Vineyards line Michigan Highway 204 as it curves through the Leelanau Peninsula American Viticultural Area. The region’s proximity to the Great Lakes creates well-draining soil, perfect for growing grapes to use in ice wine. This decadent dessert wine is a challenge to create, as the grapes must be left on the vine until the first frost has passed. Just like the sweet ice wine produced here, Lake Leelanau is a treat that can only be found in Michigan.
Lakefront homes keep summers cool
Leelanau County might be nicknamed “Michigan’s Little Finger,” but the town’s houses aren’t all small. A range of sizes and styles, including log cabins, cottages, split-levels and Victorians, vary in price from $300,000 to $900,000. Houses are spread on both sides of the lake, some including private docks and water access, while others at the lake’s narrowest point are close to downtown. Kimberly Bork, a Realtor, broker and owner of Venture Property LLC in Traverse City, says many of her clients look for second homes to beat the heat. “We sell to folks from California, Texas or Arizona— places known for their scorching summers,” says Bork. “Some only knew the area from online research, but most have family in Michigan or grew up with a summer house here. Now, their kids can enjoy the same summer adventures as they did when they were children.”
Wine tastings aren’t just for tourists
Lake Leelanau’s wine scene starts on Duck Lane Road. Amoritas Vineyard, owned and run by the Goodell family, has a tasting room in town and a vineyard 4 miles out. Matt Goodell, Amoritas’ operations officer and a co-owner, says his family’s familiarity with the region started long before their first field was established in 2013. “We had been coming to the area for vacations for around 20 years before we decided to open the vineyard,” says Goodell. “The close vicinity of Lake Michigan is why we can grow the classic Vitis vinifera varietal; it does so well in this soil.” Boathouse Vineyards and Soul Squeeze Cellars also have downtown tasting rooms, and Peninsula Provisions sells individual bottles along with picnic supplies such as charcuterie, baguettes and chocolates for an on-the-go wine tasting. “The Leelanau Peninsula Wine Trail brings some of our tourism crowd, but people living in the region also find wine tastings to be a great activity,” says Goodell. “As our region becomes more and more known for viticulture, we get newcomers trying wine tasting for their very first time, as well as people who’ve been wine tasting for 50 or 60 years, and still aren’t tired of it.” Fiddleheads Sandwich Shop is a breakfast and lunch spot that prioritizes locally sourced produce and meats. At its West Main Street location, Fiddleheads serves sandwiches with names such as “Yacht Club” and “The Captain.” On West Philip Street, Dick’s Pour House has served classic ‘Up North’ favorites since its 1935 opening. The family-owned restaurant and bar is a community gathering spot that hosts Friday Night Fish Fries, featuring locally caught lake perch and smelt. On the east side of Philip Street is Pedaling Beans Coffeehouse, the town’s sole coffee shop, that serves a variety of drinks and smoothies with accompanying baked goods. According to Goodell, the recent expansion of wine tourism has greatly increased the tiny downtown’s foot traffic. “Our restaurants and coffee shop stay open year-round now,” Goodwell says, “and the tasting rooms have visitors throughout the year.” Located on West Philip Street, NJ’s Grocery is the town’s largest grocery store.
Swim in the lake or play a game of catch
Grove Park is a pocket park near downtown with a playground, tennis court and sitting area. On the east side of the lake is Lake Leelanau Baseball Field, where recreational leagues practice. Parks and sports fields provide opportunities to get outside, but they’re not what the region is known for. “The lakes are a huge draw,” Bork confirms. The Narrows Boat Ramp offers a spot to launch kayaks, canoes and sailboats, and Narrows Park offers a place to swim close to downtown. North of town, Lake Leelanau grows wider, offering a shallow swimming spot with a wide sandbar by Schneider Beach. “We call this part of Michigan ‘The Freshwater Coast,” says Bork. “People fall in love with the clear blue waters and gentle waves.”
Leland Public School
Students growing up in Lake Leelanau may attend Leland Public School, graded A minus by Niche. This school enrolls students from kindergarten through high school and has a total enrollment of under 500 students.
Visit Traverse City or fly from the nearest airport
Lake Leelanau is 19 miles northwest of Traverse City. Depending on traffic and weather, driving between the two takes 30 to 40 minutes. The nearest airport is Cherry Capital Airport, which is around a 45-minute drive from Lake Leelanau.
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Zoned Commercial (C-2) in Leland Township, this vacant parcel is located near the heart of Lake Leelanau and has approximately 95' of direct frontage along M204. This is a great location with fantastic visibility for anyone looking to be a part of of the exciting new growth happening in Lake Leelanau. Leland municipal sewer available here - any sewer assessment shall be assumed by the buyer.
This fantastic home is located on the best corner in Lake Leelanau. A stones throw from wineries, Restaurants, Coffee shop, and public boat launches. The C-1 commercial Zoning make the opportunities here endless. The home has been used as a STR and Long term rental. Both parcels are zoned commercial and will not be separated.
Discover your dream of lakefront living on Lake Leelanau with this exceptional property boasting 203 feet of frontage. Nestled on 1.4 acres, this double lot offers ample space to create your ideal retreat. POSITIONED JUST 40 FEET FROM THE LAKE ON THE APPROVED MDEQ BUILDING SITE, THIS PRIME LOCATION FOR YOUR FUTURE HOME promises breathtaking views and easy access to the water. A gravel drive leads
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Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Owners
Demographics
Total Population
177
Median Age
54
Population Density
1 person/acre
Population under 18
18.1%
Below the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
32.2%
Above the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$78,750
Above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$102,893
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
97.8%
Above the national average
89.1%
College Graduates
41.6%
Advanced Degrees
16.8%
% Population in Labor Force
51%
Below the national average
65.1%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
29''
Average Winter Low Temperature
17°F
Average Summer High Temperature
81°F
Annual Snowfall
76''
Area Factors
Somewhat Bikeable
Bike Score®
47/ 100
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
37/ 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
