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Acme
This bustling village hugs the shore of East Grand Traverse Bay just northeast of
Traverse City. Founded in the 1850s by L.S. Hoxsie, who built a sawmill on Acme
Creek, it's best known for the huge Grand Traverse Resort and Spa and the
impressive Vasa Trail system, which hosts the annual North American Vasa ski
race in February. Golf vacation packages available.
Bellaire
Bellaire is a classic “Mayberry-style” small town with clean streets and a tidy,
thriving downtown. It is located in northwest Michigan's "Chain of Lakes" area.
Surrounded by lakes, rivers, streams and ponds, Bellaire is a four season
recreational playground. Spring brings hiking and the beginning of golf season
to the region. Most of its 1,100 residents work at the nearby ski and golf
resorts at Shanty Creek and Hawk’s Eye. Golf vacation rentals are plentiful. Its
wide variety of year-round recreational offerings (skiing and snowmobiling in
winter, birding and mushrooming in spring, golf and fishing in summer, hunting
and leaf-peeping in fall) rival those of Traverse City, just a half-hour to the
south.
Summer is a whirlwind of activities such as swimming, water skiing, boating and
fishing, camping, biking, tennis and golf and simply enjoying the great outdoors
of northern Michigan. Autumn is full of the colors of the season and brings days
of exploring the small towns and roadside stands. Wintertime is fresh and cold,
with over 45 challenging ski slopes, cross country skiing and snowmobiling.
Bellaire has two large parks located inside the city limits, and a really nice
campground. And, the village streets are lined with several small shops and
restaurants. Be sure to visit the beautiful county courthouse in downtown
Bellaire, which is a historical landmark and has recently been restored. Bellaire is
also host to the famous annual "Rubber Ducky Festival" in August. Casinos are
located a short drive from Bellaire, and the towns of Traverse City and Petoskey
are just minutes away.
Benzonia/Beulah
The village of Beulah is located in Benzie County, in the Traverse City metro
area. Beulah is the county seat. Benzie County has been recognized as one of
the fastest growing counties in Michigan. Beulah rests on the southeast shore
of Crystal Lake about one mile north of on U.S. Highway 31 and about 7 miles
east of Lake Michigan. Beulah has long been known as a summer vacation
destination with beach rentals, golf condos and Lake Michigan rentals.
Cedar
Cedar is Leelanau County's central hub and center for the polish community.
People stop by Pleva's Meat for some nationally known PlevaLean burgers and
cherry sausage, or Cedar City Market for its huge selection of fine wines, liquor,
organic local foods, and local eggs. Blue Moon Ice Cream is easily recognizable
with its bright blue roof and some of the best ice cream around. The historic
railroad depot is now a great antique shop, and Inish Knits is a great place to
stock up on yarn. Cedar celebrates its Polish history every year with the Cedar
Polka Fest
Charlevoix
A resort community between Lake Michigan, Round Lake and Lake Charlevoix.
One of the hottest destinations for boating, Charlevoix is a city on three lakes
with enough natural resources to make it a recreational paradise for those who
love to spend time in or out of the water. The town of Charlevoix and
surrounding small communities has a population of about 8,500, but that grows
to over 30,000 people in the summertime. In addition to boating, fishing and
swimming, Charlevoix offers visitors beautiful beaches for sunbathing, water
skiing, canoeing, hiking and biking, long walks along the waterfront, state parks
with camping facilities and much, much more. Michigan is home to more golf
courses than any state in the country, and a lot of them are located in the
Charlevoix area. Despite its popularity with tourists, Charlevoix has retained its
small town charm and its downtown has picturesque petunia lined streets filled
with a mix of unique shops, art galleries, antique shops and restaurants. Walk
to five downtown beaches and the beautiful marina. Charlevoix is home to an
apple festival, an annual Waterfront Art Fair and the annual Charlevoix Venetian
Festival -- a week long festival of boat parades, arts and crafts, Venetian games
and other activities that attracts thousands each year.
Elk Rapids
Located in Antrim County, ideally located at the mouth of the "Chain of Lakes"
and is known as a premier vacation spot for "Up North" residents who want to
get away from the hustle and bustle of the cities. Elk Rapids sits at the
entrance to the docks of Grace Memorial Harbor, which is one of the largest
harbors on Grand Traverse Bay and contains over 200 slips. Visitors enjoy
walking along the shores of the bay where they can view the large variety of
watercraft along the docks. The sandy beaches along the Elk Rapids waterways
attract swimmers, sunbathers and boaters. The town is also just minutes from
several beautiful golf courses and the hiking and biking trails of Williamsburg.
Wintertime brings cross-country skiing and snowmobile enthusiasts to Elk
Rapids. There are two new public ice rinks in the downtown district. Elk
Rapids Village offers visitors a slow pace and unique shops and restaurants to
explore.
Empire
Empire is a small village of about 400 people, located on the Lake Michigan side
of the Leelanau Peninsula in northwest lower Michigan. 26 miles to the west of
Traverse City. Empire is home to the Headquarters for Sleeping Bear Dunes
National Lakeshore and a dynamic four-season paradise!
Any time of year is wonderful for visiting, but the summer season is the busiest
with the most constant sunshine and perfect beach days. Fall treats us all with
beautiful changing leaves, cool breezes, big waves, and great weather for hiking
the Empire Bluffs trail or surfing off-shore. Winter brings arctic-like ice
formations on the shoreline and plenty of time to stand in the middle of Front
Street, talking with friends or go for a cross-country ski on one of the many area
trails. Don't miss the Empire Winter Fest; your chance to jump in a hole cut in
the ice of South Bar Lake in February! Spring brings a welcome burst of green
and morel mushroom hunting. Empire is home to the Empire Asparagus Festival,
a unique celebration listed as # 9 in the World's weirdest festivals by MSN
Travel!! A Lake Michigan beach vacation destination.
Frankfort
Located in northwest lower Michigan on the shore of Lake Michigan in west
Benzie County, the Frankfort and Elberta communities encompass beautiful
Betsie Bay, a historic sailing harbor. World-class Lake Michigan, river and inland
lake fishing. 19 challenging golf courses nearby. Seven full-service marinas line
the harbor providing over 400 slips for all your boating needs. Unmatched
beauty, golden sandy beaches, crystal blue waters -- experience Nature's
splendor -- here, in this little piece of paradise. Gateway to the Sleeping Bear
Dunes National Lakeshore.
Glen Arbor
Located within the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Shoreline, between Glen Lake
and Sleeping Bear Bay on Lake Michigan. This beautiful town is a wonderful
place to spend an afternoon, exploring the village shops and art galleries and
restaurants. The quaint Lake Street Studios of Glen Arbor are located on the
Leelanau Peninsula and feature a different artist each week at their Gallery
Center. For more action, head out to the beach and the massive sand dunes and
bluffs along the Lake Michigan shoreline for a brisk afternoon of hiking and
climbing. Just south of town is Glen Haven which has one of the most
picturesque beaches in Michigan, and smaller sand dunes for children and those
not up to the challenging dunes at Glen Arbor. Over 50,000 acres of forests,
small lakes and rivers, beach and sand dunes, as well as North and South Manitou
Islands make up the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Shoreline. This means
unlimited possibilities for outdoors recreation, including swimming, boating,
fishing, backpacking, camping, kayaking, scuba diving, snorkeling, nature walks
and bike and auto tours. The old Coast Guard Lifesaving Station in Glen Arbor is
now a Maritime Museum and is well worth the visit, especially for children.
Other interesting sites near Glen Arbor include a lighthouse built in 1871 and a
very extensive, historic farm district.
Interlochen
Located southwest of Traverse City near Long Lake and Duck Lake State Park. A
beautiful region of wooded lakes and ponds, rivers and streams. This small
village is home to the Interlochen Center for the Arts, a year-round academy on
1,200 acres that also includes a summer camp offering hundreds of concerts,
plays, and musicals, dance performances and opera. There are many
opportunities for outdoor recreation near Interlochen, including camping,
fishing, boating, hiking, golf, skiing, snowmobiling and snowshoeing.
Interlochen State Park is one mile south of town on Highway 137 and is
Michigan's oldest and largest state park. It offers swimming, fishing, rental
boats and water skiing, and has a campground nestled between Duck Lake and
Green Lake. Over 20 miles of hiking and cross-country skiing trails are also
available in the State Park. Guided canoe trips are available on the nearby Upper
and Lower Platte Rivers. For lodging, there are lots of lakeside cabins and
cottages available. From the gorgeous cherry blossoms of spring to the brilliant
colors of fall - Interlochen is beautiful no matter what the season.
Lake Ann
Lake Ann is a small resort town situated in Benzie County, Michigan. Lake Ann
is located just 12 miles west of Traverse City, a premier, year-round resort
community in northwest lower Michigan. The village is quiet and peaceful, yet
close to the shopping, culture and sandy beaches of Traverse City. Lake Ann
boasts a restaurant, church, two general stores, two pizzerias, an ice cream
shop, post office, library and numerous resorts. Lake Ann area is rich in history,
wildlife, lakes and natural beauty. Lake Ann is a charming and pleasant
destination and whatever your passion, Lake Ann is sure to please everyone
during your Northern Michigan vacation.
Lake Leelanau
A small community located right at the point where Lake Leelanau joins Lower
Leelanau Lake. This region is within 20 minutes of the Sleeping Bear Dunes
National Lakeshore and just north of Grand Traverse Bay. Lake Leelanau is
known for its fishing and boating opportunities, with numerous other
recreational activities available in the area such as hiking and biking, canoeing,
skiing and golf. Lake Leelanau lies in the heart of Michigan's picturesque wine
country, with award-winning wineries and vineyards sprinkled throughout
Leelanau County. Many festivals and special events are held in the Lake
Leelanau region, such as the original Fiber Festival in Leland, which is an art
show that features works in mediums of paper, clothing, tapestry, weaving,
quilts and more. A National Polka Festival is held each year in the neighboring
town of Cedar, and the annual Fishtown Wine and Food Festival is usually held in
June.
Leelanau Peninsula
The Leelanau Peninsula is small region in the Grand Traverse Bay Area of
Northern Michigan. It is the tip of the "pinky finger" on maps of Michigan, and is
known for its scenic coastal beauty, small towns, and winemaking. The main
road into the peninsula is M22, which basically hugs the western shoreline from
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore through Leland up to Northport, then
turns south and follows the eastern shoreline through Suttons Bay to Traverse
City.
The Leelanau Peninsula has a number of lakes, two of the largest being Glen
Lake, south of Glen Arbor by Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, and North
and South Lake Leelanau, which stretch 13 miles south from Leland through the
center of the county, with the town of Lake Leelanau located between the
north and south branches. The lakes make for some beautiful photo
opportunities, particularly the views of Glen Lake from the tall sand dunes.
Great home rentals available through the area.
Leland
Leland is a picturesque little village located on a sliver of land between Lake
Michigan and Lake Leelanau, on beautiful Leelanau Peninsula. This uncommon
and charming village will mesmerize you with its beauty and amenities. The
perfect place for a Northern Michigan vacation getaway.
Guests arrive by car, boat and bicycle. Once here, Leland is a great "walking
around" town. All of the shops, restaurants, galleries and museums are located
within a short distance. There is easy access to public beaches, boat launches
on each lake and a river connecting the two.
Leland's historical district, known as Fishtown, features rustic shanties and
docks reminiscent of life and commercial fishing one hundred years ago. Today,
galleries and unique shops fill their walls, and charter fishing trips and the only
public ferry to the popular Manitou Islands depart from those same docks. The
adjacent full service marina is the perfect place for launching and mooring boats
on Lake Michigan.
One of Leland's signature events is the annual Leland Wine and Food Festival
held on the second Saturday each June. This festival features many of our
region’s exquisite award winning wines as well as outstanding food and hors
d'oeuvres from local restaurants.
Maple City
Situated in the heart of Leelanau County, Maple City is aptly named after a
majestic grove of maple trees. The convenient four corners of this little village
enables a person to fill the gas tank and grab a video, post a letter, pick up
grocery odds and ends and leave town with a delectable pizza warming their
lap. Meat lovers appreciate the efficient butcher's counter in Gabe's Market
where local hunters bring their deer for dressing. On the north end of town, an
enterprising citizen reclaimed the old schoolhouse and created a casual, yet
stylish restaurant; a state-of-the-art athletic club; and a beautiful, all-purpose
tongue and groove gym. Looking eastward, it's hard to miss the graceful, white
spire of the original Friends Meetinghouse, now a Catholic church. The
countryside gently laps away from Maple City with hilly terrain leading to many
favorite area lakes. Vacationers and residents alike savor the incredible,
luminous Lime Lake located just north of town - home to many lake rentals,
including cabins and cottages.
Old Mission Peninsula
Old Mission Peninsula located in Northwest Lower Michigan is 22 miles long and
divides Grand Traverse Bay into East and West Bays. The Old Mission Peninsula
is perhaps Michigan's most unique and scenic township. Unlike the typical six
mile by six mile square township, the Old Mission Peninsula is finger-like in
shape, projecting approximately 16 miles into Grand Traverse Bay. The township
varies from one to three miles in width and contains approximately 42 miles of
Great Lakes shoreline.
Jutting north between the azure arms of Lake Michigan's Grand Traverse Bay lies
Old Mission Peninsula. Situated at the globe's 45th parallel – the ideal climate for
growing varietal wine grapes – the seven distinct wineries that comprise this
stunning appellation have been well recognized by international wine
enthusiasts. Interestingly, the lake effect snows protect the vines from
northern Michigan's icy winters. Winter also brings lots of outdoor fun to the Old
Mission Peninsula in the way of cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, sledding and
ice-skating. In January and February, many of the local wineries and bed &
breakfasts in the area host "Wine, Ski and B&B Weekends," with skiing, wine
tasting and gourmet food sampling.
Old Mission is definitely a four-season tourist resort area. Springtime brings
blossoming cherry trees and the annual weekend-long "Blossom Days
Celebration" to the Peninsula. In the summertime, there are farmer's markets
and "pick your own" cherries, peaches, strawberries, blueberries and
raspberries. Recreational activities are abundant and include swimming, hiking,
fishing, boating, sailing, picnicking and biking. Autumn is no less special with its'
Fall Color Tours, roadside pumpkin stands and apple harvests.
Discover the beauty of the Old Mission Peninsula and experience its award-
winning wines: Chardonnay, Riesling, Pinot Grigio, Pinot Noir, Merlot,
Gewürztraminer, sparkling varieties and the prestigious ice wines. Visit our
renowned wine trail today while spending your vacation in Northern Michigan
and Traverse City.
Omena
Omena was first established as New Mission at the original settlement of Chief
Shab-wa-sung's band. It is located on Lake Michigan's West Grand Traverse Bay in
a natural cove south of Northport. The naming of the town supposedly
happened like this: the missionary, Rev. Dougherty, had many friends among
the Indians. They came to him often with their news and problems. His reply
was always "O-me-nah," which translated from the Indian language to mean "Oh,
is that so?" This amused the Indians and they began to call the area where the
mission was "Omena." Since those early days in the 1880's the mission ceased
and the only source of income was from resorts or farming. The summer colony
of people that came every year for decades created their own yacht club and
cottage association. Many of the families still congregate on Omena Point and
the surrounding homes during summer months. Today, only a general store, a
restaurant, and a delightful art gallery exist where the settlement used to be.
The turquoise bay stills sparkles and lures visitors to pull in, stretch their legs
and find refreshment in the simplicity of this historic spot. Better yet, spend a
whole week in your own house rental or vacation home.
Northport
The village of Northport is a pleasant reward upon traveling to the northern end
of Leelanau Peninsula. Originally a mission begun by Rev. George Smith, there
was also a band of Ottawa and Chippewa tribes who settled just south of town
in Waukazooville, named after their chief. Northport's dock was large enough to
accept steamers and had great proximity to shipping lanes for that area. The
wood/lumber business thrived, at peak, they shipped 35,000 cords of wood a
year.
The Leelanau Enterprise, a local newspaper, began in Northport in 1877, and still
exists today. Around the turn of the century the village became a summer
resort attraction, specifically the spit of land known as Northport Point. Large
hotels were built, the railroad came, and commercial fishing of whitefish and
lake trout was always important business.
Eventually, cherries were a great success, the locals raised funds for a hospital,
a small airport was added, and state parks were established. The Grand Traverse
Lighthouse, a few miles north of town at the literal tip of the peninsula, is a
registered landmark. It is beautifully restored and a fascinating destination for
all ages. For a refreshing stop, seek out the Christmas Cove Farm, established in
1881, where they grow 200 varieties of apples, including antique apples.
Northport still thrives today with fruit production and tourism.
The elegant town is laid out in a peaceful harbor on Lake Michigan's West Grand
Traverse Bay, there is a freshwater creek winding through the village, lots of
shade trees, parks, unique shops, eateries and the feeling that you are at the
top of the world. Spend some time here and enjoy one of the many cabins for
rent or beach rentals.
Suttons Bay
In 1852, a United States government surveyor recorded field notes describing
the area now known as Suttons Bay in this way: "The harbor, that 'puts in' past a
rock point is bold to the shores and of anchorage." Harry C. Sutton came upon
the same beautiful site two years later and, with his family, became the first
white settlers and founder of Suttons Bay. He began supplying passing ships
with cordwood cargo, the fuel supply for large vessels. By the 1870s, two- and
three-mast schooners were common sights in the harbor as the timber business
was in full swing. Eventually, passenger travel increased and steamers,
schooners, tugs and scows daily busied the five large piers that stretched out
into the bay.
Today, Suttons Bay marina stays active with pleasure boats. This year round
coastal village maintains its charming 19th century architecture and allows no
fast-food chains, stoplights or parking meters. Suttons Bay is graced with
historic homes, shops, and churches; a parkland shoreline; galleries; antiques;
bed and breakfast inns and excellent restaurants. The town's resourcefulness
offers business services, such as doctors, banks, a photo shop, insurance
companies, a pharmacy, barber and so on; all the necessities with a local,
accessible appeal that keeps life simple during your vacation.
Suttons Bay also has an educational schooner, the Inland Seas, that docks in the
harbor. For entertainment, the town highlights a movie theatre that specializes
in quality first-run and foreign films. Nearby are wineries, golf, sport fishing,
skiing, casino gaming, and national parks. Events throughout the year include a
jazzfest, art festival, boat show and more. The village lies midway up the
eastern shore of the Leelanau Peninsula and is a favorite place to "put in" and
experience
Thompsonville
A tiny town located on the banks of the Benzie River near Green Lake in Benzie
County. This quiet community draws its share of tourists heading for the Crystal
Mountain Resort Area just north of town along Highway 115. The resort is open
year round with golf in the summer and skiing in the winter. There are 36 holes
of golf, 34 downhill slopes and over 40 km of cross-country ski trails, groomed for
both track and skate skiing. Thompsonville is 15 miles to Lake Michigan and is
near the cities of Traverse City, Suttons Bay, Frankfort and Northport. You can
enjoy charter fishing on Lake Michigan or fly fishing, kayaking or canoeing on
nearby rivers and streams.
Torch Lake
Ranked by National Geographic as one of the most beautiful lakes. The lake is
18 miles long, Michigan's longest, and is the state's second largest lake, covering
an area of 29 square miles. Torch Lake is located in the area's "chain of lakes"
region. Many lakes and rivers run through the rolling hills from the town of
Bellaire to Elk Rapids. One of the things that makes Torch Lake so beautiful is
its' unusual color - a mixture of pastel green, blue and turquoise. Some have
called it a "Caribbean Blue." The Torch Lake area abounds with recreational
opportunities such as swimming, boating, sailing, kayaking, hiking and biking,
and much, much more. Just three miles from Torch Lake is the quaint town of
Alden with shopping and restaurants, and the larger cities of Traverse City,
Charlevoix, Gaylord and Petosky are thirty minutes to an hour away.
Traverse City
Traverse City is a scenic city of 14,532 people (as of 2000) founded in 1852 on
the Grand Traverse Bay of Lake Michigan, in the Grand Traverse Bay Area of
Northern Michigan.
Traverse City is known as the Cherry Capital of the World; around 75 percent of
the nation’s cherries are grown in Michigan and most of those come from the
Traverse City area.
Directly north of Traverse City, the Old Mission Peninsula splits the Grand
Traverse Bay in two, with a beautiful windswept landscape and great views of
the bay on either side. Slightly to the west, the Leelanau Peninsula, with its
charming small towns, forms the “pinkie finger” of the Michigan peninsula,
jutting into Lake Michigan. Both peninsulas are prime wine making regions
within the state, and as such are one of the main tourist attractions in the
region.
Over a million visitors come each year to tour the Sleeping Bear Dunes National
Lakeshore, a scenic lakeside park with impressively large sand dunes. It’s also a
very popular destination for outdoor activities, owing to the proximity of Lake
Michigan in summer, the impressive autumn colors and the high snowfalls in
winter make this a super vacation getaway.
This bustling village hugs the shore of East Grand Traverse Bay just northeast of
Traverse City. Founded in the 1850s by L.S. Hoxsie, who built a sawmill on Acme
Creek, it's best known for the huge Grand Traverse Resort and Spa and the
impressive Vasa Trail system, which hosts the annual North American Vasa ski
race in February. Golf vacation packages available.
Bellaire
Bellaire is a classic “Mayberry-style” small town with clean streets and a tidy,
thriving downtown. It is located in northwest Michigan's "Chain of Lakes" area.
Surrounded by lakes, rivers, streams and ponds, Bellaire is a four season
recreational playground. Spring brings hiking and the beginning of golf season
to the region. Most of its 1,100 residents work at the nearby ski and golf
resorts at Shanty Creek and Hawk’s Eye. Golf vacation rentals are plentiful. Its
wide variety of year-round recreational offerings (skiing and snowmobiling in
winter, birding and mushrooming in spring, golf and fishing in summer, hunting
and leaf-peeping in fall) rival those of Traverse City, just a half-hour to the
south.
Summer is a whirlwind of activities such as swimming, water skiing, boating and
fishing, camping, biking, tennis and golf and simply enjoying the great outdoors
of northern Michigan. Autumn is full of the colors of the season and brings days
of exploring the small towns and roadside stands. Wintertime is fresh and cold,
with over 45 challenging ski slopes, cross country skiing and snowmobiling.
Bellaire has two large parks located inside the city limits, and a really nice
campground. And, the village streets are lined with several small shops and
restaurants. Be sure to visit the beautiful county courthouse in downtown
Bellaire, which is a historical landmark and has recently been restored. Bellaire is
also host to the famous annual "Rubber Ducky Festival" in August. Casinos are
located a short drive from Bellaire, and the towns of Traverse City and Petoskey
are just minutes away.
Benzonia/Beulah
The village of Beulah is located in Benzie County, in the Traverse City metro
area. Beulah is the county seat. Benzie County has been recognized as one of
the fastest growing counties in Michigan. Beulah rests on the southeast shore
of Crystal Lake about one mile north of on U.S. Highway 31 and about 7 miles
east of Lake Michigan. Beulah has long been known as a summer vacation
destination with beach rentals, golf condos and Lake Michigan rentals.
Cedar
Cedar is Leelanau County's central hub and center for the polish community.
People stop by Pleva's Meat for some nationally known PlevaLean burgers and
cherry sausage, or Cedar City Market for its huge selection of fine wines, liquor,
organic local foods, and local eggs. Blue Moon Ice Cream is easily recognizable
with its bright blue roof and some of the best ice cream around. The historic
railroad depot is now a great antique shop, and Inish Knits is a great place to
stock up on yarn. Cedar celebrates its Polish history every year with the Cedar
Polka Fest
Charlevoix
A resort community between Lake Michigan, Round Lake and Lake Charlevoix.
One of the hottest destinations for boating, Charlevoix is a city on three lakes
with enough natural resources to make it a recreational paradise for those who
love to spend time in or out of the water. The town of Charlevoix and
surrounding small communities has a population of about 8,500, but that grows
to over 30,000 people in the summertime. In addition to boating, fishing and
swimming, Charlevoix offers visitors beautiful beaches for sunbathing, water
skiing, canoeing, hiking and biking, long walks along the waterfront, state parks
with camping facilities and much, much more. Michigan is home to more golf
courses than any state in the country, and a lot of them are located in the
Charlevoix area. Despite its popularity with tourists, Charlevoix has retained its
small town charm and its downtown has picturesque petunia lined streets filled
with a mix of unique shops, art galleries, antique shops and restaurants. Walk
to five downtown beaches and the beautiful marina. Charlevoix is home to an
apple festival, an annual Waterfront Art Fair and the annual Charlevoix Venetian
Festival -- a week long festival of boat parades, arts and crafts, Venetian games
and other activities that attracts thousands each year.
Elk Rapids
Located in Antrim County, ideally located at the mouth of the "Chain of Lakes"
and is known as a premier vacation spot for "Up North" residents who want to
get away from the hustle and bustle of the cities. Elk Rapids sits at the
entrance to the docks of Grace Memorial Harbor, which is one of the largest
harbors on Grand Traverse Bay and contains over 200 slips. Visitors enjoy
walking along the shores of the bay where they can view the large variety of
watercraft along the docks. The sandy beaches along the Elk Rapids waterways
attract swimmers, sunbathers and boaters. The town is also just minutes from
several beautiful golf courses and the hiking and biking trails of Williamsburg.
Wintertime brings cross-country skiing and snowmobile enthusiasts to Elk
Rapids. There are two new public ice rinks in the downtown district. Elk
Rapids Village offers visitors a slow pace and unique shops and restaurants to
explore.
Empire
Empire is a small village of about 400 people, located on the Lake Michigan side
of the Leelanau Peninsula in northwest lower Michigan. 26 miles to the west of
Traverse City. Empire is home to the Headquarters for Sleeping Bear Dunes
National Lakeshore and a dynamic four-season paradise!
Any time of year is wonderful for visiting, but the summer season is the busiest
with the most constant sunshine and perfect beach days. Fall treats us all with
beautiful changing leaves, cool breezes, big waves, and great weather for hiking
the Empire Bluffs trail or surfing off-shore. Winter brings arctic-like ice
formations on the shoreline and plenty of time to stand in the middle of Front
Street, talking with friends or go for a cross-country ski on one of the many area
trails. Don't miss the Empire Winter Fest; your chance to jump in a hole cut in
the ice of South Bar Lake in February! Spring brings a welcome burst of green
and morel mushroom hunting. Empire is home to the Empire Asparagus Festival,
a unique celebration listed as # 9 in the World's weirdest festivals by MSN
Travel!! A Lake Michigan beach vacation destination.
Frankfort
Located in northwest lower Michigan on the shore of Lake Michigan in west
Benzie County, the Frankfort and Elberta communities encompass beautiful
Betsie Bay, a historic sailing harbor. World-class Lake Michigan, river and inland
lake fishing. 19 challenging golf courses nearby. Seven full-service marinas line
the harbor providing over 400 slips for all your boating needs. Unmatched
beauty, golden sandy beaches, crystal blue waters -- experience Nature's
splendor -- here, in this little piece of paradise. Gateway to the Sleeping Bear
Dunes National Lakeshore.
Glen Arbor
Located within the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Shoreline, between Glen Lake
and Sleeping Bear Bay on Lake Michigan. This beautiful town is a wonderful
place to spend an afternoon, exploring the village shops and art galleries and
restaurants. The quaint Lake Street Studios of Glen Arbor are located on the
Leelanau Peninsula and feature a different artist each week at their Gallery
Center. For more action, head out to the beach and the massive sand dunes and
bluffs along the Lake Michigan shoreline for a brisk afternoon of hiking and
climbing. Just south of town is Glen Haven which has one of the most
picturesque beaches in Michigan, and smaller sand dunes for children and those
not up to the challenging dunes at Glen Arbor. Over 50,000 acres of forests,
small lakes and rivers, beach and sand dunes, as well as North and South Manitou
Islands make up the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Shoreline. This means
unlimited possibilities for outdoors recreation, including swimming, boating,
fishing, backpacking, camping, kayaking, scuba diving, snorkeling, nature walks
and bike and auto tours. The old Coast Guard Lifesaving Station in Glen Arbor is
now a Maritime Museum and is well worth the visit, especially for children.
Other interesting sites near Glen Arbor include a lighthouse built in 1871 and a
very extensive, historic farm district.
Interlochen
Located southwest of Traverse City near Long Lake and Duck Lake State Park. A
beautiful region of wooded lakes and ponds, rivers and streams. This small
village is home to the Interlochen Center for the Arts, a year-round academy on
1,200 acres that also includes a summer camp offering hundreds of concerts,
plays, and musicals, dance performances and opera. There are many
opportunities for outdoor recreation near Interlochen, including camping,
fishing, boating, hiking, golf, skiing, snowmobiling and snowshoeing.
Interlochen State Park is one mile south of town on Highway 137 and is
Michigan's oldest and largest state park. It offers swimming, fishing, rental
boats and water skiing, and has a campground nestled between Duck Lake and
Green Lake. Over 20 miles of hiking and cross-country skiing trails are also
available in the State Park. Guided canoe trips are available on the nearby Upper
and Lower Platte Rivers. For lodging, there are lots of lakeside cabins and
cottages available. From the gorgeous cherry blossoms of spring to the brilliant
colors of fall - Interlochen is beautiful no matter what the season.
Lake Ann
Lake Ann is a small resort town situated in Benzie County, Michigan. Lake Ann
is located just 12 miles west of Traverse City, a premier, year-round resort
community in northwest lower Michigan. The village is quiet and peaceful, yet
close to the shopping, culture and sandy beaches of Traverse City. Lake Ann
boasts a restaurant, church, two general stores, two pizzerias, an ice cream
shop, post office, library and numerous resorts. Lake Ann area is rich in history,
wildlife, lakes and natural beauty. Lake Ann is a charming and pleasant
destination and whatever your passion, Lake Ann is sure to please everyone
during your Northern Michigan vacation.
Lake Leelanau
A small community located right at the point where Lake Leelanau joins Lower
Leelanau Lake. This region is within 20 minutes of the Sleeping Bear Dunes
National Lakeshore and just north of Grand Traverse Bay. Lake Leelanau is
known for its fishing and boating opportunities, with numerous other
recreational activities available in the area such as hiking and biking, canoeing,
skiing and golf. Lake Leelanau lies in the heart of Michigan's picturesque wine
country, with award-winning wineries and vineyards sprinkled throughout
Leelanau County. Many festivals and special events are held in the Lake
Leelanau region, such as the original Fiber Festival in Leland, which is an art
show that features works in mediums of paper, clothing, tapestry, weaving,
quilts and more. A National Polka Festival is held each year in the neighboring
town of Cedar, and the annual Fishtown Wine and Food Festival is usually held in
June.
Leelanau Peninsula
The Leelanau Peninsula is small region in the Grand Traverse Bay Area of
Northern Michigan. It is the tip of the "pinky finger" on maps of Michigan, and is
known for its scenic coastal beauty, small towns, and winemaking. The main
road into the peninsula is M22, which basically hugs the western shoreline from
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore through Leland up to Northport, then
turns south and follows the eastern shoreline through Suttons Bay to Traverse
City.
The Leelanau Peninsula has a number of lakes, two of the largest being Glen
Lake, south of Glen Arbor by Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, and North
and South Lake Leelanau, which stretch 13 miles south from Leland through the
center of the county, with the town of Lake Leelanau located between the
north and south branches. The lakes make for some beautiful photo
opportunities, particularly the views of Glen Lake from the tall sand dunes.
Great home rentals available through the area.
Leland
Leland is a picturesque little village located on a sliver of land between Lake
Michigan and Lake Leelanau, on beautiful Leelanau Peninsula. This uncommon
and charming village will mesmerize you with its beauty and amenities. The
perfect place for a Northern Michigan vacation getaway.
Guests arrive by car, boat and bicycle. Once here, Leland is a great "walking
around" town. All of the shops, restaurants, galleries and museums are located
within a short distance. There is easy access to public beaches, boat launches
on each lake and a river connecting the two.
Leland's historical district, known as Fishtown, features rustic shanties and
docks reminiscent of life and commercial fishing one hundred years ago. Today,
galleries and unique shops fill their walls, and charter fishing trips and the only
public ferry to the popular Manitou Islands depart from those same docks. The
adjacent full service marina is the perfect place for launching and mooring boats
on Lake Michigan.
One of Leland's signature events is the annual Leland Wine and Food Festival
held on the second Saturday each June. This festival features many of our
region’s exquisite award winning wines as well as outstanding food and hors
d'oeuvres from local restaurants.
Maple City
Situated in the heart of Leelanau County, Maple City is aptly named after a
majestic grove of maple trees. The convenient four corners of this little village
enables a person to fill the gas tank and grab a video, post a letter, pick up
grocery odds and ends and leave town with a delectable pizza warming their
lap. Meat lovers appreciate the efficient butcher's counter in Gabe's Market
where local hunters bring their deer for dressing. On the north end of town, an
enterprising citizen reclaimed the old schoolhouse and created a casual, yet
stylish restaurant; a state-of-the-art athletic club; and a beautiful, all-purpose
tongue and groove gym. Looking eastward, it's hard to miss the graceful, white
spire of the original Friends Meetinghouse, now a Catholic church. The
countryside gently laps away from Maple City with hilly terrain leading to many
favorite area lakes. Vacationers and residents alike savor the incredible,
luminous Lime Lake located just north of town - home to many lake rentals,
including cabins and cottages.
Old Mission Peninsula
Old Mission Peninsula located in Northwest Lower Michigan is 22 miles long and
divides Grand Traverse Bay into East and West Bays. The Old Mission Peninsula
is perhaps Michigan's most unique and scenic township. Unlike the typical six
mile by six mile square township, the Old Mission Peninsula is finger-like in
shape, projecting approximately 16 miles into Grand Traverse Bay. The township
varies from one to three miles in width and contains approximately 42 miles of
Great Lakes shoreline.
Jutting north between the azure arms of Lake Michigan's Grand Traverse Bay lies
Old Mission Peninsula. Situated at the globe's 45th parallel – the ideal climate for
growing varietal wine grapes – the seven distinct wineries that comprise this
stunning appellation have been well recognized by international wine
enthusiasts. Interestingly, the lake effect snows protect the vines from
northern Michigan's icy winters. Winter also brings lots of outdoor fun to the Old
Mission Peninsula in the way of cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, sledding and
ice-skating. In January and February, many of the local wineries and bed &
breakfasts in the area host "Wine, Ski and B&B Weekends," with skiing, wine
tasting and gourmet food sampling.
Old Mission is definitely a four-season tourist resort area. Springtime brings
blossoming cherry trees and the annual weekend-long "Blossom Days
Celebration" to the Peninsula. In the summertime, there are farmer's markets
and "pick your own" cherries, peaches, strawberries, blueberries and
raspberries. Recreational activities are abundant and include swimming, hiking,
fishing, boating, sailing, picnicking and biking. Autumn is no less special with its'
Fall Color Tours, roadside pumpkin stands and apple harvests.
Discover the beauty of the Old Mission Peninsula and experience its award-
winning wines: Chardonnay, Riesling, Pinot Grigio, Pinot Noir, Merlot,
Gewürztraminer, sparkling varieties and the prestigious ice wines. Visit our
renowned wine trail today while spending your vacation in Northern Michigan
and Traverse City.
Omena
Omena was first established as New Mission at the original settlement of Chief
Shab-wa-sung's band. It is located on Lake Michigan's West Grand Traverse Bay in
a natural cove south of Northport. The naming of the town supposedly
happened like this: the missionary, Rev. Dougherty, had many friends among
the Indians. They came to him often with their news and problems. His reply
was always "O-me-nah," which translated from the Indian language to mean "Oh,
is that so?" This amused the Indians and they began to call the area where the
mission was "Omena." Since those early days in the 1880's the mission ceased
and the only source of income was from resorts or farming. The summer colony
of people that came every year for decades created their own yacht club and
cottage association. Many of the families still congregate on Omena Point and
the surrounding homes during summer months. Today, only a general store, a
restaurant, and a delightful art gallery exist where the settlement used to be.
The turquoise bay stills sparkles and lures visitors to pull in, stretch their legs
and find refreshment in the simplicity of this historic spot. Better yet, spend a
whole week in your own house rental or vacation home.
Northport
The village of Northport is a pleasant reward upon traveling to the northern end
of Leelanau Peninsula. Originally a mission begun by Rev. George Smith, there
was also a band of Ottawa and Chippewa tribes who settled just south of town
in Waukazooville, named after their chief. Northport's dock was large enough to
accept steamers and had great proximity to shipping lanes for that area. The
wood/lumber business thrived, at peak, they shipped 35,000 cords of wood a
year.
The Leelanau Enterprise, a local newspaper, began in Northport in 1877, and still
exists today. Around the turn of the century the village became a summer
resort attraction, specifically the spit of land known as Northport Point. Large
hotels were built, the railroad came, and commercial fishing of whitefish and
lake trout was always important business.
Eventually, cherries were a great success, the locals raised funds for a hospital,
a small airport was added, and state parks were established. The Grand Traverse
Lighthouse, a few miles north of town at the literal tip of the peninsula, is a
registered landmark. It is beautifully restored and a fascinating destination for
all ages. For a refreshing stop, seek out the Christmas Cove Farm, established in
1881, where they grow 200 varieties of apples, including antique apples.
Northport still thrives today with fruit production and tourism.
The elegant town is laid out in a peaceful harbor on Lake Michigan's West Grand
Traverse Bay, there is a freshwater creek winding through the village, lots of
shade trees, parks, unique shops, eateries and the feeling that you are at the
top of the world. Spend some time here and enjoy one of the many cabins for
rent or beach rentals.
Suttons Bay
In 1852, a United States government surveyor recorded field notes describing
the area now known as Suttons Bay in this way: "The harbor, that 'puts in' past a
rock point is bold to the shores and of anchorage." Harry C. Sutton came upon
the same beautiful site two years later and, with his family, became the first
white settlers and founder of Suttons Bay. He began supplying passing ships
with cordwood cargo, the fuel supply for large vessels. By the 1870s, two- and
three-mast schooners were common sights in the harbor as the timber business
was in full swing. Eventually, passenger travel increased and steamers,
schooners, tugs and scows daily busied the five large piers that stretched out
into the bay.
Today, Suttons Bay marina stays active with pleasure boats. This year round
coastal village maintains its charming 19th century architecture and allows no
fast-food chains, stoplights or parking meters. Suttons Bay is graced with
historic homes, shops, and churches; a parkland shoreline; galleries; antiques;
bed and breakfast inns and excellent restaurants. The town's resourcefulness
offers business services, such as doctors, banks, a photo shop, insurance
companies, a pharmacy, barber and so on; all the necessities with a local,
accessible appeal that keeps life simple during your vacation.
Suttons Bay also has an educational schooner, the Inland Seas, that docks in the
harbor. For entertainment, the town highlights a movie theatre that specializes
in quality first-run and foreign films. Nearby are wineries, golf, sport fishing,
skiing, casino gaming, and national parks. Events throughout the year include a
jazzfest, art festival, boat show and more. The village lies midway up the
eastern shore of the Leelanau Peninsula and is a favorite place to "put in" and
experience
Thompsonville
A tiny town located on the banks of the Benzie River near Green Lake in Benzie
County. This quiet community draws its share of tourists heading for the Crystal
Mountain Resort Area just north of town along Highway 115. The resort is open
year round with golf in the summer and skiing in the winter. There are 36 holes
of golf, 34 downhill slopes and over 40 km of cross-country ski trails, groomed for
both track and skate skiing. Thompsonville is 15 miles to Lake Michigan and is
near the cities of Traverse City, Suttons Bay, Frankfort and Northport. You can
enjoy charter fishing on Lake Michigan or fly fishing, kayaking or canoeing on
nearby rivers and streams.
Torch Lake
Ranked by National Geographic as one of the most beautiful lakes. The lake is
18 miles long, Michigan's longest, and is the state's second largest lake, covering
an area of 29 square miles. Torch Lake is located in the area's "chain of lakes"
region. Many lakes and rivers run through the rolling hills from the town of
Bellaire to Elk Rapids. One of the things that makes Torch Lake so beautiful is
its' unusual color - a mixture of pastel green, blue and turquoise. Some have
called it a "Caribbean Blue." The Torch Lake area abounds with recreational
opportunities such as swimming, boating, sailing, kayaking, hiking and biking,
and much, much more. Just three miles from Torch Lake is the quaint town of
Alden with shopping and restaurants, and the larger cities of Traverse City,
Charlevoix, Gaylord and Petosky are thirty minutes to an hour away.
Traverse City
Traverse City is a scenic city of 14,532 people (as of 2000) founded in 1852 on
the Grand Traverse Bay of Lake Michigan, in the Grand Traverse Bay Area of
Northern Michigan.
Traverse City is known as the Cherry Capital of the World; around 75 percent of
the nation’s cherries are grown in Michigan and most of those come from the
Traverse City area.
Directly north of Traverse City, the Old Mission Peninsula splits the Grand
Traverse Bay in two, with a beautiful windswept landscape and great views of
the bay on either side. Slightly to the west, the Leelanau Peninsula, with its
charming small towns, forms the “pinkie finger” of the Michigan peninsula,
jutting into Lake Michigan. Both peninsulas are prime wine making regions
within the state, and as such are one of the main tourist attractions in the
region.
Over a million visitors come each year to tour the Sleeping Bear Dunes National
Lakeshore, a scenic lakeside park with impressively large sand dunes. It’s also a
very popular destination for outdoor activities, owing to the proximity of Lake
Michigan in summer, the impressive autumn colors and the high snowfalls in
winter make this a super vacation getaway.
| 231-715-1167 info@JimmyMackVacations.com |
Community Profiles of Northern Michigan
It can be helpful to learn more about your Northern Michigan vacation getaway
destination. Community profiles and area information is listed below for
popular vacation rental towns near Traverse City in Northern Michigan.
It can be helpful to learn more about your Northern Michigan vacation getaway
destination. Community profiles and area information is listed below for
popular vacation rental towns near Traverse City in Northern Michigan.
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