2025 Current Lake Michigan Water Levels

2025 Current Lake Michigan Water Levels

Lake Michigan Water Levels Down -10 Inches in Past 12 Months

After several years of Lake Michigan water levels holding steady we are now starting to see a noticeable drop in Lake Michigan / Grand Traverse Bay water levels in 2025 as they have decreased 10 inches from this time last year.

The United States Army Corps of Engineers collects and publishes current / past Lake Michigan water level data which is very important to many property owners in Leelanau County & Grand Traverse County who own real estate on Lake Michigan or Grand Traverse Bay. Their last reading took place on January 10, 2025.  

January 10, 2025                   578.02 feet

Difference from January 10, 2024: -10 inches

Difference from long term average: -6 inches

Difference from highest monthly average (2020): -43 inches

Difference from lowest monthly average (2013): +24 inches

Projected change in levels by Feb 10, 2025: - 1 inch

For more information on current & past historic records regarding the Great Lakes Water Levels please visit: http://www.lre.usace.army.mil/Missions/Great-Lakes-Information/Great-Lakes-Water-Levels/Water-Level-Forecast/Weekly-Great-Lakes-Water-Levels/

8485 S W Bay Shore Drive, Traverse City – SOLD

SOLD TRAVERSE CITY WATERFRONT HOME

LISTED & SOLD by Oltersdorf Realty LLC on 10/11/2024
8485 S W Bay Shore Drive, Traverse City, MI – Home with Pool & Direct Sandy Frontage on West Grand Traverse Bay!
$1,075,000 Ask Price

Picturesque panoramic views of Power Island are enjoyed from this year-round waterfront residence offering 3,125 finished sq ft and 62’ of direct sandy beach frontage on desirable West Grand Traverse Bay! Home features include an open great room with cathedral ceilings and breathtaking water views throughout, gas fireplace, separate living & family rooms, office/den, a cozy wood burning stove, new natural gas zoned hot water boiler (2024), and an attached 2+ car garage. Step outside to enjoy an incredible one of a kind in-ground waterside pool with spectacular views and a private sandy shoreline ideal for bonfires, swimming, and boating! Situated in a fantastic location just 6 miles north of Downtown Traverse City, a perfect setting for a year-round primary home, vacation retreat, or rental investment property!

1564 N West Bay Shore Drive, Suttons Bay – NEW LISTING

Discover your own private paradise with this rarely available property. Situated on one of the largest frontages on beautiful Suttons Bay, this exquisite lakefront ranch home offers 275 feet of private shoreline. The preferred east-facing lot ensures stunning sunrises - relax on the waterside covered porch, where you can unwind to the soothing sounds of waves gently lapping the waterfront. Built in 2013, this modern home is surrounded by granite stone walls and beautiful blue spruce trees, providing total privacy. The property includes a matching potting shed with full electric, two workbenches, and ample storage space for tools and toys. Inside, the home features 3 bedrooms and 2.5 baths, including a waterside master suite with a walk-in shower, tub, and an additional outdoor shower equipped with hot and cold water. The great room, dining room, kitchen, and master suite all offer breathtaking views of Suttons Bay and Stony Point. The chef's kitchen is equipped with dual sinks, granite countertops, custom cabinets, a built-in stovetop, oven, refrigerator, microwave, and dishwasher. The open floor plan seamlessly connects the great room, dining room, and kitchen, making it perfect for entertaining. A quarry stone-faced gas fireplace adds a touch of warmth and elegance. Sliders from the great room, dining room, and master bedroom lead to an expansive deck, partially covered with four skylights to allow natural light while providing shelter in inclement weather. Flagstone steps guide you to the water’s edge, where you'll find a 120-foot dock with a patio, perfect for waterside entertaining and taking in the views. The dock is equipped with electric and water services to meet your boating needs. This all-weather, low-maintenance home requires minimal annual upkeep, allowing you more time to enjoy its beauty. Located just 2 miles north of Suttons Bay, you'll have easy access to the town's many amenities, including restaurants, shopping, theater, library, and beaches! The nearby bike path connects Suttons Bay to Traverse City, which is only a 20-minute drive away, recently voted one of the best beach towns in America. Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is also just a 30-minute drive away!

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THIS NEW LISTING!

706 N Dockside Circle, Unit D-2, Suttons Bay – SOLD

SOLD SUTTONS BAY WATERFRONT CONDOMINIUM

LISTING SOLD by Oltersdorf Realty LLC on 7/8/2024
706 N Dockside Circle, Unit D-2, Suttons Bay, MI – Direct Waterfront Condominium in the Village of Suttons Bay!
$950,000 - Asking Price

A Boaters Paradise!  This beautifully appointed Suttons Bay direct waterfront condominium offers 180 degree panoramic waterfront views and shared water frontage with a private marina and features stone and cement board siding, energy efficient construction, an indoor swimming pool, tennis/pickle ball court, outdoor hot tub, elevators, and use of a 40’ boat slip right out your door for 2024!  With over 2160 sq. ft. of living area this year-round condominium offers a wonderful open floor plan with expansive water views throughout, living and dining rooms enjoying a gas two sided fireplace, quality cherry cabinetry, island kitchen with granite countertops, wood and ceramic tile flooring, large master suite with a private bath and walk-in closet, four spacious bedrooms, main level private balcony, lower level family room/fourth bedroom which walks out to the marina and your private waterside patio,  and a coveted private 2 car garage!  All within the charming Village of Suttons Bay and a short walk to restaurants, library, theatre, shopping, and the Bike Trail!

2024 Current Lake Michigan Water Levels

2024 Current Lake Michigan Water Levels

Lake Michigan Water Levels Up +1 Inch in 12 Months

For the 4th year in a row the good news continues for many waterfront property owners on Lake Michigan as the most recent readings indicate that water levels are now holding steady and just +1 inches higher compared to this time in 2023 and -32 inches lower than this time in 2020! January 2020 - July 2020 saw record high water levels on Lake Michigan which caused massive investment in shoreline protection throughout Leelanau County and the region.

The United States Army Corps of Engineers collects and publishes current / past Lake Michigan water level data which is very important to many property owners in Leelanau County & Grand Traverse County who own real estate on Lake Michigan or Grand Traverse Bay. Their last reading took place on January 12, 2024.  

January 12, 2024                   578.90 feet

Difference from January 12, 2023: +1 inch

Difference from long term average: +5 inches

Difference from highest monthly average (2020): -32 inches

Difference from lowest monthly average (2013): +35 inches

Projected change in levels by Feb 12, 2024:  -1 inches

For more information on current & past historic records regarding the Great Lakes Water Levels please visit: http://www.lre.usace.army.mil/Missions/Great-Lakes-Information/Great-Lakes-Water-Levels/Water-Level-Forecast/Weekly-Great-Lakes-Water-Levels/

15383 Dunn Drive, Traverse City - SOLD

JUST SOLD on Old Mission Peninsula! 😍 Buyer's Agents --> Vicky Oltersdorf & Jonathan Oltersdorf. Asking Price: $3,400,000 | 15383 Dunn Drive, Traverse City, MI - 5 Bedroom, 5 Bath, 5,572 sq ft new custom home built in 2023 with 102' of western facing frontage on West Grand Traverse Bay! Listing photos courtesy of listing agent Ann Porter.

111 S Shore Drive, Suttons Bay – SOLD

SOLD SUTTONS BAY WATERFRONT HOME

LISTING SOLD by Oltersdorf Realty LLC on 10/25/2023
111 S Shore Drive, Suttons Bay, MI – Village of Suttons Bay Waterfront Home
$1,250,000

Introducing a remarkable waterfront property located within the charming year-round village of Suttons Bay! This exceptional parcel features 180 feet of private, hard sandy bottom direct water frontage on highly sought-after Suttons Bay – an ideal spot for swimming and boating! This one-level home offers 1,878 finished sq ft, including 3 bedrooms and 2 baths. The living room features a cozy fireplace, while a large kitchen with informal dining awaits those who have a passion for cooking and entertaining. A four-season sun porch/family room and a dining area with a second fireplace provide ample space for relaxation and hosting friends and family. Additional features include a heated and finished 2+ car attached garage, central A/C, and recent updates such as a new gas forced air furnace, all new attic insulation, and a newly landscaped yard. The low-maintenance vinyl-sided exterior, municipal water and sewer, and high-speed internet, offer convenience. A newer storage building is perfect for housing all of your water toys, and you'll love the ever-changing views and all the bay activities just steps from your door. This property is ideally situated for those who want to keep their boat on their private waterfrontage within a protected bay, and recently installed shoreline protection adds piece of mind. Located on a quiet dead-end village-maintained roadway, just a short walk from quaint shopping, quality restaurants, theater, library, marina, and so much more! Don't miss this rare opportunity to own your piece of Leelanau County paradise!

8054 S W Bay Shore Drive, Traverse City – SOLD

SOLD TRAVERSE CITY WATERFRONT HOME

LISTING SOLD by Oltersdorf Realty LLC on 10/10/2023
8054 S W Bay Shore Drive, Traverse City, MI – Home with 100’ of Sandy Frontage on West Grand Traverse Bay!
$661,000

100 feet of private West Grand Traverse Bay sandy water frontage! Conveniently located just 6 miles north of Traverse City this attractive 3 bedroom, 1.75 bath home features wonderful unobstructed West Bay views, ~1,867 sq ft of finished living area, a large living room with a brick gas fireplace, main floor laundry, 562 sq ft lower level family room with large windows, additional 700 sq ft of unfinished basement/storage space, 2 car finished attached garage, storage shed, sprinkler system, low maintenance vinyl and brick exterior, and a Generac Generator.  The oversized 0.54 acre parcel not only offers private water frontage but also a spacious fenced rear yard with generous privacy and a 365 sq ft composite deck perfect for outdoor gatherings!

13801 E Ingalls Bay Road, Omena – NEW LISTING

Discover this exquisite custom home boasting high-quality finishes and breathtaking western facing sunset water views across Ingalls Bay! The kitchen is a chef's dream, featuring quality extra-tall cherry cabinetry, top-of-the-line KitchenAid stainless steel appliances, Quartz countertops, and new ceramic tile backsplash added in 2021. The open great room is adorned with large windows and a stone-accented natural fireplace and impressive cathedral ceilings offering ever-changing scenery and panoramic bay views. Additional impeccable details include a main floor master bedroom with private access to the waterside deck, main floor laundry, elegant oak flooring, solid custom wood 2-panel interior doors, and built-ins throughout which add to the home's charm. Step outside onto the magnificent 1,000+ sq. ft. waterside composite deck or within the 16'x10' screened-in porch for your morning coffee or an evening of entertaining friends and family. The cedar-sided exterior, cedar shake accents, and Tongue & Groove cedar finished soffits enhance the home's timeless appeal. This property offers convenience and functionality with its finished 2.5 car attached garage, and an additional spacious workshop prepped with a gas line and a half bath with a utility sink. A partial basement with a cement crawl space houses the mechanical systems. For outdoor enthusiasts, there's a prepped outdoor shower on the side of the home and a backup gas generator for peace of mind. The thoughtfully designed floor plan even allows for a potential addition, making it ideal for those looking for more space in the future. This fantastic Omena property is suitable for year-round living or as a luxurious 2nd home retreat!

4245 S Laskey Trail, Cedar – SOLD

SOLD LAKE LEELANAU WATERFRONT HOME

LISTING SOLD by Oltersdorf Realty LLC on 9/12/2023
4245 S Laskey Trail, Cedar, MI – Charming 3 Bedroom Year-Round Cottage with 70’ of Direct Private Frontage on South Lake Leelanau!
$914,245

The quintessential Leelanau County cottage that you’ve been looking for! This charming year-round home offers 70.5 feet of picture perfect direct sandy bottom walkout frontage on South Lake Leelanau ideal for swimming, boating, bonfires, relaxation, and so much more! Meticulously updated and cared for by the same family for 50 years, this 3 bedroom (3rd bedroom is non-conforming) home features a large waterside composite deck ideal for entertaining, a living room with a natural gas fireplace, 2008 kitchen remodel with newer appliances (2021-2022), new shingles in 2022, and significant crawl space improvements in 2023 including new insulation, full vapor barrier, and ventilation system. The low maintenance irrigated yard has been beautifully landscaped, natural gas and cable high speed cable internet/tv is connected. The 22x16 garage and 16x10 shed offer additional storage space. Quiet location on a private road yet centrally located within 15 minutes of Suttons Bay, Leland, Cedar, and less than 30 minutes to Downtown Traverse City!

748 N Yacht Club Drive #28, Suttons Bay – SOLD

SOLD SUTTONS BAY YACHT CLUB WATERFRONT CONDO

SOLD by Oltersdorf Realty LLC on 8/3/2023
748 N Yacht Club Drive #28, Suttons Bay, MI - Suttons Bay Yacht Club Waterfront Condominium
Asking Price: $870,000

Panoramic Bay views are enjoyed throughout this fully remodeled and furnished turn-key Yacht Club beachfront luxury condominium offering an open great room with vaulted ceilings, unobstructed water views and an abundance of natural light from the large windows & 8’ door walls, tile surround gas fireplace, a custom kitchen finished with quality maple cabinetry, quartz countertops, tiled backsplash, and raised quartz breakfast bar, 2 bedrooms + loft (used as 3rd bedroom), 2 beautifully updated ceramic tiled baths, attractive hardwood flooring throughout, premium wood blinds, private garage, and much more! This townhouse style “end unit” features a private entrance, upgraded composite deck, and a lower level walkout patio overlooking the beautiful sandy beachfront in one of the best locations at the Suttons Bay Yacht Club! Amenities include: 1200' of shared sandy frontage, swimming pool, hot tub, optional private marina use, pickleball /tennis courts, clubhouse, wonderful common areas, and all within walking distance of downtown Suttons Bay!

Lot 4 – W Oak Hill Trail, Maple City – SOLD

SOLD DAVIS LAKE WATERFRONT LOT

LISTING SOLD by Oltersdorf Realty LLC on 7/12/2023
Lot 4 – W Oak Hill Trail, Maple City, MI – 10 Acre Parcel with 187’ of Direct Frontage on Davis Lake!
Asking Price: $236,900

Looking for a serene location to build your dream home or vacation property in Leelanau County? Look no further than this 10-acre wooded property with 187 feet of private direct frontage on Davis Lake! Enjoy southwest facing views and a gently sloping topography that leads down to the water. The property boasts mixed hardwoods, frontage on both Maple City Road and peaceful Davis Lake, and has plenty of room to build your detached outbuilding. Conveniently located halfway between Traverse City and Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, this property offers the perfect balance of seclusion and accessibility. High-speed Spectrum cable internet and TV, as well as underground electric, are available at the lot. Plus, a soil evaluation is on file to show the suitability for traditional on-site septic. No known deed restrictions against short term rentals (see zoning and restrictions attached - buyer to verify all details). While Davis Lake's restrictions prohibit water skiing and jet skiing, the 30-acre lake has a depth of 40’ at its deepest point offers a public launch site and plenty of opportunities for kayaking, fishing, and so much more. Don't miss out on the chance to build your Leelanau County dream home, 2nd home, or vacation rental on this beautiful property!

5532 S West Bay Shore Drive, Suttons Bay – SOLD

SOLD SUTTONS BAY WATERFRONT HOME

LISTING SOLD by Oltersdorf Realty LLC on 4/18/2023
5532 S West Bay Shore Drive, Suttons Bay, MI – Ranch Home with 135’ on West Grand Traverse Bay!
Asking Price: $553,000

This charming 3 bedroom, 1.5 bath ranch home offers 135 feet of private West Grand Traverse Bay water frontage and is conveniently located just 9 miles north of Traverse City!   Enjoy wonderful unobstructed West Bay views, ~1,447 sq ft of desirable one floor living, an open living room with a brick gas fireplace (converted from wood), family room with large windows, spacious kitchen with breakfast bar, main floor laundry, a large unfinished basement with ample storage space, and 2 car attached garage.   Attractive roof copper eyebrows, new Kolbe windows in 2003, and new pressure tank in 2023. The oversized ~1.07 acre parcel not only offers private water frontage but also a spacious rear yard with generous privacy perfect for outdoor gatherings backing to adjacent subdivision common area! Convenient access to the year-round Village of Suttons Bay and other local amenities. Short term rentals are allowed in Bingham Township with a township permit!

245 S Nanagosa Trail, Suttons Bay – SOLD

SOLD SUTTONS BAY WATERFRONT HOME

LISTING SOLD by Oltersdorf Realty LLC on 4/14/2023
245 S Nanagosa Trail, Suttons Bay, MI – 2,705 Sq Ft Home with 100’ on West Grand Traverse Bay!
Asking Price: $945,000

Experience the beauty of 100’ of West Grand Traverse Bay water frontage from the comfort of your own home on popular Stony Point Peninsula! This wonderful year-round house offers 2,700 + sq feet of spacious finished living area, open waterside living room with a brick wood burning fireplace and 3 large glass sliding doors, 3+ generously-sized bedrooms, 4 baths, an additional family room and den with egress windows and large closets, main floor bedroom, main floor laundry, 9 skylights, 1.5 car attached oversize garage with pull down storage, 6 private decks and/or balcony’s, and walkout to a large waterside deck offering wonderful bay views and a private beach! This low traffic neighborhood features county maintained roads, underground utilities including natural gas & high speed cable, and is situated within a 5 minute drive to the year-round Village of Suttons Bay and just 20 minutes to Traverse City! Note that the current septic system has been approved for a 3 bedroom house but with septic modifications the home could potentially be converted to a 4 or 5 bedroom house.  Enjoy beautiful sunrise views over Old Mission Peninsula and indulge in outdoor activities such as bonfires, boating, kayaking, and so many unforgettable memories!

Lot 166 - N Forest Beach Shores, Northport – SOLD

SOLD NORTHPORT WATERFRONT LOT

LISTED & SOLD by Oltersdorf Realty LLC on 4/6/2023
Lot 166 - N Forest Beach Shores, Northport, MI – Vacant Parcel with 50’ of Direct Sandy Private Frontage on Grand Traverse Bay!
Asking Price: $189,000

Experience the beauty of waterfront living with this stunning property that offers 50 feet of direct sandy private frontage and breathtaking views of Grand Traverse Bay! The vacant building site gradually slopes down to the water's edge, making it the ideal location for those seeking a serene spot for a primary or vacation home in Leelanau County. Rest assured, a recent soil evaluation has been conducted to ensure the suitability of a traditional on-site septic system. Located in the Cherry Home Shores development, this property is conveniently situated near the end of a quiet, low-traffic, and paved county-maintained road. The neighborhood offers a variety of amenities, including a clubhouse, tennis and basketball courts, natural gas, and high-speed internet and cable TV. This is the perfect place to relax and take in the picturesque views of the private frontage on Grand Traverse Bay! Lot location is just north of 14240 N Forest Beach Drive, Northport. All association info can be found at: https://cherryhomeshores.com/ , short term rentals are not allowed.

2022 Leelanau County Waterfront Home Sales

2022 Leelanau County Year-End Waterfront Home Sales Data

Leelanau County Private Waterfront Home Sales data 2005-2022 for houses with direct private water frontage on Lake Michigan, West Bay, West Grand Traverse Bay, Grand Traverse Bay, Suttons Bay, Omena Bay, Northport Bay, Big Glen Lake, Little Glen Lake, Glen Lake, North Lake Leelanau, South Lake Leelanau, Lake Leelanau, Little Traverse Lake, and Lime Lake. This includes Traverse City, Suttons Bay, Omena, Northport, Leland, Lake Leelanau, Cedar, Maple City, Glen Arbor, and Empire. The data includes only homes with private direct water frontage. This excludes condominiums and homes with shared access, creek frontage, river frontage, and pond frontage, and also excludes fractional ownership.

This report is based upon sales information obtained from the Northern Great Lakes Realtors MLS. Undisclosed sales are not included in the data. This is for basic review purposes only. All attempts for accuracy have been made but cannot be guaranteed.

Jonathan Oltersdorf, Oltersdorf Realty, LLC
Phone: 231-271-7777
E-mail: jonathan@oltersdorf.com

2023 Current Lake Michigan Water Levels

2023 Current Lake Michigan Water Levels

Lake Michigan Water Levels Down -7 Inches in 12 Months

For the 3rd year in a row the good news continues for many waterfront property owners on Lake Michigan as the most recent readings indicate that water levels are now -7 inches lower compared to this time in 2022 and -32 inches lower than this time in 2020! January 2020 - July 2020 saw record high water levels on Lake Michigan.

The United States Army Corps of Engineers collects and publishes current / past Lake Michigan water level data which is very important to many property owners in Leelanau County & Grand Traverse County who own real estate on Lake Michigan or Grand Traverse Bay. Their last reading took place on January 14, 2022.  

January 13, 2023                   578.87 feet

Difference from January 13, 2022: -7 inches

Difference from long term average: +5 inches

Difference from highest monthly average (2020): -32 inches

Difference from lowest monthly average (2013): +34 inches

Projected change in levels by Feb 13, 2023:  -1 inches

For more information on current & past historic records regarding the Great Lakes Water Levels please visit: http://www.lre.usace.army.mil/Missions/Great-Lakes-Information/Great-Lakes-Water-Levels/Water-Level-Forecast/Weekly-Great-Lakes-Water-Levels/

Lot 14 – S Cherry Tree Lane, Suttons Bay – SOLD

SOLD SUTTONS BAY WATER VIEW LOT

LISTING SOLD by Oltersdorf Realty LLC on 8/23/2022
Lot 14 – S Cherry Tree Lane, Suttons Bay, MI – Ridgetop Water View Building Site with 116’ of Private Frontage on West Grand Traverse Bay!
Asking Price: $399,000

Picture-perfect ridge top building site offering incredible panoramic bay views and 116’ of private direct water frontage on West Grand Traverse Bay! This stunning water view parcel features a level building site and potentially the ability to build a staircase down to your private beach on West Bay. The bluff height is estimated at 60-75 feet and has no visible signs of erosion, even after the record high water levels of the past few years. Natural gas & high speed cable internet/tv is available at the road. Wonderful quiet location on a dead-end private road within minutes to the year-round Village of Suttons Bay and just 20 minutes to Downtown Traverse City! Ideal spot to build your Leelanau County dream home! WHAT A VIEW!!!