Cedar / Maple City

Blossomed into fully functioning towns with tight-knit, thriving communities and charming downtown districts

Welcome to Cedar/Maple City

Tight-knit communities where everyone knows one another

Maple and Cedar City are small scenic towns in Leelanau County, Michigan. Cedar City sits on the Cedar River, which flows into Lake Leelanau, and is close to the majestic Sleeping Bear Dunes. Its neighbor, Maple City, is located only a few minutes from the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, which was named The Most Stunning Place in the U.S. by ABC’s Good Morning America. These two areas' peaceful waterfront lifestyle and beauty make them popular tourist destinations.

Cedar has a rich lumber production history. It was founded in 1885 by Benjamin Boughey, who named it Cedar after its location in Cedar Forest. Maple City began in 1866 when J. Sturtevant and William Parks built a shoe peg factory on land with hundreds of acres of maple trees. When it came time to apply for an application at the post office, they used the name Maple, and the town became known as Maple City. Today, Maple and Cedar City have blossomed into fully functioning towns with tight-knit, thriving communities and charming downtown districts.

What to Love

Small-town charm
Community where everyone knows each other
Stunning views

Local Lifestyle

Maple and Cedar City are perfect for people who want an active lifestyle. Every July, Cedar City celebrates its Polish culture with a four-day event called the Cedar Polka Fest. Well-known polka artists from around the globe come to Cedar for this festival. Another popular attraction in Cedar City is the Cedar River. Locals love to canoe or kayak through the Cedar River Preserve: The Leelanau Conservancy, a nature preserve with a wide range of plants and wildlife. Maple and Cedar City have numerous art galleries, restaurants, local shops, and big-name retail stores.

Dining, Entertainment & Shopping

Downtown Maple and Cedar City feature wine bars, restaurants, coffee houses, and local shops. Nearby Bunting’s Cedar Market is a one-stop shop known for its excellent selection of meats. Other notable stores include M C Short Shop and Gabe’s Country Store.

Cedar Sol Taco Stand & Hydro Farm serves tacos loaded with your meat of choice and topped with an onion and cilantro mix and a lime wedge. The Cedar Tavern & Grill serves delicious food and beer and excellent service. If you love coffee and pastries, visit Cedar River Coffee Company. This quaint coffee shop features all sorts of locally-sourced treats. Other notable restaurants include Broomstack Kitchen and Taphouse, Pegtown Station, La Becasse Restaurant, and Little Traverse Inn.

Things to Do

If you’re looking for a unique experience, head to the Bohemian Lavender Farm, where you will be amazed by the beauty and fragrance of the lavender field. You can cut your own lavender at this farm, and you’ll find pure lavender essential oils at the gift shop. Nature lovers will love the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Be sure to bring water because the climb to the top can be strenuous, but the view is worth it.

Wine enthusiasts can visit Bel Lago Vineyards & Winery. There’s no better place to enjoy a glass of cider or wine with stunning lake views and well-established wines. If you want to learn curling, visit the Leelanau Curling Club. The instructors at this facility are amiable, and you’ll enjoy taking the Learn to Curl class. Cedar is also home to the famous Cedar Polka Fest, a celebration of Cedar’s Polish roots. It features Polish food and drinks and live performances from well-known Polka bands.