Glen Arbor - the quaint beachfront village where Sleeping Bears lie
Tucked between Lake Michigan and the Glen Lakes, Glen Arbor is small waterfront village with a big attraction. During the summer, it's a popular base for visitors to Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Swathes of buttery sandy beaches line the lakes and promise great fishing, waterskiing, and hiking through the dunes. Within easy reach of 2 bays, Glen Arbor vacation rentals are an ideal base to explore the lakes region. After a day on the beach, check out the quirky village shops and eateries that line the waterfront.
Glen Arbor - putting the "great" in Great Lakes
While a visit to Glen Arbor is a water enthusiast's dream, it doesn't have to involve getting soggy all the time. The neighboring historic village, Glen Haven, offers a step back in time. Harking back to the day when the lakeside villages provided fuel to the steamers which passed through, it's now one of the best preserved logging stations in the Great Lakes region. Visit the general store and pick up some cutesy kitchenware, toys, and food. Peek inside a 1920s blacksmith's shop and the Cannery Boathouse Museum, home to a haul of restored fishing boats.
There are a lotta lakes to love in Glen Arbor
The buttery sandy beaches overlooking Sleeping Bears Bay are a true highlight of any stay in Glen Arbor, and perfect for a teddy bear's picnic. Water enthusiasts will love the choice of 2 lakes - for swimming and boat excursions choose the expanse of Lake Michigan, while Glen Lake is ideal for a spot of fishing. If fishing doesn't float your boat, why not potter around the quirky gift shops in the village center. Grab an artisan coffee and freshly baked cakes at a local coffee shop, or dine out in one of the many family-run restaurants.
It's all seasons greetings from Glen Arbor
Lake Michigan and the Glen Lakes are year-round destinations. In summer, the temperatures peak and the sun shines, drawing the active outdoor crowd. But beware, the sun is a fairweather friend. Winter brings a dusting of snow, and more damp days than dry. The best (and busiest) time to visit Glen Arbor is during the warm summer months, when temperatures can reach 80 degrees. However, spring and early fall are delightful times to stay and there's more choice of Glen Arbor vacation rentals, but rain can make an appearance, so bring your waterproofs.
Nature's dunes and sleeping bears
Tucked between Glen Lake and Lake Michigan, Glen Arbor is surrounded by woodland and beaches. It's famous as the home of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, which sits at the southern end of the village. Named after an Ojibwe legend, the dunes sweep for 35 miles along the eastern coast of Lake Michigan. Shaped by glaciers during the Ice Age, its otherworldly appearance is best seen on the various hiking and biking trails over the dunes. For a more leisurely experience, take the 7-mile Pierce Stocking scenic drive that loops around the beech maple forest and the dunes.
How to get to and around Glen Arbor
The nearest airport is in Cherry Capital Airport (TVC), located 23 mi (37 km) from the city center.