About Lake Michigan (L)

Lake Michigan takes on many names in northwest lower Michigan. The Leelanau Peninsula juts out into Lake Michigan creating two very distinct areas of the "Big Lake" and allows Leelanau County to claim an amazing 151 miles of  shoreline.  The most in all of Michigan!            

The west shore of Leelanau Peninsula from south of Empire up to Northport, can be considered part of the "Big Lake."  Leelanau's east shore, from Northport to Traverse City is named West Grand Traverse Bay.  Though part of the same body of water, they are two very different "lakes."

West Grand Traverse Bay is sheltered between the Leelanau and Mission Peninsulas. This large bay offers  smoother sailing on windy days, and access to a variety of amenities.  Enjoy the beach at the south end of the Bay, sail over to the west and have some lunch at Apache Trout Grill or cruise to Suttons Bay and enjoy a day shopping, dining or just laying on the beach. Quait coastal villages Omena and Northport both offer great times to be had as well.  The sunken islands in West Bay make for great fishing opportunities.  Walleye, small mouth bass, perch, and lake trout can be found in West Bay.  At the south end of West Bay, the Boardman River enters the lake.  It is here that you will find steelhead and brown trout in the spring and chinook salmon in the fall. 

Along the western side of Leelanau Peninsula, Lake Michigan unfolds like an ocean and dances in the sunset.  A visit to Leelanau County is not complete until you have seen the "Big Lake" from the top of a sand dune. Thankfully, sand dunes are readily available. The Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore encompases a total of 71,187 acres and is home to the Sleeping Bear Dunes and Pyramid Point.  North and South Manitou Islands are also part of the park and can be reached by ferry boat out of Leland.  Lake Michigan makes for a great backdrop to glowing sunsets and sandy beaches. Reserve a spot on a charter boat for Lake Trout or Salmon or take your own out of the Leland Harbor to find the big fish.

As you can see, Lake Michingan is many lakes to many people. Come to Leelanau County and enjoy all it has to offer.