| "Scenically Lake Leelanau stands alone among summer places. Mile after mile of lakeshore opens before the eyes of the tourist, each turn in the road and every twist in the shoreline opening up a new and more startling vista. A boat trip the length of the twenty mile lake is a treat which few people forget." — Traverse City Record Eagle, 1926 |
| Lake Leelanau
Est.1860
The village of Lake Leelanau is located at the narrowest point of Lake Leelanau (originally called Carp Lake). It is five miles southeast of Leland, and 2.5 miles west of Suttons Bay.
"Located at the Narrows of Lake Leelanau, approximately half way up the lake, the village of Lake Leelanau owes its settlement to the fact that it was a natural gathering place of travelers forced to cross Lake Leelanau in trips from Leland to Suttons Bay, on the opposite side of the Leelanau Peninsula. At one time there was only a rowboat ferry, then a larger ferry, and finally the present bridge. The village was settled by Frenchmen who in the early days of the region came to the country from Canada and planted a vineyard, now almost entirely gone...Here may be seen stores with pure French names prominently displayed. Here may be seen a Catholic Church, convent and school, around which the entire village is centered..."
—Referenced in Vintage Views of Leelanau County by Byron & Wilson.
What's Best?
The family centered community with it's parish and school as the focal point. Cruising the lake from tip to tail on a warm summer day with a stop for lunch at Dick's Poor House. Fifty-one miles of shoreline and a dozen or more flowing streams for excellent walleye, bass, and trout fishing.
Where to Meet Locals?
At the Walleye Tournament. For a cuppa-Joe at Kejara's Bridge. At church on Sunday morning.
About the School District
Leland Public Schools is a Class D, K-12 school with 433 students. The district covers 75 square miles and serves West Central Leelanau County. Within the town of Lake Leelanau is St. Mary's, the only Catholic School in Leelanau County. St. Mary's is a Class D, K-12 school.
Historical Sketch
The village of Lake Leelanau, formerly called Provemont, had its beginnings when the Schaub family came in 1855 and took up farming. They are credited with planting the first vineyard in Leelanau County. The hills just west of the lake were found to be ideal for vines, and wine was made for local use and for Detroit and Ohio markets.
Click for a map of Lake Leelanau
Lake Leelanau Events (from the Leelanau Calendar)
09/06/08 - Frontier Adventure Challenge - Searchmont Resort
Lake Leelanau Photos
Lake Leelanau Links
Leland Public School
St. Mary Parish and School
The Leelanau Enterprise
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