Parks & Hikes

Parks

  • Leland Village Green
    Plan a picnic at our beautiful village park, with extensive gardens and plenty of shade, located on Main Street at the north end of town - owned and maintained by the Leelanau Conservancy.

  • Barthalomew Park (Nedow’s Beach)
    Public beach and park on North Lake Leelanau with boat launch. picnic area and dock. Also has lifeguard a some times during the summer and swimming lessons. On Pearl St., east of Main Street 7 blocks.

  • Hancock Field
    Leland Township and Leland Public School shared sports and recreation complex with public tennis/ and basketball courts, skate park, baseball, softball and soccer fields, playground and covered picnic area.

  • Suelzer Township Park
    Located on 641, northeast of Leland, at the northern end of North Lake Leelanau. Picnic tables, boat launch, dock and playground.

  • Schneider Beach
    Public beach with picnic area on North Lake Leelanau at the end of Popp Road (off M-204), 1.5 miles west of village of Lake Leelanau.

Hikes

  • Whaleback Natural Area
    This beautiful 40 acre natural area with hiking trail is open to the public. Hike this bluff and claim your reward - a spectacular Lake Michigan view that brings visitors back again and again.

    • When you visit, please be aware the land on both sides of the access trail is private and not open to the public.

    • This hike is 1.5 hours, challenging, steep access trial to flat 3/4 mile hilltop loop.

    • Located off M-22, 1.5 miles south of Leland. Look for the Leelanau Conservancy sign.

  • Houdek Dunes Natural Area
    Explore, hike, snowshoe or cross-country ski the trails in this 337 acre natural area.

    • Moderate hiking includes sandy trails, stairs, and slopes.

    • Info kiosk at trailhead, benches at ancient maple. Hikers should note that hunting is allowed at Houdek Dunes Natural Area - by permit only. Please use caution when using the trail during hunting season and wear appropriate colors.

    • Take M-22 five miles north of Leland. One mile past County Road 626, look for Conservancy sign and parking on left.

  • Clay Cliffs
    Beautiful forested hiking spot featuring meadows, cliffs, an overlook and a lake view.

    • 1.5 mile trail system on flat and hilly terrain. There is a viewing platform above the bluffs, with breathtaking views from 200 feet above Lake Michigan. On the trail to the bluff there are views of Lake Leelanau to the East.

  • Visit the Leelanau Conservancy for a complete list of Leelanau county trails. Visit on your own or for more information and a schedule of guided hikes contact the Leelanau Conservancy, 231-256-9665