Quick Summary:

  • What is the population of Glen Arbor?
    • The population of Glen Arbor is less than 1,000 according to a recent census, but the number of inhabitants triples in summer due to seasonal visitors.
  • Which township is Glen Arbor a part of?
    • Glen Arbor is part of the South Manitoba Island township, where two-thirds of the area is water.
  • What is the history of Glen Arbor?
    • Glen Arbor began as a trading post in 1848 and thrived during the 19th century due to the high demand for lumber for building homes and fueling passing ships.
  • Why was a US Life Saving Station established in Glen Arbor?
    • Due to increased traffic in the Great Lakes, multiple shipwrecks occurred, leading to the establishment of a US Life Saving Station in 1901.
  • What is the primary economic activity in Glen Arbor today?
    • The town’s main economic activity today is tourism, which brings in seasonal visitors and supports local businesses.
  • How can visitors reach Glen Arbor?
    • Glen Arbor is accessible via M-22, which is considered one of the USA’s most scenic drives in the fall.


  • Updated with new information since originally published.
  • Please support our journalism through affiliate links. Affiliate Disclosure
  • Our editors recommend these diverse local experiences.

1. Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Category: Activities
Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail | Things to Do in Glen Arbor, Michigan
© csterken/stock.adobe.com

2. D.H. Days Campground ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Category: Accommodations
D.H. Days Campground | Things to Do in Glen Arbor, Michigan
© Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

3. Sleeping Bear Point Maritime Museum

Category: Activities
Sleeping Bear Point Maritime Museum | Things to Do in Glen Arbor, Michigan
© Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

4. South Manitou Island Lighthouse

Category: Activities
South Manitou Island Lighthouse | Things to Do in Glen Arbor, Michigan
© David Arment/stock.adobe.com

5. Art's Tavern

Category: Food & Drink
Art's Tavern | Things to Do in Glen Arbor, Michigan
© Art's Tavern

6. On the Narrows Marina

Category: Activities
On the Narrows Marina | Things to Do in Glen Arbor, Michigan
© On the Narrows Marina

7. Spa Amira

Spa Amira | Things to Do in Glen Arbor, Michigan
© alfa27/stock.adobe.com

8. Glen Arbor Wines

Category: Food & Drink
Glen Arbor Wines | Things to Do in Glen Arbor, Michigan
© Glen Arbor Wines

9. Blu

10. Cherry Public House

Category: Food & Drink
Cherry Public House | Things to Do in Glen Arbor, Michigan
© Cherry Public House

11. Boonedocks

Boonedocks | Things to Do in Glen Arbor, Michigan
© Boonedocks

Plan Your Trip