Lake Leelanau, MI

Travel Guide

An aerial view of a coastal landscape with a large body of water, dense forested areas, and a winding road.
A sunset over a calm body of water with a distant landmass.
A sandy beach with dunes and sparse vegetation.
A forested hillside with autumn foliage and a lake in the background.
An aerial view of a red-roofed building surrounded by lush green trees.

Explore Lake Leelanau's historic villages, serene beaches, and renowned wineries for a memorable getaway amid natural beauty.

Lake Leelanau is an ideal destination for outdoor and scenery travelers. You can explore the historic Village of Fishtown, relax at Van's Beach, or enjoy the natural beauty of the lake itself. If you're looking for activities, consider visiting local wineries such as Boathouse Vineyards, Aurora Cellars, and 45 North Vineyard & Winery. For those interested in golf, the Leelanau Club at Bahle Farms is nearby, offering a pleasant experience on the greens. Additionally, the Leelanau Peninsula Wineries and the Wineries of Old Mission Peninsula are well-known wine regions in the area, perfect for scenic tours.

While you're in Lake Leelanau, consider visiting some nearby areas that offer unique experiences. Leland, Suttons Bay, and Omena are known for their outdoor and scenery experiences. Suttons Bay is notable for its wineries, including Black Star Farms, bigLITTLE Wines, and L. Mawby Vineyards, providing opportunities for tastings and relaxing vineyard views. Each of these nearby places offers its own charm and attractions, making it easy to enjoy the natural surroundings.

The best time to visit Lake Leelanau is from June to September when the weather is mild, mostly dry, and often sunny, making it ideal for outdoor activities. However, these months also see higher visitor numbers, particularly from June to August. If you prefer a quieter experience, consider visiting from October to December when the area is less crowded, allowing for a more peaceful exploration of its natural beauty.

Overby Woods cabin - with Hot Tub & Lake MI Views

Overby Woods cabin - with Hot Tub & Lake MI Views

Lake Leelanau MI
Book a stay at this family-friendly vacation home in Lake Leelanau. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Little Traverse Lake ...
10/10 Exceptional! (33 reviews)
"n/a"

Reviewed on Oct 19, 2026

Get rates
Overby Woods cabin - with Hot Tub & Lake MI Views
Delamar Traverse City

Delamar Traverse City

4 out of 5
615 E Front Street Traverse City MI
$166 nightly
The price is $182 total per night from Dec 7 to Dec 8
$182 total
Dec 7 - Dec 8
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this beach hotel in Traverse City. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a free airport shuttle. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in ...
Delamar Traverse City
Grand Beach Resort Hotel

Grand Beach Resort Hotel

3.5 out of 5
1683 US 31 N Traverse City MI
$86 nightly
The price is $94 total per night from Nov 25 to Nov 26
$94 total
Nov 25 - Nov 26
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this beach hotel in Traverse City. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our ...
Grand Beach Resort Hotel
See all 2,936 properties in Lake Leelanau
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Overby Woods cabin - with Hot Tub & Lake MI Views

Overby Woods cabin - with Hot Tub & Lake MI Views

Lake Leelanau MI
Book a stay at this family-friendly vacation home in Lake Leelanau. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Little Traverse Lake ...
10/10 Exceptional! (33 reviews)
"n/a"

Reviewed on Oct 19, 2026

Overby Woods cabin - with Hot Tub & Lake MI Views
The Narrows Yacht Club Cottage

The Narrows Yacht Club Cottage

Lake Leelanau MI
Stay at this cottage in Lake Leelanau. Enjoy a garden, concierge services, and patios. Popular attractions Boathouse Vineyards and 45 North Vineyard & Winery ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (117 reviews)
"Perfect location and very clean and comfortable. Water had an odor, cottage needed maintenance and overpriced. Info sent via email was different than what was in the cottage."

Reviewed on Oct 10, 2026

The Narrows Yacht Club Cottage
Studio in Lake Leelanau with outside entrance, king bed, & WiFi

Studio in Lake Leelanau with outside entrance, king bed, & WiFi

Lake Leelanau MI
Stay at this apartment in Lake Leelanau. Popular attractions Boathouse Vineyards and 45 North Vineyard & Winery are located nearby.
9.2/10 Wonderful! (20 reviews)
"Cozy place, clean, comfortable bed. Wonderful host! We were there in early November, so we wanted to stay off the roads at night due to "deer traffic". We were hoping for a TV to be able to chill at the cabin after dark-thirty. But we were pleased in every other way with the accommodations."

Reviewed on Nov 9, 2026

Studio in Lake Leelanau with outside entrance, king bed, & WiFi
See all properties in Lake Leelanau
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Stay near popular Lake Leelanau attractions

Boathouse Vineyards

You can enjoy a tasting or tour at Boathouse Vineyards during your travels to Lake Leelanau. While you're in the area, wander around the parks.
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Things to do

Gorgeous Views at Chateau Chantal Winery

5-Hour Traverse City Wine Tour: 4 Wineries on Old Mission Peninsula

$79
per adult
98% of travellers recommend
5-Hour Traverse City Wine Tour: 4 Wineries on Old Mission Peninsula
The Official First Responder / Police / Fire / Medical / Military Traverse City Wine Tour owned and operated by former and current cops #moviestarswinetours

NON-BUS 4 Winery Traverse Wine Tour on Old Mission - ICE COLD AC

$89
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
NON-BUS 4 Winery Traverse Wine Tour on Old Mission - ICE COLD AC
Romantic Sunsets at Bonobo Winery on our Sunset Wine and Distillery Tour #moviestarswinetours

NON-BUS Old Mission Sunset AFTERNOON Wine & Distillery Tour

$79
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
NON-BUS Old Mission Sunset AFTERNOON Wine & Distillery Tour
NON-BUS Police / Military / First Responder Wine Tour ICE COLD AC

NON-BUS Police / Military / First Responder Wine Tour ICE COLD AC

$79
per adult
NON-BUS Police / Military / First Responder Wine Tour ICE COLD AC
Andie's NON BUS 4-winery Traverse Leelanau Peninsula Wine Tour

MOVIE STARS NON-BUS Leelanau Peninsula Wine Tour

$89
per adult
MOVIE STARS NON-BUS Leelanau Peninsula Wine Tour
Traverse City: 5-Hour Old Mission Peninsula Wine Tour

Traverse City: 5-Hour Old Mission Peninsula Wine Tour

$90
per adult
Traverse City: 5-Hour Old Mission Peninsula Wine Tour
See all activities in Lake Leelanau

Frequently asked questions

Is Lake Leelanau worth visiting?
Lake Leelanau is worth visiting for its beautiful beaches, such as those found near Fountain Point and Little Finger Stream, perfect for relaxing by the water. Travelers also have access to local grocers, making self-catering convenient during their stay.
When is the best time to visit Lake Leelanau?
The best time to visit Lake Leelanau is from June through August, when the weather is typically pleasant for outdoor activities. For travelers seeking fewer crowds and better value, the quieter months of October through December are a good option, offering a more relaxed experience with cooler temperatures.
What is Lake Leelanau known for?
Lake Leelanau is known for its inviting beaches, such as the beach near Fountain Point and the beach near Little Finger Stream. Travelers can also explore the local offerings at 45 North Vineyard & Winery, providing a pleasant experience in this scenic area.
What is a good itinerary length for Lake Leelanau?
A good itinerary length for Lake Leelanau is two to three days to enjoy the beaches near Fountain Point and Little Finger Stream, and visit 45 North Vineyard & Winery. For an extended stay of four to five days, travelers can relax more deeply by the lake and explore local dining, including North American, Italian, and European cuisine.
What are the top things to do in and around Lake Leelanau?
Lake Leelanau offers relaxing beach days and opportunities to explore local vineyards:

  • Relax at the beach near Fountain Point.
  • Visit the beach near Little Finger Stream.
  • Explore 45 North Vineyard & Winery.
  • Discover Boathouse Vineyards.
  • Tour Aurora Cellars.

How do I plan a trip to Lake Leelanau?
To plan your trip to Lake Leelanau, search Expedia for places to stay and book flights and rental cars in advance. Travelers can visit attractions like the beach near Fountain Point, the beach near Little Finger Stream, and 45 North Vineyard & Winery. Remember to pair any outdoor plans with indoor backups for weather flexibility during your visit.
Can I book a refundable hotel in Lake Leelanau?
Yes, Expedia offers many flexible booking options, and you can look for refundable hotels in Lake Leelanau by entering your dates and using the refundable or fully refundable filter. Always check the hotel's cancellation policy before you book, since terms can vary by hotel, and visit Expedia help center for further details.
Why book a trip to Lake Leelanau with Expedia?
Expedia makes it easier to plan your Lake Leelanau trip with travel tools, flexible search options, and bookable trip components all in one place. You can organize your plans in one account and use Expedia to help build a trip that fits your budget and travel style. Find out more about how by visiting Expedia's Trip Planner page.
Should I stay in a hotel or vacation rental in Lake Leelanau?
The best choice depends on your travel style. Hotels in Lake Leelanau can be a good fit for convenience, on-site amenities, and shorter stays, while vacation rentals may offer more space, privacy, and home-style amenities for longer trips, families, or groups. With Expedia, you can compare both options side by side, read traveler reviews, and filter by amenities to find the right fit for your trip.
How can I manage my Lake Leelanau trip on Expedia?
Once you've booked your Lake Leelanau trip, you can manage it through your Expedia account or the Expedia app. You can view your itinerary, access booking details, make eligible changes, and check for updates in My Trips. The Expedia app can also help you stay organized while you travel.
What if I need help during my Lake Leelanau trip?
Expedia offers customer support before, during, and after your Lake Leelanau trip. If your plans change or something unexpected happens, you can review your booking in My Trips and use Expedia help center channels for help with eligible changes, cancellations, or travel issues.
How can Expedia help me plan my first trip to Lake Leelanau?
If it's your first trip to Lake Leelanau, Expedia can help you plan by bringing together stays, flights, activities, traveler reviews, and trip-planning tools in one place. With Expedia's Trip Planner you can compare options, read reviews from other travelers, and build an itinerary that matches your interests and budget.
How can I save on my Lake Leelanau hotel booking with Expedia?
Join One Key™ for free to unlock instant discounts with Member Prices on select hotels. You can also earn and use OneKeyCash™* on eligible bookings on Expedia. Booking in advance is usually another great way to save on your Lake Leelanau hotel.

*Excludes taxes and fees. OneKeyCash is not redeemable for cash and can only be used on Expedia and other participating brands.

Cities near Lake Leelanau

A white lighthouse with a red roof, surrounded by autumn-colored trees and a sandy beach.

Traverse City

A frozen landscape with snow-covered ground and a forest in the background.

Cedar

An aerial view of a coastal town with autumn foliage, a marina, and a bridge connecting to the mainland.

Suttons Bay

A marina with boats docked, wooden buildings, and a sunset in the background.

Leland

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