Visiting the Leelanau Peninsula? Whether you are planning a romantic getaway for two, a family vacation, or an alternative to your typical hotel or motel lodging; the Whaleback Inn in Leland, Michigan is for you. We are located in Michigan's beautiful Leelanau Peninsula (north of Traverse City). The Inn is situated on a hill overlooking North Lake Leelanau for spectacular year round views of our 200 feet of private frontage and beyond.
The Whaleback Inn is so named because we sit at the base of the Whaleback Sand Dune. Among the five wooded acres are fourteen well appointed lake-view rooms, a free standing cottage and three cottage suites as well as two docks for your swimming and boating enjoyment. We also offer on-site kayak and stand up paddle board rentals from our own docks!
The Whaleback Inn is so named because we sit at the base of the Whaleback Sand Dune. Among the five wooded acres are fourteen well appointed lake-view rooms, a free standing cottage and three cottage suites as well as two docks for your swimming and boating enjoyment. We also offer on-site kayak and stand up paddle board rentals from our own docks!
Services
Our guests consistently tell us we are the nicest, cleanest place to stay on the Leelanau Peninsula. Don't trust your much anticipated and deserved vacation to anyone else other than the charming Whaleback Inn.
To make your stay all the more special, all accommodations include: clean, updated rooms with deluxe linens and soaps, heat, air-conditioning, digital cable with HBO, refrigerators, grills, picnic tables, children's play area, and ground level entry individual to each room.We have several different accommodations to suit your needs.
To make your stay all the more special, all accommodations include: clean, updated rooms with deluxe linens and soaps, heat, air-conditioning, digital cable with HBO, refrigerators, grills, picnic tables, children's play area, and ground level entry individual to each room.We have several different accommodations to suit your needs.
We have occupancy-based pricing therefore rates are always fluctuating up and down based upon availability. WEEKLY RESERVATIONS (7 NIGHTS OR MORE): 50% deposit is due at the time of booking, 50% remainder required 30 days prior. An email confirmation will be sent to you. NIGHTLY RESERVATIONS: Cancellation of one week or less from check in date, no refund will be issued.
From June through September enjoy kayak and stand up paddle board rentals on site, launching from our beautiful 200ft of North Lake Leelanau waterfront! This is the perfect place to get out and explore the shoreline, take a paddle up the Leland River, or go out and swim off the watercraft. All rentals come with a paddle and life jacket.
We believe Northern Michigan is pretty special all around, but Leelanau County is a true gem. A spectacular peninsula with water surrounding three sides, picturesque M-22 winding around our "pinky finger" of a county, quaint towns, lively small businesses, and great local people. It is no surprise that the word Leelanau means "Delight of Life" to Native Americans.
We are the proud new owners of the Whaleback Inn since late July of 2018. We have lived on French Road in Lake Leelanau since 2008 and have operated a few different businesses and enjoyed this beautiful area for its natural beauty and fantastic local people. Our kids go to Leland Schools.
We feel truly blessed to be here and we welcome you and your family to come enjoy all that the Leelanau Peninsula and Leland, Michigan has to offer as we aspire to run the Whaleback with the same love and care that two generations of the Koehler family did with such dedication.Drew is also a licensed Realtor with Key Realty One in Traverse City and a member of the Blue Lakes Real Estate Team.
We feel truly blessed to be here and we welcome you and your family to come enjoy all that the Leelanau Peninsula and Leland, Michigan has to offer as we aspire to run the Whaleback with the same love and care that two generations of the Koehler family did with such dedication.Drew is also a licensed Realtor with Key Realty One in Traverse City and a member of the Blue Lakes Real Estate Team.
Reviews (28)
Gary Roelofs
Oct 29, 2021
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Darlene D.
Oct 24, 2021
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What a beautiful inn and location!!! We were up North for fall wine tasting and found this inn. We were greeted by the Innkeeper and given a brief tour. The room was lovely and in a quiet location. Ironically, there was a piece of art on the wall by the same artist that we have a painting at home. It is distinctive due to the birch trees going off the picture and "on the frame". We would stay there again and hope for warmer weather to enjoy the chairs and view of the lake.
Kevin Smith
Oct 21, 2021
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Clean room and great proximity to town, but we weren’t crazy about the noise factors. The road when you’re sitting outside for the lake view is very loud and busy. The view was nice however, with the power lines (to no fault of the inn) it was a bit obstructed. Some of the online pictures were deceiving in how close you are to the water.
The patio also has no privacy. It’s a large shared patio with other people. Meaning you are right on top of the other rooms. Perhaps, and at minimum, a divider or something would be nice as to not have to look at strangers.
We also had some survey guys
The patio also has no privacy. It’s a large shared patio with other people. Meaning you are right on top of the other rooms. Perhaps, and at minimum, a divider or something would be nice as to not have to look at strangers.
We also had some survey guys
L. R.
Oct 01, 2021
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It's a lovely area. You're paying mostly for the location. Nothing comes with the room which are smaller. Even the ice is a community bag in a community fridge. It costs to get more than a scoop. Everything else has a price tag on it. It has a senior community feel. Positive: The beds are good. It's very clean. The area is beautiful. The people are nice.
Chris Blattman
Sep 05, 2021
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Quaint inn/motel. Staff friendly and cat friendlier. The area is beautiful and the inn is close to everything. Maybe the only disappointment was the breakfast (Costco muffins) and the fact that the kayaks and paddle boards are for hourly rental rather than free to use (given the price point). But we had a very pleasant stay.
Eric Goldsmith
Jul 25, 2021
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Mark Heinen
Jul 25, 2021
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M. G.
Jul 11, 2021
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Dennis Winslow
Jun 18, 2021
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Carol Cramer
May 29, 2021
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Sarah Zimmerman
May 27, 2021
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I cannot say enough about this place. It is cozy and serene and well maintained. The owners pride shows in the little things: coffee and muffins in the morning, kayaks and paddle boards, sitting areas and beautiful views of lake Leelanau. It’s a short walk to town and right next to a natural area for hiking. We only got to stay for one night but I would love to return. You will not be disappointed if you stay here.
Christine Alongi-Arnold
May 06, 2021
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Perfect off season getaway! Perfect location for trail hiking, small town shopping and wine tour! Cozy room! Generous hosts made sure we had what we needed for our stay. The community kitchen was a great touch to see other travelers and get your water and coffee for the day. Even the house cat came to greet me! We struggled with consistent room temperature, but that is a common problem with the in room electric heat units. Loved going in early April - No crowds, no bugs.
Marcia V.
Oct 19, 2019
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This place is so cute, a little inn across from the water where everything looks exactly what you hope it looks like. Does that make sense, I hope it does. we met our mother here and got into our room. The rooms are decently sized, but the furniture takes up a good amount of space. It is all log style furniture, so it was large. But that was ok for us, we didn't need a bunch of extra space. The main building has a beautiful wrap around porch where they would serve a basic breakfast of toast, muffins, coffee, and hot chocolate in the mornings. It was just very picturesque and a wonderful place
Kathy V.
Jul 28, 2019
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We stayed here while in the area for a family wedding. It was one of the three hotels where there were room blocks and where the couple arranged to have a bus pick up and drop off wedding guests. I am fairly certain that is what helped influence our decision to stay here.
My sister and I arrived after our mother, with whom we were sharing a room. We went to the office to check in and the gentleman working was prepared for our arrival with our key, happily showed us where our room and parking spot were (there is one spot available per room, directly in front of the door of your room). He was also
My sister and I arrived after our mother, with whom we were sharing a room. We went to the office to check in and the gentleman working was prepared for our arrival with our key, happily showed us where our room and parking spot were (there is one spot available per room, directly in front of the door of your room). He was also
Vanessa D.
Jul 14, 2019
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Melinda S.
Jul 30, 2018
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Hosts are very welcoming. View...beautiful!
Healthy continental breakfast... yogurt, fresh fruits, whole grain breads, delish cherry jam? Sauce?
Negatives- our room had a large king that was posted quite a ways off the floor. Difficult for short person to get on and off. Bed sags in middle.
Skylights... woke us up at 6:30am with sunlight. Not cool on vacay.
Healthy continental breakfast... yogurt, fresh fruits, whole grain breads, delish cherry jam? Sauce?
Negatives- our room had a large king that was posted quite a ways off the floor. Difficult for short person to get on and off. Bed sags in middle.
Skylights... woke us up at 6:30am with sunlight. Not cool on vacay.
Amy K.
Jul 29, 2017
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This place is just perfect! Our group of 12 want to return with a larger group and rent the entire Inn.
The grounds are breathtaking, just across the road from Lake Leelanau. We stayed in #16 in a suite and it was lovely.
You will need to walk across the road to reach the Whaleback Inn dock for swimming but it's doable. We had a blast swimming with our kiddos during our last afternoon there. You cannot imagine the beauty of this setting.
The owners live onsite and are gracious and readily available to help answer questions about what to do and where to eat. They recommended the Cove
The grounds are breathtaking, just across the road from Lake Leelanau. We stayed in #16 in a suite and it was lovely.
You will need to walk across the road to reach the Whaleback Inn dock for swimming but it's doable. We had a blast swimming with our kiddos during our last afternoon there. You cannot imagine the beauty of this setting.
The owners live onsite and are gracious and readily available to help answer questions about what to do and where to eat. They recommended the Cove
Jenny M.
Jul 09, 2017
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Christine W.
Oct 01, 2016
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What a fabulous find! Our stay at the Whaleback Inn was phenomenal. From the moment we were greeted by Scott and Tammie in the front office to the time we checked out it was a very enjoyable experience. We felt as though we had been invited in their home with warm hospitality. The location across from the lake is stunning. I highly recommend the Whaleback Inn and urge people to enjoy the beautiful peninsula.
Angela S.
Jul 28, 2016
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Excellent experience for 2 girlfriends getting away from families for a few days. This Inn faces East, so you're not going to see sunsets, but you will see sunrises over Lake Leelanau, which is a really nice lake. The people at the Inn were all so welcoming, helpful and friendly.
We stayed in their smallest room with no view (#9) and it was really quite cramped, but it didn't take away from the experience of the wineries and local life around the peninsula. I loved sitting on the porch with my morning coffee and a book while my friend slept. Coffee was good, breakfast offered decent
We stayed in their smallest room with no view (#9) and it was really quite cramped, but it didn't take away from the experience of the wineries and local life around the peninsula. I loved sitting on the porch with my morning coffee and a book while my friend slept. Coffee was good, breakfast offered decent
Jessica G.
Jun 25, 2016
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We adored this absolutely adorable and gorgeous inn. The owners were so kind and welcoming. Always available if we needed anything. The continental breakfast was yummy and perfect. We would drink our coffee and look at the views. We paid extra for the suite which was ah-mazing. Panoramic views of the lake in front of us. We just really loved this spot. It's so close to downtown Leland too. Please stay here!!! It's exactly what you would want in a small town Upper Michigan town.
Tricia G.
Aug 24, 2015
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Very welcoming staff that came out from behind the desk, shook our hands and made us feel like family.
Not only that but the property is gorgeous with amazing views of the lake. Don't miss the private doc with Adirondack chairs right on the water.
Of course since this is a hotel we should also comment that the room was well equipped and very romantic.
Not only that but the property is gorgeous with amazing views of the lake. Don't miss the private doc with Adirondack chairs right on the water.
Of course since this is a hotel we should also comment that the room was well equipped and very romantic.
Michael C.
Aug 03, 2014
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Mary R.
Jul 22, 2014
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Stayed here for a long weekend with a group of girlfriends. Snagged a Cottage Suite, which was way more spacious than we expected--nice surprise! We had a full-sized fridge and a small stove. We didn't use the stove, but the fridge was great for storing all the L. Mawby! :)
Whaleback Inn is beautiful, conveniently located, and well-appointed. The owners were super friendly and readily accessible. We enjoyed breakfast on the porch each morning, and took advantage of the Lake Leelanau access for swimming and hanging out on the dock.
Honestly, the only complaints were the lack of
Whaleback Inn is beautiful, conveniently located, and well-appointed. The owners were super friendly and readily accessible. We enjoyed breakfast on the porch each morning, and took advantage of the Lake Leelanau access for swimming and hanging out on the dock.
Honestly, the only complaints were the lack of
Joe M.
Jun 17, 2014
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Perfect view. Just stayed here for a wedding. I was very impressed. The view, the service, everything. The owners were easy to work with. They have a great breakfast and community room. You can walk down to the water and take in the view, or you can have a seat on the massive porch and look at the view. We stayed in a newly renovated room. We did not meet anyone who was not impressed. Its a must if in Leland. BTW lots of fun vineyards around. You have to go to town. good food.
Kara G.
Jan 10, 2014
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Rented out all the rooms for a "destination" wedding. Everyone who stayed here had nothing but great things to say. Owners are super friendly and helpful. They were great at suggesting places to stop at while in the area.
Rooms were very clean, cute, and updated. Inn is located across the street from the water and most of the rooms have a view. They even have a dock that you can sit at or bring your own boat to tie up. If we had more time we were thinking of renting a boat for a few days and the dock would have been perfect for that. Different review complained about prices,
Rooms were very clean, cute, and updated. Inn is located across the street from the water and most of the rooms have a view. They even have a dock that you can sit at or bring your own boat to tie up. If we had more time we were thinking of renting a boat for a few days and the dock would have been perfect for that. Different review complained about prices,
Tony L.
Oct 03, 2013
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Staying at the Whaleback Inn was a total delight from check-in to check-out.
A very large group of us from all over the country (most of which were in town from New York City) stayed here for a destination wedding that happened about 20 minutes away. I couldn't imagine a more relaxing, comfortable and hometown-feeling place to stay. The very courteous staff were always working hard to make sure that everything went smoothly and that we were accommodated.
The rooms are "rustic" in a Disney's Wilderness Lodge kind of way. Clean and attractive (with very comfortable beds),
A very large group of us from all over the country (most of which were in town from New York City) stayed here for a destination wedding that happened about 20 minutes away. I couldn't imagine a more relaxing, comfortable and hometown-feeling place to stay. The very courteous staff were always working hard to make sure that everything went smoothly and that we were accommodated.
The rooms are "rustic" in a Disney's Wilderness Lodge kind of way. Clean and attractive (with very comfortable beds),
RocknPop R.
Jul 30, 2012
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I don't usually write reviews about hotels or resorts but after my experience at the Whaleback Inn this weekend I felt someone should to prevent future travelers from staying there.
Pros: Scenic setting. The owners were nice.
Cons: Overpriced, I have stayed at hotels worldwide and none have been as overpriced as this one. For $180/night we couldn't even get a dry towel. I believe they air dry the towels because both of ours were wet when we checked in, and still the following morning.
Check in is in a little cabin where the owners also live. Apparently they keep their door open with
Pros: Scenic setting. The owners were nice.
Cons: Overpriced, I have stayed at hotels worldwide and none have been as overpriced as this one. For $180/night we couldn't even get a dry towel. I believe they air dry the towels because both of ours were wet when we checked in, and still the following morning.
Check in is in a little cabin where the owners also live. Apparently they keep their door open with
