Leelanau Peninsula

Welcome to the Leelanau Peninsula, a geographical marvel affectionately known by locals as the 'Little Finger' of the Michigan mitten. As an academic observer of regional geography and agriculture, I find Leelanau to be one of…

Our journey begins by examining the profound agricultural identity of the Leelanau Peninsula. Drive along any interior road, and you are immediately flanked by perfectly linear rows of fruit trees and meticulously maintained…

Driving to the absolute northernmost tip of the peninsula, we arrive at the expansive Leelanau State Park. Encompassing over one thousand five hundred and fifty acres, this park is a rugged, relatively undeveloped sanctuary that…

At the very apex of Leelanau State Park stands the historic Grand Traverse Lighthouse, a vital maritime sentinel that has guarded these treacherous waters for over a century and a half. The original structure was commissioned in…

Traveling down the western coast, we arrive at the village of Leland and its most famous historic district: Fishtown. As we approach the Leland River, where it spills aggressively out of Lake Leelanau and into Lake Michigan over…

Moving back toward the eastern shore, we enter the quiet, sophisticated village of Northport. Situated near the northern tip of the peninsula, Northport offers a markedly different tempo than the bustling tourist centers further…

We conclude our specialized exploration of the peninsula by examining its vital transportation arteries: the legendary M-22 highway and the Traverse Area Recreation and Transportation, or TART, Trail. M-22 is more than just a…

As our comprehensive tour of the Leelanau Peninsula concludes, I invite you to reflect on the remarkable synthesis of nature and human endeavor we have witnessed today. This 'Little Finger' of Michigan is a masterclass in…