With the community’s help to raise necessary funds, generous landowners pledge to donate the historic Sugar Loaf property.
Sugar Loaf is Coming Home
For over two decades, Sugar Loaf stood silent, its trails quiet, its summit empty, its stories waiting to be told again. But something magical is happening at this beloved Leelanau icon.
Sugar Loaf is ready for its next chapter. The old ruins have been cleared, abandoned ski infrastructure removed, and the land has been awaiting its rebirth. Now, the Leelanau Conservancy has the opportunity to bring these 285 acres of iconic landscape back to life and back to the community.
This is our moment.
Imagine families discovering trails together. Picture kids sledding on the sledding hill while parents watch from the summit pavilion. Envision cross-country skiers gliding through winter wonderlands. See friends of all abilities exploring together on a universal access trail that welcomes everyone to experience Sugar Loaf’s magic.
The Leelanau Conservancy has a vision that goes beyond saving this iconic landscape. 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 cleanup work is done. The vision prioritizes restoration and recreation. Now we’re in the home stretch of raising final funds to complete the transformation. To build trails that last, create facilities that welcome everyone, and establish stewardship that will keep Sugar Loaf thriving for generations.
Every contribution helps bring Sugar Loaf back to the community.
This is about reclaiming a piece of our shared story. Sugar Loaf has been calling us home, and together, we can answer that call.
Whether you’ve visited Sugar Loaf in the past or you’re dreaming of your first visit, whether you can give $25 or $2,500, your support matters. Every dollar goes directly toward building the trails, creating universal access features, ecological restoration, and establishing the long-term care that will keep Sugar Loaf magnificent for you, your loved ones, and the community. Forever.
Sugar Loaf is waiting. The community is ready. Will you join us?
Be part of Sugar Loaf’s next chapter.
Community Information Sessions
You’re invited! We’re excited to share the vision for Sugar Loaf and hear your thoughts. Join us for an upcoming Community Information Session to learn more about the project, ask questions, and help shape the future of Sugar Loaf. Your voice matters. Let’s build the future together.
Dates:
- July 30th, 6pm at Solon Township Hall. Sign up here.
- August 5th, 6pm at Glen Arbor Township Hall. Sign up here.
FAQs
When can I visit? Does the Conservancy own it now?
Not yet! We will be fundraising until the end of the year and will own Sugar Loaf once fundraising is complete. Work will begin on the recreation vision in 2026.
What types of skiing will be allowed?
Visitors will be able to enjoy cross country and human-powered backcountry skiing.
What else will I be able to do there?
Plans include opportunities to:
-Hike: An extensive trail system including an accessible, all-abilities trail
-Ride: Mountain bike trails
-Climb: The stepway to the summit
-Play: A children’s nature playscape, a sledding hill
-Relax: Two pavilions to provide respite
-View: The iconic scenic vista from the top
What is the cost of the vision and how much is left to raise?
In addition to the generous donation of the land, we have less than $2 million to raise in order to reach our goal of $8 million for restoration, safe access, and ongoing management.
Is the airstrip and/or golf course part of the project?
The airstrip and golf course remain separate and are not part of the project.
Who is gifting the property?
The generous landowner wishes to remain anonymous. They sought out the Leelanau Conservancy for our expertise in land conservation and recreation.
Wait, so if the property is being gifted why do you need to fundraise?
We are fundraising to pay for creation and maintenance of the accessible recreation assets and the ecological restoration of the land.
How can I support this project?
Donate to Sugar Loaf by clicking here or sign up for volunteer opportunities by clicking here.
How can I stay up to date on this project?
Sign up for our e-newsletter at leelanauconservancy.org/newsletters
Share Your Thoughts
We invite you to share your thoughts, stories, and questions about Sugar Loaf.
With your help, we can protect and restore this local icon, and your voice matters in shaping its future. Whether you have memories of skiing here as a kid, hiking its slopes, or simply admiring it from afar, we want to hear from you.
Please use the form below to share your feedback, questions, or personal stories. We love hearing why Sugar Loaf matters to you, and how you hope to spend time there.
Click here to share your thoughts.
Volunteer
We’re excited and glad you are too! Stay updated on progress at Sugar Loaf by signing up for our e-newsletter.
Our volunteers have a lot of fun. From invasive species removal to trail maintenance, there will be plenty of ways to get involved. Sign up here to get on our volunteer list.
Join Us
Leelanau has an incredible opportunity right now. Protecting Sugar Loaf is about preserving land and scenic character, yes, but it’s also about protecting the places where our kids will explore, where wildlife thrives, and where clean water flows.
Here’s the thing: we can’t do this alone. Every dollar you contribute directly funds Sugar Loaf’s future and conservation efforts. Your support makes a real impact on real land.
This is our moment to make a lasting difference in Leelanau’s future. Will you join us?
