Get oriented
Stroll
Glen Arbor is made for wandering - whether you're in search of the beach, shopping, art galleries, live music, or restaurants, you'll find it all within a few blocks.
View current map on Visit Glen ArborGlen Arbor Arts Center
A wonderful community arts center with rotating exhibitions, classes, and events. Always worth a peek inside.
Cottage Bookstore
A beloved independent bookshop stocked with current titles, games, and gifts. Hard to leave empty-handed.
Art Galleries
The community is spoiled with truly talented local artists making jewelry, ceramics, paintings, and handcrafted gifts. Find a unique treasure to take home as a keepsake or just enjoy some window shopping.
Glen Arbor Wines
Fun for the whole family - head to the back for bocce, shuffleboard, frisbee golf or to sit by the bonfire. Stay out front to listen to live musicians, or pop inside to chat with the friendly staff over a cider or wine.
Township Park
A lovely little park with Pickleball, Tennis, and Basketball courts, a playground, and public restrooms.
Move
From easy lakeside strolls to dune climbs and bike trails, there's no shortage of ways to get active. The area boasts dozens of scenic hikes, multiple public golf courses, and the Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail.
Empire Bluff Trail
Easy in-and-out with an epic view of Lake Michigan at the end. 1.5 miles total — one of the best short hikes in the area.
Sleeping Bear Point Trailhead
Get out on the dunes without the crowds of the Dune Climb. Walk out to the water and back, or do the full trail loop.
The Dune Climb
Always good for street cred. Bring plenty of water in the summer along with snacks — it's steeper than it looks and worth every step. Footwear is a must!
Alligator Hill Trailhead
Starts less than a mile from the cottage. A beautiful wooded trail with great views of Glen Lake and Lake Michigan.
Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail
A scenic 20-mile paved bike path nearly at our doorstep — head south through D.H. Day campground and Glen Haven to get to Empire or north through Port Oneida Rural Historic District to Bohemia Road beach. Bike and e-bike rentals available at The Cyclery down the road.
Pyramid Point Trail
A 2.5-mile loop in Maple City with stunning bluff views over Lake Michigan. One of the more dramatic hikes in the national lakeshore.
Curling at Broomstack Kitchen & Tap House
Yes, curling. Call ahead to reserve a 2-hour block — it's a genuinely fun rainy-day or winter activity.
Hit 'em straight
Tee it up at any of the nearby public golf courses: Sugar Loaf, Manitou Passage, Bahle Farms, or Bay Meadows.
Summer Vibes
Warm months here are something special — lake swimming, kayaking, a drive-in movie theater that feels like a time capsule, and natures bounty available at farmstands across the county.
Kayak the Crystal River
Easy, shallow, and peaceful — just down the street. Call ahead to reserve. Plan for 2–3 hours and enjoy one of the most beautiful paddles in Northern Michigan.
Empire Beach
A great swimming beach with a playground and plenty of parking.
Glen Lake Beach Parks
Glen Lake Beach Park for Little Glen Lake, or Old Settlers Park for Big Glen Lake — both are beautiful freshwater swimming spots.
Cherry Bowl Drive-In
A classic drive-in movie theater in Honor, MI. A perfect summer evening — bring snacks and enjoy a double feature under the stars.
Fall Foliage
Fall in Northern Michigan is stunning — the forests around Glen Arbor and Sleeping Bear Dunes turn every shade of gold, orange, and red. Fewer crowds, cooler air, and some of the most beautiful scenery in the Midwest.
M-22 Color Tour
We are located in the heart of the 116-mile stretch of road that winds along the Lake Michigan shoreline and through the scenic countryside. Beautiful year-round, M-22 really puts on a show each Autumn.
Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail
The trail winds through forest and meadow with stunning fall color. Bike or walk — the stretch between Glen Arbor and Empire is especially beautiful in October.
Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive
A 7-mile loop through the dunes and forest with overlooks of Lake Michigan and Glen Lake. Absolutely spectacular in fall color — one of the best drives in Michigan.
Cherry Orchards & Farm Stands
The Leelanau Peninsula is apple and cherry country. Fall brings cider, donuts, and farm stands along M-22 — a perfect afternoon drive.
Winter Wonderland
The Skip is a four-season escape. Winter here is quiet, beautiful, and surprisingly active — the dunes and trails transform completely under snow.
Sledding on the Dune Climb
The Sleeping Bear Dune Climb in winter is a completely different experience — and one of the best sledding hills you'll ever find.
Cross-Country Skiing — Heritage Trail
The Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail has groomed cross-country ski tracks in winter. Stunning scenery and right from the cottage.
Snowshoeing in the National Lakeshore
Guided snowshoe hikes available through Sleeping Bear Dunes National Park. A magical way to experience the dunes in winter.
The Homestead Ski Hill
Only 5-minutes away sits a small ski hill with epic views of Lake Michigan — a rare combination.
Crystal Mountain
The go-to ski destination in the area. About 45 minutes away with great terrain for all levels.
Mt. Holiday
A local gem in Traverse City fit for all ages, with a fun terrain park. About 45 minutes away.
Caberfae Peaks
Larger ski resort in Cadillac for a bigger mountain day. About 1 hour 15 minutes away.
History Buffs
The Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is home to remarkably intact historic communities worth exploring.
Glen Haven Historic District
A remarkably preserved historic company town within the national lakeshore. Features a restored General Store, Cannery Boathouse Museum, the Sleeping Bear Inn, a working blacksmith shop, and a popular sandy beach.
Port Oneida Rural Historic District
A quiet pastoral area where you can explore old farmsteads and get a real sense of this historic farming community. Peaceful and largely undiscovered.
For the Foodies
If you're like us, you travel via your stomach. From cash-only local institutions to modern farm-to-table cuisine and an authentic French bistro tucked into the woods, this area's food scene is one of its best-kept secrets.
Glen Arbor & Maple City — Open Year Round
Art's Tavern
Open almost 100 years. Indoor or outdoor seating. Reliable classic bar food for lunch or dinner and hearty breakfasts. Cash only — ATM on site.
The Mill
Café breakfast (pastries, breakfast sandwich, quiche) or lunch (fresh sandwiches and salads). It's become a popular spot — be prepared to wait.
Boonedocks
Live music every night in the summer located right on the corner! Casual outdoor vibe with lake perch, smoked BBQ, charcoal burgers, and salads. Some indoor seating too. Bonus candy and ice cream shop!
Little Traverse Inn
British gastropub serving classic English or Indian fare. Live entertainment weekly, warm service daily.
Glen Arbor & Maple City — Seasonal
River Club
A fun outdoor spot along Crystal River with mini golf, live music, and drinks. Counter-served Tex-Mex food. Putt-putt includes unlimited play for the whole day — great for kids and adults.
Good Harbor Grill
A solid choice for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. On the corner and easy to find.
Rinco Bros
Pour-over coffee for those seeking thoughtfully sourced, perfectly roasted beans. No espresso — locally made pastries and chai.
La Becasse
An authentic French gem right here in Northern Michigan. Pro tip: pop in for happy hour on the patio before dinner service for a casual vibe without a reservation. Afterward, check out Settler's Park down the street and put your toes in Big Glen Lake off the dock.
Groceries & Prepared Foods
Anderson's Market
On the corner — a full grocery store with anything you'd need to cook, grill, pack a picnic, or stock items you forgot to pack. Great wine selection and prepared foods.
Inn & Trail Gourmet
Grab-and-go for breakfast, lunch, and picnics. Perfect for stocking up before a day on the dunes.
Farmstands & Farmers Market
Any roadside farmstand will have fresh, flavorful fruits and veggies. In the summer, the Leelanau Farm Market runs Tuesdays 9–1 behind Glen Arbor Township Hall — a close walk to see the area's bounty. Arrive early if you're hankering for 9 Bean Row baked goods.
Further Afield
Polish Countryside Kitchen
A unique and beloved farm to fork food truck serving traditional Polish comfort food while pumping out the Polka. Worth seeking out. Be sure to save time for a visit to the Polish Art Center next door.
St. Ambrose Cellar
Wood-fired pizza and more served outdoors at picnic tables. Lawn games, live music daily through Labor Day, fun family vibes.
Little Fleet
Varied food trucks in a lively outdoor setting. Check online for current hours and vendors.
Farm Club
Farm-to-table ethos and a great atmosphere.
9 Bean Rows
Cafe and bakery. Their delicious baked goods are sold throughout the peninsula.
Hop Lot
A popular brewery offering BBQ outdoors with a fun, laid-back vibe. Heated domes in the colder months.
Riverside Inn
A well-executed Northern Michigan fine dining experience on the river.
Village Cheese Shanty
A Fishtown institution. Pick up local cheeses, sandwiches, and provisions.
The Cove
Casual lakeside dining in Leland's Fishtown - famous for their bloody mary's. A quintessential Northern Michigan meal with a great sunset view.