Leelanau State Park

15310 N. Lighthouse Point Rd.
Northport MI, 49670-9717

231-386-5422
TTY/TDD711 (Michigan Relay Center)

1550 (Acres)

Required

Leelanau State Park, located at the tip of the little finger on the beautiful Leelanau Peninsula, has more than 1,550 acres waiting for visitors to explore. The park is home to the Grand Traverse Lighthouse Museum, a rustic campground, mini cabins, the park’s trail system (also known as Cathead Bay trails), an interactive playground and a picnic area with a pavilion.
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Leelanau State Park, located at the tip of Michigan’s Leelanau Peninsula, is home to more than 1,550 acres waiting for visitors to explore. The park showcases the Grand Traverse Lighthouse Museum, a rustic campground, mini cabins, the park’s trail system (also known as Cathead Bay trails), an interactive playground and a picnic area with a pavilion.

The park is divided into two sections located just a few miles apart. The northern unit encompasses the day-use area, lighthouse and rustic campground. The southern unit is home to the popular park’s trail system (Cathead Bay) and sandy beach (via the Lake Michigan Trail).

The iconic Grand Traverse Lighthouse stands in the park and is one of the oldest on the Great Lakes. Tours are available.

Thanks to the Friends of Leelanau State Park.

track chair iconThe park's track chair – capable of handling trails, snow, sand and shallow water – expands access beyond traditional wheelchairs. The chair is available for visitors to borrow at no cost.

Campgrounds

Leelanau-Mini Cabins
800-447-2757
(3)
Leelanau-Rustic Campground
800-447-2757
(51)

Trails

Leelanau-Cathead Bay Trails
Trail Length: 8.50 (Miles)

About the Area

View Online Visitor's Guide

A number of attractions and communities are located nearby, including Northport (10-minute drive), Suttons Bay (30-minute drive), Leland (30-minute drive), Glen Arbor (1 hour drive) and Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.

Activities (Display as List)

Biking Item is accessible.
Biking: There are no trails in the park for biking; however, many visitors bike from the northern unit to the southern unit (where the park’s trail system is located) along a widened shoulder on Lighthouse Point Road.
Cross-Country Skiing Item is accessible.
Cross-Country Skiing
Hiking Item is accessible.
Hiking
History Programs Item is accessible.
History Programs: The Grand Traverse Lighthouse offers self-guided tours and some programming. It’s generally open April through October. Call 231-386-7195 to confirm current operating hours. There is an entrance fee.
Hunting Item is accessible.
Hunting: Hunting is allowed in some sections of the state park; however, you should call this park directly to inquire about any special rules, concerns or considerations.
Pet-Friendly Area Item is accessible.
Pet-Friendly Area:

Pets are allowed along the Lake Michigan shoreline near the lighthouse and campground. Pets are not permitted along the shoreline in Cathead Bay (accessible via trail system) due to piping plover habitat. There are two mini cabins that are pet friendly too.

Pets must always be on a six-foot leash and under an owner’s immediate control. All pet waste must be properly disposed of in trash receptacles.

Snowshoeing Item is accessible.
Snowshoeing

Facilities (Display as List)

Concession/ Store Item is accessible.
Concession/ Store: The Lighthouse Gift Shop sells clothing, books, souvenirs, some camping supplies, snack items and more.
Lighthouse Item is accessible.
Lighthouse:

The iconic Grand Traverse Lighthouse provides beautiful views, a fascinating history and guided tours. There is a working fog signal horn (used for demonstrations), a gift shop and other exhibits on the property. There is an entrance fee.

The lighthouse operated by the nonprofit Grand Traverse Lighthouse Museum and is generally open April through October. Call 231-386-7195 to confirm current operating hours.

Observation Platform Item is accessible.
Observation Platform: There is an observation platform located along the Lake Michigan Trail in the Cathead Bay trail system. On a clear day, you may be able to see the Fox Islands or watch the sunset over North Manitou Island from the platform.
Picnic Area Item is accessible.
Picnic Area: The picnic area is in the day-use area and includes picnic tables and charcoal grills that are available first come, first serve.
Picnic Shelter Item is accessible.
Picnic Shelter: There is a picnic shelter located in the day-use area that includes picnic tables, charcoal grills, electrical (reservations only) and vault toilets. Shelter reservations can be made 12 months in advance at MIDNRReservations.com.
Playground Item is accessible.
Playground: An accessible, interactive playground featuring slides, a log balance beam, a crow's nest, trapeze rings and more is located in the day-use area. It sits on a rubberized surface that makes access easier for all mobility levels.
Rustic Site Item is accessible.
Rustic Site
Vault Toilet Item is accessible.
Vault Toilet
Water Access Item is accessible.
Water Access:

The main part of the state park – including the lighthouse, rustic campground and day-use area – encompasses the entire tip of the Leelanau Peninsula. Visitors also can drive 4 miles south to access the park’s trail system (also known as Cathead Bay trails) and hike along a sandy beach on a separate piece of park land.

Please be mindful of Great Lakes beach safety.