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Places to Stay in Leland, MI: Best Lodging Options for Visitors

Places to Stay in Leland, MI: Best Lodging Options for Visitors

Nestled along the pristine shores of Lake Michigan, Leland, MI, offers visitors a unique blend of natural beauty, rich history, and small-town charm. Whether you're drawn to its historic Fishtown district, the scenic landscapes of the Leelanau Peninsula, or the allure of Lake Leelanau, finding the perfect place to stay is essential to fully experience all that Leland has to offer. Here, we explore some of the best lodging options in Leland, MI, each providing a distinctive experience to make your visit unforgettable.

The Cherry Hill House in Cherry Hill, Leelanau, Michigan

Conveniently located in the heart of Leelanau County, The Cherry Hill House is the perfect home base for exploring Northern Michigan’s top attractions, including Traverse City, Sleeping Bear Dunes, the Leelanau Wine Trail, and Fishtown. This charming home offers three bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a queen-sized pull-out couch, providing plenty of space for families or groups. With a 30 AMP RV hookup and ample driveway space, it’s also RV-friendly, making it a flexible option for travelers.

After a day of adventures, unwind with a home-cooked meal in the fully stocked kitchen or fire up the grill for an outdoor feast. End the evening under the starry Northern Michigan sky, enjoying s’mores and good cheer around the fire pit. Available for rent with Robin Vilter, Luxury Real Estate Experts, The Cherry Hill House offers the comfort and convenience you need for an unforgettable stay in Leelanau.

Whaleback Inn: Lakeside Serenity with Modern Comforts

Perched on a hill overlooking North Lake Leelanau, the Whaleback Inn offers guests a tranquil retreat amidst five wooded acres. Located just one mile south of Leland, this charming inn provides easy access to local attractions while ensuring a peaceful stay.

The Whaleback Inn features fourteen well-appointed lake-view rooms, each designed to provide comfort and relaxation. Guests can choose from various room types, including double queen lakeview rooms, single queen rooms, and king lakeview rooms. For those seeking more space, the inn offers cottage suites and a standalone Maple House Cottage, ideal for families or extended stays. Each room is equipped with modern amenities such as flat-screen TVs, mini-refrigerators, and complimentary Wi-Fi. Many rooms feature sliding glass doors that open onto shared decks, offering stunning views of the lake and surrounding landscape.

Guests at the Whaleback Inn can take advantage of the property's 200 feet of private frontage on Lake Leelanau. The inn provides two docks for swimming and boating, as well as on-site kayak and stand-up paddleboard rentals, allowing visitors to explore the lake at their leisure. The inn's proximity to the Whaleback Sand Dune offers opportunities for hiking and nature walks, while the nearby Leelanau Peninsula is renowned for its wineries and scenic drives.

Guests often praise the inn's serene atmosphere, comfortable accommodations, and breathtaking views of Lake Leelanau. Whether you're planning a romantic getaway or a family vacation, the Whaleback Inn provides a memorable lakeside experience.

The Riverside Inn: Historic Charm on the Leland River

Established in 1902, The Riverside Inn is a historic gem located on the banks of the Leland River. This elegant establishment seamlessly blends old-world charm with modern amenities, offering guests a unique and luxurious experience. The Riverside Inn features four uniquely appointed guest rooms, each exuding a sense of timeless elegance. The rooms are furnished with antique décor and plush bedding and offer picturesque views of the river or the inn's gardens.

The inn is renowned for its exceptional dining experience. The on-site restaurant offers a menu that highlights locally sourced ingredients, with a focus on contemporary American cuisine. Guests can enjoy their meals in the elegant dining room or on the outdoor patio overlooking the river, creating a serene and romantic ambiance.

Visitors to The Riverside Inn often commend the establishment for its attentive service, exquisite dining, and the unique charm of its historic setting. The combination of luxurious accommodations and gourmet cuisine makes it an ideal choice for those seeking a refined and intimate lodging experience in Leland.

The Leland Lodge: A Blend of Tradition and Modernity

Situated just a short walk from downtown Leland and the iconic Fishtown, The Leland Lodge offers guests a perfect blend of traditional charm and modern amenities. Surrounded by lush greenery and adjacent to the Leland Country Club, the lodge provides a serene retreat with easy access to local attractions. The Leland Lodge boasts a variety of accommodations to suit different preferences. Guests can choose from standard rooms, suites, or private cottages, each thoughtfully designed to provide comfort and convenience.

An on-site restaurant and bar offer a casual dining experience. The menu features classic American dishes and local specialties. Guests can enjoy their meals indoors or on the outdoor patio, which provides a relaxed atmosphere and scenic views.

Falling Waters Lodge: A Unique Stay in the Heart of Fishtown

Located in the heart of Leland's historic Fishtown, Falling Waters Lodge offers guests a unique lodging experience with its prime waterfront location and rustic charm. Overlooking the Leland River and the iconic Fishtown shanties, the lodge provides a front-row seat to the area's rich maritime history. Falling Waters Lodge features a variety of rooms and suites, each designed to offer comfort and stunning views of the river or Lake Michigan. The accommodations range from standard rooms with two queen beds to spacious apartments with kitchenettes, catering to both couples and families. Modern amenities such as flat-screen.

Sans Souci: A Family-Friendly Retreat in Leland

Introducing Sans Souci, a stunning new addition to the Leland rental market for summer 2025. This spacious, family-friendly home is perfectly situated just steps from North Beach and a quick five-minute walk to downtown Leland, including the charming shops and attractions of Fishtown. With two private suites and gourmet kitchen options both indoors and outdoors, Sans Souci offers the perfect setting for creating unforgettable memories by the beach.

Whether you’re strolling to nearby attractions, enjoying the sandy shores, or dining al fresco, this retreat provides all the comfort and convenience you need for a worry-free getaway. Available for rent with Robin Vilter, Luxury Real Estate Experts, Sans Souci is the ideal home base for your next Northern Michigan adventure.

Find Your Perfect Home in Leland, MI, With Robin Vilter

After exploring the best places to stay in Leland, MI, it’s no surprise that many visitors fall in love with this charming lakeside town and its serene beauty. If you’re considering making Leland your permanent home, real estate expert Robin Vilter is here to help. With her in-depth knowledge of the area and personalized approach, Robin can guide you through the home-buying process and connect you with the perfect property. Whether it’s a cozy retreat near Fishtown or a spacious home on the shores of Lake Michigan, Robin will ensure your journey is seamless and rewarding. Start your journey toward owning a piece of Leland’s magic by reaching out to Robin Vilter today.

*Header image courtesy of Pexels




Robin Vilter

Robin Vilter

Realtor®

About the Author

I was raised in Cincinnati but always summered on the lake in Leland. Being able to spend my summers up here was such a gift. Starting at the age of twelve we were able to drive the boat into town or to the yacht club or to a friend's house. My days were jam-packed. I would wake up and teach sailing school at the Leland Yacht Club from nine to one, then take a nap on the dock or the beach, shower, then drive into Leland in the late afternoon where I had a job as a hostess. My sisters and I did this every summer and when we had a driver's license we had more options for employment. I started teaching sailing school in Omena and working at night waiting tables at The Cove in Leland. We stashed away thousands of dollars every summer. Yes, we worked our tails off, but it really did not seem like it since we were enjoying all the beauty of Leelanau at the same time.

I attended Miami University in Ohio and chose creative writing since that was my easiest subject. I’ve not yet written a novel, but have started about five. After graduation, I bought the Riverside Inn with my mother and my sister. I later sold my shares when I realized that being a single parent and working late nights did not pair well with my mental health. It took a decade to raise my kids and go through two divorces.

I Earned My Real Estate License in 2016

 
By that point, I had bought and sold houses seven times over the course of twelve years. I had to be a real estate expert by then, right? The simple truth is I love real estate! Why did I even bother going to college? I felt like I should have been doing this since I was eighteen. What I love most about real estate is establishing great relationships. Each new client is a wonderful surprise. We live in such a small community, yet I get to meet new people all the time and usually, they turn out to be great friends. The other thing I love is the variety. Every house is different, every client is different, and it all comes with its own unique challenges.
 
I decided to separate from Coldwell Banker in 2021. Real estate boomed in 2020 and 2021. I managed a huge amount of volume pretty much by myself. Coldwell offered the power of a big brand, but I figured I could somehow make up for that. I took a big leap and joined Five Star Real Estate. The marketing group with Five Star encouraged me to build on my familiarity with the area. Many of the residents have heard of me in some way shape or form and I could build on my good reputation.
 
I chose Robin Vilter Group as the name of my business. We chose the robin bird as the logo for my name but also because of the symbolism. The robin is Michigan's state bird. It symbolizes hope, renewal, rebirth, new beginnings, and new projects, and is a sign of good things to come.

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