Empire is located on the Lake Michigan coastline and is the southernmost town in Leelanau County. The village was first settled in 1853 and named after a boat that became ice-bound in the harbor in the winter of 1863. With the lumber industry going strong, the little town eventually thrived and today is largely a tourist resort area. Situated in Michigan’s northwestern Lower Peninsula, at the base of the Leelanua Peninsula, Empire is the gateway to the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. This area encompasses 35 miles along coast, with rocky bluffs and breathtaking views. It also includes North and South Manitou Islands. The park contains beaches, forests, awesome sand dunes and ancient glacial formations. The Lakeshore also contains an 1871 lighthouse and Rural Historic Farm District. Rangers are always on hand with interesting and helpful information about the dunes, and can give directions for hiking trails, beaches and scenic drives. Many inland lakes in the region offer swimming, boating, fishing and canoeing. If it happens to rain while you’re there, visit the Empire Historical Society and one room schoolhouse, and later enjoy dinner at one of the area’s fine restaurants – there are always things to see and do in Empire and beautiful Leelanau County – no matter what the weather.