Leelanau Conservancy completes Sugar Loaf land transfer

What’s happening: Sugar Loaf, a once-popular ski resort that closed in 2000, now belongs to the Leelanau Conservancy, marking a major milestone in the community-led effort to permanently protect the beloved landscape. The conservancy raised millions of dollars to secure ownership of the property, which had belonged to the Edmund F. and Virginia B. Ball Foundation, through its subsidiary, SPV 45 LLC.

What they’re saying: “This moment belongs to the entire community,” said Tom Nelson, executive director of the Leelanau Conservancy. “Sugar Loaf has inspired so many generations, and this transfer reflects years of hard work, extraordinary generosity, and a shared belief that this place should be protected forever and thoughtfully cared for. We are honored to steward Sugar Loaf on behalf of the public.”

Future plans: Plans for Sugar Loaf include a thoughtfully designed trail network for hiking, biking, snowshoeing, cross-country and backcountry skiing, along with universal access features, including a trail for visitors with restricted mobility. Plans also include a summit pavilion with sweeping scenic views, family friendly features like a sledding hill and nature play area, and
ecological restoration efforts to protect native species, reduce erosion, and improve water quality within the Good Harbor Bay Watershed.

About the Leelanau Conservancy: The Leelanau Conservancy is a nonprofit land trust. Founded in 1988, the Leelanau Conservancy has protected more than 19,000 acres of critical natural lands and working farms across the Leelanau Peninsula. Through land protection, stewardship, and community engagement, the Conservancy works to ensure that Leelanau’s natural beauty, ecological health, and rural character are preserved for generations to come.

What’s next: While the formal transfer of title is now complete, the Conservancy’s on-the-ground stewardship work will not begin in earnest until later this year – so at this time, Sugar Loaf is not yet open to the public.