Summary
- The Leelanau Peninsula in Michigan offers a unique charm with its soft sandy beaches, orchards, vineyards, and historical landmarks.
- Accessible via the scenic M-22 roadway, tourists can easily explore the scenic Leelanau Peninsula and its surrounding resort towns.
- A must-visit attraction on the peninsula is the Grand Traverse Lighthouse, located in Leelanau State Park, offering stunning views and rich maritime heritage.
Stretching gracefully from the western edge of Michigan's Lower Peninsula into the iconic Lake Michigan, the Leelanau Peninsula is a scenic marvel that draws visitors in with its raw beauty. Positioned like the "little finger" of the mitten-shaped state, this peninsula boasts a unique charm that stems from its soft sandy beaches to historical landmarks.
Grand Traverse Bay is the gateway to this peninsula, offering a breathtaking panorama that rivals an ocean's size. At its northern tip, the Grand Traverse Lighthouse stands as a pillar of maritime heritage. Ascending its tower unveils views of Lake Michigan and the surrounding Leelanau State Park, one of the region's most visited attractions and beloved natural areas.
The peninsula's terrain hosts orchards, vineyards, and sandy beaches, all of which make for a pleasant summer vacation. Although one wouldn't think Michigan is a summer paradise, the Leelanau Peninsula certainly is. Considering Michigan is jam-packed with top-rated tourist destinations, why not make a few stops?
Exploring Michigan's Scenic Leelanau Peninsula
- This scenic peninsula hosts wineries, orchards, resorts, and tourist attractions.
- Leelanau Peninsula can be accessed via M-22, a scenic roadway in Michigan.
When heading out to Michigan's Leelanau Peninsula, visitors want to immerse themselves in parts of Benzie County, Grand Traverse County, and Leelanau County, Michigan. Here is where the Peninsula extends northward into Lake Michigan, with the main lake on one side and Grand Traverse Bay on the other.
This is one of the state's more 'summer-worthy' stops, mainly because of its sheer size, beauty, and pristine location. Moreover, getting to the Leelanau Peninsula requires drivers to get on M-22 from Manistee to Traverse City in the northwest corner of Michigan's Lower Peninsula. This scenic roadway serves much of the state, so it can be congested at certain times.
On top of that, the Leelanau Peninsula boasts countless vineyards, orchards, and resort towns along M-22, so this won't require tourists to go out of their way. Luckily, the towns and cities surrounding this scenic Peninsula and Lake Michigan are easy to navigate and have become resort destinations over the past few decades.
Drive up to the peninsula's tip and see the Leelanau State Park and the historic Grand Traverse Lighthouse. These are two top-rated sights and attractions in the area, boasting views, history, and plenty of summer charm.
No ocean needed: Michigan's best beaches are inland, but they're still a highlight for vacationers.
How Big Is The Leelanau Peninsula In Michigan?
This peninsula is about 30 miles long. The Leelanau Peninsula is a triangular-shaped peninsula that extends roughly 30 miles (50 km) from Michigan's Lower Peninsula into Lake Michigan. Getting here is easy and can be done by car.
Leelanau Peninsula is about 20 miles wide at its base. This is where many tourists spend warm summer days at the lake and hiking nearby, so that's something to remember.
After all, the Leelanau Peninsula is a tiny region in the Grand Traverse Bay Area of Northern Michigan, accounting for the tip of the "pinky finger" on maps of Michigan state.
This is a part of the many scenic routes in the state, including the 116-mile-long M-22 drive. That might be a fun road trip idea for people who want to explore Northern Michigan.
It could also be fun to stop at these notable locations in the Leelanau Peninsula area:
- Point Betsie Lighthouse – Frankfort
- Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore – Glen Arbor
- Pyramid Point – Glen Arbor
- Laurentide Winery – Lake Leelanau
- Fishtown Preservation – Leland
- Grand Traverse Lighthouse – Northport
- Dennos Museum Center – Traverse City
- Jolly Pumpkin Restaurant, Brewery & Distillery – Traverse City
- Wineries of Old Mission Peninsula – Traverse City
- Old Mission Peninsula Park – Traverse City
Of course, these are just a few sights within the area, so feel free to take a few detours!
These Great Lake escapes are also worth considering during summer vacation.
Where Is The Grand Traverse Lighthouse At Leelanau Peninsula?
- Address: 15500 Lighthouse Point Rd, Northport, MI 49670
- Hours: Open daily from 10 AM to 5 PM
Once in the Leelanau Peninsula, it can't hurt to check out the area's iconic Grand Traverse Lighthouse. The lighthouse marks the Manitou Passage, where Lake Michigan elides into Grand Traverse Bay.
Getting here is pretty simple, as tourists only have to head to the tip of the Leelanau Peninsula, nine miles north of Northport. The Grand Traverse Lighthouse at Leelanau Peninsula is inside Leelanau State Park.
Lake Michigan has a rich and interesting history that's fascinating to learn about while visiting.
Guests have to drive along M-22 from Traverse City to Northport. Then follow the “Lighthouse” signs through Northport on M-201, which flows into Lighthouse Point Road. Next, continue driving on Lighthouse Point Road and following the “Leelanau State Park” signs to the end.