Leelanau Day Trip
Spend the day with sips, snacks and shores!
Get ready for an awesome day trip with your camp buddies! We’ll visit the majestic Sleeping Bear Dunes, soak up the sun on beautiful beaches, enjoy yummy food at local restaurants, and maybe even visit a vineyard or two. You won’t regret it!
If you are going into the National Park, you need a park pass. You can purchase one at the Park Headquarters located in Empire or several of the other stops within the park.
If you are like us and like to enjoy your mornings with coffee and not moving too fast, we recommend heading directly over to Empire to start your journey. While there you should get delicious sandwiches from some of the area’s nicest high school and college kids at Shipwreck Cafe. You can take the sandwiches with you as you head off to the dunes.
If you want a sit down experience there is Joe’s Friendly Tavern or Empire Village Inn. They both offer great pub food (and a few veggie options. They also serve some pretty good drinks if you are looking to get your festivities started early!
Your next stop MUST be the official dune walk. Even if you aren’t a “dune climber” it’s impressive to see. If nothing else, climb the first dune and just turn around. If you decide to be adventurous like we were the first time, you can venture down the path to Lake Michigan. A few tips.
- TAKE DRINKING WATER AND STAY ON THE PATHS. (Please help protect the ecosystems.
- There are no “right” shoes. Barefooted can get hot and difficult.
- You’ll hear yourself saying “It must be just over THAT dune.” It’s probably not but keep going! First you’ll see the seagulls. Then you’ll feel the temperature drop. Then you are almost there! When you get back to your car you’ll feel super accomplished!
- Pets are not permitted on the official dune walk.
When you leave the dune climb just head north a small bit to Glen Haven. It’s an old fishing town and was once a Coast Guard station. It is now part of the park. There are TWO museums, a blacksmith and some neat boats. It’s also one of the easiest places to park your car close to the Lake Michigan beaches. The Coast Guard museum has some great volunteer hosts that will talk your ears off. But, we wouldn’t have it any other way!
If you need some snacks or some retail therapy you should head over to Glen Arbor. It’s the home of Cherry Republic, Boonedocks, the famous Art’s Tavern and a huge M-22 store and more.
If you want to get another quick hike in, be sure to head over to Pyramid Point Trailhead. It’s pet friendly and only about a 20 minute hike. It ends on top of a beautiful bluff where you can see both of the Manitou Islands (AKA the baby bears).
After that hike you’ll probably be getting hungry or need some coffee! It’s time to visit Fishtown in Leland. If it’s early in the day be sure to stop by the Cheese Shanty for some delicious sandwiches. Next door is the Dam Candy Shop. If you want a sit down meal be sure to visit The Cove or the historic Bluebird Restaurant and Tavern. Also be sure to check out some “Tug” gear at the Beach shop. Oh yeah, there is coffee up the hill across the street. If you want some great ceramics be sure to visit our friend, Benjamin Maier Ceramics on Main Street.
As part of our Tokens for Friends program, French Valley Vineyard is home to 70 beautiful acres in the heart of Leelanau County. In addition to fertile farmland, our region enjoys the temperature-regulating effects of Lake Michigan just a few short miles away. Our geographical location makes Leelanau County uniquely suited for fruit production. If you are feeling snackish, we definitely recommend the charcuterie board! (Please drink responsibly.)
If you a fan of sparkling wines this is the place to go. They start taking care of you from the minute you walk in! Personal wine favorites? Can we say all of them?
They say MAWBYness is the essence of this place. It is a feeling of connection, celebration, and respect that intertwines employees, guests, community, winemaking, and the land. MAWBYness Unites all of these elements in the enjoyment of Seriously Fun wine. They believe every moment and every person is worthy of celebration. No matter who you are, you’re invited to the party! (Please drink responsibly.)
If you’re in the mood for craft spirits, go check out Northern Latitudes Distillery. They are amazing creators of a variety of gins, rum, vodka and whiskeys. You can sample their amazing and inventive drinks. We recommend the meal-like Bloody Mary with their specialty horseradish vodka. (Please drink responsibly.)
The originators of our Tokens for Friends program, also our absolute favorite restaurant in the area, Taproot Cider House offers amazingly fresh and delicious LOCAL fare. From stone oven pizza, to a variety of bowls, salads and taco. Just so many wonderful choices.
The icing on the cake is the sweet kind and generous family. Jen and Andrew are amazing. They even started their own farm so they could get more local food! (Please drink responsibly.)
As you are making your way back to camp, and realize you haven’t had enough of the wineries, you can visit Rove Winery on the Gallagher Estate. You can enjoy a glass of white with spectacular hilltop views!
They also a really fun tasting tent outside… and some great reds! (Please drink responsibly.)
If you still have any room in your stomach, Moomers ice cream is “on the way” back to camp. You can see the cow’s that help make the milk while you eat it!
Pro Tip: If the line is too long, you can get the same ice cream across the street at Fresh Coast Market.
