Vacation! LEELANAU
Get on the Water
easily navigable river winding through Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, making it ideal for leisurely floats with plenty of wildlife watching. Find rentals at Crystal River Outfitters. 6249 RIVER RD., GLEN ARBOR, 231.334.4420, CRYSTALRIVEROUTFITTERS.COM.
Take a Sunset Cruise: Manitou Island Transit’s 1.5-hour evening cruises on the Mishe-Mokwa depart from Leland to offer gorgeous views of landmarks like Pyramid Point and North Manitou Shoal Light. Running from late June through mid-August. 207 W. RIVER ST., LELAND, 231.256.9061, MANITOUTRANSIT.COM.
KAITLYN BUSSELL
Pontoon Glen Lake: This inland jewel is actually comprised of two interconnected bodies of water—Big Glen and Little Glen—that, when combined, comprise 5,000 acres perfect for a lazy afternoon of sunning, swimming and puttering around on a pontoon. Bring your fishing poles, too: The lake is a favorite for yellow perch, smallmouth bass, northern pike and trout. Rent pontoons at On the Narrows Marina (231.334.4891, NARROWS-MARINA.COM), Glen Craft Marina
(231.334.4556, GLENCRAFTMARINA.COM)
and Glen Lake Marine
(231.326.5666, GLENLAKEMARINE.COM).
Big Boat Sailing: Climb aboard the WhoDo?, a 48-foot worldchampion ocean racer that placed fourth in last year’s Chicagoto-Mackinac race, for a thrilling open-water cruise on Grand Traverse Bay and Lake Michigan. Charters originate from the G. Marsten Dame Marina in Northport. 110 S. WAUKAZOO ST., NORTHPORT, 231.386.1027, BIGBOATSAILING.COM.
Sail the Inland Seas
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Paddle the Crystal River: The Crystal is a slow, shallow and
The educational sailing excursions aboard the Inland Seas schooner get our vote for one of the most unforgettable family experiences in the area. Family programming includes hands-on ecology cruises, nighttime star-gazing cruises, and more. Operated by the nonprofit Inland Seas Education Association. 100 Dame St., Suttons Bay. 231.271.3077, schoolship.org. MyNorth 2014 Vacation! 23