For more than two decades, the abandoned ski resort on a distinctive hill called Sugar Loaf has cast a shadow on the bucolic landscape of Leelanau County.
For years, many hoped the once-popular ski resort would be resurrected, but those hopes were dashed once and for all when the landowner cleared the chair lifts and other ruins of the ski operations.
Its future seemed uncertain.
Now, the Leelanau Conservancy has unveiled a vision to transform the 285-property into a four-season public recreation area.
“We see a place where conservation and community thrive together. Where native species grow wild again. Where visitors can create traditions that last generations. Where everyone can visit and enjoy the wonder of Leelanau’s beauty,” the conservancy said in an announcement on its website.
That vision includes an extensive network of hiking trails, mountain bike and cross-country ski trails, a nature playscape and sledding hill for children and families, pavilions, a seasonal ice rink and a native plant garden.
![]()
Leelanau ConservancyA rendering of the recreation vision for Sugar Loaf, once a popular ski resort in Leelanau County.
A trail will climb to the summit of Sugar Loaf, providing visitors with a panoramic view of Lake Michigan, the Manitou islands, inland lakes and farmland. Sugar Loaf stands about 1,080 feet high.
“The scenic views are second to none. They are really special,” said Thomas Nelson, who is executive director of the Leelanau Conservancy. “After a quarter of a century, the community is ready for a new, happier chapter for Sugar Loaf,”
While there will be no traditional downhill skiing, like in the past, visitors will be able to enjoy cross country skiing and human-powered backcountry skiing.
The ambitious plan is contingent on the Leelanau Conservancy raising $8 million for the transformation -- an endeavor already well underway, with $6.5 million raised so far. If the conservancy reaches that goal, the landowner, who wishes to remain anonymous, will deed the property to the organization.
In terms of dollars and visibility, the Sugar Loaf project is the biggest in the conservancy’s history. The organization has succeeded in preserving larger tracts, such as Palmer Woods Forest Reserve, 1,075 acres of woods with miles of hiking, mountain bike, and cross-country ski trails, and the Cedar River Preserve, 548-acre undisturbed wetland complex that protects the health of Lake Leelanau.
![]()
Leelanau ConservancyA rendering of winter activities at the proposed 285-acre recreation park.“We expect Sugar Loaf to get higher visitor ship, given all the nostalgia the community has had for the beloved landmark for so long,” Nelson said. “We expect people to go back once it’s open and relive those memories and make new ones. It will be a very family-friendly place.”
Sugar Loaf operated as a ski resort from the late 1940s until 2000 when the ski operations abruptly shut down. “In the mid-1970s, it attracted 3,000 to 4,000 skiers a day — numbers that compete with all but the biggest ski areas,” according to a recent story, “The Sudden and Strange Demise of Sugar Loaf, Michigan,” in
Powder magazine.
“‘The Loaf’ was once the largest employer in Leelanau County. It wasn’t just the best place to ski in the state, it was the gem of the entire Midwest. Known for its steeps and après parties, the area had a place on the national skiing radar,” author John Clary Davies wrote in the story.
The conservancy, which has been working behind the scenes on its vision and fundraising efforts the past few years, has raised about $6.5 million
“We have spent the last year quietly talking with folks who could make leadership gifts to help get us well along the path to the finish line,” Nelson said. “Thanks to the generosity of our community-minded donor and all the lead donors who have given contributions, we are on our way to make that dream a reality."
Since announcing its plans in mid-July, the conservancy has received an “overwhelming response in gifts of all sizes,” he said.
![]()
Leelanau Conservancy“We have since the announcement received over 250 donations of all sizes. It’s so uplifting for all of us have been working on this so long. The outpouring of support has created a euphoria after 25 years of wondering and worrying what is going to happen to Sugar Loaf. Now, we can save (Sugar Loaf) for all time.”
He said considerable cost has been saved because the owner removed abandoned buildings and infrastructure associated with the resort and cleaned up the property.
The conservancy aims to reach its fundraising goal by Dec. 31. While the conservancy is leading the fundraising charge, Nelson said he expects other organocations to play a role down the road.
“That’s hallmark of this community,” he said. “We cheer each other and support each other.”
Work on the recreation vision would begin in 2026. Initially, that work will include creating a public access component, so visitors can park and get out and walk. Hiking and other trails are in bad shape and in need of being cleaned up. Other amenities would be phased in over four or five years.
“We want to rally the community to get behind the fundraising and involve everyone who has a love of Sugar Loaf and Leelanau County,” Nelson. “This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to help create a new chapter for one of the most iconic landscapes in Northern Michigan. It’s been a sad story for a long time -- now, it’s a hopeful moment for the whole community.”
You can donate on the Leelanau Conservancy's
webpage.