What’s Nearby

The Sleeping Bear Dunes Visitors Bureau publishes a souvenir quality map of the lakeshore and the communities between Frankfort and Leland which lists shops, restaurants, attractions, and things visitors like to do in the area. It is available without charge at the clubhouse, at The Homestead’s Welcome Center, and at shops, restaurants, and wineries in the area. The Bureau also publishes seasonal Visitors Guides. Both are available at www.sleepingbeardunes.com.

This is the reason we’re all here. It was chosen by the viewers of ABC’s Good Morning America as “The Most Beautiful Place in America.” From its beaches, dune climb, scenic drive, spectacular overlooks, hiking trails, and islands to a preserved village with an historic Coast Guard Station, there’s something here for everyone. For more information on the lakeshore, visit www.nps.gov/slbe. For more to do in the surrounding communities visit www.sleepingbeardunes.com and pick up a copy of its map at the clubhouse.

Fishtown is a collection of weathered fishing shanties, smokehouses, overhanging docks, fish tugs and charter fishing boats in Leland that has been a working and thriving fishing community since being founded by Native Americans. The heart of an active commercial fishing harbor, Fishtown is where we can still see and feel a connection to the long tradition of Great Lakes maritime culture. For more, visit www.fishtownmi.org.

Point Betsie, originally called "Point Aux Bec Scies" or "sawed beak point" by the French was built in 1858 and manned until an automated light took over in 1983. It is located just north of Frankfort and just south of the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. It is now owned by Benzie County and operated by the Friends of Point Betsie, who have recently completed a major (and spectacular) renovation. It is said to be the most visited and most photographed attraction in Benzie County. For more visit www.pointbetsie.org.

On the mainland portion of the lakeshore, there are about 100 miles of trails. Some, such as Empire Bluff and Pyramid Point, have beautiful views from high vistas overlooking dunes and Lake Michigan. Another, the Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail is a 27 mile long, multi-use trail that will take you through fields of wildflowers with views of lakes or forests in the background and to a number of the most popular attractions in the lakeshore.

Our properties partner with a select number of restaurants and wineries in Leelanau County. We chose to do so because several of the restaurants are on or overlooking the water, the wineries have beautiful vineyards, and because both features are frequently mentioned by our guests. The restaurants’ menus range from simple fare to fine dining with one thing in common – good food. A map with names, addresses and price points is available online and at the clubhouse.

This new Food + Wine festival will be rooted in Leelanau’s rich tradition of farming, fishing, and caring for one another. It invites you to meet local and visiting chefs and vintners, enjoy splendid food and wine, and marvel at sparkling waters and the scenic splendor of the Sleeping Bear Dunes. A portion of the proceeds from the festival will be used to provide farm-fresh foods for Leelanau Christian Neighbors to share with members of our community who are in need. Leelanau Christian Neighbors, was founded in 1987, is a non-denominational, non-profit 501c(3) organization and has a volunteer work force of more than 200.

A visit to Interlochen will open your eyes to the richly diverse and sophisticated cultural destination revered the world over for its groundbreaking contribution to arts education. Offering a four-year high school program and a variety of summer camp programs, Interlochen is a dream come true for artistically gifted young people from around the globe. A summer concert series features the best of the professions in classical and popular music, dance, and theatre, and makes Interlochen a favorite destination for visitors and locals alike. For more visit www.interlochen.org.

Love him or hate him, Michael Moore has become a treasured member of the local community since he launched the Traverse City Film Festival in 2005. Along with founding partners (and fellow locals) John Robert Williams and Doug Stanton, Moore has given the Grand Traverse region a festival of what he calls “Just great movies.” From indie dramas and quirky comedies to thought-provoking documentaries and specials for children, the festival draws film lovers from far and wide every August. For more visit www.traversecityfilmfest.org.

A newcomer to the booming festival scene, the National Writers Series was founded by Traverse City Film Festival veteran Doug Stanton, author of the New York Times bestseller Horse Soldiers, along with his wife, investigative journalist Anne Stanton. Launched in 2009, the Festival has already welcomed award-winning writers and journalists. Many more exciting appearances are coming. For more visit www.nationalwritersseries.org.