Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore hosts its popular pruning workshop in the Port Oneida Rural Historic District on Friday, May 1, starting at 10 am. The event will take place at the William and Charlotte Kelderhouse and Peter and Jennie Burfiend farms, which are located five miles north of Glen Arbor along M-22. Signage along the M-22 route to the sites.
The inaugural Fresh Coast Film Festival: Traverse City, which runs April 30–May 3 at seven venues throughout Traverse City, prominently features Leelanau faces and places. Opening night festivities will play for free at the Bay Theatre in Suttons Bay, as well as other regional venues, at 7 pm on Thursday night.
The Glen Arbor Sun was named local news media publication of the year and won 18 awards in 11 different categories from the Michigan Press Association’s 2025 Better Newspaper Contest for stories published between August 1, 2024, and July 31, 2025. The awards were unveiled on Thursday, April 23, at MPA conference at the Kellogg Center in East Lansing.
It takes nerve to write a biography about such a revered, almost mythological northern Michigan writer as Jim Harrison. Kudos to Todd Goddard for taking on such an important project for posterity with sensitivity, level appreciation, and a North Star dedication to accurately portraying this gigantic personality and prolific writer of master works of poetry and fiction. As well, it takes some daring to share one’s impression of the Harrison biography, writes Tim Mulherin. I’ve long been a fan of Harrison’s work. I’m in awe of his vast intellect and artistic range, his turn-of-phrase genius and ability to connect so deeply with his ardent readership.
The U.S. Supreme Court on Wednesday handed Michigan’s Democratic Attorney General Dana Nessel a victory, offering a unanimous decision that laid to rest a years-long debate over whether her case to shut down Enbridge’s Line 5 pipeline should be heard in state or federal court. In an 14-page opinion penned by Justice Sonia Sotomayor, the court held that Enbridge had missed its 30-day window to have the case removed to federal court, with the Canadian energy company making its request 887 days after receiving Nessel’s initial complaint. The company’s Line 5 pipeline has been a long-running concern for tribal nations and environmentalists in the region, with Nessel calling it a “ticking time bomb” for the Great Lakes.
Part gently used, part brand new. Part camping necessities, part office supplies. Part collectibles, part home goods, and all of it at Bearberry General Store. It’s all part of the scene at the store in Lake Leelanau. A store owner Sarah Schultz says she had no interest in starting until opportunity came knocking. “It was Bearberry Vintage,” Schultz explains. She was taking items there for resale from her parents’ home after they had passed away when one day the owner told Schultz she was moving to Florida. “Do you want to buy the store?” she asked Schultz.
In celebration of National Library Week, Glen Lake Community Library in Empire is showing the acclaimed documentary film, The Librarians on Wednesday, April 22, at 6:30 pm. This film traverses small-town USA with interviews and archival material to reveal the story of everyday Americans who have become unlikely defenders of democracy. This special screening is sponsored by the Friends of Glen Lake Community Library.
At a time when the world is drowning in photographic images, Grand Rapids photographer Rodney Martin asks: Is photography dead? On April 25, Martin will present a slide lecture that digs into that question. The program takes place in the Glen Arbor Arts Center’s main gallery from 1-2:30 pm.
Earth Week is a time to slow down, step outside, and reconnect with the natural world. Join the Leelanau Conservancy from April 22–25 as they explore local trails, gather with fellow nature lovers, and discover simple ways to make a lasting impact—one step at a time. Click here for Earth Week events facilitated by Conservancy staff.
Get ready to indulge during the 12th annual Glen Lake Restaurant Week, April 24-May 2. From casual bites to gourmet dining, participating locations will feature specials or a prix-fixe menu that highlight the best of the local culinary scene. Whether you’re craving comfort food, fresh ingredients, exquisite drinks, or an elevated dining experience, there’s something for every palate. Some may also offer breakfast, lunch and dinner specials in accordance with their own hours and offerings. For special menus and the full lineup of participating businesses, check out VisitGlenArbor.com.