Local Resources For The Ultimate Lake Michigan Charter Fishing Experience!
Leland, and the entire Leelanau Peninsula, is one of Northern Michigan’s greatest treasures! From renowned wineries and restaurants, great shopping, fishing and watersports, hiking trails, beaches and scenic views, Leelanau County is the perfect place for your next family vacation or day trip. If you have never visited our beautiful corner of the world, below you will find information and resources to ensure your visit along the stunning shores of Lake Michigan is a trip you will always remember!
General Information
Leelanau Peninsula
The Leelanau Peninsula and Leelanau County are home to many small towns and villages offering BIG fun and adventures! Visit The Leelanau Peninsula Chamber of Commerce to plan your visit today and read more about each special spot below!
Leland
Mariah and Pier Pressure Charter Fishing is located in Fishtown, Leland. Fishtown is a historic fishing village off the shore of Lake Michigan in Leland’s harbor. Leland has fishing, shopping, eating, hiking, beach going and so much more! Visit the Leland Chamber of Commerce and Fishtown Preservation for more info on the area!
Lake Leelanau
Lake Leelanau is just a quick drive up M204 from Leland. It is home to a handful of restaurants, wineries, local grocery and the nearest gas station. Click here for more information on Lake Leelanau.
Suttons Bay
Suttons Bay is known as the “Gateway to Leelanau County”. The village is lined with charming shops, galleries and restaurants. Jump on the TART trail, spend the day down by the water at one of the handful of coastal parks or visit one of the many surrounding wineries. Check out the visitor center for more info!
Northport & Omena
At the tip of our beautiful peninsula are the villages of Northport and Omena, rich with history and experiences. Be sure to check out the Grand Traverse Lighthouse Museum, walk the beaches in Leelanau State Park, check out the Northport Area Heritage Association Museum and browse the many unique shops. Click here for more on the area!
Glen Arbor & Empire
A beautiful drive from Leland up M22, Glen Arbor is filled with things to see and do during your Northern Michigan vacation. Glen Arbor is home to Big and Little Glen Lakes and is located along the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, voted the most beautiful place in America by Good Morning America! Visit Glen Lake Chamber of Commerce for more.
Cedar & Maple City
These small towns make up the heart of Leelanau County, located in the center of our beautiful peninsula! Celebrate their Polish heritage at the annual Cedar Polka Fest, kayak or canoe the 380 acre Leelanau Conservancy Cedar River Preserve, or visit a variety of restaurants, shops, art galleries and so much more! For more info on Cedar and Maple City, click here or check out the Leelanau Peninsula Chamber highlights!
Traverse City Area
Traverse City, also know as The Cherry Capital of the World, is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the State. It is home to beautiful beaches along the Grand Traverse Bays, numerous shops and restaurants, museums, and many year-round festivals and events, including The National Cherry Festival and Traverse City Film Fest. Check out what Traverse City has to offer while you are in the area!
Things To Do
There is so much to see and do in our area! Here are some of our top recommendations to make the most of your trip to the Leelanau Peninsula:
Catch A Memory!
Fish with Mariah and Pier Pressure Charter Fishing! Then take your fresh catch to The Cove or The Leland Lodge to be specially prepared.
Explore Fishtown!
Walk the docks of Historic Fishtown in Leland. Grab a famous Chubby Mary cocktail at Rick’s Cafe, pop into the various shanty shops, satisfy your sweet tooth at the Dam Candy Store, grab some smoked fish from Carlson’s and learn more about this charming historic fishing village from the Fishtown Preservation Society.
Sip Local Wine!
Leelanau Peninsula is known for it’s outstanding wineries! The Leelanau Peninsula Wine Trail is divided into three mini-trails for easy touring: the Sleeping Bear Loop, the Northern Loop and the Grand Traverse Bay Loop. All offer stunning views, internationally acclaimed varieties of wine and a laid-back atmosphere.
Pedal The Peninsula!
Bike the Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail or one of the many other TART trails in the area.
Go North!
Head out to the tip of the peninsula to spend the day exploring the Leelanau State Park. Check out the Grand Traverse Lighthouse Museum, hike and, if you want to extend your stay, set up at one of two campsites!
Island Cruise!
Jump on a sunset cocktail cruise aboard the Mishe-Mokwa or take the Manitou Island Ferry to North or South Manitou Island for a day of exploring or overnight camping trip.
Do The Dunes!
Climb up the 200-foot Sleeping Bear Dune, then walk, run, roll or tumble back down to the bottom!
Adventure In The National Park!
After climbing the dunes, stick around and explore more of the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Park. Check out some of our other favorite attractions, such as Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive, Empire Bluffs, Pyramid Point Hiking Trail and Glen Haven Village. Visit the Sleeping Bear Dunes Visitors Bureau for additional information.
Day At The Beach!
Walk one of the beautiful beaches of Lake Michigan along the Sleeping Bear National Lakeshore. Here is a comprehensive list of the beaches within the National Park, as well as other popular beaches in Leelanau County.
Shop ‘Til You Drop!
Just like restaurants, Leelanau County is not lacking in shopping and storefronts! For the best shopping, visit Leland, Suttons Bay or Glen Arbor. Don’t forget to stop into The Sportsman Shop of Glen Arbor for all your sporting goods needs, from sunglasses, footwear, women’s and men’s fashion, to fishing poles!
Restaurant Recommendations
If there is one thing we love as much as fishing, its eating! Here are our favorite spots to dine in Leelanau County:
Leland:
The Cove: Overlooking historic Fishtown, The Cove and Rick’s Cafe (on the lower deck) offer views of Lake Michigan and the Manitou Islands. They are known for their seafood, great burgers and famous Chubby Mary cocktail. Better yet, bring your fresh caught fish from your fishing trip with Mariah and Pier Pressure Charter Fishing, and The Cove with specially prepare it for you!
The Leland Lodge: “The Lodge ” offers breakfast, lunch and dinner at their in-house restaurant, Bogey’s 19th Hole. Overlooking the greens of the Leland Country Club, they offer high-end pub fare in their relaxed indoor/outdoor atmosphere. We recommend the fish tacos and pulled pork nachos. Call ahead and they will also specially prepare your fresh fish from your Lake Michigan charter fishing trip with MPP Charters!
The Bluebird: “The Bird” is a town favorite for locals and tourists alike. Sit in the the tavern bar or dining room, offering scenic views of the Leland River. Known for their fresh Lake Michigan whitefish, prepared one of three ways!
Village Cheese Shanty: You can’t visit Leland without stopping for a famous pretzel bread sandwich from this specialty “Cheese Shop”, located in the heart of Fishtown. We recommend packing some sandwiches in your cooler for when you head out on your charter fishing trip with Mariah and Pier Pressure.
The Riverside Inn: Upscale dining in a laid-back atmosphere along the Leland River. Sit inside their updated dining room or on the deck.
Glen Arbor:
Art’s Tavern: Known for their burgers, Art’s has been serving locals and visitors since 1934!
Boonedocks: Enjoy a rustic “Up North” atmosphere inside or sit outside on the deck, where they offer live music every night of the week!
Riverfront Pizza: A delicious eatery serving soups, sandwiches, pizza and more, on the bank of the Crystal River!
Blu: Upscale dining with scenic panoramic views of Lake Michigan, Sleeping Bear Bay and the Manitou Islands.
Empire:
Joe’s Friendly Tavern: “The Friendly” has great burgers and pub food. We recommend the zucchini fries!
Maple City:
Trattoria Funistrada: An intimate restaurant offering excellent Italian cuisine using local ingredients. Call for reservations!
Little Traverse Inn: An English style pub located across from Little Traverse Lake, offering unique dishes such as Indian masala, traditional English shepherds pie, and Scotch eggs. They also serve local seafood, great burgers and more!
Market 22: Also located across from Little Traverse Lake, this neighborhood market has an incredible deli with made to order sandwiches, Detroit-style pizzas (most locals agree they have the best in the area!), and a small convenient store offering a variety of items. They also serve an amazing breakfest/brunch on the weekends with a top-notch build your own bloody mary bar!
Cedar:
The Cedar Tavern: Your classic hole-in-the-wall local hangout, offering incredible daily food and drink deals. Our favorites are Wednesday Rib night and Friday Fish Fry!
Suttons Bay:
The VI Grill: Open for 3 meals a day, the Village Inn Grill is the oldest, continually operating restaurant in the county. With 147 years in operation and a newly remodeled facility, the V.I. Grill maintains an “Up North” atmosphere and provides contemporary twists on classic local fare. Sit in the tavern, dining room or on their outdoor patio.
Boone’s Prime Time Pub: Cozy, cabin-style spot offering hand-cut steaks & other down-home American plates. Known for their famous “Massive Mary”, a giant bloody mary with all the fixings, including a mini burger and chicken sandwich!
45th Parallel Cafe: Laid-back breakfast & lunch choice offering omelets, sandwiches & burgers, plus specialty coffee drinks. Sit inside or on the outdoor patio!
Martha’s Leelanau Table: Charming spot serving scratch-made regional specialties with European accents, plus beer & wine. Indoor and outdoor seating options.
Hop Lot Brewing Company: One of the busiest spots in town, this small batch microbrewery has an on-site hop garden, beer garden, patio and tasting room. They also have a full food menu. You could say its a “hopping” place!
Northport/Omena:
The Garage Bar and Grill: BBQ & bar eats are served at this pared-down watering hole with garage doors & a dog-friendly patio.
The Tribune: An ice cream parlor and eatery, serving fresh breakfast, lunch and take-out daily.
Knot Just a Bar: With a large deck overlooking the bay, they offer casual bar favorites, like burgers and sandwiches, as well as delicious seafood and entree options. We love the Knot’s Famous FIsh Kone!