Sugar Loaf, one of Northern Michigan’s most iconic landscapes, is poised for a rebirth.
The Leelanau Conservancy is trying to raise $1.6m by the end of the year to transform the long-dormant site into a world-class public scenic area, permanently protected and open to all.
“This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to restore a place that holds deep meaning for so many,” said Tom Nelson, executive director of the Leelanau Conservancy.
“We envision Sugar Loaf as a place where people of all ages and abilities can hike, bike, cross-country ski, play, and reconnect with nature—where conservation and community come together on the mountaintop.”
The vision for the new Sugar Loaf includes:
A publicly accessible trail network for hiking, biking, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing.
Universal access features, including a universal access loop trail for people with restricted mobility.
A summit pavilion for scenic views.
Family-friendly features, such as a sledding hill, nature play area, and outdoor gathering space.
Ecological restoration to protect native species, reduce erosion, and improve water quality in the Good Harbor Bay Watershed.
Thanks to the anonymous landowner who acquired the property in 2020 and funded the clean-up of the shuttered hotel and abandoned ski infrastructure, Sugar Loaf is ready for its next chapter. Once the Conservancy meets its fundraising goal, the present owner will donate ownership of approximately 285 acres to the nonprofit, securing its protection and public access forever. The landowner will retain ownership of the currently closed airfield.
Funds will go towards stewardship, trail construction, restoration, and infrastructure to welcome the public back to Sugar Loaf. For now, the property remains closed to public access until the funding goal is met, and the property finds its final home with the Leelanau Conservancy.
“Ownership feels this land should belong to the community. Its goal has always been to see Sugar Loaf preserved and reopened to the public, not developed. By placing it in the capable hands of the Leelanau Conservancy, and through the support of its members and the community at large, ownership can ensure that future generations will enjoy Sugar Loaf’s recreation and cherish its views forever,” said Ross Satterwhite, who has represented ownership throughout the process.
“It is an incredibly generous gift to the Conservancy and community.”
The Conservancy is calling on the public to help raise the necessary funds to secure the donation and bring the vision to life. So far, $6.4m has been raised; $1.6m is needed to complete fundraising.
