Leelanau State Park
Historic lighthouse and stunning Lake Michigan beaches await at this northern peninsula gem. Perfect for camping and exploring.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Ideal for hiking and beach time
Leelanau State Park
Best Time
Ideal for hiking and beach time
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Historic lighthouse and stunning Lake Michigan beaches await at this northern peninsula gem. Perfect for camping and exploring.
"One of the best campsites we have had in all of Michigan! Many are positioned right on beautiful lake Michigan, what a view."
🐶 Dog-Friendly Fun
Leelanau State Park welcomes dogs on its beaches and trails, making it a great spot for furry friends.
🛶 Kayak Launch Points
Easily launch your kayak from the park's beach or designated boat launch areas for a paddle on Lake Michigan.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Grand Traverse Lighthouse
Northern tip of Leelanau Peninsula
Historic beacon offering panoramic views of Lake Michigan and Grand Traverse Bay. Climb to the top for unforgettable vistas.
Lake Michigan Shoreline
Western edge of the park
Miles of rocky beaches perfect for exploring, dog-friendly walks, and launching kayaks. Enjoy the vast freshwater expanse.
Hiking Trails
Throughout the park
Discover diverse trails through forests and dunes, offering scenic overlooks and opportunities to spot unique flora.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Your Campsite Early
Explore Beyond the Lighthouse
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🐶 Dog-Friendly Fun
Leelanau State Park welcomes dogs on its beaches and trails, making it a great spot for furry friends.
🛶 Kayak Launch Points
Easily launch your kayak from the park's beach or designated boat launch areas for a paddle on Lake Michigan.
⛽ Fuel Up Beforehand
Amenities are a drive away; stock up on snacks, drinks, and essentials before entering the park.
📸 Lighthouse Views
Capture postcard-perfect shots of the Grand Traverse Lighthouse, especially during sunrise or sunset.
Tips
from all over the internet
🐶 Dog-Friendly Fun
Leelanau State Park welcomes dogs on its beaches and trails, making it a great spot for furry friends.
🛶 Kayak Launch Points
Easily launch your kayak from the park's beach or designated boat launch areas for a paddle on Lake Michigan.
⛽ Fuel Up Beforehand
Amenities are a drive away; stock up on snacks, drinks, and essentials before entering the park.
📸 Lighthouse Views
Capture postcard-perfect shots of the Grand Traverse Lighthouse, especially during sunrise or sunset.
🏕️ Camping Options
Choose from lakeside campsites, rustic cabins, or RV spots for an immersive park experience.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Leelanau State Park for its stunning Lake Michigan campsites and beautiful, dog-friendly beaches. The historic Grand Traverse Lighthouse is a major highlight, offering incredible views. While the park's remote location means amenities are a drive away, the peaceful atmosphere and natural beauty make it a highly recommended destination for camping and exploration. +2
"One of the best campsites we have had in all of Michigan! Many are positioned right on beautiful lake Michigan, what a view. It is rockey at the waters edge but worth exploring."
Brian Bailey
"This state park is out of the way but definitely worth the drive. There are ample wineries to stop at along the way😉 The shoreline doesn't disappoint and it is dog friendly as well. There is a gift shop where you can find unique suviners and gifts, bathrooms conveniently located and can tour the lighthouse as well"
heather edmonds
"Our experience at Leelanau State park was great. We got one of their dog friendly cabins. It had heat, electricity and came with a fridge. We could see Lake Michigan from our site as well. As with most state parks the staff here was very friendly. Vault toilets were well maintained. Beach access was a huge plus. Got to launch kayaks right from the park. They have a cool camp store and firewood was decently priced. The lighthouse is a must visit. They also had horseshoes in the park area which is a huge plus. Campground is in a cool location but a decent drive to some amenities. Highly recommend and we will be back."
Curtis
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Leelanau State Park is located at the northern tip of the Leelanau Peninsula in Northport, Michigan. It's accessible by car via M-22 and then following local roads to the park entrance. The drive itself offers scenic views of wineries and charming towns. +1
Leelanau State Park is approximately a 45-minute to 1-hour drive north of Traverse City, depending on traffic and your exact starting point.
Public transportation options directly to Leelanau State Park are very limited. It is best to have your own vehicle or rent one for easy access.
Many visitors enjoy driving along the scenic M-22 highway, which winds through charming coastal towns and offers beautiful Lake Michigan vistas before heading north to Northport and the park.
Yes, there is ample parking available within the park, including near the lighthouse and at various trailheads and beach access points.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, a Michigan Recreation Passport is required for entry into Leelanau State Park. You can purchase one online or at the park entrance.
Leelanau State Park is generally open year-round from 8 AM to 10 PM. However, the Grand Traverse Lighthouse museum has specific operating hours, typically from Memorial Day through Columbus Day.
Entry to the park requires a Michigan Recreation Passport, which is an annual fee. Day-use permits are also available for purchase.
Yes, booking campsites and cabins in advance is highly recommended, especially during peak season. Reservations can be made through the Michigan DNR website.
There is typically a small admission fee to tour the Grand Traverse Lighthouse museum and climb to the top. Check their official website for current pricing and hours.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Popular trails include the Dune Trail for sandy ascents and overlooks, and the Shoreline Trail for beach access. The park offers a variety of trails for different skill levels.
Yes, the park has beautiful Lake Michigan beaches where visitors can swim, though water temperatures can be cool.
Leelanau State Park is very dog-friendly! Dogs are allowed on the beaches and trails, but must be leashed.
Activities include hiking, camping, beachcombing, kayaking, birdwatching, photography, and visiting the historic Grand Traverse Lighthouse. +1
The park offers restrooms, including vault toilets which are well-maintained. Some areas have picnic tables and fire rings.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are no restaurants directly inside Leelanau State Park. You'll need to travel to nearby Northport or other Leelanau Peninsula towns for dining options.
Yes, picnic tables are available in various locations throughout the park, making it a great spot for a scenic lunch.
The closest town with grocery stores and restaurants is Northport, located a short drive from the park.
Yes, there is a camp store that sells essentials, firewood, and some snacks. Firewood is reasonably priced.
Nearby towns like Northport and Leland offer various dining options, from casual cafes to waterfront restaurants. +1
📸 📸 Photography
The Grand Traverse Lighthouse, the Lake Michigan shoreline with its rocky formations, and scenic overlooks along the hiking trails are prime photography locations.
Golden hour, during sunrise and sunset, offers the most dramatic lighting for capturing the lighthouse and lake views.
Yes, the park is a habitat for various birds and other wildlife, offering opportunities for nature photography. Keep a respectful distance.
Look for elevated points along the hiking trails that offer panoramic views of Lake Michigan and the surrounding peninsula.
Landscape photography, lighthouse photography, and nature photography are very popular due to the park's stunning natural beauty and iconic structures.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Look for trails that are less sandy if you have very young children, or focus on the accessible beach areas. The camp store can be handy for forgotten snacks, and the overall atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming for families.
💰 Budget Travelers
Purchasing an annual Michigan Recreation Passport is also more economical if you plan to visit multiple state parks throughout the year. Pack your own food and drinks to save money on dining out, as amenities are limited within the park. Enjoying the natural beauty, hiking, and beach access are all free activities once you've paid your entry fee.
🐶 Pet Owners
Many of the cabins are also dog-friendly, offering a comfortable place to stay with your pet. The expansive beaches provide ample space for dogs to run and play, and the scenic trails offer great opportunities for walks.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Grand Traverse Lighthouse: A Beacon of History
The highlight for many is the opportunity to climb to the top of the lighthouse tower. From this vantage point, you're rewarded with breathtaking 360-degree views of Lake Michigan on one side and Grand Traverse Bay on the other. It's a truly iconic experience and a prime spot for photography, especially during the golden hours of sunrise and sunset.
Remember that the lighthouse museum has seasonal operating hours, typically open from Memorial Day through Columbus Day. It's always a good idea to check their official schedule before your visit to ensure you don't miss out on this essential Leelanau State Park attraction.
Exploring Leelanau State Park's Trails and Beaches
The Lake Michigan shoreline itself is a major draw, characterized by its rocky edges and expansive sandy stretches. It's a fantastic place for beachcombing, exploring tide pools (though Great Lakes 'tides' are minimal), and simply enjoying the vastness of the freshwater sea. The park is also dog-friendly, allowing your canine companions to join in the fun on the beaches and trails, provided they are leashed.
Beyond hiking and beach activities, the park is also a popular spot for kayaking. You can launch directly from the beach or a designated boat launch area, offering a unique perspective of the coastline. The park's natural beauty, from its forests to its dunes, makes it a year-round destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
Camping and Cabin Stays at Leelanau State Park
If you prefer more comfort, the park also offers dog-friendly cabins. These cabins are equipped with heat and electricity, and some even come with a fridge, making them a cozy retreat after a day of exploring. Waking up to the sight of Lake Michigan from your cabin is an unforgettable experience.
Campers will appreciate the convenience of a camp store on-site, offering essentials like firewood and snacks at reasonable prices. The park staff are known for their friendliness, contributing to a welcoming atmosphere for all visitors.
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