Head on down to Glen Arbor and shop/dine – most places are open for at least half the day for visitors. Grab a spot and enjoy the big 4th of JulyParade downtown Glen Arbor, beginning at 12pm. The parade leaves from Glen Haven making its way through to the North/East end of town. This year’s parade Marshal is _TBD_.
Participate…
Everyone is welcome and “anything goes!”
Want to participate in the parade? Cyclists (kids and families) and Walkers can join in the parade starting at the Christian Science Church. Cars and Floats participating in the parade, please meet at Glen Haven to line up 45 min prior to the parade start time. The parade begins at Noon.
Want a front row seat? Volunteer! We always need as many parade volunteers as possible. Bring your own broom to help walk with the parade and sweep the candy back towards the crowd, to keep kids off the street and safe.
Enjoy the area…
Most shops and restaurants are open part of the day for you! Please make sure to come to town early to park and enjoy shopping the lovely retailers and art galleries. Whether you’ll end up back where you’re staying or head back home, there’s a beach or lake or trail for you to enjoy some outdoor recreation the remainder of the holiday.
If you’re a boater, you can join in on the boat parade 4th of July evening on the Glen Lake beginning at 4pm in front of the Yacht Club.
More to celebrate on the 4th…
>>Flag Raising Ceremony | Old Settlers Park @ 10am
12 – 3pm | Activities & Games, Pie Eating Contest, Pumpkin Carving, Games & Crafts and a Cake Walk.
Musical entertainment will be performed by Chris Skellenger & Paul Koss.
12:30pm | Costume Parade ~ open to kids of all ages with prizes awarded for a variety of categories.
In addition, there will be Face Painting offered by The Painted Lady Face Art and carving demonstrations by Lord of the Gourd. Food for purchase provided by Art’s Tavern will include Cider, Donuts, Hot Dogs & Chili.
The event will wrap up by 3pm.
6pm | Pumpkins will be put on display and lit at 6pm, for all to enjoy.
Participants may return Saturday evening or early on Sunday to pickup your pumpkin(s).
EVENT POSTER (8.5×11″ PDF version – view, print & share!)
Event graphic design and Marketing Plan by Rockwell Art & Design for the Glen Lake Chamber of Commerce.
More to do in the Fall
Celebrating one of our favorite season’s in the county, Expect peak colors for fall color tours, shopping & dining around Glen Arbor. Make sure to check out other local events happening by viewing our Event Calendar.
Friday 26 at 11:30 a.m. at Cottage Book Shop in Glen Arbor.
Made in Denmark, this hot new building toy is tons of fun, join us to build your own creation and take it home. We will begin this event after Story time. For children 2 and up.
from 10am-12pm, Join us for the last Spout session of the Summer!
Introducing Sprout, a pop-up art depot for kids of all ages. Kids can create while adults shop and sip in the CRO Recreational District. Each week we will offer activities based on this beautiful area.
Cost: $15 per kid for two make-and-take activities plus a bonus game to play at home. Cash or check, please.
Drop in on Tuesdays from 10:00-Noon (or until supplies run out) right outside of the M22 store. No advance notice needed.
Comments Off on Story Time at Cottage Book Shop: Aug 7
Author Heather Shumaker will join us for Story time and Craft on Wednesday, Aug 7 from 11am-11:45am. Heather will read from her book The Griffins of Castle Cary, followed by book signing and a craft.
Siblings Meg, Will, and Ariel Griffin are off on an adventure! They can’t wait to spend a week visiting their eccentric aunt and her giant, tongue-drooling Newfoundland dog in England. But when they finally arrive, they’re faced with a few local secrets that stir up more than a little trouble.
Add in some very peculiar lights, strange new friends, a police chase and some stampeding sheep, and the Griffin kids are in over their heads—literally. Apparently this town has a ghost problem and the three children must race to solve the mystery before the ghosts take something that doesn’t belong to them.
(Ages 8 and up
Heather Shumaker grew up always wanting to be an author. She began writing books in elementary school and is now an award-winning author of several books for adults ( It’s OK Not to Share, It’s OK to Go Up the Slide and Saving Arcadia). Heather has tried many jobs including sailing on tall ships, leading llama treks, and recycling at the South Pole, Antarctica, but she likes writing best.
The Griffins of Castle Cary, by Heather Shumaker, Simon and Schuster $17.99
Join us for Summer Storytime in the Pine Patch next to the Cottage Book Shop, on select Monday, Wed, or Fridays. On Wednesday a craft is added to Storytime! Crafts will be messy so please wear old clothes.
Introducing Sprout, a pop-up art depot for kids of all ages. Kids can create while adults shop and sip in the CRO Recreational District. Each week we will offer activities based on this beautiful area.
Cost: $15 per kid for two make-and-take activities plus a bonus game to play at home. Cash or check, please.
Drop in on Tuesdays from 10:00-Noon (or until supplies run out) right outside of the M22 store. No advance notice needed.
Where’s Waldo Local Celebration | Wednesday, July 31 at 11:30 a.m.
Join us for the culmination of the month long search for Waldo in Glen Arbor. We will have activities, snacks and prizes, we might even find Waldo! During the month of July the Cottage Book Shop will join over 250 booksellers around the county in a month long “Where’s Waldo” Program. Participants can pick up a “Find Waldo” passport at the Cottage Book Shop and search for Waldo in participating shops in Glen Arbor.
During the entire month of July, Waldo will be hiding at participating locations around Glen Arbor and Empire, be sure to pick up your passport at the Cottage Book Shop and join the fun.
When you spot Waldo at any one of the businesses listed on the reverse side, collect a store stamp (or signature).
When you’ve collected at least 10 different store stamps/signatures, bring them to Cottage Book Shop, your FIND WALDO LOCAL headquarters, to claim an “I Found Waldo” button and a “$1 Off” coupon (limited to first 125 Waldo spotters).
If you collect at least 12 of the possible 19 store stamps/signatures, bring your passport to Cottage Book Shop to get a button and a coupon PLUS be entered in a drawing for a set Waldo books and other great prizes.Plan to attend the Waldo grand celebration and prize drawing at 11:30 a.m. on July 31 at Cottage Book Shop (you don’t need to be present to win).
Introducing Sprout, a pop-up art depot for kids of all ages. Kids can create while adults shop and sip in the CRO Recreational District. Each week we will offer activities based on this beautiful area.
Cost: $15 per kid for two make-and-take activities plus a bonus game to play at home. Cash or check, please.
Drop in on Tuesdays from 10:00-Noon (or until supplies run out) right outside of the M22 store. No advance notice needed.
Comments Off on Story Time at Cottage Book Shop: July 24
Author Tony Steeno will be at Story time on July 24 at Cottage Book Shop in Glen Arbor. Tony will read from his book Beyond the Lighthouse, Over the Mountains and offer book signing.
Three friends embark upon a hero’s journey, questing for a distant treasure. The way is arduous and fraught with peril, yet the trio boldly presses on. Much to their relief, help comes along when they least expect it-a guiding bright light, help from a thoughtful stranger, fellowship in a broken village. But is the kindness of strangers enough to help the three friends survive vicious storms, fend off fire breathing monsters, and conquer their own fears? (Ages 5 and up)
Beyond the Lighthouse, Over the Mountains, By Tony Steeno, Fireside Vernacular $18.95
Join us for Summer Storytime in the Pine Patch next to the Cottage Book Shop, on select Monday, Wed, or Fridays. On Wednesday a craft is added to Storytime! Crafts will be messy so please wear old clothes.
Introducing Sprout, a pop-up art depot for kids of all ages. Kids can create while adults shop and sip in the CRO Recreational District. Each week we will offer activities based on this beautiful area.
Cost: $15 per kid for two make-and-take activities plus a bonus game to play at home. Cash or check, please.
Drop in on Tuesdays from 10:00-Noon (or until supplies run out) right outside of the M22 store. No advance notice needed.
Friday & Saturday, July 19th & 20th EMPIRE AREA COMMUNITY CENTER brings their annual “Anchor Day” activities to kids, families, community members and visitors.
FRIDAY, JULY 19th
Movie – ‘Anchor Recovery’ Tribute to Doug Manning.
7:30 pm • Empire Town Hall
Sponsored by the Empire Area Museum
SATURDAY, JULY 20th
Anchor Day Fun Run
Starting at Empire Beach Pavilion
8:45 am Registration • 9:00 am Race Time
Darby Trapp, Coordinator
Sponsored by Empire Area Community Center (EACC)
Anchor Day Parade
Front Street, Empire, MI
Participants line up between 1 and 1:30 pm at Johnson Park
11570 Reynolds St., Empire Parade begins 2 pm — through Empire
Sponsored by Empire Area Community Center (EACC)
Lions Club BBQ Chicken Dinner
Empire Town Hall • 1:00 – 7:00 pm
Adults $13 • Children under 10 years old $6
Grilled Chicken, Baked Beans, Coleslaw, Potato’s & Shortcake
Sponsored by Empire Lions
Street Dance
Doc Probes, the Music Doctor & David Goodwin, Professional Drummer
Empire Town Hall Porch • 8 pm – 11 pm
BYOB • Chair • Dancing Shoes . . . and friends!
Sponsored by Empire Area Community Centert (EACC)
Comments Off on Story Time at Cottage Book Shop: July 17
Author Sarah Ogan will join us for Story time, Book Signing and Craft on July 17 at Cottage Book Shop in Glen Arbor. Featuring her book, The Lake Mermaid. The historic tale of young Ottawa girl who discovers something amazing right here, in the forests around Sleeping Bear Dunes. Her whole-hearted spirit helps to release something into the waters of Lake Michigan for centuries to come.
The Lake Mermaid, By Sarah Ogan, $18.95
Join us for Summer Storytime in the Pine Patch next to the Cottage Book Shop, on select Monday, Wed, or Fridays. On Wednesday a craft is added to Storytime! Crafts will be messy so please wear old clothes.
Introducing Sprout, a pop-up art depot for kids of all ages. Kids can create while adults shop and sip in the CRO Recreational District. Each week we will offer activities based on this beautiful area.
Cost: $15 per kid for two make-and-take activities plus a bonus game to play at home. Cash or check, please.
Drop in on Tuesdays from 10:00-Noon (or until supplies run out) right outside of the M22 store. No advance notice needed.
Comments Off on Story time at Cottage Book Shop: July 10
Author Patty Brozo will be at Story time on July 10 at Cottage Book Shop in Glen Arbor. Patty will read from her book Miss Pinkeltink’s Purse, and offer book signing. A story about A warm-hearted homeless woman finds a home. From its humorous opening through its sad midpoint and uplifting end, Miss Pinkeltink’s story shines a light on humanity. This story with children as agents of positive change reminds us again that communities are best known by their treatment of the disadvantaged among them. (Ages 2 and up)
By Patty Brozo, Illustrated by Ana Ochoa, Tilbury House. $17.95
Join us for Summer Storytime in the Pine Patch next to the Cottage Book Shop, on select Monday, Wed, or Fridays. On Wednesday a craft is added to Storytime! Crafts will be messy so please wear old clothes.
Introducing Sprout, a pop-up art depot for kids of all ages. Kids can create while adults shop and sip in the CRO Recreational District. Each week we will offer activities based on this beautiful area.
Cost: $15 per kid for two make-and-take activities plus a bonus game to play at home. Cash or check, please.
Drop in on Tuesdays from 10:00-Noon (or until supplies run out) right outside of the M22 store. No advance notice needed.
Comments Off on Story time at Cottage Book Shop: Mon July 8
Author Katharine Robey will be at Storytime on Monday July 8 at Cottage Book Shop in Glen Arbor. Katharine will read from and tell us about her new book, Sleeping Bear Wakes Up.
Robey’s book, illustrated by Julie Copiz, gets children thinking, imagining their own stories, crafting different endings to well-worn legends, contemplating unending love — and gets them acquainted with the natural bounty of Sleeping Bear.
By Katharine Robey, Illustrated by Julie Copiz, Mission Point Press, $16.95
Join us for Summer Storytime in the Pine Patch next to the Cottage Book Shop, on select Monday, Wed, or Fridays. On Wednesday a craft is added to Storytime! Crafts will be messy so please wear old clothes.
July 4th Flag Raising Ceremony at Old Settlers Park
What Was Happening in Our Country and the World in 1776?
Celebrate the founding of our nation in a patriotic, joyous ceremony with community members of all ages. The Flag Raising will be performed by members of the local VFW. What was going on in our country in addition to a revolution in 1776? Tom Petersen, a retired Navy officer who became a Methodist minister, will share thoughtful comments about what was happening in the world and in our country in 1776. A singalong of well-loved and familiar patriotic songs will be led by the Summer Singers. Cookies and lemonade immediately following. Flags will be distributed to all children.
The Flag Raising Ceremony begins at 10 am, July 4th , at the Old Settlers Picnic Grounds, located on the south eastern shore of Glen Lake near the corner of Dunn’s Farm Rd. (CR 675) and Burdickville Rd (CR 616). Please bring your own lawn chairs.
Event sponsored by Glen Lake Woman’s Club. For more information contact Pat Smith at [email protected] or 231-334-3301
Introducing Sprout, a pop-up art depot for kids of all ages. Kids can create while adults shop and sip in the CRO Recreational District. Each week we will offer activities based on this beautiful area.
Cost: $15 per kid for two make-and-take activities plus a bonus game to play at home. Cash or check, please.
Drop in on Tuesdays from 10:00-Noon (or until supplies run out) right outside of the M22 store. No advance notice needed.
Comments Off on Top list of things to do while visiting the Glen Arbor area
Summertime! We’re so fortunate to enjoy the natural beauty of the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Summertime is prime tourism season and when you visit, you want to make it count. We’ve compiled a list of our top favs, “Things to Do” while visiting Glen Arbor by category…
Anyone’s favorite “must do” while you’re here
Considered a “must do,” the Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive offers world-class vistas and a perspective of the variety of vegetation and history of this treasured landscape.
A true gem of the area, enjoy a section of the non-motorized Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail. Open year round and well maintained, this allows you to travel the variety of landscape and lakeshore while walking, running, biking or rolling! Visit sleepingbeartrail.org for more info. (Did you know? Sections are also maintained in the winter to xc-ski or snowshoe!)
One of the most visited parts of the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Park, experience the TheDune Climb. A steep, sandy climb…take a break then speed back down with delight! A favorite for all ages. Restrooms and vending machines available on-site, Memorial Day through Labor Day. (NOTE: Bring water & sunscreen! It gets especially hot on the sand in the elevation. Know that the “Dune Trail to Lake Michigan” is a 3.5 mileRound trip is 3.5 miles and may take 2-4 hours depending on the weather and your physical condition.)
You may have seen the “Cannery” in famous images of the area, visit Glen Haven, just SW of Glen Arbor, see the historic Boathouse Museum (in the Cannery), General Store and Blacksmith Shop. Restroom facilities available on-site, Memorial Day through Labor Day.
Like History? The Empire Museum Complex in Empire, features multiple buildings including a Sail & Rail display, a barn with horse-drawn equipment, a fire house, a blacksmith shop, an old saloon and more. Contact them for current hours to visit, learn and explore.
Get a taste of the local region, shop a variety of vendors at the Glen Arbor Farmer’s Market, Tuesdays from 9am-1pm, June – early Sept. > See the Event Calendar
Great for Kids and Families:
Take a Kayak Trip ~ Fun for kids of all ages, the Crystal river is shallow and beautiful. You can select a Kayak Trip based on time, so you can choose the appropriate amount of time on the water for your group. Listing of businesses offering Recreation.
Charter Fishing ~ Get out on the big water and enjoy the sun, waves and bring in a big catch! Sure to make memories. See list of Charters & other Boating opportunities: Beaches & Boating
Glen Arbor Township Park ~ walkable distance from most any point in Glen Arbor, make a pit stop to the newly renovated Township Park, located next to Northwoods Hardware, corner of M-22 and State Street. It’s equipped with a public restroom picnic seating under a pergola, water bottle refill station, the coolest playground, green spaces, basketball courts, tennis courts, pickleball courts, sidewalks throughout, a pavilion, and public parking.
A shorter hike good for most all ages and abilities, with a rewarding view, do the Pyramid Point trail, part of the National Lakeshore. >>List of trails.
Bike ~ Glen Arbor is central to the Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail (a non-motorized, maintained, paved or grated trail) offering a safe and scenic experience of the Lakeshore. Open to walk, run or bike in the Summer, maintained sections are also perfect for cross-country skiing or snowshoeing in the winter. Need to rent equipment? See our list of businesses offering Recreation. Find out more about the SLHT via our list of trails.
Glen Arbor Arts Center hosts events year round like art classes for children and adults; Also known for their Summer-long, family friendly “Manitou Music Festival” events, their annual free “Dune Climb” concert in the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.
Paddle-board ~ on the Glen Lakes for sights of the Dunes over aqua colored, Caribbean-like waters.
Mountain Bike a newer and developing trail in Palmer Woods Forest Reserve, part of Leelanau Conservancy. >> Palmer Woods
Cyclists like to train and ride M22 and other county roads, known for their hills and winding scenery.
Kayak Lake Michigan ~ Enjoy a different vantage point of the shoreline…from the water! This activity is recommended with a guided tour or experienced boaters. Guided tours provided by All About Water.
Swim ~ suit up and take your pick of stunningly beautiful and secluded inland lakes or Lake Michigan. Get in a refreshing dive and some exercise!
See the iconic view from the “Empire Bluff” trail in the National Lakeshore. Round trip is 1.5 miles with hilly landscape, Beech and Maple forest, fields and Dunes. The trail leads to a high bluff overlooking Lake Michigan. For your safety and to protect the environment: please do not descend the bluff. Trails & Scenic Views
Shopping & Dining:
We have some of the best Art Galleries with a compilation of well known Midwest & International Artists, make sure to experience each and surely find a treasure. Some Galleries and the Glen Arbor Art Center host Artist Receptions and Gallery Openings throughout the season. While out for the evening, stop and enjoy an opening. > List of Art Galleries
Glen Arbor Art Fair ~ Hosted by the Glen Lake Women’s Club, annually at the Town Hall, happens mid-July on a Wednesday. For more info and to see more upcoming events, view our Event Calendar.
Glen Arbor has a wide variety of shopping destinations all worth knowing and visiting! From Murdicks Fudge at the Totem Shop; Find jeans and swimsuits, buy bicycles and paddleboards; suit up in lifestyle clothing, resort wear or find a new “up north,” “Mitten-themed” apparel from Momentum or Bay Wear; Glen Arbor is also home to the famous Cherry Republic & Arts Tavern; decorate your up north home or cottage; shop Cottonseed and Becky Thatcher Jewelry, and more! >> View all Specialty Shops
Introducing Sprout, a pop-up art depot for kids of all ages. Kids can create while adults shop and sip in the CRO Recreational District. Each week we will offer activities based on this beautiful area.
Cost: $15 per kid for two make-and-take activities plus a bonus game to play at home. Cash or check, please.
Drop in on Tuesdays from 10:00-Noon (or until supplies run out) right outside of the M22 store. No advance notice needed.
Parents and Caregivers are invited to “Little Artists,” a program designed towards pre-school age children and includes interactive, process-based projects that nurture natural creativity. Each session is hosted at the Glen Arbor Arts Center and includes a story, snack, multiple stations to explore and features a unique interactive, hands-on project. Instructor Michelle Aucello guides parents and children to work together to to create an amazing seasonally inspired or holiday themed project to take-home each session. Each class is 90 minutes on select Friday mornings, which also includes a small snack.
“Little Artists” is a drop-in program is $15 per child/adult, and $5 for any additional children. Non-participating infants less than 1 year are welcome at no charge. For additional information, please call the GAAC at 231/334-6112
Michelle Aucello is an educator with 26 years of experience. Michelle taught first and second grade in Honolulu, Hawaii for 13 years as well as classes on Early Literacy at the University of Hawaii. Michele also worked with Honolulu Family Magazine as a contributor, blogging about food and crafts and providing educational tips for parents. In 2017 Michelle successfully developed a new program for the GAAC called Little Artists which explores creative projects for preschool children and their parents/caregivers.
Parents and Caregivers are invited to “Little Artists,” a program designed towards pre-school age children and includes interactive, process-based projects that nurture natural creativity. Each session is hosted at the Glen Arbor Arts Center and includes a story, snack, multiple stations to explore and features a unique interactive, hands-on project. Instructor Michelle Aucello guides parents and children to work together to to create an amazing seasonally inspired or holiday themed project to take-home each session. Each class is 90 minutes on select Friday mornings, which also includes a small snack.
“Little Artists” is a drop-in program is $15 per child/adult, and $5 for any additional children. Non-participating infants less than 1 year are welcome at no charge. For additional information, please call the GAAC at 231/334-6112
Michelle Aucello is an educator with 26 years of experience. Michelle taught first and second grade in Honolulu, Hawaii for 13 years as well as classes on Early Literacy at the University of Hawaii. Michele also worked with Honolulu Family Magazine as a contributor, blogging about food and crafts and providing educational tips for parents. In 2017 Michelle successfully developed a new program for the GAAC called Little Artists which explores creative projects for preschool children and their parents/caregivers.
