You’ll find plenty of things to do in Leland, Michigan, when you’re looking for an adventure. This unincorporated community is a census-designated place with a population of 377. It served as the county seat of Leelanau County from 1883 until 2004. After that, the county’s government center was built in Suttons Bay Township.
Fishtown
The historic district of Fishtown is a quaint, upscale part of downtown Leland. Leland was a former county seat of Leelanau County until 2004, when a new government center was constructed in neighboring Suttons Bay Township. Today, it is an unincorporated community with a population of 377.
This historic district features a variety of dining options and boutiques. There are also art galleries and bookstores, and you can buy handmade jewelry and home decor. Fishtown is a must-see for those visiting Leland. It’s a short walk from the harbor and is a popular spot for visitors.
Fishtown is an old fishing town that still houses a few old shanties. These structures are now owned by the Fishtown Preservation Society, which runs this historic fishing settlement. The town is bustling with shops and restaurants in the summer, but quieter during the winter. Fishtown is a Michigan State Historic Site and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Fishtown was founded in the early 1900s. A fishery owner bought the cluster of weathered wood shacks in 1971 and worked to preserve the area. He later sold the property to a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving the historic district.
Van’s Beach
Located on the shore of Lake Michigan, Van’s Beach is a unique beach vacation destination. The area is dog friendly and visitors can enjoy a day of beachcombing and collecting rare Leland rocks. The beach is lined with beachside villas and there is ample parking for guests. This is an ideal spot for families to spend the day together. The area is also known for its great fishing. This beach is the perfect place to see spectacular sunsets.
Van’s Beach was named after Van’s Garage, which was owned by the Van Raalte family. In addition to its beautiful natural beauty, the surf is good here when the wind is blowing from the north. Whaleback Point is also nearby, which is preserved by the Leelanau Conservancy.
During the summer, this beach has a lifeguard and is a local favorite. You can access the beach through a trail that begins at the end of Cedar Street, located north of Leland Harbor. During the day, this beach also has a boat launch and a picnic area. Swimming lessons are also available at the beach.
Good Harbor Winery
The Good Harbor Winery is one of the oldest in the area, and pioneered the wine industry in Michigan. Its offerings include Fishtown White, Harbor Red, and Trillium, among others. The vineyard is now owned by second-generation winemakers, who have expanded their offerings since 2009. The winery dedicates 150 acres to growing grapes and is located just across the bay from the city of Leland.
The winery began as a small family operation in 1980. The Simpson family has been farming on the peninsula for three generations, initially growing cherries. In 1980, they started a winery that would become a family tradition, and now Good Harbor is one of the four wineries on the Leelanau Peninsula.
The Good Harbor Winery has a bright tasting room with a patio overlooking a garden. Its classic tasting flight includes five wines and a souvenir glass. The tasting room is a must-stop destination for anyone who wants to explore the wines of the area. The winery also has a front and back outdoor area for visitors to relax.
Olde Fashioned Grille
P.T.’s Olde Fashioned Grille is a restaurant located at 1035 Grandiflora Dr in Leland, North Carolina. It has been in business since 1990 and is involved in the All food and beverage industry. The restaurant serves American food.
The restaurant’s menu features grilled chicken and sandwiches, along with a full bar. It also serves a wide variety of draft beers and a refreshing tea. The atmosphere is casual and relaxing, and the prices are very affordable. A great way to spend an evening in the community is to grab a table at this restaurant.
Westgate Nature Park
Leland, Florida is home to the 150-acre Westgate Nature Park, a recreational area that offers miles of trails and wetlands. It’s a beautiful place to bring your family, and is being improved in phases. Currently, the park includes a paved trail system, outdoor classroom, boardwalk, and picnic and play areas. It’s also being planned for expansion, so you can expect more amenities in the near future.
The park’s waterways and wildlife provide the perfect setting for a picnic. Visitors can also explore the park by canoe, hike along the nature trails, and ride bikes. While visiting the park, be sure to check out its events guide to see which activities are happening that day. You can also participate in sports competitions at the park.
The park also hosts live music and movies every Thursday and Saturday. Movies in the Park are held at sunset on Saturdays. These events are free, and there are food trucks in the area. Bring a cooler to enjoy your favorite food and drink. Be aware, however, that pets are not allowed at these events.
The park features a playground, picnic areas, nature trails, and viewing decks. It also has a fishing pier. There are plenty of activities to keep the family busy in Leland. It’s a great way to spend a summer afternoon.
Lake Leelanau
There are many fun things to do in Lake Leelanau. The community is unincorporated, and is actually a census-designated place (CDP). It is located along M-204, which separates North and South Lake Leelanau. The area is home to a variety of attractions, including beaches, golf courses, museums, and nature trails.
If you’re a beach lover, you might want to spend your vacation at Van’s Beach, a popular beach in Leland. The name of the beach comes from the famous Van’s Garage that sits along Main St. This charming beach is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike. Getting there can be easy, and parking is plentiful.
Visitors will find the area’s beaches breathtaking. Van’s Beach, for example, is a great choice for families. The sandy beach is perfect for kids and features an unspoiled stream that flows into the water. There is also a boat ramp for non-motorized boats. The water is shallow on Big Glen Lake, so take care when getting in and out of the water.
The fishing town of Fishtown is another interesting site. This historic fishing town is located on the harbor and has been restored. The town is also home to several charter fishing companies. Charter fishing is an enjoyable way to experience Lake Michigan. Try smoked whitefish at Carlson’s Fishery. Afterward, enjoy a traditional lunch at the Cove.
