Nicknamed “America’s Freshwater Resort,” The Homestead provides a convenient, family-friendly hub for exploring the northwest shores of Lake Michigan.
If you’re a Michigander, you already know the secret: “up north” is the place to go for outdoor family fun. (Locals describe “up north” as the northern portion of Michigan’s Lower Peninsula. The Upper Peninsula is simply called “the U.P.”) The most popular season is summer when families can enjoy abundant freshwater beaches, small town shopping, fruit stands, wineries, farm-to-table restaurants, and more. You won’t find any big cities up north, just small town hospitality.
There are plenty of lodging options in northern Michigan, but of all the places that we’ve stayed, The Homestead provides the most convenient location for exploring the small towns of Glen Arbor, Glen Haven, Empire, and Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Nicknamed “America’s Freshwater Resort,” you also have direct access to the glorious shores of Lake Michigan.
Accommodations at The Homestead
The Homestead offers multiple lodging options, ideal for family vacations, reunions or weekend getaways. My family stayed at Stony Brook Lodge, nestled amongst trees at the top of a hill in the Crystal River Valley.
We enjoyed three nights in a two-bedroom suite with views of Lake Michigan. Our suite included two bedrooms, two bathrooms, living room, dining table, balcony, and a full kitchen which was immensely helpful for quick breakfasts and snacks. Twin beds in the second bedroom made sleeping arrangements easy for my two kids. We all slept well, and my husband and I enjoyed our morning coffee on the balcony.
KidTripster Tip: There is a lovely market in nearby Glen Arbor, Anderson’s Market, with plenty of supplies to stock your fridge. It carries many local goods. We recommend pastries from 9 Beans Row and ice cream from Moomers.
A huge bonus to staying at Stony Brook Lodge is the private outdoor pool for Stony Brook residents only. We made good use of this amenity and enjoyed many evening swims while watching the sun set.
KidTripster Tip: Take a good look at the resort map before booking. The Homestead is a large property, and you’ll want to be close to the activities that you’re most interested in. For example, if you’re planning to spend a lot of time at the pool and the beach, The Inn is the ideal spot for you.
Activities at The Homestead
You won’t be bored at The Homestead, that’s for sure! Enjoy a game of tennis on their granular-surface courts, a dip in the Beach Club pool or an aqua-cycle ride in the blue waters of Lake Michigan. Plus there’s golf, swimming, and hiking. Winter activities are available, too, and include downhill skiing, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing.
We spent most of our time at the Beach Club with a zero-entry, lakeside pool and a hot tub for older kids and adults. The kids swam for hours here while my husband and I enjoyed the views of Lake Michigan from our lounge chairs. It was really incredible seeing the blue water of the pool and the blue water of Lake Michigan almost side by side. Drinks and cocktails are available from Cafe Manitou. Wander just past Cafe Manitou, and you’ll find additional seating, perfect for morning coffees, evening cocktails or lakeside reading.
A second pool equipped with a water slide is located behind the Welcome Center. This pool is smaller and surrounded by trees. The kids loved this pool, too, and logged a few hours of fun here.
If relaxing is the name of your game, be sure to check out Spa Amira or Lillyjade. Spa Amira offers massages, facials, and specialty treatments while Lillyjade offers salon services like haircuts and manicures.
It’s not hard to understand why Money Magazine named the Lake Michigan shoreline in Glen Arbor #1 of the 8 Best Beaches to visit in the summer. Lake Michigan really is that beautiful, and it’s worth your time to explore. Watch the sunset from the Beach Club, take a walk on the beach or let the kids play in the water. Pick up a snack from the self-serve window at Cafe Manitou, and you’ve rounded out a perfect Michigan day.
Nearby the resort, you’ll find the incredible Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. The Dune Climb, located approximately 12 minutes from The Homestead, is a bucket list item for most Michiganders. The size of the sand dune is incredible, and the views from the top are even better. You’ll need a park pass, available from the Philip A. Hart Visitor Center, the Dune Climb Entrance station or one of these other area locations.
KidTripster Tip: Want to hunt for a Petoskey stone, Michigan’s state stone? Unfortunately, these unique stones can’t be removed from the national lakeshore, but you can find more information here including helpful tips for finding and identifying them.
Another beautiful part of the national lakeshore is the Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail. This multi-use trail spans 22 miles between the northern end of Sleeping Bear Dunes and the Leelanau County line in Empire. It runs through many park attractions, the town of Glen Arbor, and directly pass The Homestead. This is a fun option for active families looking to explore the area on a hike or by bike. We particularly love the tiny town of Glen Haven, a historic logging village only two miles away from the Dune Climb.
KidTripster Tip: If you live within driving distance to The Homestead, consider bringing your own bikes. Biking is a great way to get around The Homestead and is very handy for exploring the nearby Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail.
KidTripster Tip: If you have a child entering the fourth grade, he or she is eligible for a free pass through the Every Kid in A Park program. Learn more here.
Dining at The Homestead
There are three dining options at The Homestead: Cafe Manitou, Cavanaugh’s and Whiskers. (While there is a fourth restaurant, Nonna’s, it’s closed during the summer months.)
Cavanaugh’s serves as a mini market with prepared foods, custom pizza, coffee, and convenience items.
For a finer dining experience, be sure to stop by Cafe Manitou, located at the Beach Club on the shores of Lake Michigan. Cafe Manitou offers several fish, seafood, beef, chicken, and pasta options, as well as an impressive wine list. Enjoy your meal on the deck at sunset for a true summer experience in Michigan.
Of all the restaurants, Whiskers was by far our favorite. In fact, my kids still talk about “the grilled cheese from Whiskers.” They loved it and ate it several times. My husband and I enjoyed the street tacos, local beers, and a few sneaky bites of our kids’ fries (also really, really good). In addition to great food, the atmosphere at Whiskers can’t be beat. Newly renovated, you can choose between indoor and outdoor dining while enjoying a splash pad, lawn games, fire pits, and live music. Our kids spent plenty of time in the hammock swings, waiting patiently for their food.
KidTripster Tip: If eating outdoors at Whiskers, come prepared with bug repellent. The mosquitoes and especially the black flies can really dampen an otherwise good meal.
KidTripster Tip: Food is available for takeout from Whiskers, a great option after a long day with tired kids.
Additional dining options are located nearby in Glen Arbor. We like Cherry Republic, known for its variety of over 200 cherry products, and Art’s Tavern for good burgers.
Getting to The Homestead
The Homestead is located in Glen Arbor, Michigan. It’s a 4-1/2-hour drive from Detroit, a 3-hour drive from Grand Rapids, and a 1-hour drive from Traverse City.
KidTripster Tip: Don’t let the long drive times dissuade you from visiting. Northern Michigan is beautiful in all seasons and is dotted with small towns and gorgeous views.
KidTripster Tip: If traveling during the summer, have cash handy for roadside fruit stands.
Want to extend your visit in northern Michigan? Check out our recommendation for magical Mackinaw Island.
Megan Moore Inchauste lives in West Michigan with her husband, four children, and dog. She’s currently homeschooling her youngest children to allow for more travel and learning around the world
This writer received a complimentary stay for the purpose of this review. However, all opinions expressed are solely her own.
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