5+ Delightful Things to Do in Suttons Bay, Michigan {2024}

Looking for a charming town to explore on your way through the Leelanau Peninsula? Learn everything you need to know about a visit to one of our favorite spots Up North: Suttons Bay, Michigan!

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Looking for things to do
​in Suttons Bay, Michigan?

There's nothing better to do on a summer road trip than explore Northern Michigan's charming M-22, which hugs the coastline surrounding the Leelanau Peninsula. From Traverse City, to stopping in Northport, Leland, Glen Arbor (our usual home base), and of course, exploring Suttons Bay, M-22 takes you through Michigan's quaintest summer colonies.

It had been *many* years since I'd visited Suttons Bay, when we stopped by during a recent trip to Leelanau County. We popped over to Suttons Bay from Glen Arbor for a day trip, a quick tour, some delicious white fish, and, of course, to indulge in a local tipple! We certainly were not disappointed. Suttons Bay is a great place to experience the charm of Northern Michigan, without the occasional crowds of Traverse City.

So let's walk through 5 delightful things to do on our your trip to Suttons Bay, Michigan!

How do you get to Suttons Bay?

Suttons Bay is accessible by car...or boat!

Assuming you've selected driving, Suttons Bay is about a 4-hour drive from Detroit, Michigan. It's a quick 25-minute, 17-mile drive from Traverse City, the unofficial capital of Northern Michigan, directly up the charming M-22. If you're already in the area touring the Leelanau Peninsula, Suttons Bay is a similar distance from Glen Arbor and Leland, on the interior side of "the pinkie," nestled between the crystal clear water of Lake Leelanau to the west and, you guessed it, Suttons Bay to the east.

Wondering what to wear in Northern Michigan? Check out my Northern Michigan packing list!

1. Lunch at VI Grill, Suttons Bay

V.I. Grill, Suttons Bay

Though our recent visit to Suttons Bay fell on the first of several rainy days Up North, we were fortunate to discover the delights of V.I. Grill (Village Inn Grill) to shelter us from the storm. The V.I. Grill holds the distinction of being the oldest restaurant in continuous operation in Leelanau County (I love a historical tidbit!), and the restaurant carries its age very well. 

Belly up to the bar for a delicious Bloody Mary, or enjoy indoor and outdoor seating, taking in the charm of the extremely popular restaurant.

For a family that's enjoyed probably more than its fair share of white fish in Leelanau County, I'm proud to say that the V.I. Grill's was the best we've found yet! Of course, we are always happy to continue the search...

2. Shopping in Suttons Bay

​In any M-22 town, shopping and dining are the name of the day, in that order for me, at least, and Suttons Bay is no exception. 

Hitting the shops in Suttons Bay

And it's not all t-shirts (though there are plenty of them to be had). Suttons Bay has the perfect mix of family-friendly shops and shops selling higher-end items that might warrant a splurge. My personal favorite store is The Front Porch. I've actually been ordering from them online since we got home!

For a full list of shops in Suttons Bay, check out the chamber of commerce's list!

Laughing Fish Gallery, Suttons Bay

Local art is all the rage both in Sutton's Bay and all along M-22. Be sure to stop by Laughing Fish Gallery.

3. See a movie in Suttons Bay

The Bay Theatre, Suttons Bay

It can be surprisingly hard to find a movie theater in this part of the world, but you are in luck! And I can certainly say that there are no movies theaters as cute as The Bay Theatre in Suttons Bay, which was established in 1946. Screenings are limited, but mainstream movies are on the docket.

4. Grab a yard ornament in Suttons Bay

Bayside Gallery, Suttons Bay

One of the most crowded and impressive spots in Suttons Bay is Bayside Gallery, which has, for 20 years, been home to a frankly stunning number of yard adornments, arranged into an impressive display outside of the shop. Even if your yard isn't in the market for a "glow up," it's certainly worth stopping by to take in the spectacle.

5. Discover Suttons Bay Ciders

A sampler from Suttons Bay Ciders

Can't resist a photo with a canoe lintel

An incredibly quick (yet surprisingly steep) drive from downtown Suttons Bay is Suttons Bay Ciders. With stunning water views, refreshing ciders, and endless buses of vineyard tourists to keep us entertained, our time at Suttons Bay Ciders was a highlight of our time in Suttons Bay.

Thanks for stopping by!

I hope I've given you some Leelanau Peninsula food for thought and that you have an amazing trip to Suttons Bay. Don't forget to take some time to discover everything the Leelanau Peninsula has to offer.

Explore M-22

• 10 Charming Things to Do in Glen Arbor, Michigan
• The Homestead Resort, Glen Arbor
• 5 Enchanting Things to Do in Leland, Michigan
• 5 Must-See Towns to Visit "Up North" Michigan
• What to Wear in Northern Michigan​

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