Leelanau County, MI Guide | Brick & Corbett

Welcome to Leelanau Peninsula

Welcome to the Leelanau Peninsula, a scenic and serene stretch of Northern Michigan known for its rolling vineyards, pristine shoreline, and charming coastal towns. This cultivated region offers a rare blend of quiet rural beauty and thoughtfully developed communities, each with its own unique character. From the farm-lined backroads to the gentle curve of sandy beaches, the peninsula invites residents to enjoy life at a more intentional, grounded pace.

The peninsula encompasses beloved destinations such as Leland, Suttons Bay, Northport, and Glen Arbor—each offering picturesque downtowns, inviting cafés, local shops, and access to some of the most celebrated landscapes in the Midwest. With Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, numerous state parks, and miles of waterfront, the area offers endless opportunities for outdoor adventure. For those considering a move, the Leelanau Peninsula provides a lifestyle centered on beauty, craftsmanship, and deep appreciation for the land.

What to Love

Sweeping vineyards, farms, and open countryside
Charming beach towns with a relaxed, welcoming feel
Access to Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
Exceptional wineries and acclaimed dining
Miles of scenic trails, beaches, and protected natural areas

Local Lifestyle

Life on the Leelanau Peninsula is defined by a connection to nature and a slower, more intentional rhythm. Residents enjoy a balance of rural tranquility and well-curated local amenities—think mornings at a lakeside café, afternoons on the Leelanau Trail, or leisurely evenings at a favorite vineyard. Seasonal festivals, farm markets, and community gatherings keep the social calendar full, while the natural landscape encourages year-round exploration.

Dining and Shopping

Dining across the peninsula reflects its agricultural heritage and commitment to quality. Destinations like Farm Club highlight a true farm-to-table experience, while long-loved establishments such as Art’s Tavern and The Cove bring local flavors to life in relaxed settings. Hop Lot Brewing Co. offers a welcoming atmosphere with outdoor space perfect for gathering, and Gilchrist adds a classic touch of local dining charm.

The area’s winery scene is a significant part of its identity, with celebrated names such as MAWBY, Leelanau Cellars, Black Star Farms, Shady Lane Cellars, and Brengman Brothers drawing visitors and locals alike. Tastings, tours, and scenic vineyard views contribute to an elevated yet approachable wine culture that is central to the region.

Shoppers will find a selection of boutiques and specialty shops sprinkled throughout the coastal towns. Favorites like The Tug Shop and Poppy Things offer local character and unique finds, adding to the peninsula’s easygoing retail landscape. Whether browsing for artisan goods or stocking up on local provisions, shopping in Leelanau feels personal and thoughtfully crafted.

Things to Do and Entertainment

The Leelanau Peninsula is rich with outdoor experiences, from the sandy shores of Suttons Bay Beach, Vans Beach, Northport Beach, and Glen Haven Beach to the iconic Sleeping Bear Dune Climb and miles of preserved shoreline within Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Bohemian Beach and Good Harbor Beach provide quieter escapes, while the Leelanau Trail offers a scenic route for biking, walking, and cross-country skiing.

Cultural and community events bring the region to life throughout the year. The Leelanau Food and Wine Festival and Northport Uncaged celebrate local artistry, flavors, and music. Historic treasures like Fishtown in Leland and the Grand Traverse Lighthouse at Leelanau State Park offer a deeper look into the area’s maritime past. The Manitou Islands, just offshore, add even more opportunity for exploration and discovery.

Schools

Families moving to the Leelanau Peninsula will find several respected public-school options, including Leland Public School, Northport Public School, and Suttons Bay Public School. These schools serve students across the region and offer strong academic programs, extracurricular opportunities, and a close-knit community feel.

Overview for Leelanau County, MI

1,484 people live in Leelanau County, where the median age is 63.3 and the average individual income is $69,394. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.

1,484

Total Population

63.3 years

Median Age

Medium

Population Density Population Density This is the number of people per square mile in a neighborhood.

$69,394

Average individual Income

Property Listings

Price

Living Area

For Sale

MLS® 1934738

Your Leelanau County Real Estate Agent

Bob Brick, Senior Advisor & Partner

Primary phone
(231) 342-3232
License Number
#6502134537
Email
[email protected]
Address
500 S Union St
Traverse City, MI 49684

Get to Know Bob

Bob is an exceptional Leelanau County Real Estate Agent, a third-generation native deeply rooted in the community, and recognized as "one of Traverse City's natural resources." Bob boasts an unparalleled 40+ year career consistently ranking in the top 1% of North American Real Estate Agents. His dedication and expertise are evidenced by numerous accolades, including RE/MAX International Hall of Fame and Titanium Club memberships, a Lifetime Achievement Award, and being named Michigan's #1 agent in 1997. Consistently a top RE/MAX of Michigan agent for over 30 years, Bob’s 50+ years in local real estate and over 5,000 properties sold speak volumes about his commitment to the Traverse City real estate market.

Bob Brick's hallmark is his deep expertise, extensive knowledge, unwavering dedication, and vast experience as a Leelanau County Real Estate Agent. Known for genuinely caring about his clients, Bob goes above and beyond to exceed expectations and help them achieve their real estate dreams. To experience dedicated service and unparalleled local expertise, Contact Top Traverse City Real Estate Agent Bob Brick Today and let his decades of success work for you.

Around Leelanau County, MI

There's plenty to do around Leelanau County, including shopping, dining, nightlife, parks, and more. Data provided by Walk Score and Yelp.

29

Somewhat Bikeable

Bike Score

Points of Interest

Explore popular things to do in the area, including Rinco Bros, The Corndog Company - Glen Arbor, and Inn And Trail Gourmet.

Name	Category	Distance	Reviews	Ratings by Yelp
Visit the Rinco Bros page on Yelp Search 6023 S Lake St on Google Maps	Dining	1.57 miles	17 reviews	5/5 stars
Visit the The Corndog Company - Glen Arbor page on Yelp Search 6281 River Rd on Google Maps	Dining	1.63 miles	7 reviews	5/5 stars
Visit the Inn And Trail Gourmet page on Yelp Search 6453 Western Ave on Google Maps	Dining	1.53 miles	13 reviews	4.8/5 stars
Visit the Glen Arbor Wines page on Yelp Search 5873 S Lake St on Google Maps	Dining	1.46 miles	17 reviews	4.8/5 stars
Visit the Great Lakes Tea and Spice page on Yelp Search 6640 Western Ave on Google Maps	Dining · $$	1.42 miles	15 reviews	4.7/5 stars
Visit the Glen Arbor Farmers Market page on Yelp Search 6394 W Western Ave on Google Maps	Dining	1.55 miles	3 reviews	5/5 stars
Visit the Petoskey Pete's page on Yelp Search 5972 S Lake St on Google Maps	Shopping	1.52 miles	6 reviews	4.7/5 stars
Visit the Watta Bite Charter Fishing page on Yelp Search 5705 Lake St on Google Maps	Active	1.34 miles	12 reviews	4.9/5 stars
Visit the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore page on Yelp Search 9922 W Front St on Google Maps	Active	3.55 miles	189 reviews	4.8/5 stars
Visit the Sleeping Bear Dunes Visitors Bureau page on Yelp Search 12 Wood Ridge Road on Google Maps	Active	2.06 miles	11 reviews	4.6/5 stars
Visit the sleeping bear dune climb page on Yelp Search Sleeping Bear Heritage Trl on Google Maps	Active	2.92 miles	34 reviews	4.6/5 stars
Visit the Glen Lake page on Yelp Search 6617 Sunset Dr on Google Maps	Active	2.35 miles	3 reviews	5/5 stars
Visit the Bay Lavender Trading page on Yelp Search 5777 S Lake St on Google Maps	Beauty	1.38 miles	11 reviews	4.5/5 stars

Demographics and Employment Data for Leelanau County, MI

Population Households Employment

Leelanau County has 715 households, with an average household size of 2.08. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. Here’s what the people living in Leelanau County do for work — and how long it takes them to get there. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. 1,484 people call Leelanau County home. The population density is 24.54 and the largest age group is Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.