COMMUNITIES
GLEN ARBOR
Glen Arbor is surrounded by Sleeping Bear Bay, both Big and Little Glen Lakes and the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore and has been considered one of the most beautiful places in America. Its landscape makes for year round picturesque scenery and is a haven for outdoor adventures in all seasons.
Glen Arbor is filled with wooded trails, the Crystal River, sandy beaches and amazing bike trails. Sleeping Bear Point was featured on National Geographic's 2017 list of "Best Beaches in the World." The Sleeping Bear Dunes Heritage Trail spans nearly 27 scenic miles and winds from Good Harbor and Little Traverse Lake, through the Glen Arbor area, finishing near Empire. It is an easy, accessible trail for biking, walking, and running in the warmer months, and cross-country skiing and snow-shoeing in the winter season.
Downtown Glen Arbor offers boutique shops, art galleries, ice cream parlors, wineries, a book store and many restaurants. Cherry Republic is an afternoon destination in itself and Art’s Tavern is a Glen Arbor staple. There is also a charming park with a playground, an exercise station, pickle ball and tennis courts, and more.
Demand for property along the Lake Michigan and Glen Lake shorelines has increased substantially over the years, making lakeshore properties in this area some of the most exclusive listings in the County.
LELAND
Leland is a picturesque coastal town renowned for its charming Fishtown village. Nestled between Lake Michigan and North Lake Leelanau, it offers beach access for boating, strolls, rock hunting, and sunset views. There are a number of hiking trails in the area that showcase stunning water vistas and enchanting forests throughout all seasons.
Leland also offers a number of delightful boutiques and dining establishments, wineries, tasting rooms, and galleries showcasing the talents of local artisans, and more. If you’re interested in country clubs, you will find here the esteemed Leland Country Club and the Leland Yacht Club. The famous Leland 4th of July Parade recently gained recognition in the Wall Street Journal, and the annual summer art fair hosted by The Old Art Building draws hundreds of visitors each year. The character of Leland can best be described with the words tradition and nostalgia.
TRAVERSE CITY
Traverse City, MI offers small-town vibes with plenty of urban amenities. Located on the stunning shorelines of both, East Grand Traverse Bay and West Grand Traverse Bay, this coastal city is a beautiful place to live, work and play.
Traverse City quickly connects business professionals and leisure seekers to the rest of the world through the Cherry Capital Airport. This intimate airport feels and looks like a private experience and offers non-stop daily flights to Chicago, Detroit, and other locations.
The thriving downtown area offers a variety of high-end restaurants and bars, uniquely curated boutiques, historic theaters and an opera house, and state-of-the-art startups. There are many exceptional social and networking opportunities. There is a charming blend here of historic architecture and modern development. You’ll find block after block of beautiful Victorian-style homes and tree-lined roads. From the downtown area the lake is always visible making even a workday feel special.
Outdoor recreation is always available within the city limits. There is the TART Bike Trail, many beaches and parks, natural areas for hiking, cross country skiing and snow-shoeing, tennis and pickleball courts, beach volleyball nets, and more. Traverse City is also known for its many festivals and events, including the National Cherry Festival, The Traverse City Film Festival, The National Writer’s Series, and more.
The Dennos Museum Center features world-class exhibits and shows while providing local support for music, dance, and the arts. Munson Medical Center is in town and is the hub for Northern Michigan’s largest healthcare system. For higher or continuing education, Northwestern Michigan College is a publicly funded community college offering a variety of degrees and courses.
OLD MISSION PENINSULA
Old Mission Peninsula is an amazing winery destination and home to a number of hiking trails, beautiful beaches, and spectacular countryside and water views. This glacially made sliver of land between East and West Grand Traverse Bays is 19 miles long and just 3 miles wide.
Peninsula Drive winds along the westerly shore of Old Mission and is a popular cycling trail in the warmer seasons. Both historic and newly built estates dot this scenic route; many of which benefit from direct private access to the beautiful sandy shoreline along the Bay. Adjacent residential neighborhoods to the east commonly have shared lake frontage with docking rights, depending on the particular association. On the east side of the Peninsula, Bluff Road follows the shoreline and is a stunning daily drive for residents or guests of Old Mission.
Mission Point Lighthouse, located at the tip of OMP, presents unmatched views winter, spring, summer, and fall.
SUTTONS BAY
Suttons Bay is the go-to place for those who seek the charm of a small town with proximity to the amenities of Traverse City just 15 minutes away. Located on the east side of the Leelanau Peninsula, Suttons Bay is a quaint harbor town with many year-round businesses including restaurants, galleries, clothing boutiques, and a historic theater.
The commercial district is just steps from the Suttons Bay Marina - a well-established harbor that is home to the Inland Seas Schooner and with slips available for lease via the Village of Suttons Bay. Suttons Bay Beach is nearby, offering a playground for kids and a beautiful sandy Lake Michigan shoreline for daily beachgoers.
Whether your plan is to hike, bike, or ski, the TART Trail (Traverse Area Recreational and Transportation Trail) connects Suttons Bay to Traverse City and beyond. A former railroad track, this old path has been converted into an exciting recreational trail that winds through the backyard of southern Leelanau County. Destinations along or near the trail include Leo Creek Preserve, Hop Lot, Farm Club, DeYoung Natural Area, and many others.
For buyers seeking shared water access or sweeping water views, Suttons Bay offers a variety of residential communities to suit those needs.
NORTHPORT
Northport, Michigan, is one of the earliest settlements in Leelanau County and holds great value as a charming waterfront community with a rich historical background. This delightful small town is located at the tip of the Leelanau peninsula, offering numerous breathtaking views of the freshwater surroundings. The area is adorned with rolling hills, fertile farmland including cherry and apple orchards, as well as vineyards, creating a picturesque landscape.
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For outdoor enthusiasts, Northport boasts an abundance of hiking trails such as those found in Leelanau State Park, Grand Traverse Lighthouse, and Kehl Lake. These trails cater to year-round activities, making them perfect for winter sports like snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and fat tire biking.
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When it comes to dining options, Northport has a variety of restaurants, a local brewery, and even a bowling alley. Throughout the year, the village hosts live music events, particularly during the summer when the community gathers for Music in the Park. In addition, Northport's well-known annual events, including the Northport Winter Carnival, Leelanau Uncaged, and the region's only Dog Parade, provide authentic entertainment for residents and visitors alike.
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A few miles north of Northport's downtown area lies Northport Point, a gated community offering exclusive amenities such as a private golf course, tennis courts, and summer programs for youth.
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The village of Northport takes pride in its innovative initiatives, including the country's first solar-powered golf course, Northport Creek. It also features a newly established community arts center and a K-12 public school. Both the school and the community are deeply committed to investing in the education and future of their young residents, exemplified by the Northport Promise.
EMPIRE
Empire, located at the southernmost tip of Leelanau County, lies just 25 miles directly west of Traverse City. Empire is renowned for its proximity to the breathtaking Sleeping Bear Dunes, a geological marvel that boasts towering sand dunes and miles of pristine shoreline. Hiking the dunes, exploring the dense forests, and enjoying picnics at Empire Beach are just a few of the outdoor activities that await nature enthusiasts. The town also serves as a gateway to numerous hiking trails, including the Empire Bluff Trail, which rewards hikers with panoramic views of Lake Michigan. Treat Farm Trail is a stunning trail located in Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore with jaw-dropping views that can be enjoyed from lofty bluffs overlooking the lake.
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