Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
Time Needed: multi-day
Experience Type: national park, outdoor adventure
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore sits on Michigan’s Sunset Coast, boasting towering dunes, turquoise waters, and sandy beaches. Enjoy endless ways to explore—hike scenic trails, bike rolling paths, swim Lake Michigan, or relax and soak up unforgettable Great Lakes views.
MUST-DO CHECKLIST
- Hike the Empire Bluff Trail – A moderate 1.6-mile round-trip hike rewards with sweeping Lake Michigan vistas, minus the exhaustion of climbing towering sand dunes.
- Drive the Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive – This 7.4-mile loop features 12 overlooks showcasing Lake Michigan, Glen Lake, and rolling dunes for breathtaking, photo-worthy views.
- Explore the Manitou Islands – Ferry to South or North Manitou Island for hiking, lighthouses, and historic sites. It’s an escape just right for an adventurous day trip.
- Bike the Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail –This 22-mile paved trail links Empire, the Dune Climb, Glen Haven, and Glen Arbor. Enjoy gentle hills, forests, and stunning lakeside views.
- Relax on the Beach – Swim, sunbathe, or read at North Bar Lake Beach with family-friendly shallows, then savor stunning sunsets from picturesque Glen Haven Beach.
Itinerary Idea: Download a self-paced audio tour that covers the entire 116-mile M-22 Scenic Drive. The Sleeping Bear Dunes section takes about three hours and includes a narrated walk up the famed Dune Climb.
Photo Credit: JulesKeeper777/Pixabay