Inside the Leelanau Historical Society Museum in Leland, visitors can trace the history of Sugar Loaf through decades of artifacts from early days, to the resort’s heyday and beyond.
The exhibit offers a glimpse into the ski hill’s past, capturing both the everyday experiences of local skiers and the broader history of the resort that once drew visitors from across the Midwest.
The exhibit, titled “Sugar Loaf: A Retrospective,” opened at the museum in 2024 and brings together decades of memories from the beloved ski resort.
Built largely from artifacts and stories shared by community members, the display features vintage skis and other gear, photographs, and memorabilia.
The exhibit flows in chronological order following the history of the resort from its early days as a winter sports club to its peak as a regional ski destination. The exhibit continues to grow as former “Sugar Loafers” contribute photos, artifacts, and personal stories.
“People are excited because it’s within living memory,” explained Kim Kelderhouse, executive director of the historical society. “They come in and see their experience of Sugar Loaf reflected in the exhibit and it brings back those happy memories.”
Visitors to the exhibit often linger over the displays pointing out familiar faces and favorite trails. “You’ll see groups of friends who skied together, couples, even people who learned to ski there as kids who are now adults coming in and pointing things out to each other,” Kelderhouse said.
Many of the artifacts on display came directly from the community.
“The vast majority of the artifacts are on loan,” Kelderhouse explained. “These memories are so near and dear to the people that they’re not ready to give the items away, but they love coming in and seeing their piece of history on display.”
Sugar Loaf’s story stretches back to the 1940s, when the hill began as a nonprofit winter sports club supported by local residents. Early supporters purchased $100 lifetime memberships to help launch the ski area.
Over the decades, the property expanded into a full ski and golf resort, cementing its place as one of the most recognizable, year-round destinations in the Midwest. The hill earned a reputation for innovation by having one of the earliest halfpipes in skiing.
Its personality and charm were captured in the iconic grinning Sugar Loaf mascot, designed by Mary Dorman, who also worked as an illustrator for Hallmark greeting cards.
The resort’s later years proved difficult. After closing in March 2000, the property changed hands multiple times and eventually fell into disrepair. Graffiti and vandalism became common sights on the abandoned buildings creating a stark contrast to the lively ski resort many locals remembered.
“You can go through a difficult chapter, but positive things can happen again,” Kelderhouse said. “People are so happy to see Sugar Loaf remembered in such a positive way.”
That positive turn arrived last July when the Leelanau Conservancy announced its plans to transform the long abandoned property into a public recreation and conservation area.
The organization expects the property transfer to take place sometime this coming spring, according to communications director Brighid Driscoll. Once the land officially changes hands, the Conservancy’s stewardship team will begin assessing the site and planning trails and other infrastructure.
“When the land transfer happens, we’re asking the public to have patience and give our stewardship team time to assess the property,” Driscoll said. Public access will come later once basic amenities are established. “We’re excited to invite the public to explore the property once we have a parking lot area and the Legacy trail is in place,” she said.
Before opening the property, the Conservancy will spend time hiring contractors, evaluating the land, and preparing trails and other facilities. The goal is to ensure that the property is safe, accessible, and preserved for long-term public use, while maintaining the natural beauty of the site.
For Kelderhouse, the Conservancy’s plans carry a deeper historical resonance. “Sugar Loaf started as a nonprofit and was even county owned for a time,” she said. “With the Conservancy’s plans, it feels like a full circle moment - returning to nonprofit ownership and public access.”
