Lake Leelanau

A Peninsula Paradise with a Small-Town Feel

Lake Leelanau is located on the northwest corner of the Leelanau Peninsula in Michigan.

On the northwest side of the lake it connects to the Leland River, which flows up for one mile to connect to Lake Michigan. The south side of the lake is located within the Solon Township. It’s about 45 minutes from Traverse City and four and a half hours from Detroit.

While there aren’t many chain stores and restaurants in the area, you will find that the local options fulfill anything you might need.

The closest major airport to Lake Leelanau is Cherry Capital Airport in Traverse City, about 24 miles from the center of Lake Leelanau.

If needed, the nearest urgent care is Provemont Family Care, located right in the center of the town. The nearest hospital is Munson Medical Center, about 30 minutes away, and Paul Oliver Memorial Hospital is also within an hour of the area.

On the Water

The lake has a natural narrow divide that separates the lake into two bodies of water. It runs for about 21 miles and is less than two miles wide at its widest point. The lake is fed by freshwater springs and creeks, allowing for beautiful, clear, blue-green waters.

Fishing and boating are a large part of the draw to this beautiful retreat. Fly fishing in the summer and ice fishing in the winter are perfect ways for nature lovers to spend their time! Sport fish found here include trout, walleye, perch, sunfish, and bass.

Residents can fish from the bank or water with access to public boat launches and ramps. Water skiing, tubing, and other water sports are commonly seen in this all-sport lake.

Local Attractions

Besides the lake itself, the area of Leelanau has its own charm. Leelanau is home to 10 different wineries, including Blustone Vineyards, Boathouse Vineyards, and Forty Five North Vineyard and Winery, all within a 20-minute drive of the lake.

Being close to Traverse City has its perks, with the town being the home of the National Cherry Festival each July.

Sleeping Bear Dunes and Pyramid Point, both around 30 minutes away from the lake, are perfect places for outdoor lovers to hike and explore.

Why Lake Leelanau?

If you're looking for a large lake that's next to one of America's Great Lakes, you've found the perfect match in Lake Leelanau!