Welcome to Northport
Located near the tip of the Leelanau Peninsula is the village of Northport, a picturesque, waterfront community that encompasses 1.65 square miles of land. There is a downtown with various shops, restaurants, and galleries. Approximately, 8 miles north of town is the Leelanau State Park and Grand Traverse Lighthouse. The Lighthouse operates now as a museum. Visitors can tour the restored lighthouse that replicates the keeper's quarters from the 1920's and 1930's.
History of Northport
When a smallpox epidemic plagued Michigan in 1848, Chief Peter Waukazoo and Reverend George Smith moved folks from Holland to the very tip of Leelanau by boat and canoe. The settlement was known as Waukazooville.
In the absence of a town doctor, Reverend Smith stepped in to deliver babies and help the sick.
The reverend was also instrumental in introducing cherry farming to the area when he added an orchard in 1853 on his own farm. There were so many cherries in the first few years, the abundance was shipped to nearby cities for market.In 1854, newcomer Deacon Joseph Dame changed the town's name to Northport.
In the years that followed, Northport became home for others who migrated from New York and Canada.
Living in Northport Today
While the village of Northport is very small (population 526 according to the 2010 US Census), there are still many opportunities to enjoy the town and natural surrounding areas. The Grand Traverse Lighthouse, a historic building built in 1852, is located nine miles north of town. Now a tourist attraction set within the Leelanau State Park, the lighthouse is surrounded by nearly 1,300 acres including a museum, rustic campground, miles of trails for hiking and skiing, and Lake Michigan shoreline.
Northport is also committed to providing a "green environment". A wind-powered turbine generates electricity to run the wastewater treatment facility. Additional efforts include a rain garden, stormwater runoff project, streetscape improvements, and dark sky lighting.
Northport Real Estate
Moderately priced homes can be found within and just outside the village. Others, seeking the luxury and solitude of the vast shoreline and natural amenities with convenient access to the small town will find Northport to be a very desirable location for estate-style homes that have been enjoyed for decades, often times by multiple generations.
Northport Point is a community of 100 homes on a wooded peninsula with few year-round residences and includes a private nine-hole golf course. Founded in 1899, the Point became a summer haven for many metropolitan families from the midwest and east coast.Residents and visitors with aircraft enjoy the convenience of Woosley Airport with provides an unmanned terminal, two runways (2,670 and 3,663 ft long) and four hangers.
Other Community Information
Schools in Northport
Families living in Northport will be a part of the Northport public school district. It offers education for children from kindergarten through high school with a total enrollment averaging 150 students.
Northport Churches
Northport is home to several churches of multiple denominations.
Entertainment & Recreation in Northport
While many consider the natural wonders of the region to be entertainment for the area, there are also a host of unique opportunities for dining, lodging, and more! Annual events include Winter Carnival, Fly-In Breakfast at Woolsey Airport and Cars in the Park.
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