Nestled near the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, Glen Arbor provides access to some of Lake Michigan's most breathtaking natural beauty. The area offers miles of sandy beaches, clear waters, and the opportunity to explore the dunes themselves.
Glen Arbor is a tiny settlement of just under 300 people in Leelanau County on the stretch of land between Lake Michigan and Glen Lake in north-west Michigan.
View of Lake Michigan from Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
It is located to the west of the Leelanau Peninsula with Traverse City being the nearest sizeable population center. It acts as a base for those looking to visit the nearby National Park: the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.
The closest airport to Glen Arbor is at Traverse City. The airport is known as Cherry Capital Airport and is located only five miles from downtown Traverse City and just over 30 miles to Glen Arbor. The airport offers connecting flights to Chicago and Detroit.
Those looking to drive from a major international airport will find that Detroit Metro Airport (279 miles) is the closest option.
Michigan state highway M-22 takes a very scenic route around the Leelanau Peninsula and passes through Glen Arbor on its way down to Empire and Frankfort. This highway is part of the Lake Michigan Circle Tour.
The M-72 junction with the M-22 south of Glen Arbor offers more direct access to Traverse City.
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The area before settlement was the home of the Ottawa, Chippewa and Potawatomi Native American peoples.
Like many locations on the northern Michigan shoreline, settlers started to build permanent bases in the Glen Arbor area in the mid-1800s as a result of the need for timber to fuel the ships making their way around the Great Lakes.
The nearby settlement of Glen Haven provided the first port and welcomed the first tourists to the area as Michigan residents started to realise the attractions of the dunes, the beaches and the freshwater lakes in the summer months, with many of the original visitors building residences on Glen Lake.
Local business developer and promoter D.H. Day bought up large areas of land in the late 1800s and much of his original property was converted into the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore national park in 1971, further cementing the area's popularity for visitors.
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is a United States national park located on northwest Michigan's Lower Peninsula in Leelanau and Benzie counties.
The park covers a 35-mile stretch of Lake Michigan's eastern shoreline, as well as North and South Manitou Islands.
This scenic area is known for its distinctive features, including massive sand dunes towering 450 feet above Lake Michigan, offering sweeping vistas of the water and surrounding countryside.
The landscape is diverse, with miles of sandy beaches, dense forests, clear inland lakes, and unique flora and fauna.
Video about the Michigan Dunes
The Leelanau Peninsula is an iconic part of Michigan, known for its picturesque landscapes, vineyards and charming small towns.
Leelanau State Park is located at the tip of the peninsula. It encompasses over 1,550 acres of land where visitors can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities.
Grand Traverse Lighthouse at the tip of the Leelanau peninsula
The park is known for its rugged shoreline, dense forests and miles of hiking trails. Visitors can explore the Grand Traverse Lighthouse Museum, a historic lighthouse that has guided mariners since 1858.
North Michigan is famous for its vineyards and the quality of the wine they produce.
Visitors to North Michigan can sample some of them on two different wine trails on the peninsulas to the north of Traverse City.
The Old Mission Peninsula Wine Trail covers ten different wineries which run the length of the peninsula from Traverse City up towards Mission Point Lighthouse.
The Leelanau Peninsula is located further to the west and the wine trail here covers 20 different wineries from Sleeping Bear Dunes through to the West Arm of Grand Traverse Bay.
One of the main attractions near Glen Arbor is The Homestead Ski Resort. This resort offers visitors the chance to experience skiing and snowshoeing in a picturesque setting with views over the lake. It is a family-friendly destination with slopes that cater to skiers and snowboarders of all skill levels.
More information about the skiing is available here: Ski Resorts near Traverse City
Cross-country skiing is also popular in the area, with trails available on both peninsulas. Keen cross-country skiers should take a look at the Leelanau Trail.
Petoskey is known for its beautiful Victorian architecture, historic Gaslight Shopping District, and also gives its name to the unique Petoskey Stones found along the Lake Michigan shoreline. It acts as a gateway to the outdoor activities available at Petoskey State Park.
Often considered the "Cherry Capital of the World," Traverse City is not only famous for its annual National Cherry Festival but also for its vineyards and culinary scene. Its proximity to both Lake Michigan and Grand Traverse Bay makes it a prime location for water activities.
Home to the Ludington State Park, which is considered one of Michigan's best state parks. The park's lighthouse, hiking trails, and canoeing opportunities make it a favorite for nature enthusiasts. Ludington is the port for the SS Badger car ferry that connects Michigan with Wisconsin across Lake Michigan.
Saugatuck boasts a charming downtown with unique shops, galleries, and restaurants. Oval Beach is often rated as one of the best beaches in the United States, and Saugatuck's location along the Art Coast of Michigan provides visitors with a blend of cultural and natural attractions.
Glen Lake Chamber of Commerce : www.visitglenarbor.com
Cherry Capital Airport : tvcairport.com
Grand Traverse Lighthouse : www.grandtraverselighthouse.com
Leelanau Peninsula Wine Trail : https://lpwines.com/