Glen Arbor Things to Do

Read this review in the morning and went immediatley! It is a longer walk (about .6 miles on an incline to the top but worth every second of the climb. I recommend taking a back pack and lunching up here - great to see and on clear day you can see more islands than the North and South Manitou.

The dunes at the end of the road in Glen Haven are not only beautiful to climb, they also offer access to a fantastic beach. This is one of the best places to watch a storm move in or for a sunset swim.

This is the huge dune visible from the Narrows between Big and Little Glen Lakes. One a summer day, it is crawling with tourists.
The best way to experience the Dune Climb is one of the following. In winter, it's a fantastic place to climb up and sled down, an experience made more exciting when someone takes the time to build a jump. In summer, pay attention to the arts schedule and attend a concert at the Dune Climb. I heard the California Guitar Trio one year and loved it.

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Crystal River Outfitters offers a variety of options for those wishing to canoe or kayak while visiting Leelanau County. Our typical trip consists of a 2-3 hour trip down the gentle Crystal River with almost the entire 7 miles of your trip being spent in the Sleeping Bear National Park. For those wishing for a more adventurous trip Crystal River Outfitters offers a 4-5 hour trip starting in Big Glen and taking you through the Fisher Lakes and the Crystal River. Other options include having a boat delivered to cottage or home to enjoy on your own terms and to explore freely.

The Glen Arbor Shell (231-334-3831) rents canoes and kayaks as well.

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The sand dunes are one of the biggest attractions in Northern Michigan. There is a scenic drive known as Pierce Stocking Drive, which allows you to observe many of the vistas without having to stray far from your auto. Most people seem to prefer actually climbing the dunes and making their way to Lake Michigan, where it is a long long drop to the beach. You can run down the steep dunes in minutes, but it takes hours to climb back up.

A short hike to one of the greatest views on earth. From here you can see North and South Manitou islands as well as points on the Michigan shorline.
For fun, run down the face (about 250 feet) and either spend hours hiking up or walk along the beach to the left (south) where there's access to the road after a mile or so.