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The village of Northport is a pleasant reward upon traveling to the northern end of Leelanau Peninsula. Originally a mission begun by Rev. George Smith, there was also a band of Ottawa and Chippewa tribes who settled just south of town in Waukazooville, named after their chief. Northport's dock was large enough to accept steamers and had great proximity to shipping lanes for that area. The wood/lumber business thrived, at peak, they shipped 35,000 cords of wood a year. The Leelanau Enterprise, a local newspaper, began in Northport in 1877, and still exists today. Around the turn of the century the village became a summer resort attraction, specifically the spit of land known as Northport Point. Large hotels were built, the railroad came, and commercial fishing of whitefish and lake trout was always important business. Eventually, cherries were a great success, the locals raised funds for a hospital, a small airport was added, and state parks were established. The Grand Traverse Lighthouse, a few miles north of town at the literal tip of the peninsula, is a registered landmark. It is beautifully restored and a fascinating destination for all ages. For a refreshing stop, seek out the Christmas Cove Farm, established in 1881, where they grow 200 varieties of apples, including antique apples. Northport still thrives today with fruit production and tourism. The elegant town is laid out in a peaceful harbor on Lake Michigan's West Grand Traverse Bay, there is a freshwater creek winding through the village, lots of shade trees, parks, unique shops, eateries, and the innate notion that you are at the top of the world.
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