Omena, Michigan


Omena is a small unincorporated community and census-designated place in Leelanau Township of Leelanau County in the U.S. state of Michigan. As of the 2010 census it had a population of 267. Overlooking Omena Bay, on the western side of Grand Traverse Bay, Omena is home to wineries and farms including a thriving organic farming movement that includes cherries and hops. The area has several wineries featuring some of the region's cherry and grape crop, for which the Grand Traverse and Leelanau areas are known. The nearest substantial city is Traverse City, to the south.

History

In 1852, the Rev. Peter Daugherty relocated an Indian mission from Old Mission on the Old Mission Peninsula across the western arm of the Grand Traverse Bay to what was at first called "New Mission". He a small Presbyterian church there as the nucleus of the community. The church continues an active schedule of services during the summer months.
It was a stop on the Grand Rapids and Indiana Railroad and was regarded as a summer resort area. Among others, Benjamin Grierson, a U.S. Civil War general, had a summer home in Omena, as did General Byron Cutcheon.

Geography

Omena is in northeastern Leelanau County on the west side of Grand Traverse Bay, an arm of Lake Michigan. It is served by one state highway, M-22, which leads south to Traverse City and north to Northport.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the Omena CDP has a total area of, of which are land and, or 1.10%, are water.