Leelanau State Park, located at the tip of Michigan's Leelanau Peninsula, is home to more than 1,550 acres set along Lake Michigan. The park is home to a rustic campground, mini cabins, a lighthouse, 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 where the park's popular trail system (Cathead Bay) and sandy beach (via the Lake Michigan Trail) are located.
The iconic Grand Traverse Lighthouse stands in the park and is one of the oldest on the Great Lakes. Tours are available.
Coming soon! The park's track chair - capable of handling trails, snow, sand and shallow water - will expand access beyond traditional wheelchairs. The chair will be available for visitors to borrow at no cost
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.
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.
The park's track chair expands access beyond traditional wheelchairs. The chair is available for visitors to borrow at no cost.
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.
The Lighthouse Gift Shop sells clothing, books, souvenirs, some camping supplies, snack items and more.
There are free, self-pay EV fast-charging stations in the park.
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 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.
The iconic Grand Traverse Lighthouse provides beautiful views, a fascinating history and guided tours. There is a gift shop, fog signal building featuring activities and artifacts. There is an entrance fee and it's generally open April through October. Call 231-386-7195 to confirm current operating hours.
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. 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. There are two mini cabins that are pet friendly too.
The picnic area is in the day-use area and includes picnic tables and charcoal grills that are available first come, first serve.
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.
Leelanau State Park's rustic campground is located directly at the tip of the Leelanau Peninsula. The rocky beach, rustic campsites and big trees give this campground a cool and unique vibe. About half of the campsites are located right on the water and the others are tucked into the woods with a little more privacy and views of the lake.
There is access to drinking water and a place to fill trailers with potable water. There are no electricity, modern restrooms, showers or dump station available.
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There are three mini cabins (with covered porches) located in the campground. Each cabin sleeps five people and includes two sets of bunkbeds (one double bed and three single beds). You'll find a mini refrigerator, microwave and electric wall heater. Adirondack chairs, a picnic table, a fire pit and a waist-high cook grill can be found outdoors. The cabins have electricity. You must provide your own linens.
The Hemlock and Cedar Mini Cabins are pet friendly. There is an additional fee of $10 per night/pet/cabin. Up to two pets (cats and dogs only) are allowed.
The Evergreen Mini Cabin includes an accessible ramp. There is a gravel-packed trail leading to the vault toilet.
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While there aren't any upcoming park events listed at this time, you can check out the DNR's calendar of events.
