Experiences on the Leelanau Peninsula

Featured

Iconic Northern Michigan moments

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

Voted the Most Beautiful Place in America by Good Morning America, Sleeping Bear stretches across 35 miles of Lake Michigan coastline. Climb the famous Dune Climb, swim in turquoise water at North Bar Lake, or simply stand atop a 450-foot bluff and watch the lake change color with the light.

20 min driveHalf day to full day

Dune Climb
North Bar Lake swim
Glen Haven historic village

Innkeepers' tip: Buy a $25 weekly park pass at the Visitor Center in Empire — it covers every lakeshore access point.

Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive

A 7.4-mile one-way loop with twelve marked overlooks weaving through beech-maple forest before opening onto the most breathtaking dune-and-lake panoramas in Michigan. Stop #9 — the Lake Michigan Overlook — sits 450 feet above the water.

25 min drive1.5–2 hours

12 numbered overlooks
Cottonwood Trail boardwalk
Picnic area at the Dune Overlook

Innkeepers' tip: Drive it just before sunset; the dunes glow gold and the parking lots empty out by 8pm.

Empire Bluff Trail

An easy 1.5-mile round-trip hike through old farm fields and beech forest that ends at one of the most photographed overlooks on the lakeshore. Wildflowers in June, blueberries in July.

20 min drive45–60 minutes

Wildflower meadows
Beech-maple woods
Cliffside viewing deck

Innkeepers' tip: Pack a thermos and arrive at sunset — you'll often have the bench at the end entirely to yourself.

Pyramid Point

A short, steep 2.7-mile loop that climbs to a soaring sand bluff with uninterrupted views of Lake Michigan and the Manitou Islands. The descent is optional — most visitors stay at the summit and watch eagles soar on the updrafts.

25 min drive1.5 hours

Manitou Islands view
Watch for freighters
Wild blueberries in July

Innkeepers' tip: Sturdy shoes are a must — the climb is loose sand near the top.

Fishtown, Leland

A working fishing village preserved exactly as it stood a century ago. Weathered shanties now house artisans, a smokehouse, a chandlery, and Carlson's Fishery — where you can pick up smoked whitefish, fresh perch, or a paper boat of fried lake trout to eat on the dock.

15 min drive2–3 hours

Carlson's smoked whitefish
Manitou Island ferry
Riverfront shops & galleries

Innkeepers' tip: Catch the morning ferry from Fishtown to South Manitou Island for a day-trip you'll never forget.

Grand Traverse Lighthouse

A storied 1858 lighthouse at the very tip of the peninsula inside Leelanau State Park. Climb the tower for 360° views, tour the keeper's quarters museum, then walk the wild stretch of beach where Lake Michigan and Grand Traverse Bay meet. Make a stop at the historic Woolsey Memorial Airport, then take a nearby short hike to Cathead Bay — a great place to hunt for Petoskey stones, which are only found along the Lake Michigan shore.

45 min driveHalf day

Climb the tower
Keeper's museum
Petoskey stone hunting

Innkeepers' tip: Combine with lunch in Northport and a stop at the historic Woolsey Memorial Airport, then a short hike to Cathead Bay to hunt for Petoskey stones.

The Leelanau Peninsula Wine Trail

25+ wineries, one unforgettable weekend

Boutique vineyards, rolling hills above Lake Michigan, and tasting rooms that feel tucked away just for you — the perfect romantic excursion from Inn The Pines.

Activity Categories

However you love to spend the day

Beaches

Soft sand, turquoise shallows, and quiet coves on both Lake Michigan and inland lakes.

Hiking

Over 100 miles of trails — from gentle boardwalks to bluff-top climbs above the lake.

Wine Tasting

25+ boutique wineries on the Leelanau Peninsula Wine Trail, all within 30 minutes.

Biking

Scenic rides on the backroads and paved trails of the Leelanau Peninsula.

Scenic Drives

M-22, Pierce Stocking, and the cherry-orchard back roads of Old Mission.

Shopping

Galleries, antique shops, and farm stands in Leland, Suttons Bay and Glen Arbor.

Dining

Farm-to-table bistros, lakeside taverns, and freshly smoked whitefish.

Outdoor Recreation

Kayaking, paddleboarding, fly-fishing, and ferries to the Manitou Islands.

Year-Round

A peninsula for every season

Each season reshapes Leelanau into something entirely new.

Apr – May

Spring

Cherry blossoms, wildflower hikes, quiet villages waking up, and the first asparagus at the farm stands.

Jun – Aug

Summer

Long beach days, sunset wine flights, festivals in every village, and water warm enough for an evening swim.

Sep – Oct

Autumn

Crimson maples along M-22, harvest at the wineries and cideries, and beautiful hikes with over 40 maintained trails to choose from — the innkeepers can help guide you to a great one.

Nov – Mar