Discover Glen Lake, the blue jewel of Leelanau County.
Tucked inside the prestigious Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore you’ll find Glen Lake, the blue jewel of Leelanau County. The beauty of these sapphire waters never fails to astonish visitors and attract vacationers. Let’s enjoy the boaters view as we explore Glen Lake and the surrounding area.
Scenic highway M22 passes over a narrow channel connecting two bodies of water. To the east is Big Glen, the larger and deeper of the two lakes with nearly twice as much shoreline and depths plunging to 130 feet. To the West is Little Glen, where the deepest point is 13 feet. To access the water the Glen Lake DNR boat ramp northwest of the M22 bridge offers a paved launch, restrooms and limited trailer parking for boats up to 25 feet. Fishermen in search of lake trout, bass and perch visit year round.
As you motor along Little Glen you can see the famous Dune Climb and forested trails of Alligator Hill inside Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Hikers are treated to spectacular views of these Lakes which were carved by the glaciers.
Cruise under the M22 bridge to explore Big Glen and you’ll notice the sandbars along the channel. These are popular gathering places to anchor and play. Watch as the waters turn from tan to turquoise and onto deep blue in this endless freshwater oasis. The Glen Lake shoreline is surrounded by seasonal homes and vacation rentals in all shapes and sizes. Families have made Glen Lake their home away from home for generations.
Looking for a place to land? Old Settlers Park is a popular picnic spot with restrooms and dock access to the water. There are only two public parks and two marinas where you’ll find fuel docks and snacks available. You can follow a shallow channel at the northern tip where Big Glen flows into Fisher Lake, a quiet refuge perfect for kayaks. This is the headwaters for the Crystal River, which winds its way to Sleeping Bear Bay in Lake Michigan.
For a day trip excursion follow M22 to Glen Arbor, a charming little town just north of Glen Lake where you can eat lunch, shop, or stock up on all things cherry. The lakes and bays of northern Michigan hold a special place in the hearts of locals and visitors alike. There’s nothing better than a view of the water, except the view from the water.
This featured content piece was sponsored by Aussie Watersports.
If your business or organization is interested in sponsoring content on our network, give us a call.
About Traverse Traveler
We believe hospitality means sharing the best of what you have with others. It’s our passion and our privilege to turn tourists into travelers by showcasing the best northern Michigan has to offer.
We work with local small businesses who service the hospitality industry including:
