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Glen Arbor & Historic Fishtown Family Itinerary
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items Planning a getaway Up North? We love heading up to the Glen Arbor area. Here is a look at our favorite stops and must-do activities for a perfect 4-night trip with the kids!
Map
Located just a block from downtown Empire, this is the perfect beach for families of all ages. The park features a substantial playground, outdoor grills, and a pavilion to keep the kids entertained during the day. But the real magic happens in the e...
Lake Michigan Beach Park - Village of Empire
Located right on Front Street in downtown Empire, this is the perfect place to stop for a treat before walking down to the beach to watch the sunset. The shop has kept its incredibly charming, old-fashioned ice cream parlor look. It is a massive hit ...
Tiffanys Cafe
Located right in downtown Empire, this is an absolute must-stop for lunch or dinner after a long day of exploring the dunes. It has that perfect, rustic "Up North" pub atmosphere. You absolutely have to order one of their burgers…they are famous arou...
Joe's Friendly Tavern
A gentle float down the river is a super way to beat the summer heat! We love the 2-3 hour trip from the Weir that floats downstream directly to a beautiful Lake Michigan beach. It is incredibly family-friendly; all tubes have handles so you can teth...
Riverside Canoes: Platte River Tubing, Kayak and Canoe ...
You simply cannot take a trip up to the Leelanau Peninsula without stopping here! Walking past the charming, weathered fishing shanties and bustling docks feels like stepping straight into a postcard. It is our favorite spot to grab local snacks, sna...
Historic Fishtown
Located just two miles away from the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, this is a fantastic, stress-free dining destination for families. It has a cozy, rustic "Up North" atmosphere that perfectly captures the vibe of the trip. They offer both i...
Boonedocks
While you cannot tube on the Crystal River, we highly recommend booking a kayak trip here for a unique way to explore the National Lakeshore. It is a 2-3 hour paddle on clear waters through a lush forest, and you won't encounter any "white water" sty...
Crystal River Outfitters Recreational District
You cannot visit the Sleeping Bear Dunes without conquering the legendary Dune Climb! It is located right off M-109 and is the ultimate way for the kids to burn off all their energy. Scaling that massive, towering wall of pure white sand is practical...
The Dune Climb