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 Things to see and do while
staying in Glen Arbor :
Where do we begin? Well, how about -
Stargazing at the Leelanau School observatory in G.A.,
or listening to stories on the beach there. Fishing,
hunting, hiking, morrelling, birdwatching, canoeing, kyakingng,
daytripping to the Manitou Islands. Tumble down the Dune
Climb. Eat cherries. And more...
The Park: Sleeping Bears
National Lake Shore
The
Sleeping Bear Dunes including the
Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive and Dune Climb area
Maritime Museum and Lifesaving Station
South Manitou Island North Manitou Island
According to Chippewa
legend, once an enormous forest fire swept across the western
shore of Lake Michigan. A mother bear and her two cubs fled
into Lake Michigan to escape the blaze and were forced to swim for
the eastern side. After many miles of swimming, the two cubs
lagged behind. When the mother bear reached the shore, she lay down
on the top of a bluff and waited for her cubs. The cubs,
exhausted, were lost in the great lake. The Great Spirit was
impressed by the mother bear's eternal vigilance and rewarded her
love for her cubs by creating two islands, North Manitou
and South Manitou, to commemorate the cubs. The dunes were
formed by the blowing sand that covers the sleeping mother bear as
she eternally watches for her cubs to arrive.
The park was chartered on October 21,
1970 by the US Congress, primarily to preserve its unique and
outstanding natural features, including forests, beaches, dune
formations, and "ancient glacial phenomena" (...I hope I recognize
that "ancient glacial phenomena" thingy when I see it). The
colossal park perpetually preserves a large geographic area
encompassing about 35 miles of the Lake Michigan coastline. It has
many unique points-of-interest, including the two large islands,
North and South Manitou Islands. They are accessible by ferry
boat departing from the nearby town of Leland for day trips or
overnight camping. You can also travel to the islands by private
water craft. There is a public boat launch right in downtown Glen
Arbor. However, it will take a sea-worthy vessel and a seasoned
boater to make the trip as you must cross about 9 miles of
relatively open water. Any experienced sailor knows the Great
Lakes are unforgiving.
**Re-read that
last sentence, but this time, do it right! You know what I'm talking
about- use your pirate voice! "Arrrrrg! Any real seaman knows
them Lakes be unforgiving wenches!" That's better! Not
great, but better.
The iconic "Dune Climb" area is
widely recognized by most of Michigan's residents. Photos of the
climb have been featured on post cards and the covers of many
of the State's publications like maps, directories, etc. You can let
the kids burn off energy conquering the dune. If you can imagine a
sand box the size of a ski hill, you sorta get the idea.
Essentially, you climb up so you can run back down. It's
really great fun (and exercise) for kids and adults, but especially
the kids. They absolutely love it, and what's not to love about sand
wedged into every crevice of your body? After all, what's the
point of vacation?
The National Lakeshore also contains
many cultural features. The 1871 South Manitou Island
Lighthouse, three former Life-Saving Service (Coast Guard) Stations
and an extensive historic rural farm district are some of
the local highlights. There are also various trails woven throughout
the park area. Trails are numbered and marked and maps are
available. The maps are handy as they tell you how far each trail
segment is. Many people get up the "dune climb" area and
think Lake Michigan is "just over the next dune". Two hours later
they are still wondering through the sand looking for the
lake. At some point they may even imagine camels, palm trees,
and veiled women....point is - check the map first!
MORE GLEN
ARBOR>>>
Art:
Glen Arbor Galleries-
Glen
Arbor is an Art Destination for Northern
Michigan. You can walk to several of these galleries
in about 5 minutes:
Glen Arbor Art
Association Art exhibits & artist receptions at the
GAAA Center.
Synchronicity Gallery
Becky Thatcher
Jewelry Design
Suzanne Wilson Studio
Kristin Hurlin Gallery & Paul May
Custom Furniture
Studio. Incredible art of the
beautiful Leelanau forests, lakes and
dunes. Recommended!
Ruth Conklin
Gallery - At the end of our street, Lake Isle.
Glen
Lake Artists Gallery
Forest Flowers Gallery
Center Gallery
Hepburn-Holt Gallery
Creative
Corner
Tiny Treasures Gallery
Glen Arbor
Botannicals
Golf
Golf & Downhill Skiing: Crystal Mountain Resort or
The Homestead.
Snowshoeing
and Cross Country Skiing: Groomed trails at the Homestead (2
miles away)
Music: Interlochen
Music: Manitou Music Festival
Leland's Historic Fishtown
Hiking/Nature
Trails
Traverse City (26 miles away)
Nature
Center
Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive
Casinos:
Leelanau Sands or Turtle
Creek
Leelanau
County Wineries
Fishing in Glen
Arbor
City
Miles
Hawkins Outfitters
Glen Arbor 0 miles
from cottage
Homestead
Resort Glen
Arbor 0 miles away
cottage
Sleeping Bear Fishing
Adventures Glen
Arbor 0 miles away
cottage
Watta Bite Charter Fishing
Glen Arbor 0 miles away
cottage
Sleeping Bear Fishing Adventures
Glen
Haven 3 miles away cottage
Sleeping
Bear Dunes Lakeshore
Empire 4
miles away cottage
Sleeping Bear Fishing
Adventures Empire
4 miles away cottage
Watta Bite Charter
Fishing
Empire 4
miles away cottage
Platte River State
Forest Honor 9
miles away
The Major Lakes of Leelanau
County
- Cedar Lake
- Duck Lake
- Gilbert Lake
- Glen Lake - aka Big Glen Lake
- Lime Lake
- Little Glen Lake
- Little Traverse Lake
- North Leelanau Lake
- School Lake
- Shell Lake (Briggs)
- Shisler Lake
- South Bar Lake
- South Leelanau Lake
Canoeing / Kayaking / Bike rentals:
Crystal River
Outfitters
Restaurant's
Aplenty!
*Art's Tavern: Lots of fun,
good food, 231-334-3754 (Walking / Stumbling
Distance)
Bear Paw Pizza and Market
231-334-2327
*Boone Dock
Restaurant: Soooo close to our cottage, if you can't find
your way back to our cottage from this restaurant, PUT
DOWN THE BEER because you have had waaaay tooo
muuuch! Live music on the outside deck, really
fun! 231-334-6444 (Easy Stumbling
Distance)
Cherry Republic: Think of Bubba from Forrest
Gump, only replace the shrimp thing with foods made from
cherries. If you're looking for unique gifts, especially for
people living out-of-state, you'll love this place. Nothing
says "Michigan" like
cherries! 231-334-3150
Foothills Motel & Cafe
231-334-3495
Funistrada
231-334-3900
Good Harbor
Grill: Near the end of our Street. Good greek
pita 231-334-3555
La
Becasse 231-334-3944 (Off-season hours: Tue-Sat
5:45 pm).
Leelanau Coffee
Roasting Co.: I say, "Seattle, Smeattle!" You can
keep Starbucks because we've got Leelanau
Coffee. Take that, Seattle! Stroll into town in the morning,
get a newspaper, a doughnut and a cup of fresh roasted coffee
231-334-3365
Pine
Cone 231-334-3555 Next the Good Harbor
Grill
Riverfront Pizza & Specialities: My
wife and I love their subs!
231-334-3876
Snuffy's
231-334-3163
Thyme
Out 231-334-8179
*Western Avenue Grill:
231-334-3362 (Walking / Stumbling
Distance)
Note: Walking / Stumbling Distance denotes
nearby establishments that serve alcohol, not meant
to encourage or imply over consumption. Don't
drink and drive! Especially when you can walk
home.
Weather: See current Glen Arbor weather
Conditions
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