Welcome to Northport
Picturesque, tightknit community going through a renaissance
Northport is a town in Michigan located near the tip of the Leelanau Peninsula overlooking Grand Traverse Bay. This historic town is known for its picturesque beaches, friendly shops and restaurants, rolling hills and orchards, beautiful parks, and an outstanding marina. Northport also has a rich history, a wealth of scenic splendor, ample recreational opportunities, and a small-town vibe. The hills around Northport are filled with apple and cherry orchards. The town has been at the forefront of the green movement in deference to its stunning natural vistas and booming cherry industry. It has wind turbines, a rain garden, dark sky lighting, a completed stormwater runoff project, and various efficient recycling plants.
What to Love
- Grand Traverse Lighthouse
- Rich history
- Cherry and apple orchards
Local Lifestyle
While Northport Village is small, there are still many recreational opportunities for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. The Grand Traverse Lighthouse is located a few miles north of the town. Set within the Leelanau State Park, the Grand Traverse Lighthouse is surrounded by nearly 1,300 acres of land containing a rustic campground, a museum, the Lake Michigan shoreline, and miles of skiing and hiking trails.
Downtown Northport is a gorgeous place with historic buildings. Behind the charming and quaint setting, downtown shopping offers refined taste and style in the form of trendy galleries and boutiques. Several eateries and wineries are available for your taste buds to explore.
Dining, Entertainment & Shopping
The shopping scene in Northport will make you feel like you are in a storybook pottery village. For women’s accessories and apparel, head to Boutique By Mary Kent. For family clothes, visit Waukazoo Tee’s or Enjoy Michigan for tees, hoodies, and other local and up north branded wearables. Pennington Collection offers a variety of quality gifts, clothing, and greeting cards. Dog Ears Books sells used, new, and rare books. Red Mullein is an arts and crafts shop that sells antique porcelain, fiber art, artisan jewelry, paintings, and handmade Japanese silk jackets.
Garage Bar-B-Q is a local favorite for food, drink, and interactions with neighbors and friends. The restaurant features fresh and delicious barbeque sandwiches, entrée items, pub food, and a fully stocked bar. Fischer’s Happy Hour Tavern is a family-owned and operated third-generation restaurant known for its broasted chicken. Head to Tandem Ciders and enjoy delicious ciders made from North Michigan apples. The Mitten Brewing Company is a vintage baseball-themed brewery that offers guests the chance to view Northport Marina and Grand Traverse Bay while enjoying their favorite drinks. Baia Estates is a renowned winery known for their exceptional Italian-style wines and views of Lake Michigan’s West Grand Traverse Bay.
Things to Do
From parks to beaches, outdoor activity is always just around the corner in Northport. Visit Leelanau State Park, where you’ll find miles of hiking and skiing trails and a pristine campground. The rustic setting of the campground offers the opportunity to get in touch with nature and relax. The park, about eight miles north of Northport, is where you’ll find the gorgeous Grand Traverse Lighthouse, a relic of the village’s maritime heritage. The views from the top of this lighthouse are amazing, and the gift shop has a lot of excellent souvenirs. The Northport Marina is a great place to visit and take in the gorgeous views of Northport Bay.
Check out Northport’s Leelanau Uncaged, celebrated the last Saturday in September. This great family-friendly event has food vendors, art, dancing, music, and the Northport skyline as a backdrop. You also won’t want to miss the Northport Wine and Craft Beer Festival. On the third Saturday of August, Northport residents gather at this event to celebrate the area brewers and vintners. Head to the Northport Pub & Grill for the Northport Pride Tea Dance, an event celebrating the LGBTQ+ community.
