EXPLORE THE AREa’s local
Attractions
Explore the area
Birch Shores Resort on Little Glen lake is just 0.4 miles off busy M-22 on bucolic Day Forest Road, steps from the National Lakeshore and adjacent to the Alligator Hill Trails. There are restaurants, shopping, and many things to do.
You’ll love being centrally located just two miles from Glen Arbor’s dining and shopping and three miles from the Sleeping Bear Dunes Climb. Glen Arbor has free modern basketball and tennis courts. Local attractions include a beautiful playground for your tots, a kayak excursion down the Crystal River, chartering a salmon fishing expedition on Lake Michigan or visiting the Lake Michigan beaches. Boondocks for outdoor music and dinning, Art’s Tavern for pool & local color, Becky Thacher’s for gorgeous jewelry, the Totem Shop for souvenirs, Blu for elegant dinners overlooking Lake Michigan…the Glen Arbor list goes on and on.
Experiences right here
Admire awesome sunsets and an unmatched view of the Sleeping Bear Dunes across Glen Lake. The public boat launch for Glen Lake is nearby. The cottages are surrounded by Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, with access to the Alligator Hill Trails directly across Day Forest Road. Abundant wildlife – Deer, Fawns, Ducklings and Mama Duck, 5 different Woodpeckers, Swans and Foxes can all be seen on our grounds. You are on the most beautiful inland Lake in America!
We are just 0.4 miles off busy M-22 on bucolic Day Forest Road, steps from the National Lakeshore and adjacent to the Alligator Hill Trails. It is 2 miles to Glen Arbor and 3 miles to the Dunes. Stunning Lake Views and gorgeous sunsets. The sandy bottom lake in front of our cabins stays waist deep for over 100 yards from the shore, greatly enhancing water safety for the younger kids. We are nearby the Public Boat Launch for our Guests with boats – and have 2 Guest deep-water boat moorings and room for parking Guest boat trailers on our property. There are 2 separate Docks for Guests enjoyment, with sunset viewing benches on each. Inside the Dock bench storage are an ample supply of adult and kids flotation vests. A woodsy side area is available for kids to have an overnight “Tenting and Camping” experience.
The waterfront deck is ideal for alfresco dining with a memorable lake view backdrop. Use the picnic table and the gourmet charcoal grill for warm-weather barbecues. Gather around the fire pit to roast s’mores and tell stories when the night comes. Watch for shooting stars and admire the gorgeous starry night sky. Occasionally, the Northern Lights are visible in the clear night sky. Feeling adventurous? Then, pick any of the 4 kayaks available and take them to the sparkling waters of Glen Lake for an entertaining time with your loved ones. Got a couple of young kids? Grab some paddles and go for a canoe ride around the Lake. And when it’s time to finally relax, take your favorite novel and chill-out in the emerald-leaf dappled sunshine on the comfortable deck beneath the big oak tree.
Local Attractions
Birch Shores Resort is just 0.4 miles from M-22 for enjoying the spectacular M-22 Fall Color Tour, 16 miles to the Cherry Bowl Drive-In and just a couple of miles to Glen Arbor restauratns, shopping, art galleries and The Homestead Resort Ski Hill and more.
to the Dune Climb
Dunes Golf Course
Empire Bluff Trail
to Glen Arbor
NPS Visitors Center
Cherry Bowl Drive-In Movie Theater
The Homestead Ski Resort & Restaurants
to Glen Haven
Empire Beach + Playground
Crystal Mountain Resort
Our Favs
Charter Fishing Enjoy a memorable experience on the big waters of Lake Michigan! There are some great local charter fishing companies you may want to contact to book a trip ahead of time. • Mariah Charters and • Watta Bite Charter Fishing
Art’s Tavern Arts is a great place to get a burger and beer! The outside seating is pleasant when the weather is nice. **Bring cash…they don’t take credit cards.
Boonedocks Boonedocks is a casual place. The food is pretty good. If you are vegetarian they have a great “bark eater” sandwich! The outside patio is AMAZING and they usually have live music.
La Becasse La Becasse is unassuming. They describe themselves as “French County.” This has become one of our favorite places! The food is expertly prepared. It’s intimate. For an upscale dinner, please choose La Becasse. And for dessert…the phyllo dough chocolate cake will leave you speechless. Reservations are recommened. Also, enjoy happy hour, el fresco.
Good Harbor Grill Good Harbor is a great place for breakfast and lunch. Casual. Quaint. Cafe-ish.
Blu Blu is another upscale place in Glen Arbor. If are only going to eat one nice meal out, please go to La Becasse, but if you want another nice option, go to Blu. The food is top notch, but the view is better! This restaurant is literally on Lake Michigan. Reservations recommened.
Leelanau Coffee This isn’t the only coffee place in town but they do a great job. They French press all their coffee…what’s better than that?! Try the snickerdoodle roast!
North Peak Brewery North Peak is our favorite beer in Michigan. They use all local ingredients. You can only get it in Michigan. For a lighter beer try Siren (Amber Ale). If you want to put a little hair on your chest, please try Furry (Black IPA). This place is in Traverse City and the ambiance is great, the food is high quality, and you might even see someone you know there.
Jolly Pumpkin This is our hidden gem. Up the Mission Peninsula, Jolly Pumpkin is on the coast. It’s a bit of a drive from the cottage but on your way you feel like you are in a different part of the country…water and pine. Inside, it’s all wood, and in the fall they have a gigantic roaring fire. Feel free to join the Mug Club. We did! Our mugs are always above the bar. For food order the goat cheese and arugula pizza. Before your meal they will bring out seasoned chips with a curry aioli…it’s…um, heaven.
Nonna’s Nonna’s Italian Restaurant is at the Homestead. It’s upscale and worth your time.
Anderson’s IGA Market This is the only grocery store in town without driving to Traverse City. They have a little of everything and the quality of the food is stellar. They are known for being overpriced, but they are close by, convenient, and open.
Glen Lake Chamber of Commerce This site has information on just about everything in our area to explore, from a local business directory, to things to do, trail maps and local events. Check it out!
Pierce Stocking Drive You have never seen a sunset like this one. Pierce Stocking is probably the most breathtaking area in Northern Michigan. Take the scenic drive and bring a blanket, watermelon, and wine. Perch yourself 400 feet above Lake Michigan and watch as the sun falls off the face of the earth (or so it seems). You can actually see the curve of the earth on the water. If you do nothing else do this.
The Homestead Resort While the Homestead Resort, located on the shore of Lake Michigan just a couple miles out of downtown Glen Arbor, is open year round. Enjoy winter activities including cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, family friendly downhill skiing and rentals. Ski • Dine