The Leelanau Peninsula is a peninsula of the U.S. state of Michigan that extends about 30 miles from the Lower Peninsula of Michigan into Lake Michigan. Leelanau County encompasses the entire peninsula. It is often referred to as the "little finger" of the mitten-shaped lower peninsula.

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is located on the west side of the peninsula. Leelanau State Park and the Grand Traverse Light are located at the northern tip. Grand Traverse Bay is on the east side and Traverse City is located at the base of the peninsula on the east side. The Manitou Islands are located to the northwest of it. Lake Leelanau is run 13 miles through the middle of the peninsula and covers 8,700 acres.

The steep terrain and large bodies of water produce a more temperature microclimate than area's further inland. The area is known as one of the best Michigan wine regions and is an American Viticultural Area (AVA). The peninsula is also a productive fruit region growing apples and tart cherries.

The Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa & Chippewa are a group of Native Americans who live on the peninsula around Peshawbestown.

Communities on the peninsula include:

• Northport Point, Michigan
• Northport, Michigan
• Omena, Michigan
• Leland, Michigan
• Peshawbestown, Michigan
• Suttons Bay, Michigan
• Lake Leelanau, Michigan
• Glen Arbor, Michigan
• Glen Haven, Michigan
• Empire, Michigan
• Burdickville, Michigan
• Maple City, Michigan
• Cedar, Michigan

External links

• Leland Report
• Leelanau.com

Geography of Michigan | Leelanau County, Michigan | Peninsulas of the United States | Wine regions of the United States