One of Leelanau County’s more famous geographical landmarks is known as The Whaleback.
Jutting out into Lake Michigan just south of Leland, the Whaleback was so named for obvious reasons. When viewed from the north or south along the shoreline or just offshore, the geological formation is shaped much like a beached whale, with its head pointing west into the lake.
Technically, The Whaleback is a moraine, having been formed by earth and stones deposited there by a glacier. Specifically, The Whaleback is a drumlin, defined as “a long, oval mound of boulder clay molded by glacial action.”
The Whaleback trail is a beautiful trail leading up onto the bluffs looking out over Lake Michigan and the islands. The trail is steep so be prepared, but the view is worth the effort of the climb. The Whaleback trail snakes through an area that is home not only to a variety of animals, but also, in the spring, to vast swaths of forest flowers such as trillium and columbine.
About the Trail: 1.5 hours, challenging hike, steep access trail to flat 3/4 mile hilltop loop. Info kiosk at trailhead, benches along steep trail.
Cool things to do on the climb: spot trillium and columbines in the spring, spot freighters passing by when you reach the top, try to name the islands you see.
Spring Specialties: thimble berries, bird-watching
Summer Surprises: monarchs on milkweed
Fall Fun: brilliant colors
Winter Wonders: cross-country skiing, snowshoeing
Both teams competed in the Tee Structure competition which required them to design and build a structure using only balsa wood and glue (maximum weight of 18 grams!) and also present a play while adding weight to the structure. Leland's teams held the first and second highest weight totals with 328 in Division II and a whopping 443 in Division I! (results)
