Top Things to do in Leelanau County
What to do and see in Leelanau County, Leelanau County: The Best Things to do Good for Kids
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, Watta Bite Charter Fishing, Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail, Lake Michigan Beach Park, Reelin Leland Fishing Charters, Inland Seas Education Association, All About Water, Sleeping Bear Dunes.
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. Watta Bite Charter Fishing
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 35 reviews
Sunrise, daytime, and sunset charter fishing launching from Glen Arbor, Michigan near Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. It’s the ultimate sportsman adventure and fun for the whole family.
5. 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.
6. Lake Michigan Beach Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 91 reviews
Reviewed By Jinnyus
Our family wanted to watch the sunset on a beach, so we drove to Empire. The beach has lots of deep sand and places to sit. You can cook out or have a fire. We sat on a bench overlooking the water while our grandsons played on the playground equipment. While we were there, a mother/daughter were sitting at a picnic table next to us waiting for sunset. One by one, people started gathering right next to the table (there's a big standing rock, perhaps it's a meeting point) and basically made themselves at home by putting their stuff on the table or sitting down. I was surprised to see this. The mom/daughter obviously were also surprised. Is that the new beach etiquette? Just walk up to someone's table and take it over? Sunset was lovely. Plenty of people were in the water even at the end of daylight, including kayakers and paddleboarders. I think there's a parking fee, but I didn't see any place to pay.
7. Reelin Leland Fishing Charters
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 56 reviews
Salmon and Trout Fishing on Lake Michigan. Leland Michigan Charter fishing with Capt.Tony Radjenovich aboard the Leelanautical, Leland sport fishing for salmon and lake trout on a 27' Tiara that is made for fishing. The boat comes equipped with everything possible to make your time on the water safe, comfortable and when it comes to fishing, successful. We fish the beautiful wasters of the Manitou Passage at the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore Park. We board the Leelanautical from historic Fishtown
8. Inland Seas Education Association
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 79 reviews
ISEA is a non-profit organization whose mission is to help people of all ages experience the science and spirit of the Great Lakes through hands-on, experiential learning activities aboard a traditionally rigged tall ship schooner. The knowledge gained through these experiences will provide the education, understanding and commitment needed for the long-term stewardship of the Great Lakes.
Reviewed By V7249PVashleya
Amazing experience for our family! We went on a food web educational sail with Inland Seas this past weekend and it was wonderful. Though it rained, it was a great adventure. The crew and instructions took time to teach us about sailing and the Lake Michigan food web. Highly recommend!
9. All About Water
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 121 reviews
Thank you for your interest. We've got the best rates on Crystal River ($25/person!), and we've got the best kayaks, too. All About Water also provides guided kayak tours along Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. All About Water rents kayaks and stand up paddle boards with free delivery and pickup throughout the area. All About Water provides everything you need to start your next adventure: life jackets, paddles, seat backs, and dry bags. We deliver all the equipment so you can focus on your vacation and having fun. We can suggest great places that are easy to reach, with water conducive to beginners and experts, too. We would love to recommend a destination for your next adventure so please give us a call.
10. Sleeping Bear Dunes
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 131 reviews
This 4.5-mile challenging hiking trail is the most popular in Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.
Reviewed By DJB1954 - Homosassa Springs, United States
Been coming here for sixty years well before it became a National Park. Still an amazing and beautiful place. Lots to see but if you attempt the dunes climbs make sure you are in good shape. Good place to take the kids and if you are really adventurous you can take the dunes climb and hike all the way to Lake Michigan. But for that you must be in excellent shape and be able to walk in deep sand for around five miles round trip.
