Stopped here on a whim to checkout lighthouses during our mini getaway. This beach did not disappoint! It was so calm and peaceful. Beautiful water. Hardly any people. The people who did visit didn't stay for long so we had the whole beach to ourselves. We had camping chairs in the car so we just put them in the water and sat right in the water and enjoyed the view. They have a gift shop and the only restrooms I noticed were portajohns. We built some rock towers but put the rocks back when we were done because some of the rocks had snail eggs on them. read more

See all

Gorgeous park at the tip of the Mitten's pinkie finger. I got there shortly before a spectacular sunset where the sky was all lit up with pinks and oranges and purples. I took a short walk where my friends who had camped there the previous night as well showed my the historic lighthouse and some message in a bottle painted sign that was very reminiscent of Steve "ESPO" Powers. I set up my trusty old dome tent and camped on the same site as my friends and nobody said peep about doubling up like that. I left out around 10:30 or so and didn't hit any trails as I had packed some snacks for late but no breakfast. Not much in the way of restaurants or groceries around here so I hit the road. Can't speak to the trails or day use part of the park but the campground and adjacent beach was beautiful. read more

See all

Good for locals and Michigan residents, not worth it if you are out of state. Tiny state park. Smallest 'lighthouse' (just a house with a light on top) ever seen. Great play structures for kids. If I were local, this would be convenient. The lake is pretty (but there are so many other access points with the same or nicer view - for free!). Annual Michigan state pass is $19 while out of state one day pass is $11. The people at the front gate looked apologetic charging me, I did not understand why until I walked around the tiny park.) Save your money, drive to the west coast and visit Sleeping Bear Dunes and Acadia Dunes. Better beaches, bigger parks, lots of hikes and historical buildings. read more

At nearly the tip of Leelanau peninsula you'll find this state park. It is very lightly trafficked since it is high up and there's like only one way to get here, so it's very fun if you're looking for some nature and far away from other people as well! We had a great time at this state park and did the overall loop around the park. At one point, you get some views of Lake Michigan, but other than that, the scenery leaves something to be desired. It's a bit one note, but sometimes, that's exactly the kind of hike you're looking for. This park is so well maintained as well! Overall loop was around 4 miles, so it was definitely a good amount of exercise! Tons of little mushrooms to spot and my dog had a blast! read more

See all

Nothing spectacular here. The lake is close and the beach is rocky. We checked it off the list. I wouldn't go back if I was in the areas.

Our drive up was intentional and we were not disappointed. Clear views, beautiful grounds and wide open spaces make this a great place to relax and stroll and take in the natural beauty that is Michigan. Having a state park access sticker on our car's license plate made entry a breeze but even if you have stop and pay the small entrance fee, the friendly park staff make it quick and easy. There's a big playground adjacent to the parking lot so if you have wee ones that need to burn energy after being confined in the car, you're all set. The star of the show for us was the lighthouse! Simple lines, beautifully kept, it was a treat. There is a tiny gift shop where you can purchase bottled water and the things you would expect to find in a lightouse gift shop but like the lighthouse itself, it harkens back to a simpler time. read more

See all

Lovely costal park at the tip of Leelanau near Northport. Right on Lake Michigan, this park has several lovely trails for hiking and exploring, the water for wading and animal viewing (watch under your feet for frog friends!), the historic Grand Traverse Lighthouse and surrounding grounds for a bit of history and exploration, and campgrounds if you want to stick around and soak it all in for a longer period of time (full disclosure, I've never camped here so I can't speak to that as part of this review. This is just a recap of a short afternoon of exploring adventures). Our pups loved wading in the lake, the light and sunset was incredible, and nearby Northport is great for snacks and supplies if you're planning on staying for more than a few hours. Tip: If you plan on going into the water bring some aquasocks with you since the rocky ground and plant life at the water's edge can be rough on the feet. read more

Leelanau State Park - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Northport, Michigan

We've been coming here for just about as long as I can remember, and things have definitely changed this year. For starters, only about 2/3 of the park is reservable online and by phone currently. The rest is available only on site. This actually worked out in our favor, as the park was fully reserved online for the weekend we wanted to go, so we went one day early and were able to snag one of the non-reserveable sites. You probably wouldn't be able to drive up on Friday night after work and get one, however. There was a line at 9 am Friday (the office opens at 9:30) of folks eager to reserve sites, and by the time we got back from our excursions on Friday there was a sign up noting that the campground was completely full. The reason for the change is that water levels on Lake Michigan have been extremely high, which has rendered some of the sites unavailable during some high tide times. all the sites were available on our recent visit, but a huge area of marshland along the shore that has always been there is now completely absorbed by the big lake. Many of the sites here are pretty palatial and offer lots of trees and privacy, while some of the spots are fairly small and offer no trees, but are right on the water. We typically go for one of the larger sites directly across the road from the water. One more important note for regular visitors here. The road directionality has changed, so some of the roads you are accustomed to being one way are now two-way, and the road doesn't completely loop around on the west side anymore. We saw tons of people drive down to the end of the road and have to double back. read more

This is easily my favorite state park in Michigan. Not only is it a beautiful drive to get to, but the hiking trails were also lovely to explore. We took the Lake Michigan Trail which is roughly a 2 mile loop with a beautiful sandy beach. On a warm, Thursday afternoon in June, there were hardly any people around which was perfect for taking pictures of the clean beach and clear waters. We also stopped at the Grand Traverse Lighthouse Museum which was full of great history. There is a small fee to the museum, but it is worth it to learn about the history of the area. Be sure you also have a State recreation pass to enter the park. My husband and I will definitely be back to explore some of the other trails the next time we make a trip up north. A must-see if you're on the Leelanau Peninsula! read more

See all

This is my go to park but mostly because it's 45 minutes do north from my house. It's also near the best beach I've ever been to in my entire life and he said that there are no beaches in the park. You have to hike into the beach and drive a couple miles to get to the parking lot where the trail head starts. some of the sites can be pretty darn close together but I still love this park. Some of the sites the shores of Lake Michigan are literally touching the site. It's unbelievable. read more

Seemed remote as heck from Traverse City. The super-twisty roads did get kind of old toward the end. But all in all, worth the long drive. I drove up from Indiana in mid-May to check out the Sleeping Bear Dunes area. Kind of shocked that foliage vanished somewhere around Ludington -- there literally wasn't even a bud in sight on May 11. Totally bare trees, but the temperature was up in the 70s and skies pure blue. Leelanau didn't seem like a high-activity park, at least this early in the season, but it was pretty awesome to just sit down and listen to lake water without busloads of tourons or screaming kids. Also apparently beat the bugs. Saw a ton of ice floes on Lake Michigan. The Grand Traverse Lighthouse was really well kept up. Park was dead quiet. Maybe 10 other people out there on a Saturday afternoon. Honestly, I was just going to stop in to see the lighthouse, but stuck around for about 4 hours, and it's not big. Really sunk in pretty fast. Didn't notice anything in the way of trails, and the lakeshore is overgrown with shrubs, so don't come here looking for a "beachy" area. But the camping areas looked great, at least for tent or car-camping. read more

Leelanau State Park - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Northport, Michigan

See all

I really felt far out there when I visited the Leelanau State Park. On the very tip of the Leelanau Peninsula, the historic Grand Traverse Lighthouse a beacon for many years to those entering the bay, this is about as far from Chicago and the civilized world, about as far back in time, as its possible to journey on Lake Michigan. The light was so dramatic that we stayed out along the shore for over an hour taking photographs of the seagrass and stones as they changed color in the early fall light. The natural beauty was unlike anything I had seen before. read more

See all

This is one of my favorite lighthouses! We had the opportunity to stop in while we were in the area and lucky for me being afraid of heights this one was easy to climb to the top and view over everything!! I would definitely recommend anyone visiting this lighthouse it has great nature pass as well as two different buildings for you to explore it's very cheap and don't forget to pick up a "save the lighthouses" sticker on your way in or out of the lighthouse!! Also check out the super cute gift shop that had some great things to remember your trip by! read more

See all

This is one of the top favorites and has been for more years than I care to admit to! We hadn't camped here for at least 10 years because we just didn't camp in the last 10 years. But an early retirement present to us was a gently used hybrid travel trailer. The past four nights was the maiden voyage! We were a little nervous about setting it up but the reservation system (reserved on December 20,2017!!!) knows where to put travel trailers. We had a beautiful bayside spot that was like heaven! The check-in was a piece of cake, the park has a plethora of very clean bathrooms but be aware that these are the old fashioned pit toilets. They sell wood and bags of ice in the park. It would be a great place to bring kids and dogs! We were NOT disappointed! read more

I remember being at the Park when I was a child and during this particular summer the water levels were very low, so the beach stretched out for a mile before you encountered water. Containing as many rocks as grains of sand, you have to walk out a fair distance before you run into any drop off. My memory of that area is cemented in my long term memory because I managed to cut my heel on a sharp stone, so my father had to piggy back carry little me back to parking lot to patch me up. We don't camp so I can't comment on how fun or tortuous it would be to be on what we have heard is a fairly rustic campground. Our idea of roughing it is parking on a nice parking lot and toughing it maybe 50 yards to the lake's edge. Actually, since I'm such a flake about public bathrooms I'd probably be very unhappy camping. But the area is lovely and there is a lot to explore. Northport is south of the Park and is a decent place to find supplies (though I really prefer Sutton's Bay). One of the side reasons we went to the Park this year was to stop by the tiny fieldstone terminal (I suppose that is the best word for it) at the Clinton F. Woolsey Memorial Airport (which is about halfway between Northport and the Park). It is cute and quaint. As there was no one around, I peeked inside and saw nothing that suggested that it was habitable; rather, it seemed to be a storage area (e.g., three touring bikes, plywood sheets on sawhorses, a very nice stone fireplace). It's not really in the Park but is on the way to the Park, so since I see no separate link to the airport I'll include it here. read more

See all

I went solo camping here mid April and everything went smooth until the next day. These two "ranger" came to my site to "check up" on me. It really felt like they were racially profiling me asking "how much longer are you staying" "let me see your campsite confirmation" shouldn't they already have all the information with them? I already booked several weeks before coming here at Leelanau State Park. By the way there were few other campers that came after me but these "rangers" never asked them any questions. I was rushed to get out because it felt very unwelcoming. Other than that the view was stunning and I had a quit night. Believe me or not that's what happened so if you are from another country or look "different" I wouldn't recommend coming here. read more

I've been trying to find a campground that allows car camping but isn't full of screaming children where you're packed in like sardines... I've finally found it! Leelanau State Park is secluded and quiet and by far my favorite campground I've visited recently. A group of 6 friends stayed here over the weekend and had such a great time. The sites are all large, well-protected with lots of shade (huge bonus if you don't have a canopy!), and you're not on top of each other like at Wilderness State park or Traverse City State Park. There is no electricity or showers, and vault toilets, but these toilets are immaculately clean with little to no odor. There are some small trails right in the campground itself, as well as 8 miles of trails down the road a bit. There isn't much of a beach area (most of the beach area is protected due to piping plovers nesting grounds) but many of the lakeside sites have access to the water. (The lake is chilly this year!) The lake can be very loud at night (crashing waves!), which some of our group hated but I loved it. It's like nature's own white noise machine and I found it really soothing. One downside of this area is that the biting flies can be really bad at certain times of year so try to do some research before reserving or visiting. They were not bad at all when we were there the weekend of August 19. Also, black bears have been spotted in the area so you need to be mindful of that (put all trash and food away, don't put any food or clothes you've cooked food in in your tent, etc.) we didn't see any bears but definitely had some critters (likely raccoons) poking around our site at night! There is a lighthouse and museum on the grounds, which is fun to see and you can climb the lighthouse for $4. The museum includes information on some of the nearby shipwrecks, which is really interesting. There's a gift shop with sweatshirts, postcards, coffee, snacks, toys, books and other souvenirs. I'm hesitant to spread the word about this place, but I loved it so much! I can't wait to go back again next year. read more

This is a beautiful state park on the very tip of the Leelanau peninsula (the very tip of the pinkie for the "Michigan=hand map" enthusiasts). My husband and I decided to camp here during our honeymoon. We originally were going to stay here for two nights but we made a great escape on the second day because it was really, really, REALLY buggy. The bugs (black flies and mosquitos) were out in full-force. Honestly, it became too much; to the point where I insisted we leave or I strike! Besides the bugs, the campsite is gorgeous. Almost every site is secluded...try to get one of the sites that faces the water. This particular campsite is rustic, so make sure you don't get caught downwind from the toilets (this definitely is a romance-inhibitor). Also, there is no shower. Yep, this site is for those that like roughing it; so, it wasn't exactly the perfect fit for me. Haters will hate....but I do love a good shower and flushing toilets. The rest of the park is lovely. There is a great playground if you have rugrats. The lighthouse is awesome. When we were there, there were some super nice volunteers who told us about the history of the lighthouse. Oh, and if you are there at night, check out the starry nightsky...it is absolutely beautiful. (just bring your bugspray!) read more

Camped over memoial day weekend. The staff who were new and very "short staffed" did a great job. They were friendly and very helpful in suggesting hikes. The campsites are pretty much on top of each other with little to almost nothing separating you from your neighbor. This is a rustic, very rustic campground. Ony pit toilets( which were exceptionally clean though), no electric, and a water pump with rust colored water pretty far from most sites. Firepit a cement, metal cyclone tower which was built too high so you have to stand to feel flames. But you do not have to lean over too much to cook over. Oh there are no grates so bring your own. Also, get your wood early. Being short staffed the ranger station closed at 6:00pm and locked the wood up. The host camper did not have a key. About 3 miles south before northport there is a roadside stand but not much wood was left. The pics are a little deceiving. We stayed at site 33 which the pics made appear across from lake Michigan. So thought would be able to go to beach at night. Nooo. It is a marshy area with lake beyond. Needless to say it was also beautiful, once got over beach not being there. Midges, midges and midges. Lil black flys everywhere. Close your mouth. Sunsets and rises were just breathtaking. Yes, being on peninsula you get to see both from your campsite. Hiking was amazing. I have done lots of hiking in Ca and Co and it brought back memories. No there are no redwoods, but enchanting in its own way. The view of the lake is excellent. Dont forget to do sleeping bear dunes on way up. At first view, not much but just wait. Keep hiking, the dunes keep coming. Every Time you think you are done you hit another crest. Enjoy!! read more

See all

We enjoyed the ride stopped anywhere we could looking at all Mother Nature cool stuff going on all over

This is a nice campground out on the Leelanau Peninsula. It does not have power and the toilets are all drop toilets. The camp sites are relatively secluded between sites. We went late in the season and camped in front of the lake. The scenery was breath taking but the wind off the lake does offer a bit of chill this time of year. The Grand Traverse lighthouse is located here as well, during season it has a gift shop and according to their fliers they have a volunteer lighthouse keeper program that families can volunteer to stay during the season. There is also a general park area that has a pavilion and plenty of things to do with children. This is a very beautiful area. I recommend making the drive to see the lighthouse and staying overnight at the campground. read more

See all

We were very disappointed here. We came to view the lighthouse and had to pay a $9 entrance fee and then an additional fee of $4 each adult to get into the lighthouse. We had no problem pay the lighthouse fee but, we had no interest in doing any other activities. Seems unfair to those folks who only want to see the lighthouse. read more

Great camping spot if you only want to hang out at your actual camp spot. You know people are around you but they're far away enough that it feels private. Quiet & not crowded. No beaches or hiking unless you want to drive. Cleanest pit toilets ever, I was told they got an award for having the cleanest toilets. The camp host provided free coffee, hot chocolate, home-made bread and cake, and other goodies Sat morning (best rhubarb cake ever!!). Very well maintained. read more

Leelanau State Park - Grand Traverse Lighthouse - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Northport, Michigan

See all

It's a lighthouse, and crystal clear waters of Grand Traverse Bay & Lake Michigan. If one is in Traverse City, it's worth driving the Leelanau Peninsula and visiting this site as something special. The Leelanau Peninsula is under looked. read more

Way at the end of the Leelanau Peninsula is a beautifully kept lighthouse, just waiting for you to tour it. It costs $4 to go tour the place, but how often do you get to go up a lighthouse? This place is in great condition, and a lot of care has obviously been taken to keep it that way. From what we understood, the view is lovely from the top. Unfortunately we were there on a rainy day, so we cannot attest to it. There is a nice beach, and a good bit of space around to explore. There is also a little gift shop here, with a really lonely looking woman inside. Worth the drive up, if not just for the scenery. read more

If your looking for a rustic style campground this is the place for you! Reservations fill up fast, so plan ahead. We spend several days here in July tent camping with friends. The views are absolutely breathtaking! At the actual campground the shoreline is pretty rocky and not great for swimming. We wanted to spend a day at the beach so decided to head to the south part of the state park where we were told by the park staff we could find sandy beach. It's only a few minute drive from the campground, once you get there you have to hike a mile on trails through the woods. Completely worth the small hike, the beach is gorgeous! You will not be disappointed! We loved our visit and are planning on returning! read more

I wanted to like this park. I really ended up not liking it. It should be amazing with its location. Here are the cautions: - there is one freshwater spigot for the park (as far as I could tell) - many sites are bordered heavily with poison ivy; it's everywhere - many trees have been cut down and then left; several sites are littered with downed trees. - the one one-lane road also has poison ivy right up to the edges so if you need to step off for a big truck, be careful! - ticks ticks and ticks. -sites are quite small and might not be flat so tenters take care! I am guessing they are underfunded and understaffed. The park is nice; the lighthouse is nice. The lack of any showers or running water was annoying. read more

Camping on the shore of Lake Michigan is just wonderful! Although it can be windy even in summer. Beautiful rustic site with Light House. Wish they have a shower!! read more

One of the best parks ever. Quiet, serene, remote, refreshing, so peaceful. Like a spiritual retreat. The waves, the woods, the peace! Amazing price. Just a 8 minute drive to Northport for food n drink or supplies. People at the park were so nice, one girl helped us immensely. Cabins for rent, but the camp sites were dreamlike. This is a park that there were no dog barks, no yelling, no anything except waves, wind, peace. They seem to above all value quiet. read more

Leelanau State Park - Sunset - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Northport, Michigan

tourist trap $9. The price doesn't even cover going up in the light house. There aren't any hiking trails.

Spent three nights here... it was great! Clean, friendly staff, lots to see. The campground hosts, Martha & Bill were fantastic, guiding us to points of interest, hosting a "smores" night, telescoping to see Saturn and a great meteor shower... just fantastic! kids loved it, we will be back! read more

We camped here in our small travel trailer for the first time in June 2016. We found this to be a beautiful and very well maintained campground. We did fine for two nights of camping with no hook ups. The vault toilets were very clean, well stocked, and included hand sanitizer...a nice touch. The campsites are just about all shaded with a few exceptions on the east side beach sites. The others are very shaded and large with space between sites. There are a few small pull-through sites as well. The campground road runs between the sites and the natural beach area. There are stone paths along the shore. We were in site 38 next to a large natural pond that had a lot of wildlife including frogs, birds and jumping fish. There is no real swimming beach here which was fine for us. Very close to the Grand Traverse lighthouse. A good home port for those who like to explore. A sandy beach can be found by heading south out of the Park and taking the road just before Woolsey Memorial Airport to the right. After about a one mile hike on trails through the woods you reach dunes and the beach. But be sure to wear bug spray in the woods. read more

See all

Absolutely beautiful. We camped for 4 nights at the campground. There is no Sandy beach access at this park, but if you drive south there is a sign for trails. The blue trail is about a mile and opens out onto cathead bay which is one of the beat beaches I have been to in northern mi. Great for Petoskey stones. The campground has vault toilets (Porta pottys) and the drinking water turned brown the second day so we had to go get our own in northport. Kind of a drag driving into town when the whole point was to get out of the city. There are a few cabins spread throughout. One was right behind our campsite which was uncomfortable to wake up and step out of the tent to an older couple staring from their front porch. For these reasons I give it a 4. Worth it for a few nights but I wouldn't plan on staying here longer as there's not much to do without a lot of driving. One tip, head to the playground at 1030 or later for the best view of the night sky and passing meteors. read more