Welcome to Cedar

Cedar, Michigan is a quiet, charming village tucked into the rolling countryside of Leelanau County. Surrounded by farmland, forests, orchards, and gently winding backroads, Cedar offers a peaceful rural lifestyle with easy access to the beaches and trails of Sleeping Bear Dunes and the amenities of nearby Traverse City. Known for its deep Polish heritage, small-town atmosphere, and beautiful natural surroundings, Cedar captures the essence of Northern Michigan living — calm, scenic, and community-focused.

What to Love

• A peaceful, rural setting with wide-open landscapes

• Strong cultural identity and long-standing Polish traditions

• Close to Glen Lake, Lake Leelanau, and Sleeping Bear Dunes

• Welcoming community with festivals, markets, and family events

• Country roads perfect for biking, scenic drives, and exploring

• Proximity to wineries, orchards, and farm stands

• Short drive to Traverse City, Glen Arbor, and Empire

Local Lifestyle in Cedar

Life in Cedar is slow-paced, friendly, and connected to the land. Many residents enjoy early morning walks along quiet rural roads, afternoons visiting local farms and wineries, and evenings relaxing on decks surrounded by fields, woods, or starry night skies.

Community is central here — neighbors know each other, local businesses treat people like family, and long-standing traditions bring everyone together. Cedar appeals to those who appreciate small-town living, wide-open spaces, and the peaceful rhythm of rural Northern Michigan.

Rural & Outdoor Living

Cedar offers a lifestyle shaped by fresh air, nature, and scenic countryside. Residents enjoy:

• Hiking miles of nearby trails in Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

• Lake days on Glen Lake, Lake Leelanau, or Lake Michigan beaches

• Cycling or running along low-traffic country roads

• Exploring orchards, vineyards, and farm stands

• Snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and winter recreation

• Fishing and paddling in nearby lakes and rivers

The natural surroundings make Cedar a haven for anyone who loves the outdoors.

Things to Do in Cedar

• Polish Heritage Events – Cedar is known for its famous Polish festival and community traditions

• Explore Local Farms – u-pick orchards, fruit stands, and seasonal markets

• Visit Leelanau Wineries – scenic tasting rooms throughout the peninsula

• Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore – dunes, beaches, scenic lookouts, and trails just minutes away

• Lake Leelanau – boating, fishing, swimming, and paddle sports

• Glen Arbor & Empire – nearby villages with shops, cafés, and outdoor recreation

• Cycling and scenic drives – rolling countryside routes popular with locals and visitors

Cedar’s blend of culture, nature, and small-town charm provides plenty to enjoy year-round.

Schools in Cedar

Cedar is served by the Glen Lake Community Schools district, one of Northern Michigan’s well-respected systems. Known for small class sizes, supportive teachers, and strong extracurricular programs, the district includes:

• Glen Lake Elementary

• Glen Lake Middle School

• Glen Lake High School

Families appreciate the district’s tight-knit environment and high level of community involvement.

Walkability & Transportation

Cedar is a small rural community, making it easy to navigate:

• Walkable village center with essential shops and services

• Scenic country roads perfect for walking and biking

• Quick drives to Glen Lake, Empire, Lake Leelanau, and Traverse City

• Access to M-72, M-22, and other regional roadways

• Cherry Capital Airport in Traverse City, approximately 25–30 minutes away

Most residents rely on cars, but the area encourages outdoor mobility and exploration.

History & Culture

Cedar’s identity is rooted in its Polish heritage, agricultural traditions, and rural lifestyle. The town was shaped by early Polish settlers who established farms, built the community, and passed down recipes, language, and customs that remain alive today.

Cultural highlights include:

• The annual Polish Day Festival

• Local churches and community gatherings

• Small-town events that celebrate heritage and togetherness

• Generational family businesses woven into everyday life

Cedar embraces its history with pride while maintaining a warm, welcoming character.

Homes in Cedar

Cedar’s housing options reflect its rural setting:

• Farmhouses on large acreage

• Updated single-family homes in quiet neighborhoods

• New-construction homes in small, modern developments

• Wooded cabins and countryside retreats

• Homes with barns, outbuildings, or agricultural potential

• Vacation and seasonal properties for summer or fall escapes

Many homes feature land, privacy, scenic views, and outdoor spaces designed for enjoying Northern Michigan’s natural beauty.

Housing Market Trends

Cedar’s real estate market is consistently appealing due to:

• Desire for rural living close to Lake Michigan and Sleeping Bear Dunes

• Strong interest from buyers relocating from downstate or out-of-state

• Limited inventory in a small, high-demand region

• Steady appreciation supported by Leelanau County’s desirability

• Popularity of acreage, wooded parcels, and countryside homes

Homes with land, privacy, or proximity to lakes and trails often attract competitive interest.

Popular Areas in Cedar

• Village of Cedar – walkable, friendly, and close to shops and community events

• South of Cedar / County Road Areas – rural homes with acreage and privacy

• Near Lake Leelanau – close to boating and lake recreation

• West Cedar – quick access to Sleeping Bear Dunes and Glen Lake

• Leelanau County Backroads – wooded and rolling countryside properties

Each area provides its own blend of quiet, scenery, and accessibility.

Buying or Selling in Cedar

Cedar’s combination of small-town charm, natural beauty, and ideal location within Leelanau County makes it a consistently desirable market. Buyers value the area’s privacy, scenery, and access to lakes and dunes, while sellers benefit from strong demand and limited inventory.

Whether you’re seeking a modern rural home, a quiet cabin retreat, or land for a future build, Cedar offers a peaceful lifestyle surrounded by Northern Michigan’s most iconic landscapes.