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Suttons Bay is the first community you come to along M-22 as you head north out of Traverse City. Suttons Bay is in Leelanau County about midway up the eastern shore of Leelanau Peninsula. A very popular destination in the summertime, Suttons Bay is also a favorite spot to visit in any season, especially in the fall while travelers discover all the delights of an M-22 color tour. This coastal village along the Grand Traverse Bay is filled with specialty shops, art galleries and many unique dining experiences. Suttons Bay is a wonderful, walkable community.
The Suttons Bay shopping district is truly charming, with over 25 retailers welcoming you into their unique shops offering a wide variety of items for an exceptional shopping experience. You will find books, fine clothing, home furnishings, toys, Michigan-made products and a great selection of gourmet foods. When you shop in Suttons Bay, you are sure to find some wonderful treasures to bring home.
In the midst of all the beauty surrounding Suttons Bay, it’s only fitting that there are many galleries in town which present the works of many local artists.
The Suttons Bay community offers many hiking trails, including trails at Bahle Park and the TART trail on the edge of town. On these trails, you can bike, hike, or meander for minutes or hours. For some relaxation and a tasting adventure, you will love discovering the many wineries situated along the scenic country roads filled with rolling hills and picturesque vineyards. Suttons Bay is in the heart of Northwest Michigan’s wine country.
The Marina Park in Suttons Bay is an ideal spot for the family to spend a day at the beach. The Inland Seas, a schoolship schooner, is docked on the south side of the marina. While in Suttons Bay, you can enjoy the view of a variety of boats moored all along the lakeshore on Grand Traverse Bay.
Suttons Bay offers foodies a diverse mix of unforgettable restaurants and dining experiences. With over 14 restaurants, your options are as varied as your taste of the moment — scrumptious breakfasts, European-style cafes, Chinese, Italian, even the catch of the day! There are also pizza places and ice cream parlors, coffee shops, candy stores and bakeries. Local delis make it easy to pack a picnic and head to a Suttons Bay beach or park. There is great food for everyone in the family in Suttons Bay!
Suttons Bay participated in the Guinness Book of World Records Challenge for the World’s Largest Raft of Kayaks and Canoes two years in a row. In 2012 they had 1,750, and in 2013 the number climbed to 2,099 watercraft of many sizes and colors. What a sight to see! According to the Guinness website, as of 2014, the largest raft of canoes and kayaks consisted of 3,150 boats and was achieved by One Square Mile of Hope (USA) in Inlet, New York, USA.
The Suttons Bay Floatilla event was put on by the Suttons Bay Public School with much help from the entire community, including over 200 students, school staff, parents, and a variety of other supporters.
At the very tip of scenic route M-22, Northport, in Leelanau County, is known for its fine marina, beautiful parks, and scenic beaches.
Festivals and events celebrating many aspects of life are scheduled throughout the year in the Leelanau County area.
Take one of the most scenic drives in the nation as you travel across M-22 in West Michigan. A long winding road of adventure awaits!
Located along the Lake Michigan, Leland is the site of an area nicknamed “Fishtown” for its charming historical preservation.
Sleeping Bear Sand Dunes has miles of sand trails and hills, where hikers are rewarded at the end with spectacular views of Lake Michigan.
Peterson Park is just minutes from Northport in the Leelanau Penninsula of West Michigan.
