Occupying the space where Lake Leelanau narrows into a stream separating North Lake Leelanau and South Lake Leelanau, the unincorporated community of Lake Leelanau, Michigan was designated as a census-designated place (CDP) in time for the 2010 census.
Sometimes known as Carp Lake, the lake itself consists of two separate bodies of water connected by what is referred to as a narrowing of the lake, but which more closely resembles a small river or stream about one mile in length. Native Americans, who first inhabited this land called the area "ke-ski-bi-ag," which means "narrow body of water."
The CDP is mostly on the west side of the narrowed portion of the lake, but it continues to the east as far as North Eagle Highway/South Lake Leelanau Drive, and includes waterfront on the south shores of North Lake Leelanau, as well as the northwestern portion of South Lake Leelanau. However, the CDP boundaries were drawn for statistical purposes only, and have no legal status. Also, these boundaries may not reflect local understandings as to which areas are considered part of the community.
Lake Leelanau is mostly in Leland Township, and partly within Suttons Bay Township, Leelanau County, in the northwestern Lower Peninsula of Michigan.
The chief routes through the CDP are East Duck Lake Road (M-204) and South Lake Shore Drive, the latter of which terminates at its intersection with East Duck Lake Road downtown.
The nearest city to Lake Leelanau is Traverse City, just over twenty miles to the south-southeast, while the village of Suttons Bay is four miles to the east, and Northport is just under twelve miles north. Unincorporated communities within ten miles of Lake Leelanau include Cherry Home, Leland, Gill's Pier, Keswick, and Peshawbestown.
The community was founded around a large artesian well that was discovered in 1867 by Andre De Beloit, who was drilling for oil at the narrows of what was then known as Carp Lake. As others settled there, the community became known as Le Naro.
On May 10, 1871, a post office was opened in the community and named Provemont. William Horton was the first postmaster. On March 31, 1924, the name of the post office and community were changed to Lake Leelanau.
Although the community has a year-round population of about two hundred and fifty, summer vacationers come to the area for its scenery, boating, fishing, restaurants, and shops along the narrows area. Additionally, the community can serve as a convenient base for short trips to Glen Arbor, Leland, Northport, Suttons Bay, and the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. The community's economy is largely in support of its residents and visitors, and is related to tourism and travel business.
The focus of this portion of our guide is on the unincorporated community and census-designated place known as Lake Leelanau, Michigan. Appropriate topics include informational websites, as well as those representing local businesses, industries, schools, churches, organizations, attractions, events, sports programs, and recreational opportunities.
 
 
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Utilizing an employee-based approach to general contracting, the company has been building homes in Northern Michigan for more than three decades, including new construction, renovations, detail work, and commercial work, which are highlighted here, with photos of past work completed. Its services include site selection, pre-construction, plan development, custom home development, and commercial construction. Office and mailing addresses, phone and fax numbers, and a contact form are provided.
https://biggs.construction/
Providing guided fishing trips on Lake Leelanau, the fishing charter company is based in the village of Lake Leelanau, Michigan, offering spring, summer, and fall fishing guide services, as well as winter ice fishing, providing the necessary equipment and transportation. An introduction to the guide is presented, and client reviews are set forth. Directions and a map are provided, along with a telephone number and a map showing the location of the fishing charter's office are noted.
https://lakeeffectcharters.com/
The Lake Leelanau, Michigan resort offers access to boat docking facilities, a fish cleaning station, and laundry, and includes a bait and tackle shop and fishing charter services. Situated within walking distance of a grocery store, restaurants, a coffee shop, churches, resale shops, playgrounds, and other local attractions and events. Photos of the cabins are displayed, seasonal rates are posted, fishing charter information, policy data, and a phone number are included on the site.
http://www.lakeleelanaunarrowsresort.com/
Founded in 1987, the non-profit volunteer organization is made up of people from churches throughout Leelanau County, who come together to operate the organization's food pantry, financial assistance program, it Blessings in a Backpack program, and the LCN Baby Pantry, each of which is outlined here. Its services and programs are featured, and information on how others can contribute to their programs is set forth, along with volunteer opportunities, a wish list, office hours, and contacts.
https://leelanauchristianneighbors.org/
Situated on South Lake Leelanau Drive in Lake Leelanau, Michigan, the congregation's worship services are English-Spanish bilingual, with contemporary music and praise, a time for giving, and preaching from the Scriptures. Its Sunday and Wednesday schedules, a calendar of upcoming programs and events, news and announcements, phone and fax numbers, and an email address for the pastor are set forth. Sunday services are live-streamed, and a video sermon archive is included.
https://www.leelanaucommunitychurch.org/
Offering a curriculum for students in preschool through the twelfth grade, St. Mary is in Lake Leelanau, Michigan. In operation for more than a hundred and thirty years, it is the only PS-12 grade school in Leelanau County. Its history, faculty and staff contacts, office hours, and contacts are published on the site, along with job opportunities, admissions policies, tuition rates, parent-student handbooks, and parent login. Its academics, faith, athletics, and arts programs are outlined.
https://www.stmarysll.org/
St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church
Situated on St. Mary Street, the Catholic Church in Lake Leelanau, Michigan also operates St. Mary School, which is highlighted on its own website. Information and schedules of its Sacraments, religious education programs, and ministries are set forth, along with church bulletins, parish fundraisers, and schedules for altar servers, lectors, and extraordinary ministers. Other resources include a parish registration form, its address, a parish map, office hours, and telephone numbers.
https://stmaryparishll.org/