I grew up coming to Leelanau County every summer with my family. But I think the connection to Leelanau began many years before me. My Father and Mother went to the Leelanau School and both graduated from there and later married. The ties to Leelanau are deep with memories that are being passed down through children and grandchildren.

The very personnal connection I feel is in my heart and this is why I could never choose just one memory to represent "Why Leelanau". I would have way too many answers and photos to share. Therefore I will end it here by saying that Leelanau is a place to create memories………..ones that will stick with you forever!

– Ellen Lesnick, Phoenix, AZ & Northport

Why Leelanau? Because it is the one place my family can all agree on as our Number One vacation destination. That's why we bought a home in Leland right in town. I know I will never be without company as long as my family and friends know I'm in Leelanau. No matter the season, or the weather, there is nothing better than to get up in the morning and walk into town for a hot cup of coffee and a great view of Big Blue.

– Gregory L. Chapman, Anchorage, KY & Leland

It is always sad to see a century old farm buildings crumble in ruin.  Here in Illinois the barns are quickly disappearing.  Most of the barns in Leelanau are still in use, but not necessarily in the best of shape.  Here is one along M22 on the way to Northport that didn't make it.

– Fred Miller, Elburn, IL

Leelanau is our home…my husband and I are two of the few who didn't leave after graduation.  We didn't want to.  The photo is a tree in our back yard.

– Charlene Schlueter, Suttons Bay

(Photo credit:  Jason Hamelin, Suttons Bay)

My brother and I started the M-22 company and love kiteboarding near Pyramid Point.

– Matt and Keegan Myers, Old Mission Peninsula