grow the ingredients used to make your tacos.

Another perk at Cedar Sol? The view. They’re on a bluff overlooking Cedar Valley. Definitely make this a stop if you’re in the area.

Check their Facebook page for current taco stand hours.

If you like hiking, you must treat yourself to a Leelanau County visit ASAP.

Unparalleled natural beauty paired with citizens and municipalities bent on preservation have created a hiking oasis that is hard to find anywhere else in lower Michigan. The Leelanau Conservancy is to credit for many of these preservation efforts.

The number of worthy hiking spots are too many to list. Here’s our top picks:

Empire Bluff Trail
Empire Bluff Trail, Honor, MI 49640

This scenic 1.5-mile out-and-back trail is one Michigan hike you simply must do. Winding through lush hardwood forests for the first half, it ends on a boardwalk overlooking Lake Michigan far below. You’ll love how blue the water looks from the higher vantage point.

Alligator Hill Trail
Stocking Rd, Empire, MI 49630

This is another top hike in the area.

Our hike to the overlook and the “easy” three-mile loop was just enough for our younger kids. You can’t beat the Lake Michigan views from the top of the Alligator Hill Trails.

Leelanau State Park – Lake Michigan Trail Loop
Hiking Trailhead, Densmore Rd, Northport, MI 49670

This is a gorgeous kid-friendly hike through the woods to a Lake Michigan beach. It’s a 2.4-mile loop of moderate difficulty. Get your Michigan Recreation Passport ahead of time to park for free.

Clay Cliffs Natural Area
4755 North Manitou Tr, Lake Leelanau, MI 49653

This hike isn’t long, but it’s beautiful and family-friendly. There is a 0.75 universal access loop. Portions of the trail are hilly. The trail system goes through woods and open areas. You can hike to a Lake Michigan lookout using the 1.5-mile loop.

Whaleback Natural Area
1639 North Manitou Tr, Leland, MI 49654

We’ll summarize the Whaleback hike as short, steep, and worth it. If you’re in Leland, you’re within walking distance of the Whaleback Natural Area.

The cliff that makes up the whaleback is a local landmark. The cliff (actually a glacial moraine) looks like a beached whale from afar and has been used by Lake Michigan sailors as a reference point throughout history.

The first part of the trail crosses private property, so be sure to stay on the trail. Hike the whole loop for a 1.6-mile trek through a birch forest that includes Lake Michigan views.

Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive
M-109, Empire, MI, 49630

*Sleeping Bear Dunes Park Pass Required – Here’s how to get one for free!

This seven-mile scenic driving route takes you to spectacular overlooks of Lake Michigan, Glen Lake, and the Sleeping Bear Dunes. Two picnic areas are also on the route. Get a brochure at the entrance to the drive.

There are 12 designated stops – but these are some of our favs:

Stop 1: Photo op at the covered bridge. It’s just pretty!

Stop 2: Glen Lake Overlook – Your first glimpse of the vast beauty found at the Sleeping Bear Dunes. Take pictures!

Stop 3: Dune Overlook.

Stop 9: Lake Michigan Overlook. You’re treated to views of the dunes, Manitou Islands, and splendid lakeshore views. The wooden platform is no longer there, but the views are still amazing.

** It’s NOT recommended that you hike down the dune at Stop 9. The climb back up the sand can take two hours and is very strenuous. There’s a hefty rescue fee if you hike down and can’t climb back up.

D.H. Day Campground
8010 W Harbor Hwy, Glen Arbor, MI 49636

Rustic campsites. Operated by the National Park Service. Lake Michigan Beach.

Indigo Bluffs RV Park & Resort
6760 W Empire Hwy M-72, Empire, MI 49630

RV Park & Campground has a swimming pool, modern restrooms, camp store, cabin rentals, RV rentals, laundry, LP gas, dump station, volleyball, shuffleboard, and basketball. Food truck on site.

Leelanau State Park
15310 N Lighthouse Point Rd, Northport, MI 49670

Rustic camping and cabins. Located at the tip of the Leelanau Peninsula near the Grand Traverse Lighthouse. Some sites are waterfront.

More camping spots in Leelanau County

Peterson Park
10001 E Peterson Park Rd, Northport, MI 49670

Christmas Cove Park
E Christmas Cove Rd, Northport, MI 49670

We love finding the best places for rock hunting in Michigan. Peterson Park and Christmas Cove Beach in Northport are renowned places to search for Petoskey Stones.

For best results, go after a storm has tossed the beach. Bring a bucket so you can scoop water to wet the dry stones.

Of Note: The Leland Blue Stone is a local treasure. While some may see it as just a by-product of industry, this slag-turned-stone is regularly found on the shores of Leland’s beaches and beyond and has become a symbol for the area. Jewelry, art and other uses have been found for Leland Blue Stones.

Palmer Woods Forest Reserve
4715-5999 S Wheeler Rd, Maple City, MI 49664

The mountain bike trails at Palmer Woods Forest Reserve are intermediate level, single track flow style trails.

The Central Ridge Loop features a challenging climb with a rewarding downhill descent featuring rollers, berms, and drops that will be a fun challenge for intermediate riders.

Palmer Woods Mountain Bike Trail Map

THE SLEEPING BEAR DUNES NATIONAL PARK SERVICE HAVE CLOSED BOTH SOUTH AND NORTH MANITOU ISLANDS DOCKS FOR THE WHOLE 2026 SEASON.  MANITOU ISLAND TRANSIT WILL NOT BE RUNNING ANY TRIPS.

Expected to reopen in 2027, Manitou Island Transit ferries visitors to Sleeping Bear Dunes’ North and South Manitou Islands from Leland, MI.

Manitou Island Transit
207 W River St, Leland, MI 49654
Call 231-256-9061 for all ferry tickets.

South Manitou Day Trip
Ferry day trips to the island leave every day at 10 AM and return to Leland at 5:30 PM. The boat ride to the island is 1.5 hours.

Days trips run daily seven days a week, mid-June – Labor Day weekend.  *There is no day trip on Labor Day.

Some people bring kayaks on the ferry. There’s an extra fee for this.

You will need to pack all of your supplies, including food and water, as there are no stores or concessions on the island. You’ll also need a National Park Pass. Here’s how to get one for FREE if you’ve got a 4th grader.

Visitors like to explore the old town that was left behind, as well as the South Manitou Lighthouse. (Daily tours offered during summer months)

You can also go on an island tour during your visit. Choose from the Farm & Schoolhouse Tour or the Cedar & Shipwreck Tour (fee).

Backpacking North Manitou Island
Ride over to North Manitou Island for a 13+ mile hiking loop. There is only one small campsite where an open fire is allowed, otherwise you’ll need to operate under backcountry rules.

A fee must be paid before camping.

Camping on South Manitou Island
Camping on South Manitou Island is permitted in three locations: Bay Campground, Weather Station Campground, and Popple Campground.

The Leelanau Trail is paved and runs north/south up the Leelanau Peninsula from the Grand Traverse County line up to Suttons Bay.

The Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail is a 21-mile, mostly paved, trail that traverses the diverse landscape of Sleeping Bear Dunes. Some sections are relatively flat, while others have steep sections. (See map for details). You need a park pass to use the trails and trailhead.

Bulldog Berries
7187 East Harrys Rd, Traverse City, MI 49684

They are a U-Pick and wholesale strawberry & blueberry farm just outside of Traverse City, MI, on the Leelanau Peninsula. Berry picking starts in early July. Call for updated info: 231-360-9964

Bohemian Lavender Farm
8181 S Shimek Rd, Maple City, MI 49664

This lavender farm, operated by the local Shimek family, consists of thousands of lavender plants. They run a lavender U-Pick operation in July and August along with a small lavender shop in their 100+ year old barn.

Stop by to have a picnic, pick lavender, shop, or just stroll the fields.

Polish Heritage Farm
6421 E Glazier Dr, Cedar, MI 49621

Polish Heritage Farm is a small family farm in Cedar, MI, on Leelanau Peninsula. They raise hogs, goats, chickens, ducks, and guinea fowl on their 14-acre homestead.

Along with livestock, they tend a market garden that they use to fill their onsite market stand during the summer months.  Check with them about their farm tours – they love giving them!

The market stand is open dawn til dusk and is self serve.
Farm tours available by appointment. 231-835-2464

Omena Cut Flowers U-Pick
12401 E Freeland Rd, Suttons Bay, MI 49682

Omena Cut Flowers is a U-Pick flower farm located 7 miles north of Suttons Bay on M-22 in Leelanau County. They are open dawn ’til dusk daily, May – October and offer 29 beds to pick from with over 50 varieties to choose from.

Hallstedt Homestead Cherries & U-Pick Flowers
8227 N Matheson Rd, Northport, MI 49670

Hallstedt Homestead is a first generation, locally owned orchard selling eat-off-the-tree varieties of sweet cherries on the Leelanau Peninsula.

Their flower garden produces over 100 species and varieties of annual, perennial, and biennial flowers from May through September. Customers are welcome to pick their own flowers or purchase fresh-cut bouquets at their farm stand.

Jacob’s Farm
7100 East Traverse Hwy, M-72 West, Traverse City, MI 49684

This farm is on the county line, but we’re including it in the Leelanau County list of things to do. Visitors come to this Michigan Centennial farm not only for the maze experience, but also for the You-Pick berry farm, farm market, wagon rides, pumpkin patch, and apple orchard.

U-Pick strawberries, saskatoon berries, peaches, and apples are available at Jacob’s Farm in season.

The Leelanau Peninsula is home to two Tall Ship companies, the Inland Seas Education Association and the Traverse Tall Ship Co.

The Education Association focuses on educational excursions (many are open to the public), while the Tall Ship Co. offers recreational sails for visitors.

Traverse Tall Ship Co.
13258 S W Bay Shore Dr, Traverse City, MI 49684

We did the two-hour afternoon Moomers Ice Cream Cruise on the Tall Ship Manitou and enjoyed every minute of it.

Guests (kids included) helped raise the sail, concessions were offered, and ice cream was served. All in all, it was a lovely way to spend an afternoon.

The Manitou also takes guests for other specialty sails, including:
– Brunch Cruise
– Evening Sail
– Dinner & Sail
– Music Cruise

Inland Seas Education Association
100 Dame St, Suttons Bay, MI 49682

Public sails are offered on a limited basis on the Inland Seas.

Check their website for charter dates/times.

Have you ever been in a place where it was so dark the stars seemed to pop out of the sky?

That’s what it’s like at the Sleeping Bear Dunes on a clear night. Where can you best see the stars?

One of my favorite spots is at the Dune Climb – open 24 hours a day – but any Lake Michigan beach will be wonderful, too.

You’ll be surprised at just how much the stars light up the evening! Download a stargazing app for your phone, aim at the night sky, and learn constellations with your family.

Stop for a photo with this sign on M-22, two miles north of downtown Suttons Bay.

45th Parallel Park
700-796 N West Bay Shore Dr, Suttons Bay, MI 49682

45th Parallel Park is nearby as well. It’s very rustic and offers water access.

The Leelanau School
1 Old Homestead Rd, Glen Arbor, MI 49636

Mark your calendar for these special Friday evenings when the Beach Bards invites the public to share in By Heart Poetry, Stories, or Music around a community bonfire on the shore of Lake Michigan.

This over 30-year tradition is a memorable experience for people of all ages.

Friday Night beginning at 8 PM with Children’s Hour. Check website for the schedule.

Pro Tip: Park in any Leelanau School lot. Walk down the boardwalk and cross the Crystal River – this is where you’ll find the bonfire circle.