Glen Arbor is considered as one of the travel destinations that give the most bang for buck, allowing travelers to make the most out of their trip to the area. What exactly does the town offer its visitors? The answer is, plenty! Its beauty alone is worth the drive: besides views of the Sleeping Bear Bay and the Glen Lakes, you can also see and have fun in the smaller lakes and rivers in the area. The Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore also offers plenty of activities that outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy. You can also explore the shops, art galleries, restaurants, and other commercial establishments there. Still unsure about what you can do while on your holiday here? Not to worry: we came up with this list of things to do in Glen Arbor, Michigan so you can get an idea of what to expect on your vacation.
1. Glide over Glen Lake on a kayak
Glen Lake is just a short way away from Glen Arbor, and traveling there will reward you with views of what is regarded as one of the most beautiful lakes in the world. If you don’t just want to enjoy the views of the crystal-clear waters, you can actually take a kayak - or a canoe, sailboat, or a powerboat - and do some exploring of the waters and enjoy the views of the dunes. You can rent a watercraft on site or bring your own, as there are public boat ramps in the area.
2. Enjoy a meal at Good Harbor Grill
Good Harbor Grill is practically an institution in Glen Arbor. While the establishment may be small, the service is fast enough so waiting to be served should not take long. Breakfast is served until 11:30am (and until noon on Sundays) so even late risers can enjoy the most important meal of the day at a later hour. The serving sizes are large - some options are already good for sharing - and certain dietary restrictions may be accommodated upon request. Vegetarian options are available right on the menu for those who follow a plant-based diet.
Good Harbor Grill
Address: 6584 Western Ave, Glen Arbor, MI 49636-5116
Website: Good Harbor Grill
Opening hours: May - Nov: Sun - Thu: 8am - 3pm; Fri - Sat: 8am - 4pm
3. Step back in time at Glen Haven Village
Take a step back in time when you head to Glen Haven Village, recognized as one of the most well-preserved cord wood stations in the Great Lakes area. Among the restored structures you can find here are a boathouse, a blacksmith shop, and a store. You can also get access to the beaches of Lake Michigan from this historic village, and there are picnic tables and grills there if you want to hang out in the area with your family or friends.
Glen Haven Village
Address: 9922 W Front St, Empire, MI 49630-9417
Website: Glen Haven Village
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4. Pick up an artistic skill at Glen Arbor Arts Center
Fancy picking up a skill while you’re in Glen Arbor? If so, head over to Glen Arbor Arts Center, which offers different kinds of visual art classes and workshops taught by experts for adults and children alike, regardless of the experience level. Whether it’s painting or performance arts, you are bound to find a class here that matches what you want to learn - and have fun in the process.
Glen Arbor Arts Center
Address: 6031 S Lake St, Glen Arbor, MI 49636
Website: Glen Arbor Arts Center
Opening hours: Sep - May: Mon - Fri: 9am - 3pm; Sat - Sun: 12pm - 4pm; Jun - Aug: Mon - Fri: 9am - 4pm; Sat - Sun: 12pm - 4pm
5. Spend a relaxing day at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
Glen Arbor is best known for two things: its lakes and its sand dunes. This park showcases both, and even has forests and ancient glacial phenomena. If you’re an animal lover, be sure to bring your binoculars, as you can go bird-watching here as well. You can enjoy fantastic views of Lake Michigan and the North and South Manitou islands from here as well.
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
Address: 9922 W Front St, Empire, MI 49630-9417
6. View the different types of artwork at Synchronicity Gallery
Synchronicity Gallery takes pride in displaying and selling works of art made by nearly a hundred local artists, many of whom are nationally recognized. The works, which range from paintings to pottery and jewelry to sculptures, glassware, and furniture, can be found across the eight rooms of the gallery. If you are interested in bringing home a unique souvenir or want to give a memorable gift to a loved one, this is the place to visit.
Synchronicity Gallery
Address: 6671 Western Ave, Glen Arbor, MI 49636
Website: Synchronicity Gallery
Opening hours: May 12 - Oct 31: 10am - 5pm (daily)
7. Try luck your luck at fishing with Watta Bite
If you are a fishing enthusiast or if you’ve ever dreamed of being an angler, you can indulge this interest by organizing a fishing trip with Watta Bite. They will not only give you the opportunity to try fishing but also give you the chance to enjoy great views from the water. You can arrange a fishing trip at sunrise, sunset, or in between, depending on what time is best for your group. Children are more than welcome here. Rates start from 525 USD for four persons for a half-day fishing adventure. If your party is less than four, the company will try to match you with another small group to make a complete trip. Make sure to bring a cooler for your catch!
Watta Bite Charter Fishing
Address: 5705 S Lake St, Glen Arbor, MI 49636
Website: Watta Bite Charter Fishing
Opening hours: 5am - 9pm (daily)
Price: From 525 USD
8. Learn the importance of Sleeping Bear Point Coast Guard Station Maritime Museum in the town's history
Sleeping Bear Point Coast Guard Station Maritime Museum was originally known as Sleeping Bear Point Life Saving Station and Glen Haven Coast Guard Station, having been built as a facility to help save the lives of mariners. Circumstances, however, led it to being closed permanently before it was restored and converted into a museum that showcases the history and the responsibilities of the United States Life-Saving Service. It is included in the US National Register of Historic Places
Sleeping Bear Point Coast Guard Station Maritime Museum
Address: Sleeping Bear Dunes Rd, Glen Arbor, MI 49636, United States
Website: Sleeping Bear Point Coast Guard Station Maritime Museum
Opening hours: 11am - 11pm (daily)
9. Try all things cherry at Cherry Republic
If you’re a cherry-holic, indulge your love for the fruit by visiting Cherry Republic, which features over 200 kinds of cherry products. You can also take a tour of the facilities, which - of course - features beautiful cherry trees. The highlights of the establishment, besides the tasty goodies, are the winery, Cherry Public House (where you can order a cherry-themed meal), and the pit spitting area (try to beat the record, if you dare!) Pro tip: most of their products can be sampled so be sure to take your tastebuds for a test run if you want to bring some of the goodies back home!
Cherry Republic
Address: 6026 A, 5109, S Lake St, Glen Arbor, MI 49636
Website: Cherry Republic
Opening hours: 9am - 7pm (daily)
10. Savor the area's finest wines at Glen Arbor Wines
If your love for wine hasn’t been sated yet, head over to Glen Arbor Wines and take your pick from the variety they’re offering. There are plenty of options to choose from, some of which are available depending on the season. Their place does not only allow you to buy their wines, it also comes with a backyard where you can have a taste testing session so you can be sure that you’ll be buying the one that your taste buds truly love. Make sure to check their website, as the schedule may change depending on the season.
Glen Arbor Wines
Address: 5873 S Lake St, Glen Arbor, MI 49636-5100
Website: Glen Arbor Wines
11. Enjoy a drink or a meal at Art's Tavern
If you prefer beers over wines, don’t worry, because Art’s Tavern’s got you covered. This establishment is practically an institution in Glen Arbor, frequented by locals - so you know it’s good. Besides serving beers, it also serves food, mainly comfort food such as burgers, pizza, wings, onion rings, and soup. If you’re heading out early, you’ll be glad to know that they serve breakfast as well. Do note that Art’s Tavern only accepts cash and checks.
Art's Tavern
Address: 6487 W Western Ave, Glen Arbor, MI 49636
Website: Art’s Tavern
Opening hours: 7am - 12am (daily)
12. Have a slice of homemade pizza at Bear Paw Pizza & Market
If you love pizza, don’t miss out on the chance in getting a taste of the homemade pizza offered at Bear Paw Pizza & Market, together with drinks and breadsticks or salads. You can enjoy the food inside or outside, where picnic tables are set up. Alcoholic beverages are sold here as well but these are only available for takeaway. If you need to buy a few items, this establishment also sells products that you can typically find in a convenience store.
Bear Paw Pizza & Market
Address: 6444 W Western Ave, Glen Arbor, MI 49636
Website: Bear Paw Pizza & Market
Opening hours: Fri - Sat: 11am - 9pm; Sun - Mon: 11am - 8pm (closed from Tue - Thu)
13. Buy a unique souvenir from Wildflowers
Editor’s note: Establishment is permanently closed.
The facade of Wildflowers is cute but that’s not the only appeal of this store. It offers a variety of furnishings, accessories, jewelry, and other items that you can purchase if you’re looking for unique souvenirs for yourself or as gifts. There’s even a kids’ section if you’re interested in buying something quirky for tiny tots. If you’re looking for something a little more practical, there are gardening tools sold right outside the boutique. While you’re in the area, you can have fun relaxing and exploring the gardens around the store.
Wildflowers
Address: 6127 S Glen Lake Rd, Glen Arbor, MI 49636
Website: Wildflowers
Opening hours: 10am - 5:30pm (daily)
14. Commune with nature at D.H. Day Campground
Glen Arbor offers its visitors the opportunity to spend time with Mother Nature and you can do exactly this at D.H. Day Campground. One of the most popular campsites in Michigan, it is just a short walk away from Lake Michigan and is nestled by hardwood and conifer trees. Among the activities that you can do while camping here are cycling, swimming, fishing, kayaking, and canoeing. Pets are welcome here so you can bring Fido along with you to your outdoor adventure. The site is open to campers from the first Friday in April through the last Sunday in November, weather permitting.
D.H. Day Campground
Address: 8010 W Harbor Hwy, Glen Arbor, MI 49636-9718
Website: D.H. Day Campground
Endless fun in Michigan
Glen Arbor offers its visitors endless fun in Michigan. From adventurous outdoor activities to laidback relaxation, the town has something to offer to its guests. Whether you’re alone or traveling with your friends or family, there’s something fun to discover in the area.
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