Suttons Bay trip planner

Suttons Bay is a village in Leelanau County in the U.S. state of Michigan. The population was 618 at the 2010 census. The village was incorporated in 1898 and is located within Suttons Bay Township.HistoryThe community is named for one of the first settlers of European descent, Harry C. Sutton, who arrived in 1854. He arrived with a crew of woodsmen to supply fuel for passing wood steamboats.In 1903 the Traverse City, Leelanau, and Manistique Railroad began a route between Traverse City to the South and Northport to the North, stopping at Suttons Bay, as well as Hatch's Crossing, Fountain Point, Bingham, Keswick, and Omena.Before the turn of the 20th century, four churches had been established—two Lutheran, one Roman Catholic, and one Congregational.In 1920, Leelanau County voters approved moving the county seat to Suttons Bay, but the move never took place.Suttons Bay has a school; the sports mascot is a Viking, hence the nickname "Suttons Bay Norsemen."The town is home to the county's only movie theater, opened in 1946. It is now owned by Bob Bahle, and was renovated in 1977. Its fare consists of unique art house films, and occasionally the theater hosts plays and concerts.The town has a clothing store that has been owned by one family over four generations called "Bahles." The original store started as a "dry-goods" business in 1876 by Lars Bahle, an immigrant from Norway.A unique shopping experience can be had in Suttons Bay. From fudge shops, to an upscale kitchen store, to a spice shop and fun science store. It also is home to the largest greenhouse and garden center north of Grand Rapids. (Plant Masters of Suttons Bay)