As summer approaches, the Leelanau Peninsula awakens with barbecues, sunbathing, and the return of the beloved fudgies, marking the season’s unofficial kickoff.
A true sign of summer is when the Fox Island Lighthouse Association makes its first voyage to the South Fox Island Light Station starting June 2.
Cathy Allchin reports that the nonprofit organization will have teams on the island throughout June, July, and August, renovating the 1867 iconic lightstation, which is also a state park on onethird of the island.
“We are ready to rock,” Allchin said. The group will focus on repairing windows on the 1867 tower, flooring in the assistant keepers’ quarter, upgrading the water filtration system, and boathouse door repairs, to name a few.
FILA travels to the island on a Manitou Transit landing craft called “The Manitou,” which can take upwards of 20 people along with various supplies to Leelanau Island, which lies over 20 miles offshore.
The last team returned from the Isles at the end of August last year.
The South Fox Light Station is one of Lake Michigan’s most intact light stations. FILA was formed in 2004 as an allvolunteer non-profit organization dedicated to restoring and preserving its history and structures.
For David Waskiewicz, owner of Knot Just a Bar in Omena, the team is focused on hiring as the season heats up.
“We are still doing some hiring and are confident about the number of people we have. We are hiring a few more people in the kitchen. It’s not going to get crazy until the end of June, but we are focused on getting the right hires.”
Waskiewicz, along with every business owner, is hoping to find people who have some sort of housing, as he and many other businesses do not rely on J1 student workers.
Regarding prices, Waskiewicz reports that some items have gone, but eggs are finally returning to reality. Knot Just A Bar is focused on keeping prices approachable.
“We hope the items we buy don’t cause us to reprice and print again,” he said. “We are excited for the summer and getting more consistent business. We have some new faces as well as college student returning and we are ready to have some fun and the staff is smiling ... The cost margins are thin, not much room for error, and we try to keep things affordable.”
Dune Climb Inn owners Michele and Kevin Aucello are entering their second season as Leelanau motel owners.
The Glen Arbor couple has renovated bathrooms, flooring, toilets, and much more. They are holding an open house on June 4 from 5 to 8 p.m.
“Come check out our new flooring and bathroom refresh! It’s open to all and free,” Aucello said.
The motel was booked out for a car club last weekend. It even has a booking in August that rents out the entire 12 rooms, with inquires happening for summer 2026.
“We are in good shape,” she said.
Dune Climb Inn says that prices have ticked up slightly, but local establishments are focused on remaining competitive throughout the area.
