Top 10 Hidden Gems Things to do in Leelanau County, Leelanau County

March 22, 2022 Rosalyn Ihle

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

9922 W Front St, Empire, MI 49630-9417 +1 231-326-5134 http://www.nps.gov/slbe/index.htm
Excellent
86%
Good
12%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 1,861 reviews

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

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

Empire, MI +1 231-326-4700 http://www.nps.gov/slbe/planyourvisit/trailempirebluff.htm
Excellent
84%
Good
15%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 294 reviews

Empire Bluff Trail

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

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, Empire, MI +1 231-326-4700 http://www.nps.gov/slbe/planyourvisit/psscenicdrive.htm
Excellent
84%
Good
12%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 691 reviews

Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive

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

112 E Philip St M-204, Lake Leelanau, MI 49653-9782 +1 231-256-2700 [email protected] http://www.nldistillery.com
Excellent
83%
Good
14%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
2%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 129 reviews

Northern Latitudes Distillery

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

10530 E Hilltop Rd, Suttons Bay, MI 49682-9420 +1 231-271-6000 [email protected] http://suttonsbayciders.com
Excellent
85%
Good
13%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 104 reviews

Suttons Bay Ciders

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

2055 N Setterbo Rd, Suttons Bay, MI 49682-9393 +1 231-271-0050 http://www.tandemciders.com
Excellent
74%
Good
20%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 176 reviews

Tandem Cider

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

203 Cedar St, Leland, MI 49654-5015 [email protected] http://www.fishtownmi.org/
Excellent
60%
Good
31%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
2%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 435 reviews

Fishtown

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

Leland, MI
Excellent
74%
Good
26%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 19 reviews

Van's Beach

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

9922 W Front St, Empire, MI 49630-9417 +1 231-326-4700 http://www.nps.gov/slbe/planyourvisit/glen-haven-historic-village.htm
Excellent
56%
Good
33%
Satisfactory
11%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 61 reviews

Glen Haven Historical Village

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

15310 N Lighthouse Point Rd, Northport, MI 49670-9682 +1 231-386-5422 http://www.michigandnr.com/parksandtrails/Details.aspx?id=467&type=SPRK
Excellent
37%
Good
40%
Satisfactory
17%
Poor
5%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 126 reviews

Leelanau State Park

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!!!

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