The lower peninsula of Michigan is often described as a "mitten". The Leelanau Peninsula can be described as the "little finger" in that mitten. Others call the Leelanau Peninsula the Third Coast or North Coast. With dunes that rise high over Lake Michigan offering sweeping views, acres of farmland filled with cherry trees and grapevines and a vast variety of recreation opportunities, describing Leelanau County with words alone is difficult.
The Leelanau Peninsula is home to a variety of towns and villages that are far removed from the hustle and bustle of the big city. Take a drive along M-22 which hugs the shore of Lake Michigan as it wanders around the edge of the Peninsula passing through Suttons Bay, Omena, Northport, Leland, Glen Arbor, and Empire. Maple City, Cedar and Lake Leelanau are located in the interior of the peninsula. Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore covers miles of shoreline along Lake Michigan in the southwestern portion of the county. In any of these places, you'll find friendly faces and open spaces for recreation or relaxation.