Suttons Bay lies midway up the eastern shore of the Leelanau Peninsula, 16 miles north of Traverse City. This year round coastal village has a quality all its’ own with specialty shops, galleries, unique dining experiences, B&B’s make this a truly walkable village. The Marina Park is an ideal spot for a family day at the beach. The Inland Seas schoolship schooner is docked on the south side of the marina. Surrounded by rolling vineyards you will find yourself in the heart of Michigan wine country.

What’s Best?

With hiking trails at Bahle Park and the TART Trail on the edge of town, you can bike, hike and run to your heart’s content. The beach is great and there are golf courses nearby. The award winning Leelanau Cheese is made in Suttons Bay.

Where to Meet Locals?

At the Bay Theatre, a charming historic theatre playing first run, independent and foreign films. At Bahle’s store especially during the summer street sale.  You’ll meet women of all ages at Haystacks, and men young and old get a haircut while receiving the latest fishing, hunting and sports news at Jon’s Barber Shop.

About the School District

Suttons Bay Public School is a K-12 school that is not too big, and not too small, serving a diverse student population. It has pre-kindergarten opportunities including a Young Fives program, Great Start Readiness Program for 4-year olds, a daycare for 3 and 4 year olds, a Montessori pre-school, toddler and infant care, as well as an Early Childhood Program for special needs students. For more information visit Suttons Bay Public Schools online.

Historical Sketch

Suttons Bay, the next harbor to the south, got its start as a wooding station for steamships in the 1850’s but blossomed in earnest after the Civil War as war veterans chose it as a good place to start a farm. In 1876 Lars Bahle, an immigrant from Norway, opened a dry goods store that still anchors the Suttons Bay business district today.