| Before the dam was built, there were three different bodies of water beyond the river. The dam raised the water level 12 feet and created one large lake, now called Lake Leelanau, which is navigable all the way to the village of Cedar. |
| Leland
Est. 1853
The County Seat since 1883.
Leland is located on the west shore of the Leelanau peninsula just opposite North Manitou Island, at the mouth of the Leland (Carp) River. It is 11 miles south of Northport, 16 miles north of Glen Arbor, and 25 miles northwest of Traverse City.
"Like a beautiful gem set forth in a cluster, Leland lies placidly upon the water of Lake Michigan, attracting the traveler and offering every inducement to the tourist to pause for a few days or weeks, to drink in the perfect air and absorb the sunshine that is warranted to be life giving at this quiet place.
Here at this sequestered town—where the waves break wild or gently—either storming or caressing the sands, one can change his mind from "strenuousness" to love.
Leland is quiet and beautiful—all blend into one family, and each person knows the others' affairs like brothers and sisters.
But the town. When the low sun sinks in a bank of clouds the carnelian dyes of North Manitou Island in royal purple, against which Leland stands out like an entranced village. At times the gold of the sky and the blue of the lake spread out like broad bands—that wave across Leland's front—and look like ribbons woven in the sky…It can get the spirit rejuvenated and the stomach well-filled without much effort of the purse strings."—Referenced in Vintage Views of Leelanau County by Byron & Wilson.
What's Best?
The close-knit, caring and supportive community. The fishing crews that set sail from the harbor—manly men that head out on the great lake. Fishtowns' picturesque charm and colorful history.
Where to Meet Locals?
At the Bluebird. On Main Street during the 4th of July Parade. Venues at the Old Art Building. At the golf course (members only). Watching the kids' sailing regatta on Lake Leelanau. Cheering at the girls' volleyball game.
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.
Historical Sketch
Leland is the site of the oldest and largest Ottawa village on the peninsula. Not far from the river which flowed into Lake Michigan, bark-covered shelters, gardens and fishing sites marked the settlement of Mishi-me-go-bing, "the place where canoes run up into the river to land, because they have no harbor". The first European settlers arrived from North Manitou Island in 1853.
Click for a map of Leland
Leland Events (from the Leelanau Calendar)
07/12/08 - Artists' Market
07/25/08 - Art Leelanau Benefit Opening Night Gala
07/26/08 - Art Leelanau Benefit & Exhibition
08/08/08 - Melanie Parke/Richard Kooyman Summer Art Exhibition
08/14/08 - Leland Sidewalk Sales
09/20/08 - Leland Heritage Celebration
10/10/08 - Fiber Festival
10/25/08 - Leland Fall Frenzy
10/31/08 - Go Fish! Weekend Culinary Retreat
12/06/08 - Merry Marketplace
Leland Photos
Good Harbor Bay Aerial Photo
Leland Links
Leelanau Historical Museum
Leland Public Schools
Leland Report
The Beechnut Review (Leland Student Journal)
The Old Art Building / Cultural Center
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