BEACHES
Lake Michigan:
Glen Haven – is on Sleeping Bear Bay and offers a combination of stunning beach, incredible views, and a historical museum. The Cannery Boat Museum in Glen Haven is located right on the Lake Michigan beach which looks out at the Manitou Islands and the pilings remaining from the old Glen Haven docks. Where to find it: From Glen Arbor, travel on M-109 towards Glen Haven. Also enjoy the Glen Haven historic district! Public parking, no fees.
Glen Arbor – Access to Lake Michigan at the end of Lake Street in Glen Arbor, adjacent to the public boat ramp. Please respect the private beach signs, as these areas belong to homeowners.
Big and Little Glen:
While there are no public typical “beaches” along the shores of Glen Lake, you may enjoy the following:
Old Settler’s Park + Picnic Area – Located on CR 675, close to Laker Shakes, La Becasse and Funistrada in Burdickville. Enjoy playground equipment, a gazebo, public restrooms, non-motorized boat launch and dock extended into the shallow waters. For more information on reserving this area for private events, visit the Leelanau County Government website.
Little Glen Picnic Area – Located off M-109, close to the Dune Climb. A grassy area with public restrooms, picnic tables and parking on the shores of Little Glen Lake. You may also launch your kayaks, SUPs or canoes from this area – provided you can carry your watercraft from your car to the shore!
CHARTER BOATS
Fishing charter trips for all ages and skill levels are available from several local charter companies:
Watta Bite Charter Fishing - Glen Arbor
Reel Tales Charters - Glen Arbor
MOTORIZED BOAT RENTALS + MARINAS
Pontoon boats, speed boats, jet skis and more are available for rent from these local businesses:
Sunset Watersports – rentals and delivery to boat launch sites
NON-MOTORIZED RENTALS + TRIPS
Canoe, kayak, SUP (Stand Up Paddle board) trips and equipment rentals available from:
BOAT LAUNCH SITES
CRYSTAL RIVER
• Canoes, Kayaks or Paddle Boards, public access found at the intersection of Co. Rd 675 (W Crystal View Rd.) & S. Fisher Road. Part of the SBD National Park, amenities include an Parking Lot, Outhouse, Crystal River Trailhead access, Access to the non-motorized Heritage Trail, and a non-motorized boat put-in.
• There are also carry-in launch sites or take-outs marked, along W. Crystal View Road, where the River goes under the road.
LITTLE GLEN LAKE
A public DNR boat ramp is located on Day Forest Road, just off M-22 by the Narrows Bridge (motorized/non-motorized). You can also access Big Glen from your boat by putting in here.
BIG GLEN LAKE
There is a public ramp for non-motorized boats at Old Settler’s Park in Burdickville.
LAKE MICHIGAN
• W Bay Lane (Carry-In Access) in Glen Arbor, located at the end of Bay Lane. Heading North/East out of Glen Arbor on W Harbor HWY (M-22), turn Left (west) on Bay Lane which is just north of Glen Arbor before you get to the Leelanau School or The Homestead.
• The road-end on South Sunset Shores Drive (Carry-In Access) in Port Oneida
• Lake Street in Glen Arbor, located at the end of the street adjacent to LeBear Resort on Lake Michigan. A Fee & Permit from the Glen Arbor Township is required. Minimal parallel parking available.
• County Road 669 (Bohemian Road) – Carry-In Access – Vault toilet and water available between Memorial Day and Labor Day. 125 feet between parking lot and beach.
If you are interested in canoeing or kayaking in the area, we recommend you launch at one of the public boat ramps. You may also call or email Crystal River Outfitters for more information and pricing on kayak/canoe/SUP rentals.