An area thought to be created by the force of the Ice Age, Glen Arbor's landscape is visually dramatic and ever-changing. Surrounded by the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, a unit of the U.S. National Park Service, Glen Arbor has become a nationally recognized tourist destination known for pristine water, outstanding recreation and unmatched beaches.
The Ottowa and Chippewa Native American tribes were Glen Arbor's first inhabitants that prospered from farming, fishing, and hunting. French fur traders established themselves in the 1800s, while the Great Lakes became a major byway for commercial shipping. The Manitou Islands became refueling stations for the wood-fired ships that traveled through the Manitou Passage or south refuge from the fierce storms.
Glen Arbor pioneers built a sawmill and inn on the beach west of Glen Arbor. The neighboring town of Glen Haven was acquired to ensure a reliable source of wood needed for the shipping vessels. In the late 1880s, DH Day became the owner of Glen Haven along with two steamers to form the Northern Michigan Line with freight and passenger service to Chicago, Milwaukee and a number of other Michigan stops. This more pleasant mode of travel helped to establish Northwest Michigan as a destination for vacations for decades to come.
In 1970, the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore was created, protecting some 72,000 acres of land and 35 miles of Lake Michigan coastline to ensure that future generations would also be able to experience the unique, pristine beauty of this land.
Tourism remains the driving force to the economy in and around Glen Arbor. Visitors and residents are drawn by the natural beauty, small-town charm, delightful dining, and unique shops and recreational opportunities. An established community of artists, many of who are affiliated with the Glen Arbor Arts Center, are inspired to creativity and cherish the opportunity to call the Glen Lake area home.
A variety of real estate opportunities are available in and around Glen Arbor. From family cottages situated on private shores of Big Glen or Little Glen Lake to sprawling estates on Lake Michigan. You'll also find neighborhood plats, a four-season resort with condominiums and vacation homes amidst restaurants and recreation activities.
Schools in Glen Arbor
Families living in Glen Arbor will be a part the Glen Lake Community Schools offering kindergarten through high school.
Churches in Glen Arbor
Glen Arbor is home to three small churches of various denominations. Within a short drive, to neighboring Village, additional churches can be found.
While many consider the natural wonders of the region to be entertaining, there are also a host of unique opportunities for dining, lodging, and more! Leelanau has become a foodie destination supported by local farmers, fine wine, craft spirits, and cideries. Locals and visitors enjoy the variety of casual serve-yourself eateries to elegant white linen fine dining.
Living in Leelanau is sure to bring additional family and friends that want to visit. The area boasts a variety of vacation rentals including condominiums, cottages, homes, and bed & breakfasts. Residents and visitors enjoy a breadth of activities and entertainment in all seasons including art galleries, bicycling, boating, fishing, golfing, hiking, kayaking, shopping, and wineries.
Following are some resources for where you can find more information:
634 people live in Glen Arbor, where the median age is 67.5 and the average individual income is $85,712. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.
Total Population
Median Age
Population Density Population Density This is the number of people per square mile in a neighborhood.
Average individual Income
There's plenty to do around Glen Arbor, including shopping, dining, nightlife, parks, and more. Data provided by Walk Score and Yelp.
Explore popular things to do in the area, including Rinco Bros, The Corndog Company - Glen Arbor, and Inn And Trail Gourmet.
| Name | Category | Distance | Reviews |
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Yelp
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|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dining | 1.67 miles | 18 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
| Dining | 1.77 miles | 9 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
| Dining | 1.75 miles | 13 reviews | 4.8/5 stars | |
| Dining | 1.8 miles | 17 reviews | 4.8/5 stars | |
| Dining · $$ | 1.72 miles | 15 reviews | 4.7/5 stars | |
| Shopping | 1.7 miles | 20 reviews | 4.8/5 stars | |
| Active | 1.96 miles | 12 reviews | 4.9/5 stars | |
| Active | 2.63 miles | 188 reviews | 4.8/5 stars | |
| Active | 3.32 miles | 11 reviews | 4.6/5 stars | |
| Active | 2.57 miles | 34 reviews | 4.6/5 stars | |
| Beauty | 1.89 miles | 11 reviews | 4.5/5 stars | |
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Glen Arbor has 312 households, with an average household size of 1.85. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. Here’s what the people living in Glen Arbor do for work — and how long it takes them to get there. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. 634 people call Glen Arbor home. The population density is 46.86 and the largest age group is Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.
Total Population
Population Density Population Density This is the number of people per square mile in a neighborhood.
Median Age
Men vs Women
Population by Age Group
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10-17 Years
18-24 Years
25-64 Years
65-74 Years
75+ Years
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Total Households
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Average individual Income
Households with Children
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