Anchor Inn on the Bay

Anchor Inn on the Bay A family owned and operated resort on beautiful West Grand Traverse Bay in Traverse City, MI. Message us with any questions or reservation requests!
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We look forward to hearing from you! Located in picturesque Leelanau County, the Anchor Inn on West Bay provides a quaint, quiet, and beautiful environment for people and families looking for a great summer experience. Contact us with questions or reservations!

No. 7 looked A LOT different when we purchased the Anchor Inn and set out on a crazy journey to preserve this beautiful ...
08/30/2026

No. 7 looked A LOT different when we purchased the Anchor Inn and set out on a crazy journey to preserve this beautiful place. This before and after makes us smile.

During our first rounds of renovations we made big changes - no double beds, new flooring, sofa and king bed. But a year and a half ago we completely remodeled the space reconfiguring the bathroom, new windows, furniture, decorations and all focused on timeless lake-cottage design.Β 

We invited Emma Quinn to photograph the space and we're loving the result.Β 

The metal things on the wall are antique floats that were used in commercial finishing nets on the Great Lakes.

BEFORE & AFTER here's a proper reveal of our new sign! It was finished right before winter set in, but we haven't offici...
07/04/2026

BEFORE & AFTER here's a proper reveal of our new sign! It was finished right before winter set in, but we haven't officially shared the big change! Our design came out beautifully, and it's all thanks to Gary, the man behind the brush, at LANGSDALE Signs & Services. Be prepared to see Gary's work throughout Leelanau County and Traverse City as he carries the torch as the unofficial sign painter of the region. This is a massive hand painted sign and meant to stand the test of time and tide. We hope the sign is as timeless as the Anchor Inn itself.

Neon still blazes under this work of art welcoming you βš“

Come see us! Cherry fest just kicked off and the beach is open 24/7.

1/7 πŸ“Έ Emma Quinn

Hope you're feeling nautical this weekend πŸ©΅βš“β›΅πŸŒŠπŸ“Έ Emma Quinn
07/02/2026

Hope you're feeling nautical this weekend πŸ©΅βš“β›΅πŸŒŠ

πŸ“Έ Emma Quinn

Finally captured new photos of Cottage 6. We completely renovated the bathroom this winter and haven't shared the result...
06/29/2026

Finally captured new photos of Cottage 6. We completely renovated the bathroom this winter and haven't shared the result! Emma Quinn stayed a couple months ago and sent us loads of these beautiful pictures.
We're loving six and hope you do too! ❀️

Stuff to spot in six:
-persian rugs x2
-boat cleat
-scrabble & ViewMaster (unpictured)
-yachting flag
-signed hunting photo circa 1950
-coffee table trunk
-brass sconces from a freighter
-tartan blanket

Meet the Author / Book Signing event this Friday! Tylee Shay will be stopping by Anchor Inn on her book tour around Mich...
06/24/2026

Meet the Author / Book Signing event this Friday! Tylee Shay will be stopping by Anchor Inn on her book tour around Michigan. She will be here from 3 - 4pm on Friday, June 26th to meet and sign copies of "Life on the Lake". We will also have copies available to purchase in the Anchor Inn office.

Many photos throughout the book feature the Anchor Inn and like in the 2nd photo, you'll be able to spot these scenes around the property.

Stop by, say hi and pickup this wonderful book to share with someone you love.

No stay is complete without a bonfire at the Anchor Inn πŸ”₯ Although the beachfront and sauna get a lot of use, the fire c...
05/31/2026

No stay is complete without a bonfire at the Anchor Inn πŸ”₯ Although the beachfront and sauna get a lot of use, the fire circles are the communal hub in every season.

Firewood is stacked between the row of pine trees and available anytime for late night laughter and fun. Lighters, matches, fire starters, roasting sticks, etc are in the grilling and games shed outside the office. You can also add a s'mores kit to your booking!

We don't keep track of how much firewood guests burn through each year, but trust me, IT'S A LOT πŸ”₯πŸ”₯
We believe this special time together is so important that we'll always keep it free ❀️

We get our firewood from a sweet local couple, Melissa and Jason who collect the cast off wood from the tree service that Jason works for. They split, season it, and set it aside for us to pickup by the truckload.

Lots of great photographers to tag here πŸ“Έ shay



(all the non-professional pics at the end lol)

Every day couples are speaking with us to plan their wedding stays at the Anchor Inn! It's such an exciting part of what...
05/28/2026

Every day couples are speaking with us to plan their wedding stays at the Anchor Inn! It's such an exciting part of what we do!!
Yesterday we gave a tour and got to hear the vision for their perfect wedding stay including a welcome party on the lawn and late night beach bonfires.
Our 3 acre property & beachfront are all yours to dream and plan the perfect wedding stay. We've seen everything: top chef plated dinners on the lawn, BBQ food trucks, mobile bars, tailgate parties, 5 piece bands, tiki after parties at the beach and pizza delivered to the fire pit.

We love feeling the energy these couples bring to the Anchor Inn. Weddings become so special when you're surrounded with the people you love. Reach out if you want more information. Our website's wedding page is the best place to start

SPRING50 - SPRING SALE! Stay before the summer crowds, when the weather is fine and Northern Michigan is freshly green w...
05/22/2026

SPRING50 - SPRING SALE! Stay before the summer crowds, when the weather is fine and Northern Michigan is freshly green with new life πŸ’š

Here's how to get $50 off your stay:
Book a stay of 2 nights or more checking in anytime from now till June 7, 2026. Use the code SPRING50.

This special offer provides $50 off the final room rate before taxes and fees for any stay of two or more consecutive nights. The discount is exclusively valid for new online reservations booked between May 22, 2026 and June 6, 2026. This promotion cannot be combined with any other offer, package, or discounted rate, and is limited to one $50 discount per household. The offer does not apply to pre-existing bookings, wedding stays, or group bookings. Guests must use the designated promo code at the time of booking. Standard cancellation and change policies apply, and the discount holds no cash value if the reservation is canceled.

More days like this
05/19/2026

More days like this

05/10/2026

If you only have time for one hike - this is our top recommendation in Sleeping Bear Dunes. Empire Bluff Trail has it all: amazing views, beautiful forest scenery and the option to explore beyond the basic trail.

Round trip is a varied 1.5miles that is pet friendly and family approved. A vault toilet and picnic tables are at the trailhead parking.

If you've done this before and want to get creative, continue on the trail past the far lookout. You'll be rewarded with more bluffs and views that few see. The narrow sandy trail hugs the high coastline as you venture further into this untouched wild landscape.

Address

12068 S West Bay Shore Drive
Traverse City, MI
49684

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