A tiny fishing town in the shadows of giants
Perched on the scenic Leelanau Peninsula between Lake Michigan and Lake Leelanau, the picturesque village of Leland is the quintessential fishing town of days past. Just 25 minutes north of bustling Traverse City, you couldn't get much further from big city life. Leland's historic Fishtown will transport you back in time to the 1900s, with quaint shacks and working fishermen that haven't missed a beat in the past century. This history exists alongside charming shops, galleries, and restaurants. A Leland vacation rental also puts you right near the fascinating landscapes and outdoor activities of the Sleeping Bear Dunes.
Activities and attractions in and around Leland
Are you looking for things to do while you're in the area? Venture out of your vacation home and experience everything that Leland has to offer. Here are some of the major attractions to put on your list, all within 30 miles (48.2 km) of the city center:
- Chateau Chantal (14.4 mi / 23.2 km)
- Ciccone Vineyard and Winery (9.7 mi / 15.7 km)
- Chateau Grand Traverse (16.1 mi / 25.9 km)
- Good Neighbor Organic Vineyard and Winery (7.9 mi / 12.7 km)
- The Leelanau Club at Bahle Farms (8 mi / 12.8 km)
- Manitou Passage Golf Club (8.4 mi / 13.6 km)
Camping on dunes and diving for shipwrecks
There's no end to the outdoor activities on tap in Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. One of the most popular camping destinations in the state, the park also offers over 100 miles of trails for hiking, biking, and walking, or skiing and snowshoeing in the winter (there are even guided snowshoe tours available). The Lake Michigan beaches are great for swimming, sunbathing, and boating. Fishing charters leave regularly from Leland. For more hiking, ferry over to North and South Manitou Islands. There are countless shipwrecks dotting the shores around the islands, and some are prime sites for a unique diving experience.
Snowy winters: when Sleeping Bears become polar bears
Leland vacation rentals are in high demand during the warmest summer months of June to September, when high temps hover pleasantly in the 70s, tipping just into the 80s in July. The rest of the year, prepare to get intimate with your coziest sweater. Temps can be below freezing from November to April, often not even breaking the freezing mark between December and February. Expect plenty of snow, many feet of it, during those coldest months. The blankets of white stuff turn the dunes into a whole new world, perfect for skiing and snowshoeing.
From mountains of sand to mountains of fish
Fishtown lives up to its name. The waters of Lake Michigan are chock full of all the salmon and trout you could ever want. The lake's vast waters are dotted with islands just off the shore, most notably the cedar-covered North and South Manitou Islands, where beavers, coyotes, deer and chipmunks roam free. On the mainland, miles of sandy beaches trace the shoreline. The fascinating mountains of the Sleeping Bear Dunes are home to unique flora and fauna, while the National Seashore is dotted with verdant forests and glittering lakes. Bald eagles have been spotted in the area, so bring your binoculars.
How to get to and around Leland
The nearest airport is in Cherry Capital Airport (TVC), located 21.7 mi (34.9 km) from the city center.
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