Overview
Leland is a village in Leelanau County, Michigan (also known as the Leelanau Peninsula on the shore of Lake Michigan. Leland is the site of the oldest and largest Ottawa village on the Leelanau Peninsula named Mishi-me-go-bing, "the place where canoes run up into the river to land, because they have no harbor". European settlement began when the Antoine Manseau family came from North Manitou Island in 1853.
3 sights · 3 places to eat · 2 bars & cafés · 1 places to stay
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about Leland
Leland Historic District
A fishing village dating from the mid-19th century that retains a historic air and a small commercial fishing industry.
Leelanau Historical Society Museum
North & South Manitou Islands
In Lake Michigan and accessed from Leland for hiking and camping. The islands are part of the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.
Plan your trip
Best time to visit & weather
Most comfortable: May–Sep. Summer highs reach about 81°F; winter lows dip to about 16°F. Cold months (Jan, Feb, Dec) can bring snow and ice; check road conditions. Wettest: Oct and Sep. (climate data from nearby Traverse City)
Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).
Getting there
- From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
- TVC Cherry Capital Airport, Traverse City — 21 mi away. Directions
- PLN Pellston Regional Airport of Emmet County Airport, Pellston — 60 mi away. Directions
- GRR Gerald R. Ford International Airport, Grand Rapids — 148 mi away (major hub). Directions
Budget & where to stay
No prices are listed for this place yet. See the Sleep guide ↓ for options.
Sample 1-day itinerary
Day 1
- Morning Leland Historic District, Leelanau Historical Society Museum
- Lunch The Bluebird Restaurant & Tavern
- Afternoon North & South Manitou Islands
- Dinner The Village Cheese Shanty
- Evening The Cove
Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.
Food for you
Cuisine (tap to filter)
What to ask about, for your diet
Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder
Photos
Map
Every listing with a location. Tap a pin for its Google Maps link.
Get around
See
Buy
Eat
Eat The Bluebird Restaurant & Tavern
On the banks of the Leland River has a casual 100 seat bar and a dining room overlooking the river. Known for Bluebird style whitefish, cinnamon rolls and an extensive wine list.
Eat The Village Cheese Shanty
In Fishtown is a local favorite with big and tasty sandwiches on pretzel bread.
Eat The Riverside Inn
On the river, it features fine dining and an excellent wine list.
Drink
Drink The Cove
In Fishtown, it features the best views of Lake Michigan in town.
Drink Leelanau Wine Trail
Offers numerous wineries for wine tasting and touring.
Sleep
Go next
See North & South Manitou Islands
In Lake Michigan and accessed from Leland for hiking and camping. The islands are part of the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.
Nearby
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
Park · 12 listings · 15 mi away
Traverse City
City / town · 137 listings · 19 mi away
Interlochen
City / town · 6 listings · 26 mi away
Honor
City / town · 5 listings · 28 mi away
Charlevoix
City / town · 12 listings · 32 mi away
Kalkaska
City / town · 1 listings · 35 mi away
Frankfort
City / town · 21 listings · 36 mi away
Bay Harbor
City / town · 28 listings · 43 mi away
My experience
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