Sleeping Bear Dunes announces barn workshop

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore will conduct its annual barn restoration workshop from June 8-12, commencing daily at 9 a.m. The workshop will be held at the Lyle and Sarah Schmidt farm, located three miles south of Empire, off M-22 on Norconk Road, with signage provided along M-22 for guidance. The primary focus of the workshop will be the repair of the horse barn at the Schmidt farm. This event offers opportunities for both families and individuals ranging from novice to experienced carpenters, with activities designed to engage all skill levels. There is no participation fee.

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Cerus Quartet plays Sound Garden throughout Glen Arbor area

The Glen Arbor Arts Center is thrilled to host the Cerus Quartet as Musicians‑in‑Residence from June 8–20, as part of their Manitou Music Series, in partnership with Interlochen Public Radio’s Sound Garden Project. Emerging as one of the most compelling chamber ensembles of their generation, the Cerus Quartet brings the dynamic sound of the saxophone quartet to the Glen Arbor area. Their repertoire spans contemporary works and transcriptions of classical masterworks, combining innovation, versatility, and engaging visual elements to create a distinctive performance experience. During their two‑week residency, the Cerus Quartet will offer immersive musical experiences around the Glen Arbor and Empire area, from public performances to school and library visits, open rehearsals, and “Sound Samples” (spontaneous musical interactions in community spaces).

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Leelanau State Park, Lighthouse hold Rock the Light races, community day

The Grand Traverse Lighthouse Museum and Friends of Leelanau State Park are excited to announce the return of the Rock the Light Races: 5K Run/Walk Pirate Dash and the Capt. Woolsey 10-Miler, taking place in beautiful Leelanau State Park on Saturday, June 6. Participants of all ages and skill levels are invited to enjoy a unique race experience surrounded by the natural beauty and historic charm of northern Michigan.

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Paul Skinner helps drive Empire along

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“Come on in,” says Paul Skinner as he opens the door at the Miser’s Hoard. “Don’t mind them. Hush,” he says to Brandi and Gizmo, the Shih Tzu security team. The tall, ungainly building on Front Street in Empire is home to the two tiny guard dogs, Paul and Shelly Skinner, and the Miser’s Hoard, their catch-all store which sells an eclectic mix of gifts, jewelry, furnishings, accessories and antiques—which celebrates 25 years of operation in Empire this year. And more than that, if you want to know the truth. It’s also the headquarters for the Empire Asparagus Festival and the Empire Hill Climb, both of which Paul oversees. That’s quite a bit for one place in the diminutive village in the southwestern corner of Leelanau County. But the Skinners make it work.

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Glen Arbor Arts Center recognizes 250 years of American trees

American Tree is an exhibit that explores the role trees played in the formation of the United States 250 years ago—and the role trees will play moving forward into this nation’s next 250 years. This exhibition opens Friday, June 5, in the Glen Arbor Arts Center’s Main Gallery. It features the work of 28 artists and continues through Aug. 13. An opening reception is June 5, from 5-7 pm.

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Asparagus is ripe in the land of the Sleeping Bear

Empire’s quirky, fun, day-long Asparagus Festival returns to Leelanau County on Saturday, June 6. The day of peace, music and food offers something for everyone in the family. Events include the Kick-Yer Ass-paragus 5K Fun Run/Walk at Empire’s public beach at 10 am; a pop-up book sale at the Glen Lake Community Library from 11 am-3 pm; a recipe contest in the Township Hall at noon (click on the story for a link to enter); open hours at the Empire Area Museum from 1-4 pm; the Ode to Asparagus Poetry Contest at the Library at 2 pm (click on the story for a link to enter); an appearance by the Asparagus Queen on Stilts from 2-4 pm, and the Magic Lady Family Magic Show from 3-4 pm.

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Dune Bird launches Woolsey Red to support airport restoration

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On Thursday June 4, from 4-8 pm Dune Bird Winery, set along Michigan’s scenic M-22 in the heart of Leelanau County, celebrates the launch of a new varietal red wine, Woolsey Red, a partnership with the Save Woolsey Airport Terminal project, a group of dedicated community volunteers and partners working with Leelanau Township to Save Woolsey Airport Terminal, an 1870s-era, hand-laid stone building that once served as a farm creamery.

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Snow-birding at the speed of 70

Tim Mulherin writes about having turned 70 in early March. “Those of you who have already reached that lofty milestone know exactly what I mean when I say that it’s a weird place to be,” he writes. “For me, the mind is still stuck in the 70s—meaning the decade—while the body is wholly in 2026. Of course, those of you who are much younger have no idea what that’s like. But you will; just give it some time.”

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Tenants lose everything after Glen Arbor apartment house catches fire

Early in the morning on Monday, June 1, an apartment house caught fire in downtown Glen Arbor. Mara Miller and the Semple family, the two tenants impacted by the fire, are staying with family and friends in the area for the meantime. Miller manages the Leelanau Coffee Roasting Company’s cafe; the Semples are longtime Glen Arbor residents. Both Miller and the Semple family have active GoFundMe campaigns online to help rebuild after the loss.

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Dunes Café opens near Empire

As of May 15, a new cafe is up and running near Empire. The Dunes Café, located inside the clubhouse of the Dunes Golf Club off of M-72, offers coffee, tea, light food and smoothies. “If it takes off, we’ll get an espresso machine,” said Clayton Morrow, an experienced barista who helped his sister Brittany Morrow open the cafe.

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