Explore Leelanau State Park
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Located on the gorgeous Leelanau Peninsula, Leelanau State Park offers over 1550 acres just waiting for you to explore. Here you will find a rustic campground, the Grand Traverse Lighthouse Museum, a fun trail system, a great interactive playground for the kids, and a place to picnic.
Things to Do at Leelanau State Park
Leelanau State Park is divided into two sections that are located within a few miles of each other. The northern area is home to the lighthouse, rustic campground, and the day-use area. On the southern side, you will find the Cathead Bay trail system and sandy beach, which is accessible on the Lake Michigan Trail. Leelanau State Park is a beautiful place to spend the day or even several nights as there is so much to see and explore.
Explore the Grand Traverse Lighthouse
One of the must-sees, when you visit the state park, is the Grand Traverse Lighthouse. There are tours available, allowing visitors to climb the stairs of the lighthouse to an incredible view of the Grand Traverse Bay and Lake Michigan. This spectacular view is something that you do not want to miss while you are in the area.
Northport Restaurants & More
When planning your visit to Leelanau State Park, make sure you stop by the town of Northport.
Here you will find Barb’s Bakery – an old fashion bakery with awesome donuts, cinnamon twists, and cherry pastries – which is a must-stop for a great cup of coffee and a tasty cinnamon twist. You will want to make sure that you grab a bag of doughnuts to take along with you.
Look for the open garage door if you’re in the mood for house-smoked meats, bar cuisine, and libations. The Garage Bar & Grill offers bad humor and a down-to-earth atmosphere.
Nestled in the center of historic Northport, Mitten Brewing Co.‘s Northport location offers guests a chance to enjoy their favorite Mitten tap selections while taking in the view of Grand Traverse Bay and Northport Marina.
Another place in Northport that you will want to stop by is The Tribune Ice Cream and Eatery. Here you will find an excellent menu including breakfast burritos, house-cured lox, burgers, and meatloaf sammies. This is a great menu that you do not want to miss!
Once you have satisfied your hunger, make sure that you visit some of the unique shops and galleries located throughout this small town. Northport is known as being a picture-perfect town with a lot to offer. Make sure that you bring your camera along to take some breathtaking photos of this wonderfully unique area in Michigan.
Lodging on Leelanau
Camping is a great way to explore the Northport and Leelanau area. There are several beautiful campgrounds from which to choose. At Leelanau State Park, you will find cabins as well as primitive camping areas available.
If you’re looking for a less rustic getaway, here are some nearby Leelanau vacation rentals:
More Photos of Leelanau State Park
