Leelanau County, Michigan

Leelanau, an Indian word meaning: "Delight of Life," certainly reflects what can be seen when traveling this peninsula, one of Michigan’s gems. This name, suggested by Henry Schoolcraft, Michigan’s Indian agent during the mid 1800’s, aptly fits the feeling one gets when looking over the pristine waters, clear blue sky and forested coastlines of Grand Traverse Bay and Lake Michigan.
Leelanau County was officially established in 1863 with Northport as the County Seat until 1882, when it was transferred to Leland. The lighthouse, at the peninsula’s northernmost point, (currently a museum open in the summer), was first constructed in 1858 to guide freighters through the Manitou Passage, and marks the entrance to the Grand Traverse Bay. Leelanau County’s scenery is hard to beat: from the Sleeping Bear Dunes just north of Empire, to inland Lake Leelanau, to the calm waters of Omena and Suttons Bays, there is plenty to do. Not to mention the cherry orchards, or taking the summer ferry from Leland to North Manitou Island. Leelanau County is truly a must-see for anyone who has an interest in Michigan, no matter what season of the year.

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