Lake Leelanau (Bingham Township)
- Freeride, Freestyle
- Best for
- Beginner
- Skill Level
- Flat, Ocean
- Spot Type
- Quiet
- Crowd Level
This spot information is AI-assisted and has not been human verified. It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect. Verify safety, access, local rules, and current conditions with official or local sources before riding.
About
Lake Leelanau (Bingham Township) is a straightforward winter snowkiting location on frozen lake ice, known for providing a large, flat playing area with no significant obstacles reported on the ice itself. Sessions are best in January and February when reliable cold-season wind systems move through the region, delivering strong NNW–NW winds and additional westerly-driven setups depending on the day. Wind direction coverage is broad across N through NNW, and also includes S, SSW, SW, W, WNW, and WSW as reported by spot databases. Winds are described as frontal-system driven with moderate gusting, so riders should be ready for typical speed surges rather than glassy conditions. Safety considerations are a major theme for this spot. Hazards noted include the need to check ice thickness before riding, plus power lines near the road and trees along the shoreline. With rescue availability reported as limited for the wider lake area, riders should plan conservatively and be self-sufficient on the ice. On-the-ground convenience is a key advantage: the spot is described as easy to reach and valued for a large parking lot and clean restroom facilities. Overall, it’s a low-profile option among Michigan snowkiters who prefer practical access and simple, flat terrain during the peak winter months.
- Beginner-friendly, flat frozen-lake snowkiting conditions
- Best wind season: January and February
- Convenient parking and clean toilets
- Flat, open frozen-lake surface with beginner-friendly conditions.
- Strong seasonal wind window in January and February.
- Convenient access with a large parking lot and clean toilets.
- Winter riding requires careful ice-safety checks.
- Hazards reported near the shoreline/road include power lines and trees.
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- N, S, SSW, SW, WSW, W, WNW, NW, NNW
- Wind Range
- 25–40 kts
- Wind Type
- Frontal — Frontal-system driven winter winds; providers also note a prevailing westerly pattern at times.
- Reliability
- moderate
- Gust Factor
- Moderate gusts — Moderate gusting reported by multiple sources.
- Best Months
- January, February
- Shadow Zones
- The east-shore launch area may see wind shadowing from trees and terrain when winds come from easterly directions.
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Flat, Ocean
- Beach
- Sand — Sand reported by one provider (near-shore bottom).
- Waves
- Flat — Snowkiting conditions (frozen lake); no open-water wave activity reported.
- Launch
- Medium — Launch from Bingham Township Park near the boat ramp area.
- Launch Difficulty
- Easy — No water launch required; riding access is described as easy.
- Shore Break
- None — No shore break reported (lake/ice riding conditions).
Through the year
Generally low profile, mostly frequented by local riders.
Winter snow storms are common.
By sport
What to expect for each.
Flat, wind-driven snow on frozen lake ice with no obstacles reported. Best in January and February with strong NNW–NW winds; generally beginner-friendly due to the simple, open playing area.
- Snow Conditions
- Powder
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Lake Leelanau (Bingham Township) in the full forecast view.
Lake Leelanau (Bingham Township) wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 4–12 ktsGusts 22 kts
- Direction
- S189°
- Strongest day
- Wed, Oct 2812 kts
- Windy days
- 0/712 kts or more
- Temperature
- 6–19 °C
Over the next 7 days, Lake Leelanau (Bingham Township) is forecast for daytime winds of 4–12 kts, peaking around 12 kts on Wednesday, October 28 with gusts to 22 kts. The prevailing direction is S. Based on the Wavind model, in the spot’s local time.
Other spots in the area
What to know before you launch
Safety, access, restrictions, rescue, and local rules can change. Treat these details as informational and confirm them locally before launching.
Hazards
- ice thickness
- power lines near the road
- trees along the shoreline
- power lines near the road
Rescue & support
- Lifeguard
- None — No lifeguards reported.
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- Limited — Rescue availability reported as limited for the wider lake area; emergency response via 911.
- Emergency Info
- Local emergency services via 911.
- Localism / Vibe
- None — No localism/access friction reported.
Rules of the spot
No specific rules reported by spot databases; always follow local lake/park guidance.
- Always verify ice thickness locally before heading out onto the lake.
- Easy access with a great parking lot and a clean outhouse; convenient for winter sessions.
- Best sessions are in January and February with strong NNW–NW winds.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Traverse City
- Nearest Town
- Bingham
- Nearest Airport
- Cherry Capital Airport (TVC) — approximately 15 miles away
- Parking
- Large public parking lot at Bingham Township Park.
- Public Transport
- Limited; a personal vehicle is necessary for accessing the region and transporting gear.
- Access
- Easy to find via S Center Highway (County Road 641).
- Cost Level
- Budget
- Local Language
- English
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — Ample vacation rentals, boutique cottages, and bed and breakfasts are scattered across the Leelanau Peninsula; Traverse City area is nearby.
- Food & Drink
- General stores and restaurants are located in Bingham and nearby Suttons Bay.
- Equipment Rental:
- Rental available through shops in the nearby Traverse City area.
- Gear Storage
- Generally limited to private accommodations or local residents.
- Gear Repair
- Minor repairs available in the nearby Traverse City area; not reported as available directly at the launch.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Lake Leelanau (Bingham Township)?
The best overall months at Lake Leelanau (Bingham Township) are January, February.
Which wind directions work at Lake Leelanau (Bingham Township)?
Lake Leelanau (Bingham Township) works with N, S, SSW, SW, WSW, W, WNW, NW, NNW winds.
What skill level is Lake Leelanau (Bingham Township) suitable for?
Lake Leelanau (Bingham Township) suits these riding levels: Snowkiting: Beginner.