Top Things to do in Leelanau County
Top 10 Hidden Gems Things to do in Leelanau County, Leelanau County
Discover the best top things to do in Leelanau County, United States including Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, Empire Bluff Trail, Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive, Northern Latitudes Distillery, Suttons Bay Ciders, Tandem Cider, Fishtown, Van's Beach, Glen Haven Historical Village, Leelanau State Park.
Restaurants in Leelanau County
1. Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,861 reviews
This national park includes a 35-mile stretch of beach on Lake Michigan for swimming plus 13 hiking trails.
Reviewed By JoeandKarin - Levering, United States
We only had a day to spend here....you can easily make this a nice vacation spot...we will be back !! There are plenty of activities for everyone...trail hiking, sandy beach walks, lots of areas to build sand castles or just to sit and take in the beautiful lake shore, swimming, and also plenty of bike trails. The “Scenic Trail” drive is a must!!! There are plenty of “overlook areas” of the Dunes and the lake where you can stop and take pictures. The Dune hike is very adventurous and worth the climb in the sand !! Bring plenty of water and wear a hat !!! Going down the Dune, whether at a run, roll or stroll, makes the effort of the climb well worth it !! We stopped at the visitor center first and found the volunteers there very helpful and informative. Very fun time !
2. Empire Bluff Trail
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 294 reviews
Extending two miles in length, this picturesque point-to-point hiking trail is rated moderate in skill level.
Reviewed By amys91 - Bowling Green, United States
Nice hike along Lake Michigan. Great breeze and about 1 mile hike in the woods before you can see the lake.
3. Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 691 reviews
Reviewed By JenR917 - Michigan, United States
This gorgeous drive through the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is just perfect. There are a number of stops along the way to take in the beautiful views. You can also access at least 1 hiking trail through the drive. We did not do that one as it was raining, but completely enjoyed the trip.
4. Northern Latitudes Distillery
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 129 reviews
Come in to the distillery and check out all of our fantastic NLD spirits, including our newest The Narrows Barrel Aged Gin and Bernie's Brandy! We strictly follow CDC safety guidelines. We wear our masks and all customers do too except when doing a FREE tasting of our spirits. Our tasting room is open, at a smaller capacity. With the new law we are having fun with our cocktails-to-go. We do have our outdoor seating area open and our fabulous cocktails are to-go. Our indoor bar seating area is not open yet due to Covid-19 but we look forward to opening it in the near future! Stop in and check out our chamber gift shop where we have all of our spirits in stock and you can shop our barware, fun signs, great cocktail napkins, and NLD clothing! We look forward to sharing the NLD experience with you!
Reviewed By GretchenB143 - Phoenix, United States
Everything we had here was delicious! Head to their website, too, for some amazing cocktail recipes. They do an amazing job with the physical distancing and points of touch contact in the shop, too. Will return every time that we are in the area!
5. Suttons Bay Ciders
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 104 reviews
Family owned hard apple cidery in Suttons Bay, Michigan. Now open for tastings, celebrations and libations!
Reviewed By alexander405 - Florence, Italy
Very friendly staff assist you while selecting wonderful ciders, the best view, which makes for a very relaxing and enjoyable experience. I highly recommend taking time to stop and you will have a good time!
6. Tandem Cider
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 176 reviews
Reviewed By K7243ATrobertw
First time ever to a winery or cidery. Tandem Cider is located off the main highway, like a Michigan secret. Great location for this. Staff was eager to explain any products we questioned. We enjoyed our first-ever "flight" of 6 assorted brews, loved 2 of them and immediately purchased a bottle of each. Very affordable! Pretty outdoor park-like seating with a nice view of the neighboring orchard. Will definitely return!
7. Fishtown
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 435 reviews
Fishtown Preservation Society is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization devoted to preserving and protecting the historic fishing village of Leland, Michigan. For more information on what we do, who we are, and our mission, please visit our website or check in on Facebook.
Reviewed By KarenC1806 - Evanston, United States
What a pretty town, lots of lovely shops to look in, Moomers ice cream to eat and the fish town area to explore and even take a fishing trip out We spent a lovely few hours exploring this gorgeous little town - very reminiscent of an English seaside fishing village
8. Van's Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 19 reviews
Reviewed By JeffF45 - Cleveland, United States
Van’s Beach was great for the kids to play in the sand and the clear, cool waters of Lake Michigan. It’s right next to Fishtown but I was not aware of its presence without first doing a search on Trip Advisor. Would recommend for a nice family afternoon.
9. Glen Haven Historical Village
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 61 reviews
Reviewed By h2ogrl314 - Cincinnati, United States
We stopped here on a whim and were glad that we did. The little museum had interesting historical information and it was fun to stop by the old blacksmith shop. My favorite part was the little beach. It was beautiful!
10. Leelanau State Park
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 126 reviews
Reviewed By jeannettey_12 - Midlothian, United States
Michigan is so new to us and WE NOW LOVE it after only TWO STATE PARKS on west coast of Michigan, Leelanau was such a gift.......LOVED it all, secluded campsites, walk to the lighthouse, all is peaceful and all you hear is the lapping of the waves of the HUGE LAKE........thank you Leelanau!!!
