The Leelanau Historical Society proudly presents “Lake Leelanau, Spirit of the Lake,” a captivating documentary that dives into the history and nostalgia of Lake Leelanau – a cherished body of water in Leelanau County, MI. Produced by the Leelanau Historical Society and directed by Keith Patterson of Manitou Films, this film is a heartfelt tribute to the lake’s enduring legacy. The film is a recipient of a 2024 State History Award from the Historical Society of Michigan.
Documentary Showings
| EVENT | DATE | LOCATION | TICKETS |
| Premiere with Director Q&A | July 5, 2024 | Old Art Building | CLOSED |
| “Water Week” Showing | Sept. 15, 2024 | The Bay Theatre | CLOSED |
| Maritime History Festival | Sept. 21, 2024 | Leelanau Historical Society | CLOSED |
| LHS Annual Meeting | Oct. 16, 2024 | Munnecke Community Room, Leland | CLOSED |
| Showing | January 28, 2025 | The Alluvion, Traverse City | Purchase Tickets |
Upcoming Show Details
January 28, 2025 | The Alluvion | 414 East 8th Street | Second Floor of the Commongrounds Building, Traverse City, MI, 49686.
Doors open at 6:30pm. Show begins at 7:00pm. Showing includes an introduction of the project by LHS Staff. The film is approx. 25 minutes and will be followed by a Q&A.
Pre-sale tickets are $12.00 and can be purchased from the Leelanau Historical Society. (*Tickets at the door are $15, while seats last.) Please direct questions to LHS Staff | info@leelanauhistory.org | (231) 256-7475.
2024 Michigan History Award
We are pleased to announce, the Historical Society of Michigan has awarded the Leelanau Historical Society a State History Award in the media category for our recently released documentary film “Lake Leelanau, Spirit of the Lake”. The film was a year in the making, compiling research, historic images, collecting vintage footage from community members, and interviewing local experts. It premiered to a sold-out venue of enthusiastic community members in July of 2024.
LHS Staff and Board are very honored to be recognized for our hard work on this amazing film. Leelanau is often celebrated for its natural beauty but the history is really what gives this area the sense of place that makes it special. “Lake Leelanau, Spirit of the Lake” is our tribute to the people and stories that deepen our understanding of the past.
About The Director
Keith Patterson
Director and Executive Producer
Manitou Films
Keith Patterson lived and worked in Los Angeles for over 15 years as a producer and post-production supervisor on television series for ABC, NBC, CBS, FOX, the CW, USA, Lifetime, E!, ABC Family, Nat Geo, and Disney XD. He currently resides in Grand Rapids, Michigan with his wife Bethany and daughter Gabriella where he owns an international award-winning creative advertising agency called Cre8gency. He founded Manitou Films in 2022 with the purpose of producing world-class documentary series like Spirit of the National Parks, Beer City, USA, and Shipwrecks of the Great Lakes, and his latest, Lake Leelanau, Spirit of the Lake.
Summer 2023 Production – Keith Patterson and his film crew conducting interviews and capturing scenic footage.
