Resort Lifestyle

The Homestead Resort

There’s no reason you shouldn’t experience that brief yet deep relaxation that vacation brings you all year-round. Resort-style living is one of the hottest trends in residential living, as it offers residents the comforts of their own home with the amenities of a world-class resort. 

Continue reading to see all of The Homestead Resort lifestyle homes for sale, which are homes located inside the resort or a residential community that offers similar benefits, in Glen Arbor, Michigan.

Real Estate Statistics

Average Price $537K
Lowest Price $99.9K
Highest Price $2.5M
Total Listings 23
Avg. Days On Market 226
Avg. Price/SQFT $404

Property Types (active listings)


Browse The Homestead Resort Homes for Sale

Sort by:
New Pending
7212 S Dunns Farm Road, Maple City

$2,500,000

7212 S Dunns Farm Road, Maple City

3 Beds 3 Baths 1,885 SqFt Residential MLS® # 1921407
8691 S Shorebird Lane, Empire

$2,450,000

↓ $300,000

8691 S Shorebird Lane, Empire

5 Beds 4 Baths 3,625 SqFt Residential MLS® # 1915687
149 E Harbor Highway, Maple City

$1,600,000

↓ $200,000

149 E Harbor Highway, Maple City

9 Beds 8 Baths 8,400 SqFt Residential MLS® # 1897304
14 Frog Pond, Glen Arbor

$949,000

↓ $46,000

14 Frog Pond, Glen Arbor

2 Beds 2.5 Baths 1,900 SqFt Residential MLS® # 1919653
7291 W Day Forest Road 5, Empire

$675,000

↓ $24,000

7291 W Day Forest Road 5, Empire

2 Beds 1 Bath 572 SqFt Residential MLS® # 1915353
7168 W Harbor Highway, Glen Arbor

$589,900

7168 W Harbor Highway, Glen Arbor

3 Beds 1 Bath 1,700 SqFt Residential MLS® # 1919849
Parcel A W Big Sky Trail, Maple City

$460,000

↓ $5,000

Parcel A W Big Sky Trail, Maple City

0 Beds 0 Baths 0 SqFt Land MLS® # 1916553
Pending
000 S Ashland Drive, Glen Arbor

$449,500

↓ $15,500

000 S Ashland Drive, Glen Arbor

0 Beds 0 Baths 0 SqFt Land MLS® # 1914804
New Pending
5707 (6d) S Lake Street 6d, Glen Arbor

$300,000

5707 (6d) S Lake Street 6d, Glen Arbor

3 Beds 2.5 Baths 2,500 SqFt Residential MLS® # 1921456
Pending
W Harbor Highway, Maple City

$299,900

↓ $20,000

W Harbor Highway, Maple City

0 Beds 0 Baths 0 SqFt Land MLS® # 1862651
6477 S Glen Lake Road X, Glen Arbor

$265,000

6477 S Glen Lake Road X, Glen Arbor

0 Beds 0 Baths 0 SqFt Land MLS® # 1919677
Parcel E Trumbull Road, Maple City

$195,000

Parcel E Trumbull Road, Maple City

0 Beds 0 Baths 0 SqFt Land MLS® # 1919953
S Michaels Woods Trail, Maple City

$195,000

S Michaels Woods Trail, Maple City

0 Beds 0 Baths 0 SqFt Land MLS® # 1911300
New
10 Skippers Wood, Glen Arbor

$189,000

10 Skippers Wood, Glen Arbor

0 Beds 0 Baths 0 SqFt Land MLS® # 1921371
5d Pinnacle Place, Glen Arbor

$169,000

5d Pinnacle Place, Glen Arbor

3 Beds 2.5 Baths 1,550 SqFt Residential MLS® # 1912955
29d Brook Hill, Glen Arbor

$165,000

29d Brook Hill, Glen Arbor

3 Beds 2.5 Baths 1,550 SqFt Residential MLS® # 1918654
6a Pinnacle Place, Glen Arbor

$155,000

6a Pinnacle Place, Glen Arbor

3 Beds 2.5 Baths 1,550 SqFt Residential MLS® # 1919614
Pending
Parcel G Trumbull Road, Maple City

$154,900

↑ $5,000

Parcel G Trumbull Road, Maple City

0 Beds 0 Baths 0 SqFt Land MLS® # 1918808
6b Pinnacle Place, Glen Arbor

$154,000

↓ $7,900

6b Pinnacle Place, Glen Arbor

3 Beds 2.5 Baths 1,550 SqFt Residential MLS® # 1912964
10c Brook Hill Condo, Glen Arbor

$130,000

10c Brook Hill Condo, Glen Arbor

2 Beds 2 Baths 1,350 SqFt Residential MLS® # 1921155
11 Pine Trace, Glen Arbor

$109,000

11 Pine Trace, Glen Arbor

0 Beds 0 Baths 0 SqFt Land MLS® # 1918974
10 Pine Trace, Glen Arbor

$102,900

↓ $1,100

10 Pine Trace, Glen Arbor

0 Beds 0 Baths 0 SqFt Land MLS® # 1914638
0 S Coleman Road, Maple City

$99,900

0 S Coleman Road, Maple City

0 Beds 0 Baths 0 SqFt Land MLS® # 1920586

Check out this video for a look at The Homestead Resort Lifestyle in Glen Arbor, Michigan, or click here to read about The Homestead Resort Homes for Sale

The homestead resort Homes for Sale

The Homestead is a four-season, 500-acre resort in Glen Arbor, Michigan, that is surrounded by the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore Park. Located in Leelanau County, a premier travel destination for individuals seeking unrivaled natural beauty and a relaxing atmosphere.

It's a peninsula bordered by the pristine waters of Lake Michigan, with scenic beaches, enormous dunes, timbered ridges, and pastoral farmland. The development of sleeping bear dunes national lakeshore was prompted by these unique natural riches and spectacular views. The Homestead is currently surrounded by a national park.

The Homestead is the best choice for any type of lodging on the sleeping bear dunes, from elegant private villas to tiny single rooms. Five diverse communities offer lake and riverfront or lake, river, and woodland views from four various hotels, condominiums, and residences distributed around the resort.

Mountain Flowers is a nine-hole par-three course with spectacular vistas of Lake Michigan's Manitou Passage, Glen Lake, and the Sleeping Bear Sand Dunes National Lakeshore. Alternatively, you can play tennis with a friend at the Beach Club, which has four play surface courts and a stadium court overlooking Lake Michigan's shoreline.

Family-friendly activities such as skiing and snowboarding are available. There are 15 ski routes available, with a mix of beginner, intermediate, and advanced terrain. There are also three purpose-built wedding ceremony places with surrounding reception facilities.

Accommodations

At The Homestead, you'll have a lot of options regarding where to stay. There's a romantic couples retreat in a picturesque village, a historic waterfront inn, a warm and friendly lodge, a rambling hotel set along with shimmering ponds, and a rambling hotel situated along with dazzling ponds.

They have rooms as well as one and two-bedroom suites. Hotels in Resorts Privately owned villas and homes with one to four bedrooms are also available. Villas and homes are categorized into three categories: Grand, Classic, and Simple. You'll be a part of their distinctive lakefront lifestyle, not just a spectator, whichever option you select.

condominiums

On the beach, on high peaks overlooking Lake Michigan, in the woods, and along the golf course and ski resort, privately owned one to four-bedroom condominiums can be found. There is a living room with a fireplace, as well as dining, kitchen, and bedroom rooms in each. Air conditioning, whirlpool spas, and laundry facilities are available in some of the rooms. The majority enjoy breathtaking views of rare natural treasures.

Fiddler's Pond

This resort hotel offers views of creeks, ponds, and pools from beautiful interiors highlighted with washed wood and cottage-like colors. It has pleasant rooms with a sitting area, a fireplace, a refrigerator, a one-person jacuzzi tub, and a king-size bed for couples. It provides two options for families. One is a single room with two queen-sized beds, a small sitting space, and a refrigerator. There are two rooms in the other. One features a king-sized bed, a refrigerator, and a sitting space, while the other has two queen-sized beds, a refrigerator, and a smaller sitting room. There is free internet access available.

Little Belle

Guests are welcomed to these honeymoon suites by a brick-paved patio with flowing water and a carillon. While each suite has its own personality, they all have a living area with a fireplace and television, a mirrored alcove with a second television, a jetted tub, a spa-style shower, and a king bed. There are salons and shops nearby, as well as fitness, golf, skiing, and bars and restaurants. A half-mile walk, drive, or shuttle ride will take you to the beach.

Stony Brook Lodge

This Northwoods resort, perched high above the water, offers magnificent views of the Crystal River Valley, the Sleeping Bear Dunes, and Lake Michigan. Suites with modest balconies, a kitchenette, a living room with a porcelain stove, and a sofa bed are available. The one-bedroom suites include a king bed and a second bedroom with two twin beds, while the two-bedroom suites have a king bed and a second bedroom with two twin beds. A private pool with sofas, chairs, and dining tables may be found outside. On the bottom floor, you'll find a sauna, an exercise room, a laundry room, and a fantastic meeting space. The beach is a half-mile walk, drive, or shuttle ride away for all.

The Homestead

The Homestead is a magnificent four-season resort nestled on a mile of Lake Michigan's sandy shore within the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Beaches, pools, spa pools, golf, tennis, biking, and watercraft are available during the summer, and skiing, snowboarding, and skating are available during the winter. Guests can enjoy a spa, salon, fitness center, boutiques, bars, restaurants, meeting facilities, and wedding venues throughout the year. Hotels, a lodge, a historic inn, and privately owned vacation houses and condominiums of various sizes and locations are among the lodging options. Some of the resort's facilities are run as a private club, with access limited to guests who have rented through the resort.

THE INN

The Inn has been overlooking the rare, valued plot of land where the Crystal River weaves its way to Lake Michigan for almost ninety years. The sunsets are spectacular, as are the views of the river, tiny and huge dunes, beach, lake, and islands. Hotel rooms and one- and two-bedroom suites are available to guests. The one- and two-bedroom suites include kitchens, and all have fireplaces. There are meeting rooms available. The private club in the resort has a beach, pool, spa pool, clay courts, sports shop, indoor and outdoor bar, and café. Two twins are available for those who have a second bedroom.

VACATION HOMES

A limited number of two to four-bedroom single-family houses are available if you want the privacy of a detached property. Views of Lake Michigan, Glen Lake, and the surrounding forests are available. Every house has a living room with a fireplace, as well as a dining room, kitchen, and sleeping quarters. Air conditioning, whirlpool spas, and laundry facilities are available in some of the rooms. The majority enjoy breathtaking views of rare natural treasures. Each is rated as Grand in terms of internal quality.

Dining

Simple. Unpretentious. Good. It's Executive Chef John Piombo's philosophy, and it's the one thing that links all of the dining venues, along with a devotion to local foods.

You'll discover options to fit your needs, whether you're in the mood for a simple salad or an extravagant supper; whether you're traveling alone or with a large party.

Cafe Manitou at The Homestead

This is where the Sleeping Bear Dunes begin. Generations of families have laughed and loved, learned, and lived where the Crystal River meets Lake Michigan. Gourmet meals in the evenings and simpler fare during the day are available at this private facility for members and guests of The Homestead. Tennis on clay courts, a pool, and one of the world's most magnificent beaches round out the amenities.

Cavanaugh's at The Homestead

This brand-new grocerant is exactly that: an immersive experience that's part grocery, part restaurant. The day begins with coffee, pastries, news, and conversation. Pizzas made right in front of your eyes, rotisserie chicken and ribs, a soup and salad bar, insanely amazing cookies, and other ready-to-eat or ready-to-heat meals round out the menu.

Nonna's Ristorante

Simple. Unpretentious. Good. Chef John Piombo prepares classically influenced contemporary Italian food using the finest local ingredients. Full bar service and specialty wines are available. The food is served in a three-story timber-framed structure with natural stone fireplaces, a chef's table, two intimate dining spaces, and a cozy loft. Raclette melted over an open fire and served at the table. Only available throughout the winter months. The Homestead is where you'll find this.

Whiskers at The Homestead

Whiskers is more than just a meal; it's an adventure. Firepits, splash pads for youngsters, family activities, indoor and outdoor bars and fireplaces, cuisine prepared right in front of your eyes on a wood-fired grill outside or in a show kitchen indoors, and a special event table.

Shopping

Whether you forgot anything, are looking for a souvenir for friends back home, or simply want a reminder of your stay here, chances are you'll find exactly what you're looking for. Here's some background on what you'll find where:

45th Parallel Candy World

All of 45th Parallel's Candy World's products, including artisan chocolates and gourmet confections, are guaranteed to be fresh. Traverse Magazine, The Detroit Free Press, Northern Express, and countless lifelong ardent supporters have all praised them for staying true to their roots. It's a tradition that three generations of the family have been proud to uphold and carry on, having been educated by decades of exceptional candy makers. They continue to blend quality fresh ingredients using unique family recipes and old-fashioned processes, inspired by their love of chocolate and passion for creating.

American Nordic Walking System

Walking, hiking and trekking with one-piece poles is a tried-and-true low-impact, high-calorie-burning workout activity. The adoption of better lifestyles and increased usage and appreciation of our bike routes, hiking trails, parks, and recreational places will result in more Americans taking up Nordic Walking.

Antique Emporium

From toys to Tiffany, we have a wide range of genuine antiques. The Antique Emporium's little extra is the difference between ordinary and remarkable. They have shuttered their Traverse City antique shop after 20 years of buying and selling antiques. While their manner of selling antiques has evolved, you can shop with confidence knowing that their quality and passion to business will not. They sell genuine merchandise, and your satisfaction is guaranteed.

Barb's Bakery

Barb's Bakery is the place to go for an early morning treat, from her unique cinnamon twists to donuts and more. Also, don't forget the pies!

Bay West Antiques

Bay West Antiques is a 2,400-square-foot multi-dealer antique mall in Traverse City that offers a diverse selection of high-quality items. Pete and Holly, the owners, have over 30 years of expertise with honesty and integrity in purchasing and selling antiques, collectibles, coins, gold, silver, and jewelry.

Bayside Gallery

Every guest that walks through the doors at Bayside Gallery is given the opportunity to have a great experience. They provide such a diverse assortment of products and price points that there is truly something for everyone. Whether you're a horticultural expert or a knife connoisseur, Bayside Gallery is the place to go for distinctive home decor!

Belstone Gallery

Belstone Gallery is an American craft and fine art gallery that represents artists from Maine to California, including several from the local area. One of their many obligations to their artists is to creatively position each item to its greatest advantage, resulting in captivating exhibitions.

Benjamin Maier Ceramics

Leland, Michigan is the location of Ben's gallery. Each year, the shop is open from Memorial Day weekend until Halloween, with limited hours on weekends in December. In July and August, he also has extended nighttime hours (5-8 pm).

Black Star Farms

Two wineries with adjacent tasting rooms, a distillery, an Inn, and an equestrian facility make up this unique agricultural destination. The vineyard and distillery at Black Star Farms produce some of Michigan's most coveted and award-winning wines and spirits. Their opulent Inn is the ideal setting for exclusive special occasions such as weddings, corporate retreats, and family gatherings. Dinners at the Inn and wood-fired pizzas at the Hearth & Vine, both on the Suttons Bay site, are among the culinary options.

Shopping in the Neighborhood

In lakeside locations throughout Benzie and Leelanau counties, small towns and tiny villages offer delightful shopping. From bookstores to greenhouses, boutiques to galleries, jewelers to clothiers, sweets to wine, you'll find it all here.

Antique shops, craft shops, galleries, wineries, and farm stalls may be found all throughout the countryside. There are also proprietors, not franchises, to be found.

The small village of Glen Arbor is only a few minutes away from The Homestead, where you may pick up a new skirt, sporting items, or beach reading. Empire and Frankfort, two small Michigan communities with some hidden beauties, are located further south and west. Leland and Suttons Bay, both to the north and east of The Homestead, are attractive towns with fascinating businesses.

Please visit the Sleeping Bear Dunes Visitors Bureau for a more detailed overview of shopping in the area, and be sure to pick up a copy of the free map it prints each year. It's offered at Cavanaugh's and the Welcome Center.

Activities in the Area and at the Resort

In many ways, this place has remained mostly unchanged since the Ojibway dubbed it "Leelanau," which means "country of bliss." You'll notice that the speed hasn't changed much. The way of life is still laid-back and enjoyable. The harbor and dunes are still stunning, and the beaches are still broad. There are still plenty of things to choose from, some of which are easier and others which are more intense.

The fact that we are located within the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore adds to the uniqueness of many of the activities. The beaches, dunes, rivers, and lakes are unlike any other, and whether you want to enjoy them while swimming, strolling, hiking, climbing, riding, fishing, kayaking, or sightseeing, they will make your stay unforgettable. They're a living laboratory for birding, wildlife viewing, and nature hikes of all kinds, including dark skies and northern lights.

Try hang gliding, kite surfing, and scuba diving in the summer, or skiing, biking, or snowshoeing in the winter for extra action. To learn more about what to do in this beautiful part of Northern Michigan, click on the list.

Tennis

Discover Clay Courts with a view of Lake Michigan
The clay courts will present a new challenge for experienced players. They're easy on the joints and perfect for honing your racquet skills for beginning players. You'll love the gorgeous lakeside views and easy access to all of the Beach Club's amenities, no matter how long you've been playing. Their extensive selection of private and semi-private courses, as well as workshops for adults and children, are ideal for honing existing talents or developing new ones.

Boating

They can help you explore the coast of the Dunes in a kayak, test your fitness on a stand-up paddleboard, or simply relax in a good old-fashioned paddle boat. Regardless of the option you choose, you'll be able to take in the breathtaking view of the Sleeping Bear Dunes while relaxing in the comfort of the Beach Club, where a nice drink and a warm welcome await you. Powerboats are something they don't have at the resort. Unfortunately, renting them from the Beach Club causes some of the waterfront guests to be disturbed. Fortunately, they have pals who can assist you in this area as well.

Trails

The National Lakeshore is right outside your door, with miles of pathways of all degrees of difficulty. Whether you're searching for a relaxing afternoon walk with the family or a heart-pumping, sweat-inducing challenge, the area features some of Northern Michigan's best trails. The hotels, villas, and residences at The Homestead are all within walking distance of two of them. Others are only a few miles distant. For many of them, you'll need a park pass, which you may get as part of a lodging package, pick up at the Welcome Center, or purchase at any ranger station. When you arrive, they'll be pleased to give you a map. They can also get you set up and ready to go if you want to explore the trails on a bike, cross-country skis, or snowshoes.

Swimming

On a hot summer day, it's difficult to imagine anything better than a plunge in Lake Michigan's cold, clear waters in Sleeping Bear Bay. Unless it's to take a stroll along the gorgeous beach or build a sandcastle near the coast on the beach recently named "No. 1 of the 8 Best Beaches to Visit This Summer" by Money Magazine. Consider a journey down the Mountain Village pool's waterslide, the Beach Club pool's cascading waterfall, or the Spa's private pool's breathtaking vistas. They have teachers that can teach you or your children to swim if you or they do not know how to swim.

Fishing

Anglers refer to them as "holy waters." They're rare areas where the fishing is good and every cast provides the opportunity to wash away the stresses of daily life and recall what a wonderful planet we live in. A charter fishing trip allows you to appreciate the beauty of Lake Michigan while also providing a fun way to spend time with friends or family. Guests can fish along the Crystal River on the property. Fishing licenses are available from the Department of Natural Resources.

Lawn games

Consider the past. How did you and your family spend all of those lovely moments? "Playing games" is the answer for many of us.

We're not talking about the board games you play on rainy days. No, we're talking about classic lawn games to enjoy at the resort. So gather your loved ones and partake in the fun. All of them are complimentary:

  • Connect Four
  • Cornhole
  • Croquet
  • Jenga
  • Ladder Ball
  • Ring-On-A-String 
Bird Watching

You've come to the perfect location if you're just starting your life list or if the Piping Plover is the last bird you need to see. A migratory flyway confluence, as well as extensive areas of conserved territory in Leelanau County, particularly around the Sleeping Bear Dunes, assure that this location will delight any birder. The Sleeping Bear Birding Trail, which maintains a list of good birding areas and offers a smartphone app to assist identify regional animals, is a terrific place to start.

Golf 
  • Mountain Flowers. This demanding nine-hole, par-3 executive course, which takes you up and down steep hills, over a glittering pond, over sand outcroppings, and back to a charming village, will not disappoint. Take your camera with you since the views of Lake Michigan, the Sleeping Bear Dunes, the Glen Lakes, and the Crystal River Valley are all worth photographing.

  • Manitou Passage Golf Club. One of the most peaceful yet interesting golf courses in the country may be found on acres of rolling hills between Pyramid Point and Leland, just east of Good Harbor Bay. Arnold Palmer's parkland-style classic, Manitou Passage, is here. Wide-open meadows, deep hardwoods, red and white pine borders, significant elevation changes, and water dangers are just a few of the challenges.

    The front nine has holes that meander through, climb over, and dip down corridors defined by fescues, hardwoods, and pines. Palmer named the eighth hole as one of his favorite par fives. You'll realize why once you try it.

    The back nine isn't as mountainous as the front nine, but it's no less difficult. Its final hole is a short Par 5 with a water carry to the green that must avoid the bunkers on the left and the water on the right.

    Golfers will have great memories of the course, clubhouse, and multi-level, heavily manicured terrace overlooking No. 18.

Biking

Road bikers will find the open road in Leelanau County to be both tough and wonderfully scenic, with its regular ascents and descents. Though biking is prohibited on the Sleeping Bear Dunes Heritage Trail, it is permitted on other paths in the National Lakeshore, and there are many more magnificent sites that will challenge mountain bikers and recreational riders of all skill levels.

The Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail is one of their favorites for getting some fresh air with the family. It connects to the Homestead and offers several miles of attractive and well-maintained trails for cyclists of all abilities. Another option is the Leelanau Conservancy's Palmer Woods mountain riding track.

Fitness

We offer the facilities to assist you to attain your next milestone or get started, whether working out is an old love or something you've been meaning to start. New Leaf, located in the center of Mountain Village, is brightly lit and equipped with cutting-edge cardio and resistance training equipment, free weights, and a variety of fitness courses to help anyone reach their goals.

Spa Amira

Amira is a site of breathtaking natural beauty, visible from hundreds of feet above Lake Michigan. It offers spectacular panoramic views of the Sleeping Bear Dunes and the Manitou Islands. It's been welcoming guests who want to unwind and rejuvenate in a classy country environment without losing the luxury and service they expect and appreciate for years. Its trademark therapies, which include locally derived herbs, plants, and minerals, as well as friendly personnel and beautiful vistas, await you.

Lillyjade, a Salon

Before entering the prettiest salon you'll ever see, you'll pass by shimmering ponds and babbling brooks. You'll be enchanted by a toasty fireplace, warm wood floors, soothing hues, soft leathers, sumptuous furnishings, stylish fixtures, and magnificent chair-side vistas. The assistance of a pleasant team of pros will also help.

Area Attractions

Artisanal Food & Beverage

Small farmers and craftsmen are helping to bring their freshly harvested food and hand-made products back to their tables in a quiet revolution taking place across America. Leelanau has been a terrific spot for foodies since the local winemaking industry exploded in the 1970s. Those original winemakers have now met their match in brewers, cider makers, distillers, bakers, chefs, and chocolatiers who are just as passionate. Many of these products are available at Cavanaugh's in Mountain Village, but make time to visit their farms, roadside stands, and tasting rooms. Here is a handful that comes up frequently:

  • Brewers. Five Shores Brewing, Beulah Lake Ann Brewing Company, Lake Ann Stormcloud, Frankfort
  • Cider Maker. Tandem Ciders, Suttons Bay
  • Distiller. Northern Latitudes Distillery, Lake Leelanau
  • Restaurants. Birch & Maple, Frankfort, Blu, Name, Glen Arbor, Café Manitou, The Homestead, Glen Arbor Cove, Name, Leland, Riverside Inn, Name, Leland
  • Chocolatier. Grocer’s Daughter, Empire
Art Galleries

They're proud of the region's rich artistic tradition, which has inspired generations of artists working in various mediums thanks to its natural beauty and hospitality. The Oliver Art Center in Frankfort oliverartcenterfrankfort.org, the Interlochen Center for the Arts in Interlochen interlochen.org, the Glen Arbor Arts Center in Glen Arbor glenarborart.org, and the Leelanau County Cultural Center in Leland oldartbuilding.com are all recommended to all of their guests. They also invite their visitors to look over some of the galleries on sleepingbeardunes.com.

Day Trips
  • North. To get to Leland, take M-22 north. Explore Main Street's stores and galleries, Fishtown, a well-preserved and highly scenic fishing village, have a made-to-order sandwich at the Cheese Shanty, or have lunch at The Cove overlooking the dam and swim at Van's Beach. Return to The Homestead and pick up a Cavanaugh's ready-to-heat or ready-to-eat supper.

  • Central. Get your Sleeping Bear Dunes Visitors Bureau map, park pass, picnic lunch, and beverages from Cavanaugh's, then climb the dune, drive the Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive, and stop for a picnic with a sweeping vista of America's "Most Beautiful Place." Cool off with a swim at Esch Road Beach, which is particularly suitable for small children because Otter Creek flows into Lake Michigan there. Visit friendsofsleepingbear.org for more information. Celebrate the occasion with a delicious supper on the deck of Café Manitou, which overlooks Lake Michigan and the Crystal River.

  • South. Start your day early by driving to and touring Benzie County's most popular sight, the Point Betsie Lighthouse (www.pointbetsie.org). Take your camera and go on the tour; it's really photogenic. Then head north to Riverside Canoes to rent a canoe, kayak, or tube. https://www.canoemichigan.com The river is more difficult than the Crystal River, but you'll be swimming against the current, making it easier. Whiskers is a great place to end the day with an alfresco supper cooked over a wood-fired grill.
Movies

Movie buffs will be enthralled by the variety of options available in the area, both major and little, old and new. The Traverse City Film Festival, which is enormous and popular, and the smaller but delightful Frankfort Film Festival are both multi-day events. The State Theater and Bijou by the Bay in Traverse City, as well as the Bay Theater in Downtown Suttons Bay, are must-sees for fans of foreign and indie cinema. All of them are historical flashbacks that are entertaining for the whole family. AMC Cinemas in Traverse City has two screens and shows most of the popular new films in the area.

Museums

Whether you wish to learn about the history of the region's indigenous peoples in Peshawbestown, learn about the process of European settlement, or enjoy beautiful art, Leelanau County has a museum that will stimulate and enhance your mind. Please keep in mind that several of these museums are only open during certain seasons, and some of them vary their hours on a regular basis. Before planning a visit, please call or check the museum's website. Here's a list to get you started:

  • Dennos Museum Center, Traverse City
  • Empire Area Museum Center, Empire
  • Eyaawing Museum and Cultural Center, Peshawbestown
  • Great Lakes Children’s Museum, Traverse City
  • Sleeping Bear Point Coast Guard Station Maritime Museum
Sightseeing

Get a copy of the Sleeping Bear Dunes Visitors Bureau map of the area for a complete list and a great map. It can be purchased online at sleepingbeardunes.com or picked up at The Homestead's Welcome Center and a number of local businesses. To get you started, here's a list of web addresses for some popular tourist attractions.

  • Frankfort. Betsie Rive, Betsie Lake and Harbor, Mineral Springs, Breakwater Lighthouse, Point Betsie Lighthouse
  • Empire and Glen Arbor. D.H. Day Farm, Empire Bluff Trail, Glen Haven Historic District and Beach
  • Glen Lake. Inspiration Point, Lake Michigan Park, Sleeping Bear Dunes Visitors Center, Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail, Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive, Pyramid Point Trail
  • Leland. Fishtown, Clay Cliffs Natural Area, Vans Beach

Wineries

Many of the privately held lands in the villages surrounding the Sleeping Bear Dunes have been used for agricultural purposes for years, with sweet and tart cherries being the most common crop. Although cherries are still a major crop in this five-county region (50 percent of the nation's cherries are farmed there), today's farmers have discovered that the soils and temperature are ideal for grapes. In Leelanau County, 25 vineyards have been established so far. In addition to tours and tastings, the vineyards' drives offer scenic country roads with breathtaking views. Here are a few that have received positive feedback from past visitors:

ARNIE'S

There are no reservations available. There's no need to rush. It's basically an elegant yet laid-back clubhouse grill with a beautiful collection of Arnold Palmer memorabilia commemorating his illustrious career. Get a drink and check out his discography; you'll be blown away. Step outside to a multi-level terrace with breathtaking views of the Arnold Palmer Signature Course's 18th hole. Only for lunch. Indoor and outdoor drinking and dining that is both upscale and casual. Beautiful vistas, and it's free to visit.

ART'S TAVERN

Always locally owned and operated, with a genuine throwback feel. Art's Tavern is one of the few remaining authentic "Up North" corner hangouts. Breakfast, lunch, and supper are served every day of the year.

BLACK STAR FARMS

Two wineries with adjacent tasting rooms, a distillery, an Inn, and an equestrian facility make up this unique agricultural destination. The vineyard and distillery at Black Star Farms produce some of Michigan's most coveted and award-winning wines and spirits. Their opulent Inn is the ideal setting for exclusive special occasions such as weddings, corporate retreats, and family gatherings. Dinners at the Inn and wood-fired pizzas at the Hearth & Vine, both on the Suttons Bay site, are among the culinary options.

BLU

Chef Randy Chamberlain's daily-changing meals will be influenced by European techniques combined with local foods and the finest from elsewhere, with an emphasis on the goods, simplicity, and flavor. Sommelier Mari Chamberlain has hand-picked a wine list that includes vintners from all around the world, as well as local favorites. Blu has garnered multiple awards since its inception in 2008, including a James Beard nomination for Best Chef-Great Lakes and plaudits from Wine Spectator and Travel+Leisure.

BLUE MOON ICE CREAM

There are 20 types of premium hand-dipped ice cream, premium soft serve, and sugar-free yogurt to choose from. Shakes, malts, flurries, sundaes, slushies, glaciers, and handcrafted waffle cones are just a few of the treats available. Sandwiches with hot dogs, chili dogs, brats, polish, and bbq sauce.

BLUSTONE VINEYARDS

The simplicity and beauty of Leelanau's "hidden" gem have long been one of the favorite aspects of the area. The ambition to create Blustone was formed out of a connection to the land found only here among the lakes, dunes, hills, and bright fields. Their name is a reflection of that connection, as well as the joy of life that they seek to instill in each sip of wine.

CAFE MANITOU AT THE HOMESTEAD

This is where the Sleeping Bear Dunes begin. Generations of families have laughed and loved, learned, and lived where the Crystal River meets Lake Michigan. Gourmet meals in the evenings and simpler fare during the day are available at this private facility for members and guests of The Homestead. Tennis on clay courts, a pool, and one of the world's most magnificent beaches round out the amenities. In the fall, I am available for weddings.

CAVANAUGH'S AT THE HOMESTEAD

This brand-new grocerant is exactly that: an immersive experience that's part grocery, part restaurant. The day begins with coffee, pastries, news, and conversation. Pizzas made right in front of your eyes, rotisserie chicken and ribs, a soup and salad bar, insanely amazing cookies, and other ready-to-eat or ready-to-heat meals round out the menu.

DAM CANDY STORE

Fishtown, Leland, is home to the Dam Candy Store. They sell a wide range of candy, sweets, and ice cream.

FORTY-FIVE NORTH VINEYARD & WINERY

Forty-Five North Vineyard & Winery, located in Leelanau County, Michigan, is a family-owned winery that produces a variety of award-winning wines.

Frequently Asked Questions
Who owns The Homestead Resort in Glen Arbor, Michigan?
Robert Kuras is the owner of The Homestead Resort in Glen Arbor, Michigan.

What city is The Homestead Resort located in?
The Homestead Resort is located in Glen Arbor, Michigan.