Big Glen Lake

 

 

Glen Lake - Refined natural beauty with protected shoreline

 

Big Glen Lake

Classic scale with iconic Leelanau County setting

Overview

Located in Leelanau County near the village of Glen Arbor, Big Glen Lake is one of the region’s most recognized inland lakes, offering expansive water views and close proximity to Lake Michigan and Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.

Big Glen Lake is a larger inland lake known for its clear water, open feel, and established shoreline. Lakefront properties range from traditional cottages to updated year-round homes, attracting buyers who value a classic Northern Michigan lake experience with room for recreation and long-term ownership.

Lake Character & Lifestyle

Big Glen Lake supports an active yet balanced lakefront lifestyle.

As an all-sports lake, it accommodates boating, water skiing, tubing, swimming, kayaking, and paddleboarding. Despite its size and recreational use, activity is spread out, allowing the lake to feel comfortable rather than congested. Many owners appreciate the blend of summer energy and quieter shoulder seasons.

Big Glen Lake appeals to buyers seeking a traditional lake environment with space to enjoy both recreation and relaxation.

Shoreline & Water Considerations

Shoreline conditions on Big Glen Lake vary by location.

Properties differ in frontage width, depth, and bottom composition, influencing dock design, swimming access, and shoreline use. Some areas offer sandy, gradual entry, while others feature deeper water close to shore. Evaluating exposure, prevailing winds, and long-term shoreline maintenance is an important part of the buying process.

Location & Nearby Amenities

Big Glen Lake benefits from a highly desirable Leelanau County location.

Residents enjoy:
• Immediate access to Glen Arbor shops and dining
• Proximity to Lake Michigan beaches and Sleeping Bear Dunes
• Access to regional trail systems and outdoor recreation
• Reasonable driving distance to Traverse City for services and healthcare

Its location combines natural scenery with everyday convenience.

Zoning, Preservation & Long-Term Value

Big Glen Lake is regulated by local township and county zoning designed to manage shoreline density and preserve water quality.

Its size, visibility, and limited inventory contribute to consistent long-term demand. Properties with strong frontage, usable shoreline, and favorable exposure tend to hold value well within the Leelanau County lakefront market.

Is Big Glen Lake Right for You?

Big Glen Lake is best suited for buyers who:
• Want a larger lake with room for boating and recreation
• Value proximity to Glen Arbor and Lake Michigan
• Prefer a classic, established lakefront setting
• Seek a property suitable for both seasonal and long-term use

For buyers seeking scale, scenery, and tradition, Big Glen Lake offers enduring appeal.

Lake Size & Key Facts

• Surface area: approximately 4,000 acres
• Shoreline: approximately 21 miles
• Maximum depth: approximately 130 feet
• Water type: clear inland lake
• Drive time to Traverse City: approximately 40–45 minutes

 

Big Glen Lake’s size and location place it among Leelanau County’s most recognizable inland lakes.

 

Big Glen Lake vs. Little Glen Lake

A Side-by-Side Lakefront Comparison

Feature Big Glen Lake Little Glen Lake
Overall Scale Large inland lake with expansive open water Smaller, more intimate inland lake
Atmosphere Active yet balanced Quiet, calm, and residential
Boat Activity All-sports lake Limited-wake / no-wake
Best Suited For Boating, water sports, multi-generational use Kayaking, swimming, paddleboarding, relaxation
Water Views Wide, panoramic lake views Shorter, enclosed, serene views
Shoreline Character Mix of sandy and deeper shorelines; varied exposure Narrower frontage with natural vegetation
Home Styles Cottages, legacy homes, and year-round residences Modest cottages and thoughtfully scaled homes
Seasonal Energy More activity during peak summer months Consistently quiet throughout the season
Privacy Level Moderate, varies by location High, with limited traffic and density
Availability Limited, competitive market Very limited, properties tightly held
Location Adjacent to Glen Arbor and Sleeping Bear Dunes Same prime location with quieter daily rhythm
Long-Term Appeal Strong for buyers seeking recreation and tradition Strong for buyers seeking peace and simplicity

How to Choose Between Big and Little Glen Lake

Both lakes share the same desirable Glen Arbor location and natural beauty. The decision typically comes down to how you plan to use the lake.

  • Choose Big Glen Lake if you value open water, boating flexibility, and a classic Northern Michigan lake atmosphere.

  • Choose Little Glen Lake if you prioritize calm water, privacy, and a retreat-style environment with minimal activity.

 

Neither option is better — they simply serve different lifestyles.

Big Glen Lake

$2,895,000
4 Beds ⋅ 4 Baths ⋅ 1950208 MLS ⋅ Hill Creek Subdivision BLDG.
BIG GLEN LAKE - There’s something a bit magical about an A-frame, evoking memories of a childhood getaway in the woods or a summer spent on the lake. And this property is among the grandest examples. The home’s 3 stories and 2000 square feet of living space sit atop a full lower level, all with expansive views of Glen Lake through the floor to ceiling glazing. Built in 1970 by a scion of the Chris Smith family of the famed Chris-Craft Boats, the current owners acquired it in 1988 and have utilized it year-round since. While the home was designed with four bedrooms and three and a half baths, the current owners have enjoyed the flexible use of two bedrooms as a den and an office. The main level has a galley-style kitchen and generous dining/living room along with one bedroom and a full bathroom. Above that are two floors with bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, both levels featuring a landing that overlooks the living area below. Downstairs, the lower-level doubles as garage and bonus room or can serve as storage space for all the toys with an overhead door facing the lakeside, for easy coming and going, and even has a half bath. Outside the spacious elevated deck overlooks a broad sandy beach which spans the full 100’ of lake frontage, and with nearly six tenths of an acre, there’s room to expand should you ever need it. The property is part of Tamarack Cove, a quiet enclave of 15 homes tucked into the northeast corner of Big Glen. It offers southern exposure, on-shore breezes on the warmest days and a peaceful private road. Whether you are continuing the home’s legacy or using it as a starting point for a new chapter on these pristine shores, this property offers a special opportunity to anchor your own family’s history in Glen Lake magic.

6158 S Tamarack Lane, Maple City
$2,995,000
6 Beds ⋅ 7 Baths ⋅ 1947576 MLS ⋅ N/A BLDG.
If you've been in search for the perfect Glen Lake property to create a family legacy property, you'll want to consider this spectacular new listing! Glen Lodge, the namesake of a former logging camp dwelling from yesteryear, was built in 1994 to provide modern utility for the current owners who are ready to pass the keys to their successors. Located within Glen Arbor Township's limited Resort Zoning district, the Lodge was constructed with the ability to share this unique setting with others by virtue of three lower level suites that have historically been utilized as short term rental spaces. Large multi-generational families will want to take advantage of what's been referred to as the North View, Middle View, and South View units, all with kitchens and private bathrooms, North & South with a private bedroom space, Middle a studio floor plan. The main level features three generously sized bedrooms, the master/primary enjoys lake facing views, a private deck, & nicely appointed bathroom. The other 2 bedrooms share a full bath with tub/shower & tile floors. 6 panel pine doors & trim, with T&G paneling on many of the sloped ceilings throughout the house, built-in cabinetry, ledge stone gas fireplace pay homage to the timeless architecture cottage motif. You'll love spending time with family & friends in the spacious great room, sharing meals in the lake side dining room, screened porch when Mother Nature doesn't cooperate, or on the massive water side deck when she does. Meals are a joy to prepare in the spacious kitchen, plenty of room for the chefs in the family, with room for the support staff to watch. A loft space that over looks the great room is a perfect spot for a home office/den, with 3/4 bath. Laundry stations on both levels, oversized 2 car garage, a wonderful open & wooded parcel with 131' of frontage, enjoy sun and moon rises, northern lights, & gradual drop off.

7953 S Glen Lake Road, Glen Arbor
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