Seasonal Activities

Year round

Visit the beach for an ever-changing view of Lake Michigan

Tour the Leelanau Peninsula Wine Trail

Dine the variety of restaurants, some open seasonally & some year round. Our piece of Leelanau County is become more and more of a “foodie” destination. Visit our Business Directory to get started.

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. Visit our Business Directory to get started.

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 their website to find out more.

Spring

Before the crowds arrive, enjoy mild temps and fewer crowds with these activities…

Glen Lake Restaurant Week (the week leading up to Mother’s Day, Annually).

M22 Challenge

Sip & Savor Wine Trail

Art shows & 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!

Shopping. 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 with a sampling of these local events and happenings…

 Glen Arbor Solstice Half Marathon & 5k – Visit Endurance Evolution for more info.

Glen Arbor’s 4th of July Parade – “Anything goes” this is a fun, large parade where all can join in. Floats start in Glen Haven, Walkers and Bikers can join in at the Christian Science Church in Glen Arbor. The parade goes through town and ends at the East side of town by the Crystal River. 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

Glen Arbor Art Fair – Put on by the Glen Lake Women’s Club, 100 vendors to shop. Usually happens the 3rd Wednesday in July by the Glen Arbor Town Hall.

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. 

Fall

The locals like to keep fall a bit of a secret…it’s a truly calm and beautiful time of year!  There are plenty of opportunities for self-guided color tours along the beautiful roadways of the county.  

Kayak trips down the Crystal River are also a beautiful way to see the fall colors!

Glen Arbor Pumpkin Festival

Trick or Treat in Glen Arbor

Toast the Season Wine Tour (November)

Winter

Glen Arbor is home to it all!  A local ski hill and resort, public ice skating rink and groomed trail for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.

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 | the night before the Holiday Marketplace, in front of the Glen Arbor Town Hall.

Holiday Marketplace + Meet Santa and Mrs. Claus (annually on the Saturday following Thanksgiving)

Winterfest | Glen Arbor Chili Cookoff + Perch Fishing Contest

Cross Country Skiing & Snowshoeing Locations and Equipment:

The Homestead Resort

Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail

The Cyclery (equipment rentals/sales)

Trails within the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

Downhill Skiing Locations and Equipment:

The Homestead Resort

The Cyclery (equipment rentals/sales)

Ice Fishing Locations and Equipment:

Big and Little Glen Lakes

The Sportsman Shop (equipment and permits)

Other winter events:

Taste the Passion Wine Tour