11+ Charming Things to Do in Glen Arbor, Michigan in 2024

Heading "up North" to Glen Arbor, Michigan? Look no further than these top 10 things to do on your visit to Glen Arbor, brought to you by your resident Glen Arbor expert!

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Considering a trip
"Up North"
​to ​Glen Arbor?

The Homestead Resort, Glen Arbor, Michigan

I'm always delighted and a bit puffed up with Up North, Michigander pride to tell soon-to-be Glen Arbor visitors that I've visited Glen Arbor at least 20 times and consider myself "a Glen Arbor expert." ​My heart always skips a beat when I see an M-22 sticker out 'in the wild' at home in Indy - I know I've found a kindred "Up North" spirit.

Even after all of these visits, Glen Arbor remains my personal favorite of the many lovely towns in Leelanau County. Glen Arbor was our favorite family vacation spot when I was growing up, both in the prime visiting time, summer and even in winter, when skiing keeps things open, yet quaint.

Between boasting a high-end, multi-acre resort, The Homestead, with a variety of rental options, from homes to hotel-like rooms, to fun shopping and a laid-back atmosphere, Glen Arbor really has all the ingredients for a relaxing family vacation.

​Let's talk through the 10+ fun things you must do on a day trip (or, hopefully longer visit) to enchanting Glen Arbor, Michigan. I'm already day dreaming about my next trip to the stunning shores of Lake Michigan...

If you love Glen Arbor, I've rounded up Quaint Towns on Michigan's M-22 you need to visit!

The Homestead, Glen Arbor, Michigan

How far is Glen Arbor
​from Traverse City?

If you'll be visiting Glen Arbor from Traverse City, you're in luck! It's not a long drive. Glen Arbor is about 35 minutes from Traverse City on M-72. It's a quick drive, absolutely doable for a day trip from Traverse City.

Glen Arbor, Michigan:
Rent a boat on Big or Little Glen

Big Glen Lake, Glen Arbor (stock)

Glen Arbor is lucky enough to boast a few bodies of water, as the tiny town is home to both Big and Little Glen Lakes *and* it's right on Lake Michigan's Sleeping Bear Bay. There are also some creeks, etc., which we'll discuss later. Big Glen Lake is home to, hands down, the clearest water I've ever seen.

​So rent a boat, explore Big and Little Glen Lakes, and see the Sleeping Bear Dunes from a new angle!

Wondering what to wear in Northern Michigan? Check out my Up North Packing List!

Glen Arbor, Michigan:
​Dining Options in Glen Arbor

Outdoor dining at Art's Tavern, Glen Arbor

In the evening, Glen Arbor's tiny downtown takes on a party atmosphere, with parents and kids eating dinner (and seemingly endless ice cream) all over the place. Don't be complacent - especially in the height of summer, these restaurants fill up, so you'll want to get there early, or be prepared for a bit of a wait!

Boone Dock's, Glen Arbor

For a fun, family atmosphere, check out Boonedock's, with outdoor (and indoor) dining, and lots of live music - it's where the party happens in Glen Arbor!

Art's Tavern is ideal for surprisingly good, cozy comfort food. If you're looking for "fancier" food options, check out the nearby Western Avenue Bar & Grill, which has plenty of outdoor seating as well.

​For much more on where to eat in Glen Arbor, check out my full summary of excellent restaurants in Glen Arbor.

The Cherry Republic, Glen Arbor, Michigan

Glen Arbor, Michigan:
​Canoes on the Crystal River

The pristine Crystal River flows in and around Glen Arbor, ultimately leading out into Lake Michigan's Sleeping Bear Bay. The Crystal River's water isn't deep, but it's a relaxing trip, taking you even farther away from the hustle and bustle (not that there is any in Glen Arbor).

Canoe and kayak rental spots abound - Crystal River Outfitters is building a bit of a recreation empire - check it out, adjacent to downtown Glen Arbor!

Where the Crystal River meets the Sleeping Bear Bay, Glen Arbor

Glen Arbor, Michigan:
​Shop in Glen Arbor

Anderson's Market, Glen Arbor, Michigan

From clothes, to trinkets, and some of the most amazing bear-themed items I've ever spotted at The Ruth Conklin Gallery, there's more shopping in Glen Arbor than you might expect! And, of course, stop by The Totem Shop for the greatest selection of t-shirts, candy, and gizmos anywhere I've ever been. For Glen Arbor t-shirts, you can't beat Momentum Apparel.

The Totem Shop, Glen Arbor, Michigan

All about my 8 best Midwest road trips you'll love!

Glen Arbor, Michigan:
​The Cherry Republic

The Cherry Republic, Glen Arbor

Glen Arbor's now-famous Cherry Republic certainly deserves its own section on the list of the greatest things to do in Glen Arbor.

I can purport to have known the Cherry Republic "before they were famous," from my days in Glen Arbor as a kid, but these days you can find Cherry Republic products all over the place.

Visit the spot where in all began in downtown Glen Arbor - try Cherry salsa, chocolate-covered cherries, cherry ice cream, and yes, even Cherry wine. They've even got a full-fledged restaurant, with outdoor dining.

The Cherry Republic, downtown Glen Arbor

​"Life, Liberty, Beaches, & Pie" - a pretty good slogan to live by - and emblazoned on the t-shirts that started it all!

All of the cherry products at Glen Arbor's Cherry Republic location

Glen Arbor, Michigan:
​Wine tasting at M-22!

M22 tasting porch

Craving a glass of wine after a day spent exploring Glen Arbor?

"Drink Michigan Wine" is so much more than just a slogan - it's a must-do during your time Up North!

​M22 is a new addition to Glen Arbor, and with a perfect porch, cute merchandise and, obviously, some tasty local wines. What's not to love?

M22 wine tasting!

Top 10 Things to Do in Northern Michigan

Where to stay in Glen Arbor, Michigan:
​The Homestead Resort

Our favorite spot at The Homestead, The Inn

"America's Freshwater Resort," The Homestead (not to be confused with the one in Virginia, which is also lovely), has been providing visitors with a "home away from home," Up North, since its humble beginnings as a boarding school in the early 1920s.

​Since then, it's grown into a relatively spacious resort, while maintaining an extremely welcoming and cozy ambiance. With multiple dining options, a little grocery, its own golf course, and a spa, The Homestead really has everything you need "on property."

​Feel free to reach out about questions on the various rental options - I've stayed in/been into almost all of them. But beware - this place books up fast and rentals don't come cheap. But, of course, The Homestead is worth every penny.

Check out the full post on The Homestead, after our most recent stays!

The Homestead

Scenic walk at The Homestead

Sunset at The Homestead!

Glen Arbor, Michigan:
​Explore the Sleeping Bear Dunes

The Sleeping Bear Dunes, Glen Arbor, Michigan

What draws most visitors to Glen Arbor is the Sleeping Bear Dunes - consistently voted one of the most beautiful places in the US. Gorgeous sand dunes plunge into Lake Michigan, and visitors certainly climb and descend at their own risk. Depending on how adventurous you're feeling, you can select dunes where you climb either up or down (if you're nervous, do the one where you climb UP from Big Glen - then you can just climb down when you're tired. Even as a kid, climbing *down* the most famous of the dunes, seen below, is fun until you have to climb back up...)

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Park, Glen Arbor, Michigan

Glen Arbor, Michigan:
South Manitou ​Island Lighthouse

South Manitou Island Lighthouse, National Park Service

Visitors can explore where the recent growth of this area began, at the South Manitou Island Lighthouse. During the Great Lakes boom following the completion of the Erie Canal, the lighthouse led ships into the only natural harbor they'd reach until they made it all the way to Chicago. Today you can see the lighthouse and the little town surrounding it. It makes for a quaint reminder of the real risks that sailors faced crossing the Great Lakes and bringing goods out to the West.

Glen Arbor, Michigan:
​S'mores on the beach

View of South Manitou from The Homestead's Beach

What more is there to say? With perfectly cool nights, and plenty of places to buy supplies, s'more overlooking Lake Michigan needs to be on your 'Glen Arbor Bucket List.'

Glen Arbor, Michigan:
​Day Trips from Glen Arbor

Fishtown, Leland, Michigan- an easy day trip from Glen Arbor!

In addition to all Glen Arbor has to offer, it's also a hop, skip, and a jump away from a few other quaint towns nearby on M-22.

​Check out Leland and Sutton's Bay - with more shopping, cute restaurants, and some of the more charming drives you'll find.

Downtown Suttons Bay Michigan

Or head down to Empire, a more rustic, less resort-y feeling town, where taverns abound.

Interested in visiting the Manitou Islands?

If you've spent any time gazing out at the water from Glen Arbor, you've probably seen North and South Manitou, just off the coast. Did you know you can visit? Book tickets with Manitou Island Transit, departing from Leland, on the Mishe-Mokwa. The boat docks in the village on South Manitou.

Thanks so much for stopping by!

The famous D.H. Day Farm in Glen Arbor, built between 1880 and 1890.

I know you'll love Glen Arbor, Michigan as much as I do! It's one of my favorite places in the world, and I know it will quickly move to the top of your list as well. xx

Scenic view from the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

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