Area Attractions

Play: "Explore, Engage, and Enjoy the local attractions around the area."
Stay: "Relax in our cozy accommodations"
Shop: "Discover the unique and charming local shops nearby"
Eat: "Enjoy delicious local meals at nearby restaurants"

• Famous Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore Dune Climb minutes away 

• Sleeping Bear Surf & Kayak downtown Empire: within walking distance or driveable half of mile

• Day trip to South Manitou Island leaving from Leland Michigan 

• We can add local boat rentals at Glen Lake Marina

• Enjoy unique and relaxing shopping in Empire & Glen Arbor

• Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail biking, walking, wheel-chair friendly – spans 27 miles

• Wine tasting and tours throughout Leelanau County

• Empire Bluff Trail - 5 Minute drive from the Cottonwood Inn

• Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive & Overlook 9 - 3.5 miles away

• Pyramid Point Trail -15 miles away

• Leelanau Peninsula Wine Trail - within driving distance to different wineries

• Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail - within biking or driving distance

• Empire Beach - within walking distance or a short drive less than a mile

• Sleeping Bear Dune Climb - 6 miles away

• Philip A. Hart Sleeping Bear Visitor Center - Within walking distance

• Imagine That - Eclectic Arts & Gifts 15 minutes away

• On the Narrows Marina: 10 minutes away

• Traverse City -23 miles away

• Frankfort - 23 miles away

• Leeland - 23 miles away

• The Secret Garden - within walking distance or a short drive

• The Miser's Hoard Antique Store - within walking distance or a short drive

• Asparagus Festival June 7th Empire – walking distance 

• M-22 Challenge Bike, Run, Paddle June 8th – 10 minutes away by car

• Lively Lands Summer Sunset Music festival series Empire – June 16th, July 14th & August 17th

• Beryl Days Sleeping Bear Surf & Kayak Empire June 28th, 29th & 30th (within walking distance or short 3 minute drive)

• National Cherry Festival Traverse City June 28th –July 5th a ½ hour drive 

• Glen Lake Women’s club Art Fair Glen Arbor July 17th – 10 minute drive

• Plein Air Paint Out Glen Arbor August 1st & 2nd – 10 minute drive

• Empire Hill Climb Sept 9th Empire – within walking distance or a short few minute drive

• Iron Man Michigan Sept 14th Frankfort – half hour drive

• Sleeping Bear marathon (1/2 marathon & 5 k) October 4th – 10 minute drive

• Tiffany’s Ice cream 

• Shipwreck Café

• Grocer’s Daughter 

• Joe’s Friendly Tavern

• Imagine That Eclectic gift store

• Cherry Republic

• The Cottage Bookstore

• Good Harbor Grill

• Art’s Tavern

• The Cottage Bookstore

• Drive the M-22 Leelanau Peninsula loop

• Kayak/ SUP/ tube/ canoe down the crystal or The Platte River

• Carlson’s Fish Market 

• The Cheese Shanty 

• The Manitou 

• Red Arrow Roadhouse

• Lake Ann Brewing

• Farm Club

• The Old Mill Brewpub & Grill

• Trattoria Funistrada Italian Restaurant