Year round activities
Visit the beach for an ever-changing view of Lake Michigan.
Tour the Leelanau Peninsula Wine Trail and taste the Glen Arbor Village Wine Trail.
Dine the variety of restaurants in the greater Glen Lake area. Some are open year round while others open seasonally, our piece of Leelanau County is become more and more of a “foodie” destination.
Shop. From hobbies, to antiques, Jewelry to home goods & garden, women’s couture clothing, things for the outdoor enthusiast. From Specialty foods to local artisan-made goods, USA Made specialty shops, well…there’s something for everyone. Some open seasonally & some open year round.
Recreate – the greater Glen Arbor area is perfect for outdoor activities because of the unique and varied landscapes. From dunes to meadows, and forests to beaches – there’s lots to choose from for all ages and experience levels!
Glen Arbor Art Center has year round events, gallery openings, art classes, exhibits and theater. Check out our Events page to see what’s coming up and visit their website to find more.
SPRING
Enjoy milder temps and fewer crowds with activities perfect for Spring up north…
Glen Lake Restaurant Week
M22 Challenge
Wine Trail
Art gallery openings & new exhibits
Bring your camera! Tour M-22 through Leelanau County and see the budding wild flowers like our protected Trilliums, Cherry Blossoms and Orchards blooming usually happens Mid-May.
Perfect temperatures for hiking!
Shop local – shop downtown! Most of the Seasonal shops are open by May – so get the newest and best picks of the season before the crowds arrive!
SUMMER
Experience all that Glen Lake and Northern Michigan is known for in the Summer...
Glen Arbor Solstice Half Marathon & 5k – Visit Endurance Evolution for more info.
4th of July Flag Raising Ceremony - 10am on July 4th at Old Settlers Picnic Grounds, located on the southeastern shore of Glen Lake near the corner of Dunn’s Farm Rd. (CR 675) and Burdickville Rd (CR 616). Celebrate the founding of our nation in a patriotic, joyous ceremony with community members of all ages. Following the flag raising and featured speaker, a singalong of well-loved and familiar patriotic songs will be led. Cookies and juice provided following the short program. Please bring your own lawn chairs. Admission is free.
Glen Arbor’s 4th of July Parade – “Anything goes” this is a fun, largely attended parade where all can participate. Glen Lake has a Boat Parade as well for any interested boaters, starts around 4pm on Big Glen Lake near the Yacht Club.
Glen Arbor Farmer’s Market – every Tuesday from 9am-1pm outside at the Township Hall in Glen Arbor.
Art Shows & Exhibits - Look for exhibits and events hosted by local Art Galleries throughout the season.
Glen Lake Woman’s Club Art Fair - Usually held the 3rd Wednesday in July at the Glen Arbor Township Hall from 10 am to 4 pm. This annual juried Art Fair features artists carefully selected to represent one-of-a kind art pieces for sale at the Glen Arbor Township Hall. The Art Fair features artisans in many mediums including pottery, painting, textiles, woodworking, and jewelry. Admission is free. MORE INFO
Running Bear Run/Walk – A family friendly Run/Walk towards the end of July. Visit runningbearrun.com for info.
Manitou Music Festival – Live musical entertainment scheduled at different locations throughout the Summer and Fall. Organized by the Glen Arbor Art Center.
Labor Day Sidewalk Sales – Snag end-of-the-season deals at participating locations in Glen Arbor.
Labor Day Bridge Walk – on the Glen Lake Narrows
FALL
A peaceful and breathtaking time of year...
Self-guided color tours - M22 is known nationally as one of the best scenic drives in the US!
Kayak or Paddleboard - gear up and enjoy nature from a different perspective this time of year
Glen Arbor Pumpkin Festival
Trick or Treat in Glen Arbor
Toast the Season Wine Tour (November)
End of the Season Shopping
Dine at restaurants offering locally harvested ingredients
Hit the Trail - Fall is one of the best times for Hiking and Biking
WINTER
PJ Party – “Better than Black Friday” local shopping and dining at participating purveyors in Glen Arbor.
Bed Parade – For those who’d rather sleep in, wheel your decorated bed through town in your PJ’s on Black Friday morning.
Christmas Tree Lighting
Holiday Marketplace + Meet Santa and Mrs. Claus (annually the Saturday after Thanksgiving)
Winterfest Glen Arbor Chili Cook-off + Perch Fishing Contest
Snowshoe
Cross-Country Ski
Downhill Skiing at The Homestead
SUGGESTED LOCATIONS + EQUIPMENT RENTALS
Cross Country Skiing & Snowshoeing Locations and Equipment:
The Cyclery (equipment rentals/sales)
Trails within the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
Downhill Skiing Locations and Equipment:
The Cyclery (equipment rentals/sales)
Ice Fishing Locations and Equipment:
Big and Little Glen Lakes and lakes within the National Park
The Sportsman Shop (equipment and permits)
