Northport: Real Estate, Landmarks, and Restaurants
Northport
Northport is a village in Leelanau Township within Leelanau County in Michigan. It served as the first county seat for Leelanau County from 1863 to 1883. Northport was the largest town in Leelanau County in the late 1800s and even in the early 1900s.
Many people that ended up living in Northport moved from New York and Canada. According to the United States Census Bureau, the village has a total area of 1.65 square miles, all of which is land.
Northport Homes & Real Estate
With a pretty small population, Northport is a serene and peaceful town. In fact, it only had 526 residents during the 2010 US census. Many people live here to get away from the stressful city life and Northport provides a beautiful escape.
According to the 2010 census, there were 251 households, and 147 families residing in the village. The population density was 318.8 inhabitants per square mile.
When it comes to Northport real estate, there are plenty of cottage-style homes that accentuate the natural beauty of its surroundings. There are also custom-built homes surrounded by woods and gardens. Northport is a nature lover’s paradise, after all.
Northport Waterfront Homes for Sale
Northport has its fair share of lovely waterfront homes. There are properties here that offer a wide panoramic view of Lake Michigan, the Fox Islands, North Manitou, and Beaver Island on a clear day. Many of Northport’s waterfront homes have a privately shared beachfront, and walk outs with views of the lake.
Living in Northport, especially in a waterfront home, is like having unlimited access to your dream getaway. Build your vacation house here, or buy a waterfront property and enjoy everything Northport has to offer.
Average Home Prices in Northport
Zillow lists the median home value in Northport as $673,276. The site says that Northport home values have gone up by 1.4 percent over the past year, and they also predict that it will fall by 2.4 percent within the next year.
Famous Homes & Neighbors in Northport
Leelanau County and Northport have gained fame for being an area where the rich and famous can live quietly. Celebrities enjoy their anonymity here. Chef Mario Batali, for example, has a home in the Leelanau Peninsula. And although he’s busy managing all of his restaurants in New York, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Westport, CT, Singapore, and Hong Kong, his heart is still in Northern Michigan. In fact, he often posts about it on Facebook and Instagram.
Comedian and actor Tim Allen routinely spends summers in Northport, according to residents who have spotted him there.
Speed skater and 2010 Olympic silver medalist Jonathan Kuck regularly spends his vacations with his family at their summer home just outside Northport.
Mark Spitznagel, who manages a multi-billion dollar hedge fund, owns a 150 acre ranch in Northport. Just like Batali’s Northport home, Spitznagel’s farm was also featured in The New York Times.
The second commander of the American Legion, war hero and businessman Frederic W. Galbraith, maintained a summer home in Northport during the 1910s and early 1920s.
Finally, Captain Clint Woolsey, one of the pilots who led the inaugural Pan American Goodwill Flight to Central and South America in 1926 and 1927, was born and raised in Northport. In fact, the local airport is named after him.Well Known Historical Landmarks
Northport has quite a colorful history. In 1848, Michigan suffered from a smallpox epidemic that affected the entire community. Chief Peter Waukazoo and Reverend George Smith moved the community up to the Leelanau Peninsula on boats and canoes. When the settlers reached their destination, they called it Waukazooville. Deacon Joseph Dame arrived at Waukazooville in 1854 and decided to change the name to Northport.
In 1853, the cherry industry had just begun on Reverend Smith’s farm. Farmers began producing cherries so much within those first few years that cherries were being shipped to nearby cities for their markets. Nowadays, the cherry industry in Northport and Leelanau County remains one of the largest in the world.
In terms of historical landmarks, the Grand Traverse Light Station is one of Northport’s most prominent. Located in the Leelanau State Park in the Leelanau Peninsula, it was built in 1858 to replace a separate round tower built in 1852.
The Morgan-Copp-Mervau Building in 101 N. Mill Street was built in three sections. The first was a single-story building fronting on Nagonaba that was constructed in 1880 as a grocery and dry goods store. Later on, a two-story section was attached to the rear in 1881-83 as a home. A third section was built diagonally in 1927. It features cedar stick work.
Restaurants in Northport
When it comes to dining options, Northport offers a wide variety. There’s something here for everyone.
The Fischers Happy Hour Tavern, located in 7100 N Manitou Trl, Northport is what reviewers would call a “fun spot”. It is an old fashioned, roadhouse-inspired dining establishment that offers chicken baskets, fish, clam chowder, cream puffs, and many more. It’s a good spot to get drinks: tap beer, local wine, gin martinis, Manhattans, etc. It’s a comfortable, cozy place that serves extraordinary food. The servers are attentive and pleasant. You will want to return to The Fischers Happy Hour Tavern.
If you’re just looking for a place to grab some lunch, The Garage Bar and Grill is highly recommended. It is located at 108 Waukazoo Street. It’s a great venue with plenty of meal options, but their best offerings are their burgers and sandwiches. The servers are great, and there are multiple brewskie selections. Overall, it’s a great stop.
If you’re in the mood for some bread and pastries, Barb’s Bakery is the perfect place for you. People love their coffee and donuts. It’s an excellent stop that offers a comfortable setting—perfect for getting the morning news fix with some pastry and coffee. Their cinnamon twist is what they are famous for, and they sell out fast. Barb’s Bakery is located at 112 N Mill St, Northport.
The Tribune, which you will find at 110 E Nagonaba Street, offers some of the best brunch options in Northport. It’s a highly recommended place with delicious food and coffee.
Northport is a fun and peaceful place to live. It offers a nice change of pace from the endless hustle of the city life. Pay a visit—or find a place to stay. Northport has it all.
