Glen Lake Boat Rentals
For a relaxing summer afternoon in Northern Michigan, you won’t find better than Glen Lake.
Picture crystal-clear turquoise waters and white sandy beaches, and you’ve got Glen Lake. Throw in a boat rental from Aussie Watersports, and you’ve got the best way to enjoy it. Nestled between the quaint Northern Michigan towns of Empire and Glen Arbor, Glen Lake is a hidden gem. Here’s everything you’ll want to know before heading out.
Did You Know?
- Glen Lake is split into Big Glen Lake and Little Glen Lake.
- Big Glen Lake and Little Glen Lake are connected by a narrow channel, crossable via the M-22 bridge.
- Big Glen’s surface area is 4,871 acres and reaches a depth of 130 feet. Little Glen
covers 1,415 acres and has a maximum depth of 13 feet.
Points of Interest
- Glen Arbor is a charming little town just north of Glen Lake where you can eat lunch, shop, or get some ice cream after a day on the water with your boat rental. It’s home to Cherry Republic, a source for all things cherry.
- The shallow waters near the M22 bridge are a popular sandbar destination for boaters looking to anchor for the day and let the kids play.
- The Dune Climb offers breathtaking views of Glen Lake (if you don’t mind hiking to the top!) and is located at the end of Hunter Road, to the west of Little Glen.
- Alligator Hill, so named because its winding trail resembles an alligator’s snout, can be found north of Glen Lake and provides stunning views of Glen Lake as well as Lake
Michigan. - Empire is located five miles south of Little Glen and features plenty of shopping and restaurants in addition to the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore Visitors Center.
Boat Launches
- Old Settlers’ Park and Picnic Area can be found on the southeastern shore of Big Glen and offers a launch for non-motorized boats.
- On the Narrows Marina is located on M-22 at the bridge between Big and Little Glen. They offer marine gas, restrooms, and a place to dock your boat rental for those who want to explore the area.
- Glen Craft Marina is Leelanau County’s “one-stop marine shop” on the north side of Big Glen. They have boat slips, dockside services, and friendly staff.
- A public DNR boat ramp is available just off Day Forest Road. Parking is limited, and although conditions are often windy, it’s a quiet launch for those who don’t like crowds.
Parks & Beaches
- Old Settlers’ Park and Picnic Area have fireplaces, barbecues, a playground, a gazebo, grills, benches, restrooms, and a picnic area. There’s dock access from the water with stairs leading up to the park which overlooks Big Glen Lake.
- Glen Lake Beach Park is located on the northern shores of Little Glen. Here you’ll find bathroom facilities, shallow waters (great for swimming!), a spectacular view of the dunes, and a lovely picnic spot for anyone looking to relax after climbing the dunes or
spending a day on the lake with a boat rental.