Top Things to do in Leelanau County
Top 10 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, Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail, Black Star Farms, MAWBY Sparkling Wine, Carlson's Fishery, Fishtown, Chateau Fontaine, Hop Lot Brewing Company.
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. Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 188 reviews
Reviewed By mclaughc - Ann Arbor, United States
The National Park Service has done a great job here. Signage is perfect, the points of interest along the trail are noted, and the surface is very bikable. Scenery along Lake Michigan is awesome and made the most of here.
5. Black Star Farms
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 362 reviews
Our unique one-of-a-kind destination is located only 12 miles north of Traverse City, MI on the scenic Leelanau Peninsula. The gorgeous 160-acre estate features vineyards, a luxury Inn, award-winning winery and tasting room, the seasonal Hearth & Vine Cafe, horses, farm animals, and hiking trails.
Reviewed By _donna91_new - Toledo, United States
If you are looking for a wide variety of excellent wines, friendly and knowledgable staff this is the winery for you! Chris Lopez does a great job of making you feel welcome, explaining wines and also keeping you updated on the constant improvements they make here, Every visit to the Traverse City area includes a visit here. And they remember us and welcome us back. It's a struggle to decide which wines we want to take home with us - there are so many good ones to choose from. Our favorites are their Barrel Aged Chardonnay, Acturos Pino Gris, Leorie Vineyard Merlot Cabernet Franc, and the Arcturos Merlot. But so many others are also good. A must visit for anyone coming to the area. Someday we'll stay at their Black Star Inn.
6. MAWBY Sparkling Wine
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 163 reviews
We planted our first vines in 1973 and established our vineyards in 1976. We exclusively produce sparkling wine.United Bubbles of Mawby: We are Mawby, you are Mawby. We toast to unity, excluding none, welcoming all, celebrating life and its diversity. Whether you are a returning guest, or new customer, we hope you enjoy your experience
Reviewed By De-Outsider - Detroit, United States
They have a very nice tasting room with views of the vineyard. They did require a reservation on the weekend for tasting which are done inside. We didn’t have one but they did allow us to buy a glass of wine and sit at one of the many picnic tables outside. So if you don’t have a reservation and the weather is nice you might still have a chance to try their Sparkling wines. We have been buying the Detroit for a while now and it’s been sold out in Metro Detroit so we purchased a few bottles while we visited.
7. Carlson's Fishery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 106 reviews
Reviewed By nancyjeanne
My sisters, mom and i visited Carlson’s for smoked fish on a lovely fall Saturday recently. Leland was a favorite stop when we were kids 50 years ago! Carlson’s hasn’t changed except for the fact that chubs aren’t available anymore due to overfishing. We purchased smoked whitefish and smoked trout. Whitefish is milder. Both are so tasty and bring back great memories from when we were kids eating smoked fish on crackers at picnic tables in fishtown. Still a most wonderful place to visit. Thanks for the memories Carlson’s! ❤️
8. 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
9. Chateau Fontaine
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 98 reviews
Reviewed By terrain6 - Saint John, United States
If you like to stop at wineries to do some tasting this is the place. Free samples of maybe 9 different wines. The service and explanation of the different wines was great and informative. Very reasonably priced. Took home 4 bottles.
10. Hop Lot Brewing Company
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 99 reviews
10 Bbl micro brewery with onsite beer garden and hop garden located on M22, Suttons Bay, MI Established in 2015. Two brothers with a dream to create an "Ultimate Brewery Experience". One of a kind Beer Garden, Hop Garden, taproom built by the owners and a rotating tap list.
Reviewed By tbranchaw - Derwood, United States
My friend and stopped here on a gorgeous afternoon to grab a quick snack and a beer. We were invited to grab a pod if we’d like or sit outside by one of the several log fires. The pod was soooo cool and unique, the service was pleasant and the session IPA very tasty. One of the most fun places I’ve been to for a brew.
