Cleveland Township, Mich. — An abandoned Northern Michigan ski resort is set to become a public outdoor recreation area after a land conservancy finalized the purchase of the property.
MLive reports The Leelanau Conservancy announced March 11 that it completed the acquisition of the former Sugar Loaf Ski Resort following an $8 million fundraising campaign. The 288-acre property will now undergo ecological restoration and be developed for public access.
Plans for the site include a network of hiking and biking trails along with winter recreation such as snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and backcountry skiing. Officials also plan to add universal-access features, a family sledding hill, a nature play area and a summit pavilion overlooking Lake Michigan.
Conservation efforts will focus on removing invasive species, reducing erosion and improving local water quality.
The Edmund F. and Virginia B. Ball Foundation purchased the property in 2020 through a subsidiary, SPC 45 LLC. The foundation funded demolition of the abandoned hotel and additional cleanup work to address years of neglect.
Sugar Loaf closed in 2000 and sat largely abandoned for decades, attracting trespassers and allowing structures to deteriorate.
The ski area first opened in 1947 and reached peak popularity during the 1970s and 1980s, when it was the largest employer in Leelanau County. Several subsequent ownership groups attempted to revive the resort but were unsuccessful.
The Leelanau Conservancy said the property is not yet open to the public and access details will be announced later. Officials expect volunteer opportunities to begin this spring as restoration planning continues.
