Top 10 Free Things To Do and Attractions in Lake Leelanau

"You can enjoy plenty of indoor and outdoor fun in this 480-acre common area. The architecture is lovely. It’s a state hospital and asylum that was built in 1984, the Victorian buildings for which have been preserved and repurposed into an entertaining public area."

"Best Beach for Amateur Archeologists and Snorkeling: A small, quiet beach at the end of Division Street on West Bay, with restrooms and a small parking lot, this can be a fine place for morning sunbathing and swimming, and is popular among families with small children. But its most unique feature is that much of Traverse City�s frontier waterfront was located just west of the beach -- you can still see the jagged stumps of old wharves and piers out in the water, which frequently washes up bits of sand-frosted glass and smoothed bits of planks from long-ago sawmills. Overlooking West Grand Traverse Bay at the foot of Division Street, on Grandview Parkway, just west of downtown."

"Running in a sandy arc from Traverse City’s Open Space a mile west to M-72, West End Beach has long provided a measure of summer’s vital signs. Locals and visitors stake out space on shore, while boaters anchor nearby, creating a boat-to-shore social scene. The region’s most active volleyball action fires up here as well, with teams competing nearly every evening all summer long."

"Adjacent to Volleyball Beach, separated by Division Street, on the west end of the downtown Traverse City shoreline is West End Beach. West End Beach is one of the favorite places for those who desire some quieter beach time than you’ll find on other downtown beaches. People go here for more tranquil mornings and take smaller kids here."

"Best Beach for young families and small children: This park at the city�s eastern edge is located in a quiet residential neighborhood that�s sheltered by lots of majestic pines. Here there are extensive picnic areas, restrooms, a nice play area, a lifeguard station and a shallow sloping beach. But the best advantage is that there isn�t very much automobile traffic nearby, and the water is extremely shallow for quite a long way."

"Located on East Bay Boulevard, Easy Bay Park has a lot going for it. Views of the glass tower of the Grand Traverse Resort and Spa, a pleasant park area with grills and bathrooms, and a small playground all make this beach ideal for families with young children. The water of this Lake Michigan bay remains very shallow for a long distance out, allowing new swimmers as well as those who are more inclined to wade than free-style, to splash to their heart’s content."

"This quiet beach lies on the west end of the East Arm Grand Traverse Bay. This beach also has restrooms, picnic tables, and a lifeguard. Situated on the south end of the east side of and at the base of Old Mission Peninsula."

"Best Beach for Picnics and a Book: Located next to the NMC College Maritime Academy and the Maritime Pier. It's a great park for relaxing and reading a book or taking a walk out on the pier. It boasts a deep lush grassy area from the road, Picnic Tables, Grills and Swing Set."

"Between Clinch Park and Bryant Park beaches is Sunset Park Beach. More urban lakefront, Sunset Park Beach a great place to read on the beach and enjoy views of bats from the nearby Duncan L Clinch Marina. It’s a great location, right off Front Street, about a block from the Traverse Bay Cafe."

"Between Clinch Park Marina and Volleyball Beach is a lovely public green space. Open Space Park offers open space, picnic tables, a water bottle filling station, and a paved walking and biking path, all with a great view of Grand Traverse Bay. Hopefully returning to the post-pandemic world is the Open Space Outdoor Cinema, where movie lovers can enjoy outdoor films on a 65-foot screen by the water!"

"At Moonstruck Gardens you’ll find cool houseplants, pots, handcrafted wreaths and arrangements, dried flower bunches, and one-of-a-kind garden and nature-related gifts. You will find Leelanau Lavender products here as well. We make them in small batches in Traverse City, using the highest quality ingredients that are organic, local and fair trade whenever possible."

"Settle in with a cocktail or bottle of wine and prepare yourself for fantastic French cuisine at Bistro FouFou. This quaint eatery in the heart of Traverse City is the perfect starting point for a romantic night on the town. Delight your palate with seasonal creations or traditional favorites like Steak Frites."

"Happy hour is the key to eating for less here, as their regular menu is upscale French with prices to match. A full meal isn’t likely, but stop by for an afternoon snack (just $3 for a glass of wine and $3-$5 for appetizers like steamed mussels, duck poutine, or brie en croute)."

"Vegetarian and vegan friendly, they also welcome dogs on the patio and will even provide a bowl of water in case fido gets thirsty. This soup and sandwich place is ideal for lunch, and it’s pretty healthy too."

"From Business: Outback Steakhouse, the home of juicy steaks, spirited drinks and Aussie hospitality. Find our location in Traverse City off Marketplace Circle and U.S. 31…"

"Ordered a large pizza from Dominoes with 3 items on one half of a large and 3 items in the other half."