Leland & Northport guide
Leland and Northport sit at the heart of the Leelanau Peninsula — that long, beautiful finger of land stretching northwest from Traverse City into Lake Michigan. Together they offer two of the most charming and authentic small-town experiences in all of Northern Michigan. Leland anchors the journey with Fishtown, its legendary collection of historic fishing shanties perched above the Carp River, where you can watch charter boats come in with the day's catch and buy smoked whitefish right from the dock. Northport sits at the very tip of the peninsula, quieter and even more local, with a beloved craft brewery, a lighthouse at the land's end, and cliff-top views that rank among the best sunsets in the state. The drive between them winds past cherry orchards, vineyard-dotted hillsides, and Lake Michigan glimpses at every turn — this is the Leelanau at its finest.
Eat
Northport General Store & Deli
107 N Mill St, Northport, MI 49670
A charming village deli and general store that doubles as a community gathering spot. Stop in for fresh sandwiches, wraps, soups, and locally made goods — perfect for packing a picnic before heading out to Peterson Park or the lighthouse. Simple, fresh, and exactly what a village store should be.
The Cheese Shanty
203 E Cedar St, Leland, MI 49654
A Fishtown institution and one of the most unique dining experiences in the region. The Cheese Shanty serves smoked Lake Michigan whitefish, deli sandwiches, house-made soups, and a spectacular selection of artisan cheeses in a tiny, rustic waterfront shanty. The smoked fish spread alone is worth a stop. Grab a paper plate and eat on the river dock — you won't regret it.
Good Harbor Grille
6584 Western Ave, Glen Arbor, MI 49636
Just a short drive from Leland near Glen Arbor, Good Harbor Grille has earned its reputation as one of the finest casual restaurants on the peninsula. Thoughtful American cuisine with a Northern Michigan pantry — fresh fish, local produce, house-made sauces — served in a warm, approachable atmosphere. Beloved by locals and visitors alike for over two decades.
Riverside Inn
302 River St, Leland, MI 49654
An intimate restaurant in Leland's historic Riverside Inn, offering refined seasonal cuisine in a warm and unhurried setting. The menu leans into Northern Michigan ingredients with care and creativity — this is the kind of place where you linger over a meal and leave feeling genuinely well taken care of. Ideal for a special dinner during your stay.
Knot Just a Bar
115 Waukazoo St, Northport, MI 49670
A genuinely beloved local hangout in the heart of Northport village. Knot Just a Bar serves solid pub food — burgers, fish and chips, sandwiches, daily specials — alongside a full bar in a laid-back, always-friendly atmosphere. The kind of place where everyone seems to know each other and strangers are welcomed in just the same. A true Northern Michigan local bar.
The Cove
111 River St, Leland, MI 49654
Perched right at the edge of Fishtown with a deck overlooking the Carp River, The Cove is one of the most scenic dining experiences on the Leelanau Peninsula. Known for fresh Lake Michigan fish, smoked whitefish dip, and classic Northern Michigan comfort food, this is the place to settle in after a morning on the water. The sunsets from the deck are something else entirely.
Drink
Northport Brewing Company
116 Mill St, Northport, MI 49670
A small-batch craft brewery right in the village of Northport, producing approachable, well-crafted beers in a welcoming taproom atmosphere. The perfect post-lighthouse stop — settle into the taproom with a fresh pint, get the inside scoop on the peninsula from the locals at the bar, and let the afternoon stretch on.
Black Star Farms
10844 E Revold Rd, Suttons Bay, MI 49682
The flagship estate of Michigan wine country — Black Star Farms is a full destination in its own right, combining an acclaimed winery, a working farm, an inn, and a creamery all on one breathtaking property. The Arcturos label produces world-class Pinot Gris, Riesling, and red wines, while the farm store offers artisan cheeses, charcuterie, and local Michigan goods. Plan to spend a few hours.
Shady Lane Cellars
9580 Shady Ln, Suttons Bay, MI 49682
One of the most scenic and highly regarded wineries on the Leelanau Peninsula, Shady Lane Cellars produces exceptional Pinot Noir, Riesling, and sparkling wines from a beautiful hillside estate. The tasting room overlooks manicured vineyards, and the wines reflect both the place and the craft with impressive consistency. A must on any Leelanau wine trail visit.
Chateau Fontaine
2290 S French Rd, Lake Leelanau, MI 49653
A hidden gem tucked into the rolling hills above Lake Leelanau, Chateau Fontaine produces small-production, estate-grown wines with real character and distinctiveness. The winemaking here is attentive and genuine, and the hillside tasting room setting is among the most peaceful on the entire peninsula. Seek it out — the locals will thank you for keeping it to themselves.
Madcap Coffee
106 N Main St, Leland, MI 49654
A Grand Rapids roaster with a beloved seasonal outpost right across from Fishtown in downtown Leland. Madcap is known for serious, thoughtfully sourced coffee served without pretension. Locally made pastries from 9 Bean Rows round out the menu. Note: closed for the winter — open late spring through fall.
Dune Bird Winery
5620 N Manitou Trl, Northport, MI 49670
A beloved Northport winery set along the scenic Manitou Trail, Dune Bird crafts cool-climate wines with a distinctly Northern Michigan character. Unique among Leelanau wineries, they also run a craft espresso bar — making it a great stop whether you're in the mood for a glass of wine or a great cup of coffee. Live music on weekends makes it a full afternoon out.
Little Boat Coffee
106 N Main St, Leland, MI 49654
A cozy new coffee shop tucked into the heart of Leland, Little Boat is brought to you by the team behind Hive Coffee Co. Expect a seasonal, ever-changing menu of specialty drinks in a laid-back space that feels like a natural fit for Fishtown's relaxed waterside vibe. Open year-round.
Good Harbor Vineyards
34 S Manitou Trail, Lake Leelanau, MI 49653
One of the Leelanau Peninsula's most celebrated and pioneering wineries, Good Harbor Vineyards has been producing benchmark Michigan wines since 1980. Their Trillium blend and Fishtown White are perennial favorites — easy-drinking, food-friendly, and deeply tied to the character of the peninsula. The tasting room is warm and unpretentious, just like the wines themselves.
Coffee
Things to do
Manitou Island Ferry
River St, Leland, MI 49654
From Leland's Fishtown dock, Manitou Island Transit runs seasonal ferry service to North and South Manitou Islands — two wild, remote islands in Lake Michigan that are part of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. South Manitou offers hiking, a historic lighthouse, and solitude you simply cannot find on the mainland. North Manitou is even more remote, with backcountry wilderness camping. Book ahead and allow a full day — it is an experience unlike anything else in Michigan.
Peterson Park
Peterson Park Rd, Northport, MI 49670
A gem of a county park perched on the bluffs above Lake Michigan just west of Northport, Peterson Park offers some of the most dramatic and beautiful sunset views anywhere in Northern Michigan. Bring a blanket and a bottle of Leelanau wine, arrive about an hour before sunset, and settle in for a display that will stay with you. There's also a staircase down to a quiet Lake Michigan beach below the bluffs.
Lake Leelanau
Lake Leelanau, MI 49653
Stretching through the center of the peninsula, Lake Leelanau is a long, beautiful inland lake with public access points, sandy beaches, and warm, calm water that's perfect for swimming, kayaking, and paddleboarding. The village of Lake Leelanau at the narrow between the upper and lower lakes is a charming stop, and the surrounding hillsides are dotted with vineyards and orchards.
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
9922 Front St, Empire, MI 49630
The crown jewel of Northern Michigan's natural landscape is just 30 minutes south of Leland. Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore offers iconic dune climbing at the Dune Climb, panoramic overlooks on the Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive, world-class hiking at Pyramid Point and Empire Bluff, and some of the most breathtaking Lake Michigan beaches in the country. Named 'Most Beautiful Place in America' by Good Morning America — and on a clear summer day, there is no argument.
Leelanau State Park
15310 N Lighthouse Point Rd, Northport, MI 49670
Michigan's most northern Lower Peninsula state park, Leelanau State Park encompasses the very tip of the peninsula and surrounds the Grand Traverse Lighthouse. Twelve miles of hiking trails wind through cedar forest, dunes, and along both Lake Michigan and Grand Traverse Bay. The campground here is one of the most beautiful in the state — a wild, piney perch at the land's end.
Fishtown
River St, Leland, MI 49654
One of the most iconic and authentic destinations in all of Northern Michigan, Fishtown is a beautifully preserved collection of historic fishing shanties, smokehouses, and net sheds perched along the Carp River in downtown Leland. Working charter boats still launch from here each morning, and you can buy fresh-caught and smoked Lake Michigan fish straight from the source. Browse the galleries, watch the river, take the ferry — Fishtown is the soul of Leland and not to be missed.
Grand Traverse Lighthouse
15500 N Lighthouse Point Rd, Northport, MI 49670
At the very tip of the Leelanau Peninsula, the 1858 Grand Traverse Lighthouse stands as one of the oldest and most beautiful lighthouses in the Great Lakes. Now a living history museum, you can tour the lighthouse keeper's quarters, climb to the light room for panoramic lake views, and walk the rocky shoreline where Lake Michigan and Grand Traverse Bay meet. A must-do for any visit to the Northport area.
Whaleback Natural Area
North Lake Shore Dr, Leland, MI 49654
A stunning nature preserve just north of Leland with trails winding through old-growth forest and hardwood ridges down to a wild, undeveloped stretch of Lake Michigan shoreline. The beach here is remote, beautiful, and almost always uncrowded — the kind of place you remember long after you leave. One of the best short hikes on the Leelanau Peninsula.
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Shop
Northport Village Shops
S Waukazoo St, Northport, MI 49670
Northport's small but lovely main street is lined with independent shops, galleries, and boutiques that reflect the character of the village itself — thoughtful, unhurried, and quietly proud of what makes this place special. Browse for local art, Michigan-made gifts, books, and handcrafted goods in a setting that feels authentically small-town in the best possible way.
Fishtown Shops
River St, Leland, MI 49654
The collection of small shops tucked into Fishtown's historic shanties and alongside the river offer some of the most authentic and memorable shopping in all of Northern Michigan. Find smoked fish and locally made foods at the fish market, hand-crafted jewelry and art at the galleries, nautical gifts, Michigan-made goods, and one-of-a-kind souvenirs. The shopping here feels nothing like a tourist trap — it is genuinely local and genuinely special.
The Dam Store
203 E Cedar St, Leland, MI 49654
A beloved Leland village staple offering fudge, candy, ice cream, and a range of Northern Michigan gifts and novelties. Part candy store, part souvenir shop, and entirely charming — the kind of place you wander into for five minutes and come out smiling twenty minutes later. A tradition for every Leland visit.
Grocery
Tom's Market — Leland
206 E Cedar St, Leland, MI 49654
Leland's well-stocked neighborhood grocery store, Tom's Market is the go-to for everything from everyday staples to local Michigan products and specialty items. Pick up fresh produce, local cheeses, Michigan wines, and picnic supplies before heading out for a day of exploring. Reliable, friendly, and genuinely full-service for a village market.
Northport Community Market
105 S Bay St, Northport, MI 49670
A small but handy market in Northport village for topping up essentials during your stay at the tip of the peninsula. Stocked with the basics alongside local goods, it's ideal for grabbing supplies before a beach day at Peterson Park or an evening in at the cottage.