5 Charming Things to do in Leland, Michigan

5/24/2022

Looking to spend a perfect day in the quaint Northern Michigan town of Leland, Michigan? Check out my 5 charming things to do "Up North" in Leland, Michigan!

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Updated May, 2022.

Looking for things to do in
Leland, Michigan?

The Cove, Leland, Michigan

Northern Michigan's Leelanau Peninsula is a gorgeous little corner of Michigan, home to small, resort towns, quaint wineries, and, of course, the ever-inspiring Sleeping Bear Dunes National Park. And, while you're "Up North," I guarantee that you'll want to be sure to put Leland on your list.

Boasting just a three-digit population (yes, you read that correctly), you'll immediately feel relaxed when you arrive in Leland's tiny downtown.

Stoplights? I don't think so. Lake views? You bet.

Where is Leland, Michigan?

Leland is wedged on a minuscule bit of land between Lake Michigan and the interior Lake Leelanau.

Leland actually sits on the site of a former Ottawa Native American settlement, whose names translates: "the place where canoes run up into the river to land, because they have no harbor."

Today, in addition to being a charming tourist town, Leland is where you'll catch the ferry to either North or South Manitou and the town is served by...*one* (you read that correctly as well) road, M-22, which connects Leland to Glen Arbor to Leland's west.

Fishtown Leland, Michigan

Interested in exploring more of Northern Michigan's Leelanau Peninsula? Learn all about Leland's M-22 neighbor, Glen Arbor, Michigan!

Things to Do in
Leland, Michigan

Leland, Michigan: Explore Fishtown

Fishtown, Leland, Michigan

You may have noticed, there's a third body of water here in Leland - the Leland River, which flows right through the historic portion of town, directly out into Lake Michigan. The highlight of any trip to Leland is exploring this area - tiny, historic Fishtown, one of very few commercial fishing villages in the state, that's been proudly situated on this special strip of land for over 100 years. Imagine how remote Fishtown must have been at the turn of the last century, when rustic fisherman called it home.

Fishtown is deservedly on the National Register of Historic Places. Though still a small fishing hub, today you'll also see lots of tourist-focused stalls in Fishtown - from food stalls, selling fish, obviously - to, as you'd expect t-shirt boutiques, etc.

Fishtown Leland, Michigan

It doesn't take terribly long to explore Fishtown, and it can get a bit crowded, but don't get distracted by the rest of Leland's offerings and miss this lovely bit!

Plenty of fishing rods to be had!

Wondering what to pack for your trip Up North? Check out my Northern Michigan packing list!

Leland, Michigan: Eat at The Cove

After you explore Fishtown, stop by The Cove to get the best view of the Leland River, and enjoy the world's best Bloody Mary! Fresh white fish and a cold local beer makes for the perfect respite from a day of, albeit relaxing, tourism.

PRO TIP: Get your spot at The Cove early in the day. This place *fills up!* And, as it's relevant to this crazy era in which we live, they do have two sets of outdoor seating. Ask for a view of the river - I took the cover picture for this post from the rear patio at The Cove!

Interior of The Cove

Can't get into The Cove? Head over to The Bluebird, just on the other side of the main road, offering fresh seafood, hamburgers, and a view of the River!

Leland, Michigan: Explore the Shops

Greta's of Leland Gift Shop

Time to shop! Leland has a surprising number of nice stores, for a town this tiny, in addition to the candy, ice cream, and t-shirts you'd expect in a vacation destination!

Leelanau Books

A few Leland shopping recommendations, from years of experience:

T-shirts: Momentum
Coffee: Blue Boat Coffee (bit hard to find -it's in an interior shopping area just a few spots down from River & Main)
Ice cream & trinkets: Harbor House
High-end women's wear: Dune Berry
Books: Leelanau Books
Gifts: Greta's of Leland Gift Shop
A boozy gift: Grand Traverse Distillery Tasting Room
Amazing swinging porch chairs: River & Main

River & Main

Harbor House Trading Company

Love road trips? Here are the 8 Best Midwest Road Trips!

Leland, Michigan:
Spend some time at the beach!

Given its location, Leland is, unsurprisingly, home to several nice beaches, close to downtown! If you haven't had a chance to check out Lake Leelanau, definitely take some time to see the incredibly crystal clear water!

Leland, Michigan: Where to Stay

Photo from: Falling Waters Lodge, Leland, Michigan

If you want to make Leland your home base for your time Up North, there are, unsurprisingly, just a couple of options. There are plenty of rental properties to be had, but there's really only one hotel option, Falling Waters Lodge. As we always stay at The Homestead in Glen Arbor, I haven't personally had the pleasure, but Falling Waters Lodge is located right in the heart of downtown Leland, with beautiful water views.

Leland, Michigan: Good Harbor Winery

Just a hop, skip, and a jump outside of "metro" Leland is Good Harbor Winery. With easily drinkable local wines, Good Harbor Winery makes for a perfect pit stop on your way out of Leland, especially if you're heading to Glen Arbor. So grab a beverage, snag an Adirondack chair, and enjoy a glass! It's vacation, after all!

Heads up: you'll have to drive to Good Harbor from downtown Leland. It's not walkable.

Outdoor wine at Good Harbor Winery, Leland, Michigan. 5 Charming Things to do in Leland, Michigan

Outdoor seating at Good Harbor Winery, Leland, Michigan

Extra Credit: Explore M-22

While you're up here, be sure to stop by Glen Arbor, which is about a 20-minute drive from Leland on scenic M-22. Home to The Homestead Resort (the nicest hotel in this area, by far) and more than its fair share of shops and restaurants, Glen Arbor is another gorgeous Northern Michigan town that is certainly worth a day trip (or more!). And if you love Leland, you'll love Sutton's Bay - a similar quaint town right on, you guessed it, M-22

5 Charming Things to do in Leland, Michigan. Beaches at the Homestead Resort

Beaches at The Homestead Resort, Glen Arbor

Good Harbor Grill, Glen Arbor

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

Thanks for stopping by!

Have a phenomenal time in this charming resort town! You'll adore Leland, and if you're anything like me, you'll be coming back to this cozy corner of the world, year after year!

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