Whaleback Inn, nestled near Historic Fishtown and Van's Beach, offers a tranquil retreat with a scenic garden. Connect to in-room WiFi and unwind on the picturesque terrace or explore the nearby dock.
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore - 7 min drive - 9.0 km
Leelanau Sands Casino - 21 min drive - 24.2 km
Getting around
Cherry Capital Airport (TVC) - 45 min drive
Restaurants
VI Grill - 14 min drive
Pedaling Beans Coffeehouse - 6 min drive
Fishtown Village Cheese Shanty - 3 min drive
Streetside Grille - 15 min drive
Nittolo's Seafood And Social - 7 min drive
About this property
Whaleback Inn
At Whaleback Inn, you'll be within a 10-minute drive of Lake Michigan and Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Guests will have free perks like WiFi and self parking. Other features include a terrace and a garden.
At a glance
DONE
Hotel size
18 rooms
DONE
Arriving/Leaving
Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; Check-in end time: 6:00 PM
Early check-in subject to availability
Late check-in subject to availability
Minimum check-in age: 18
Check-out time is 10:00 AM
Late check-out subject to availability
DONE
Special check-in instructions
The front desk is open daily from 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Guests must contact the property in advance for check-in instructions; front desk staffed during limited hours
To make arrangements for check-in please contact the property at least 24 hours before arrival using the information on the booking confirmation
If you are planning to arrive after 8:00 PM please contact the property in advance using the information on the booking confirmation
DONE
Required at check-in
Credit card, debit card, or cash deposit required for incidental charges
Government-issued photo ID may be required
Minimum check-in age is 18
DONE
Children
No cribs (infant beds)
DONE
Pets
Pets not allowed
WIFI
Internet
Free WiFi in public areas
Free WiFi in rooms
LOCAL_PARKING
Parking
Free onsite self parking
DONE
Other information
Smoke-free property
Property amenities
What to do
Beach nearby
Services
Front desk (limited hours)
Facilities
5 buildings/towers
Garden
Picnic area
Terrace
Dock
Room amenities
Be entertained
Television
Home comfort
Air conditioning and heating
Sleep well
Bed sheets provided
Freshen up
Shower only
Free toiletries
Hair dryer
Towels
Stay connected
Desk
Free WiFi
Free local calls
Food and drink
Refrigerator
More
Daily housekeeping
Fees & policies
Renovations and closures
The property is closed between October 27 and April 10.
Policies
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children. If you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room.
This property does not have elevators.
This property accepts credit cards. Cash is not accepted.
Credit cards accepted: Visa, Mastercard, American Express
Also known as
Whaleback Inn Leland
Whaleback Leland
Whaleback Inn Hotel
Whaleback Inn Leland
Whaleback Inn Hotel Leland
Frequently asked questions
Is Whaleback Inn currently open?
The property is closed between October 27 and April 10.
Are pets allowed at Whaleback Inn?
Sorry, pets aren't allowed.
Is parking offered on site at Whaleback Inn?
Yes, there's free self parking.
What are the check-in and check-out times at Whaleback Inn?
Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; Check-in end time: 6:00 PM. Check-out time is 10:00 AM.
Is there an onsite casino at Whaleback Inn?
No, this hotel doesn't have a casino, but Leelanau Sands Casino (19-min drive) is nearby.
What is there to do at Whaleback Inn and nearby?
Whaleback Inn has a picnic area and a garden.
What's the area around Whaleback Inn like?
Whaleback Inn is located a short 14-minute walk from Lake Michigan.
Have a question?
AI iconBeta
Get instant answers with AI powered search of property information and reviews.
Reviews
Whaleback Inn Reviews
9.6
Exceptional
All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travelers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.More informationOpens in a new window
9.8
Cleanliness
10
Location
9.8
Staff & service
9.8
Eco-friendliness
9.6
Property conditions & facilities
What guests liked
Breakfast was a highlight, with a casual atmosphere, delicious coffee, and a lovely view of the lake. (3 reviews)
From real guest reviews summarized by AI.
Popular mentions
Service staff
Location
Lake
View
Room
Breakfast
Towns
Ambience
Trip
Bed
Reviews
10/10 Exceptional
Aug 26, 2025
The Best of Rustic and Amenities
This is a great place to stay! Rustic but with modern amenities. The Inn keepers are wonderful - helpful and friendly but not obtrusive. We will definitely stay here again.
Julie
Julie, 1-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
Jul 30, 2025
We really enjoyed our stay, the owner Drew made sure we felt welcomed when we first arrived and gave us a very thorough tour of the property. Both Ty and Rachel (who were the innkeepers) were always very approachable with any of our needs throughout the trip, including with helping us get situated with the onsite kayak rentals.
We definitely plan to be back, as this place had a nice remote feeling and gorgeous up close view of Lake Leelanau!
Scott
Scott, 2-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
Jun 21, 2025
This was one of the most beautiful and unique inns we’ve ever stayed at. A great location with a lovely view of the water and dock for us to go out on. The staff was warm and welcoming and the grounds felt safe and homey. highly recommend!
Benjamin
Benjamin, 1-night trip
8/10 Very good
May 22, 2024
Very nice stay
Timothy
Timothy, 4-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
May 28, 2025
This amazing, cozy, cottage setting was perfect for a quiet retreat. Ty and Rachael made me feel like i was family and had all the comforts of home. The view was perfect, overlooking the lake. I highly recommend!
Mary
Mary, 1-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
Jun 25, 2025
Great place.
Definately will stay again. Resident cat Hank is so cool. He has got it made. I can’t say enough . Relaxing. Clean. Quiet. A true get a way.
Crystal
Crystal, 1-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
Sep 27, 2024
The facilities and staff were first rate.
john
john, 2-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
Oct 23, 2024
Nice wooded area with comfortable housing and convenient amenities.
Gene
Gene, 2-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
Aug 27, 2024
My husband and I both said we would love to revisit this resort.
Sandra
Sandra, 1-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
May 4, 2025
Rachel had our room ready as soon as we arrived on the property. Our room was very clean. The community room is adorable and cozy. There are some snacks using the honor system, and some complimentary tea, coffee, hot chocolate and oatmeal. I would highly recommend.
Ashley
Ashley, 1-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
Oct 27, 2024
Quiet weekend.
Nice and relaxing in woods and water setting. Loved the nature hike.
Eric
Eric, 2-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
Oct 19, 2024
View of the lake is nice, front porch socializing very nice
David
David, 1-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
Jun 7, 2023
Water view…homey…great location to town..quiet…lots of area to sit and relax…would highly recommend
Evelyn
Evelyn, 1-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
Aug 9, 2024
what a whaleback!
great place . innkeepers, ty and rachel very friendly . hot coffee and great muffins!
John
John, 3-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
Jun 8, 2023
Whaleback Inn Is Lovely
I would stay at the Whaleback Inn again in a minute. The staff was wonderful and helpful, the location beautiful and the rooms great. Loved the view!
Melanie
Melanie, 1-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
Oct 9, 2022
Cleanest, friendliest place we’ve ever stayed. Will definitely go back!
Julie
Julie, 2-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
Oct 12, 2024
I liked the newer wood & the room was very clean !
Christine
Christine, 1-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
May 22, 2023
it was wonderful.
Meng Qi
Meng Qi, 1-night trip
8/10 Very good
Oct 4, 2024
Excellant
SUSAN
SUSAN, 2-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
Jun 22, 2023
Such a beautiful place, great staff, perfect location, I will stay there again!!
Paige
Paige, 3-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
Jul 27, 2024
Caretakers were welcoming and warm and welcoming for our day there. Rooms were clean and comfortable. Relax outside with a beautiful view of the lake. Very peaceful.
Susan
Susan, 1-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
Jul 10, 2023
We loved the Whaleback Inn. We were so delighted with the view and location. We only stayed one night, I wish we had longer. I loved that there was a private dock to enjoy the water views and relax in the sun.
Kevin
Kevin, 1-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
Jul 7, 2023
Adorable place with exceptional hospitality!
What an adorable place with impeccable service and hospitality! Can’t wait to go back!!
Nicole
Nicole, 1-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
May 30, 2023
The property was very clean and friendly. Close to restaurants and shops. The mattresses were amazing. One of the best nights sleep that we have had in a long time.
Paul
Paul, 1-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
Jun 10, 2024
We spent to delightful nights at the Whaleback Inn. The facility is clean and tidy. The host greet you and help out with any questions you have about the area. Starting our day on the porch eating a relaxing breakfast looking out in the lake was pure bliss. We loved the peacefulness of the Whaleback Inn.