The Best Things to Do In Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
Looking for a family-friendly outdoor adventure? Head to spectacular Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, located in the northwest corner of Michigan’s lower peninsula, just 25 miles outside of Traverse City. Established by Congress in 1970, Sleeping Bear is among the crown jewels of Michigan’s parks. There are so many things to do in Sleeping Bear Dunes!
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The landscape in Sleeping Bear National Lakeshore was shaped by glaciers thousands of years ago. Its diverse terrain includes fields and meadows, rolling hills, rivers and lakes, forests and sand dunes. The park stretches about 35 miles along the coast of Lake Michigan, book-ended by two hikes with stunning overlooks.
The Empire Bluff trail is on the southern border of the Lakeshore. Pyramid Point is on the northern edge. Both of these high bluffs are designated as launching sites for hang gliders and have sweeping, panoramic views.
Tips for Visiting Sleeping Bear Dunes
The dunes can be quite hot in the summertime, so you’ll want to carry water and sunscreen. Plan on stopping for a swim along the way at one of the park’s numerous beaches. You’ll find restaurants and local treats in Empire and in Glen Arbor.
You can easily start your day from either end of the park and work your way around to the other side. However, if you have never visited Sleeping Bear before, it makes sense to head to the quaint village of Empire along M-22 and have the Philip A. Hart Visitor Center be your first stop.
Things To Do In Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
Philip A. Hart Visitor Center
A stop at the Visitor Center is a must for those new to Sleeping Bear. There is a large relief map of the Lakeshore to help you get oriented. There is also a theater with a continuously running slide show that tells about the history and geology of the park and shows beautiful scenes from the park throughout the seasons of the year.
Interpretive displays explain how powerful earth-moving forces of ice, wind water have shaped this area over thousands of years. Exhibits showcase the various types of plants and animals that live within the park boundaries.
You can pay for your park entrance fee here and get brochures and a map of the park. Rangers are available to answer any questions that you may have. Check out current operating hours at the Visitor Center’s Web Site.
Empire Bluff
If you only have time for one hike during your visit to Sleeping Bear, the Empire Bluff trail should be the one! At 1.5 miles round trip, this is one of the shortest and easiest hikes in the park. It ends with a jaw-dropping view of Lake Michigan.
This well maintained trail winds through the woods, with some gradual ups and downs. You can pick up an interpretive map at the trailhead. The map describes areas of interest, such as a description of geological features left from the glaciers and areas that contain historic farming equipment.
After a short, steep climb at the end, the tail opens up to a boardwalk area and an incredible, panoramic view. On a clear day, you can see South Manitou Island from this vantage point, as well as the vast Lake Michigan shoreline and South Bar Lake. Be sure to set aside enough time so you can linger and enjoy the view.
The Empire Bluff Trail is lovely in every season. It’s one of the best hikes in Northern Michigan to view early spring wildflowers. It’s also quite popular when the trees are changing color in the fall, and a great snowshoe hike in the winter. There have been plenty of times when we have this trail to ourselves during the off-season.
Summer is probably our least favorite time to hike Empire Bluff because the trail can become crowded. When we have summer guests we often opt to hike the trail at sunset. While the trail won’t be as crowded as it is earlier in the day, there are bound to be other people who have the same idea.
It is the Empire Bluff Trail that gives you a view of the iconic Sleeping Bear Dune for which the Lakeshore is named. Perched high above the water, this dune appeared to be like a shaggy bear sleeping to the Native Americans who canoed down below.
Legend Of The Sleeping Bear
According to legend, a roaring forest fire swept through the land that is now known as Wisconsin. The raging flames forced a mother bear and her two cubs into the water. Bears are powerful swimmers, and so the three bears set out to swim across Lake Michigan.
They swam all day and all night, and at some point in the darkness the two cubs disappeared below the waves. TMother bear reached the Michigan shoreline, and then climbed the highest dune she could find in order to search for her cubs. Brokenhearted, she laid upon the dune for days, watching for any sign of her cubs.
Finally, the Great Spirit Manitou took pity upon mother bear, and raised two islands out of the water in honor of her cubs. These islands are known as North Manitou and South Manitou. Mother bear drew the sand over her like a blanket, and to this day she continues to watch over for her two cubs.
The Empire Bluff Trailhead is located off Wilco Road just south of the junction of M-22 and M-72 in Empire. Check out the National Park Service Website page for more information.
Places To Eat In Empire
Shipwreck Cafe
After a morning hike, you’ll need to grab lunch somewhere along the way. The Shipwreck Cafe is high on the list of places to get good food within the southern area of the Lakeshore. The Cafe located just around the corner from the Visitor Center in Empire, at 11691 S. Lacore Road.
This cozy eatery offers simple, delicious sandwiches, soup, and salads, along with their signature white chicken chili. Breads, buns and cookies are all freshly baked each day.
Sandwiches get their names from what else? Famous shipwrecks in the Great Lakes. Named after the famous wreck of the Edmond Fitzgerald, Shipwreck’s Fitzgerald has turkey, bacon, lettuce, cucumber, Havarti cheese, and herb mayo all within a scrumptious pretzel bun. Also popular is the Madiera: chicken salad wrap with dried cherries. almonds, and lettuce. Vegetarians can choose the Griffon: pickled peppers, avocado, tomato lettuce, Havarti, mayo and mustard on one of those delectable pretzel buns.
Top it off for an incredible homemade peanut butter cookie or a rice krispie treat.
Check out Shipwreck Cafe’s website to see the full menu and call ahead to order.
Grocer’s Daughter Chocolate
An absolute must for any chocolate lover is a stop at Grocer’s Daughter Chocolate. It’s located on the drive through Empire, just north of the town’s traffic light and across the street from Shipwreck Cafe. (11590 South Lacore)
Grocer’s Daughter specializes in chocolate made on site from cacao beans grown in Ecuador. They feature specialty truffles, chocolate bars and chocolate barks. There are also vegan choices available.
It’s always a great idea to stock up on these treasures and they make perfect gifts if you owe someone a thank you. But after a hike in the dunes on a hot day? Grocer’s Daughter has some fabulous treats designed to help you cool off. My go-to favorite is a creamy, dark chocolate fudgesicle. Other fudgesicle flavors include espresso, lemon basil, mango and mint. Another popular favorite is their oh-so-refreshing iced chocolate drink. Finally, Grocer’s Daughter offers a classic Ecuadorian dessert: frozen bananas dipped in smooth, creamy chocolate.
Be sure to check the Grocer’s Daughter Chocolate’s website for their hours and on-line store. At the time of my visit, Grocer’s Daughter Chocolate was closed on Wednesdays
North Bar Lake
At some point during the course of your day, you’re going to want to cool off at one of the wonderful beaches within the Lakeshore. If you are on the Empire side of Sleeping Bear, North Bar Lake is the place to go.
North Bar is hugely popular, because it actually offers two great swimming experiences in one. North Bar Lake is shallow with a sandy bottom, and crystal clear. These features make it an ideal place for families with young children to swim and play. Its warm temperature makes it the perfect spot to take a dip early in the season when mighty Lake Michigan is still too cold to venture into.
For those who are ready for cooler water and bigger waves, you can hike up over the dune that separates North Bar Lake from Lake Michigan in just a few minutes.
Once you are over on the Lake Michigan side, it’s possible to walk the beach for hours. It’s especially inspiring to hike north until you get to the bluffs below the Pierce Stocking Drive Lake Michigan Overlook. The steepness of the bluffs is greatly apparent from this perspective.
There is a large parking lot with public restrooms that can be used for changing. There is no place to buy anything at North Bar Lake, so be sure to pack whatever you need for the day. But think carefully about what all you’ll want to carry, because it’s quite a haul from the parking lot to the beach. This is especially true if you plan on hiking up and over the dune to reach Lake Michigan. I watched a couple really struggle to get a stroller across the soft and sandy trail. They eventually gave up and returned the stroller to their vehicle. Visitors need to purchase a Lakeshore pass to visit the beach here, but if you haven’t bought one yet, there is a self-service system that you can use right at the parking lot.
PIERCE Stocking Scenic Drive
High on the list of best things to do in Sleeping Bear National Lakeshore is the Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive. Alas, I was unable to make the drive to take photos for this post, as it was closed for maintenance on the day of my visit. The photo below is from the virtual tour at the National Park Service website.
The 7.4 mile scenic drive winds through beech-maple forests and sand dunes, with incredible overlooks of the Glen Lakes, the Sleeping Bear Dunes, and Lake Michigan. An interpretive guide to the drive can be picked p at the Visitor Center.
The Dune Climb
No visit to Sleeping Bear National Lakeshore can be considered complete until you have conquered the iconic Dune Climb. It’s pretty simple: You. Must. Climb. The Dune. There are a number of visitors who do nothing else other than drive through the Lakeshore in order to climb The Dune. The Dune Climb is the most visited attraction in the park, with over 300,000 people scaling it each year. Doing so will bring back fond memories of your childhood sandbox days.
The 300 foot dune is deceptively higher and steeper than it looks. A typical dune ascent includes trudging up, stopping to catch your breath, and possibly crawling part of the way. You’ll also pause to dump the sand out of your shoes. (Those who opt to go barefoot risk scorching their feet on a hot day)
The descent includes running or skipping down as fast as you possibly can, rolling if you are age 6 or younger, and a face-plant is often involved.
Once up the main dune, you’ll be rewarded with a great view of Big and Little Glen Lakes.
From there, you can continue on to a few nearby, taller dunes. Or it’s possible to make your way all of the way to Lake Michigan. Be advised that this 3.5 mile hike is considered to be the most strenuous hike in the park. You’ll be walking on sand and encountering a number of steep dunes. It is classified as “Very Hard”, and is recommended only for experienced hikers. Carefully assess the physical ability of the member in your group, and allow 3 -4 hours if you decide to go for it. Make sure that everyone has an adequate supply of water. Not sure if this hike is for you? Learn more about what to expect at the Michigan Trail Maps web site.
There is a very large parking lot at the base of the dune, modern restrooms and a picnic area. There is also a small visitor center staffed by a ranger during busy hours, and a small park store.
Alligator Hill Trail
Looking for a great hike but hoping to avoid the tourist crush? Alligator Hill is the perfect choice. On a warm summer morning, when the Dune Climb was swarming with people and the parking lots at Pyramid Point and Empire Bluffs were overflowing, there were only a few cars in the lot when I pulled in to the trailhead off of Stocking Drive. I hiked the first mile and a half to the first scenic overlook, and continued along the spur trail to the second overlook and saw nary a soul.
The first mile and a half are at a slight but continuous uphill grade. People unaccustomed to hiking may need to stop occasionally to catch their breath at some of the steeper sections.
This is a well-maintained trail that winds up through a beech maple forest. There was no hint of the panoramic scene that was about to come into view, making the Islands Lookout that much more breathtaking when the trees opened up.
From the Islands Overlook, there is 0.8 mile spur trail off of the main loop to the Glen Lake overlook. The trail on this section is almost perfectly flat and goes through some very pretty forest. While the Glen Lake overlook is not as stunning as the first one, it’s well worth the time to check it out.
Once back on the main trail, there is an option to take either an intermediate or advanced trail. However, these are mostly used by cross country skiers in the winter. I continued on the easy loop. It truly was easy, as the trail is all downhill from this point. A severe windstorm swept through this area in the summer of 2015. A number of downed tress were visible here, as well as new growth springing up.
Glen Haven Beach
Once you’ve gotten sufficiently sandy and overheated at The Dune Climb, it’s a great time to cool off at the Glen Haven Beach just a few miles down the road.
Glen Haven was established in 1857 as a lumber town that provided supplies to Great Lake steamers. The National Park Service has worked to restore some of the historic buildings here. A 1920’s blacksmith shop operates during the summer. You can buy snacks at the D.H. Day General Store and check out the boat museum inside of the Glen Haven Cannery. Exhibits detail the history of The United States Life Saving Service, the organization that preceded the US Coast Guard. The Service was responsible for responding to shipwrecks in the Manitou Passage and attempting to save sailors in distress.
The beach is definitely a major attraction at Glen Haven. There is a long stretch of sand for visitors to spread out on with great views of the Manitou Islands. It’s a dog friendly beach, and a great spot for skipping rocks.
Places To Eat In Glen Arbor
Cherry Republic
When hunger pains hit on this side of the Lakeshore, it is time to head to Glen Arbor and make a stop at The Cherry Republic. Abundant cherry orchards in Michigan’s Northwest Lower Peninsula give this area the title “Cherry Capital of the World.” And no one showcases this delectable fruit better than The Cherry Republic. With over 200 locally made cherry products, the Cherry Republic reigns when it comes to all-things- cherry. Their motto says it all: “”Life, Liberty, Beaches and Pie.”
The Cherry Republic property is beautifully landscaped, and upon approaching the grounds one immediately senses that this indeed is a very special corner of the world. Overflowing perennial gardens are filled with butterflies. There is patio seating for those ready for a meal, and plenty of other inviting places to sit for those who just want to relax. Those up for a little activity try their luck at the Olympic-sized pit spitting arena!
Stone pathways lead between the three main buildings. First stop: The Winery. Their slogan is “Wines for the Tall and Pop for the Small.” They boast over a dozen types of cherry wine and seven varieties of cherry soda pop, in addition to hard cider and cherry beer. While their wines are very good, particularly the Great Hall Noir, in my opinion nothing beats a Boom Chugga Lugga cherry soda pop after a hot day of dune climbing.
On to the Cherry Public House, a cherry-inspired restaurant serving lunch and dinner. Guests can enjoy a rack of ribs slathered with cherry barbecue sauce, an exotic cherry bacon marmalade burger, the Cherry Republic’s famous chicken cherry salad, fresh whitefish, pizza and pastas, all to be followed by a heavenly slice of cherry pie. Unless of course, you find you’re in the mood to indulge in one of their dozen flavors of homemade cherry ice cream!
And the finale: The Great Hall, where you can shop for any cherry product that you can conceivably imagine: jellies, jams and salsas, cookies and condiments, trail mixes and candy, and of course, cherry beer, wine and soda pop. Even crafts made out of cherry wood. There are so many different concoctions to try, but I always come back to my all-time favorite: dark chocolate covered cherries.
Another plus of spending dollars at the Cherry Republic? This company is committed to giving back to the local community, and has donated generously to protect Michigan’s environment and support cherry farmers. The Cherry Republic also has locations in Traverse City, Charlevoix, Ann Arbor, Frankenmuth and Holland, Michigan. Check out the Cherry Republic website for more information and their on-line store. They ship their delicious cherry products throughout the country. Insider tip: be sure to check out Cherry Republic’s gift boxes at Christmas time!
Pyramid Point
Pyramid Point is another must-do hike with a knock-out view located toward the northern border of the Lakeshore. The Pyramid Point Trail is a 2.8 mile loop. Dogs are allowed as long as they are kept on a leash. The trail begins by winding through a beautiful Michigan prairie meadow and then climbs uphill through a beech- maple forest . Keep an eye out for dead trees with huge holes in them made by pileated woodpeckers. The trail is steep for a short bit at the end, but you will be rewarded as you find yourself on top of a very tall bluff with a sweeping view of the Manitou passage. The bluff runs right into the waters of Lake Michigan, making this another popular spot for hang gliders to launch from. On a clear day you’ll be able to spot North and South Manitou islands, as well as North and South Fox islands.
It’s about 1.2 miles round trip for those who hike up to take in the view at the top and turn around to go back down the way that they came. It’s worth it, though, to continue on and complete the entire 2.8 mile loop.
While the loop trail isn’t clearly marked along the top of the dunes, it’s nearly impossible to get lost. Just keep going in the direction of the large dune that you can catch a glimpse of through the trees. This one is great for running down, as it’s not quite as steep and it doesn’t go all of the way down to Lake Michigan. From there, the return trail takes you through a beautiful wildflower meadow. The last portion of the loop takes you out along Basch Road.
There are signs at the lookout that clearly warn against climbing down the bluff. It is far steeper than it appears. Not only does running down cause erosion in this fragile habitat, but it would be extremely difficult to try to claw your way back up. Each year, a hiker or two decides to ignore the warnings and then are unable to make their way back to the top. Sign clearly indicate that violators will be responsible for covering the cost of their rescue.
This is another hike that we enjoy doing in every season of the year. I especially love it on a sunny winter day when the snow creates a hush throughout the forest. Pyramid Point is lovely in the summer as well, but due to its popularity you will likely encounter a number of other hikers.
Bike the Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail
Up for a bike ride? The Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail provides 20 miles of scenic riding between historic Point Oneida and Empire. Most of the trail is paved but there are some sections of packed gravel. If you ride the trail in its entirety, you will encounter some steep hills along the way. The trail winds through both shaded forests and open fields.
For a detailed, section by section description of the bike trail, check out the trail information provided by a nonprofit organization called The Friends of Sleeping Bear.
Need to rent a bike to enjoy the Heritage Trail? Check out The Cyclery in Glen Arbor, Duneswood, located near The Dune Climb in the center of the park, or Empire Outdoors and Sleeping Bear Surf and Kayak in Empire.
You need to purchase a $25 per vehicle entrance fee to experience the park. The pass is good for seven days. Annual passes are also available for $45. Passes can be purchased at the Philip A. Hart Visitor Center, the entrance to the Pierce Stocking Drive, Platte River and D.H. Day Campground offices, at self-payment centers at the Dune Climb and many of the beaches, plus at local businesses including The Honor Trading Post and Riverside Canoe Trips both in Honor, Manitou Island Transit Gift Shop in Fishtown, and Crystal River Outfitters in Glen Arbor.
Places To Stay Near Sleeping Bear Dunes
Budget-friendly: Maple Lane In Empire Empire Lakeshore Inn
Mid-Range: Sylvan Inn Bed & Breakfast
Luxury: The Homestead, South Beach 3
And there you have the list of the very best things to do in Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Read on for a few tips to enhance your visit.
You’ll definitely want a good sunscreen while hiking around in the dunes. I typically choose reef-friendly sunscreen with an SPF of at least 50. I love using Sun Bum products, which moisturize as well as provide sun protection.
Also on my list is 
this environmentally friendly lip balm. All Terrain Lip Balmās SPF 28 offers protection against sunburn or chapping, It is made with Zinc Oxide and is paraben-free.
The sun can be intense on hot summer days, so consider a wide-brimmed hat. I love the Ordenado Waterproof Sun Hat!
Spending time in nearby Traverse City either before or after your day at the dunes? Check out our post on Summertime Treats in Traverse City to find out where to score a s’more pizza, cherry cider, to-die-for pizza bread and the best cookies in town!
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Looks like an awesome time, the iced chocolate looks delicious!!
The iced chocolate is truly a special treat.
I had no idea all of this was on Michigan! Due to Covid Iāve been traveling domestically more and may have to put this on my list! Thanks for the information!
I hope you can make it to our little corner of the world. It’s pretty fabulous!
Looks like a great trip and just fun to get back out doors! Thanks for sharing.
So thankful that we live in an area where we can easily spend time outside.
I love vacationing on Lake Michigan but havenāt been too familiar with Sleeping Bear. Thank you for the extensive post!
Lake Michigan is beautiful all up and down the coast. I hope you make it up to the northwest corner one of these days!
That looks beautiful! What a fun time! And YES to that iced chocolate!
Definitely a yes to iced chocolate!
What a beautiful place to visit!
Leeandra: It truly is beautiful!
What a wealth of information! I have family in lower Michigan but have never been to the northwest – I will have to add this to the list! Empire Bluff trail, the scenic drive, and climbing the dune sound excellent.
I hope that you and your family can make your way here on a future visit!
WOW! What a beautiful place to visit! I haven’t spent a lot of time in the area but this makes me want to visit!
You would love it, Holly. Add Sleeping Bear to your travel bucket list!
What a beautiful place. I always love a hike with a reward!
I’m with you. We’ve been known to plan our hikes around some rewards…
Love the Lake Michigan pictures! ā¤ļø Iāve never been but looks like an awesome place to go.
We absolutely love living near Lake Michigan! Can’t imagine having to live far from the water.
Wow this is incredible! Makes me want to go to Michigan!
Lisa: Come on up!
It looks like you hit some really cool spots. I definitely want to make Michigan a priority. My husband spent his summers there at their lake cottage.
Michigan has so many lakes, large and small. Family cottages are a huge tradition here.
This looks fantastic. I would love to climb the dunes and take in that view. The water is so blue. Oh and that iced chocolate. YUMMMMMMM!!
The water is an incredible color on a sunny day. That’s one thing I love about Lake Michigan: it changes day to day along with the weather.
This place looks beautiful!
Wow the view at Empire Bluff Overlook is majestic! And I love how charming the Philip A. Hart Visitor Center is. I’ve always wanted to see a covered bridge, too. Looks like a great place to take the family!
Sleeping Bear is definitely an incredible place for a family adventure.
What a beautiful place! I loved all your photos. I’ve never been to Michigan, but this looks like a great place to visit!
We do love living here. I hope you can visit one day!
I went to the Sleeping Bear Dunes about 25 years ago when I was working at Interlochen Arts Academy. I guess I didn’t spend enough time there, because we climed the dunes and spent time at the beach, but that’s about it! I’ll have to go back.
Love Interlochen Arts Academy! It’s exciting to be around such creative people.
We haven’t been to Michigan yet, but this definitely looks like a place worth visiting.
Oh, it is. Add Sleeping Bear t your travel list.
I appreciated your information on Sleeping Bear Dunes. I forget how magnificent they are! I think it was one of the boys school trips that last took us there. The beautiful views are memorable!
They are magnificent! I loved taking my students there when I was a classroom teacher: snowshoeing in the winter, and Pyramid Point in the spring.
The Empire Bluff trail looks so beautiful!
The Empire bluff Trail is absolutely one of my favorites, in every season of the year.
Breathtaking pics! Looks like a great time was had by all!
Sleeping Bear really is a great place for family fun!
This is an amazing list filled with so much info!! Will be earmarking for future travels. We love the easy drive to Michigan from Toronto, so we have already started slowly exploring everything it has to offer! Would love to climb the dunes… as would my kiddos. Oh… and those chocolate covered cherries… we tried them in Frankenmuth and they were TO DIE FOR!!!
Marianne, your family would love Sleeping Bear Dunes! I do hope you all make it this way one day.
What a great trip this looks like. I am glad you found the chocolate place…that is my kind of stop.
I agree, Cindy. Many of my itineraries are purposefully designed to include some really good chocolate.
Such a beautiful area! I think I would bring a sled and give that dune a go š
Oh yeah! Sledding down the dune in winter is big fun. Those little roll-up plastic sleds work great. We’ve even gone down on big pieces of cardboard.
Beautiful pictures and interesting descriptions present a must visit trip’
Thank you so much for your support!
I grew up in Michigan my whole life so I can fully appreciate the beauty and experience you had on your trip š
I grew up in Michigan as well, and then moved out of state for a few years. Michigan kept calling to me!
Such a beautiful area! And so many fun things to do.
I couldn’t agree more. We feel very fortunate to live in such a beautiful area.
Very thorough post. So many things to do, I especially love the images of people climbing the dune. That is definitely a unique adventure.
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is a huge draw for our area. We all love the dunes!
Michigan is on my bucket list. This sounds like a wonderful place to include. Especially that chocolate shop! Haha
The legend was interesting too š
Northern Michigan is a beautiful place: I hope you can visit us soon!
I’m from MI and love all the beauty that it has to offer. I now live in the south but look forward to my visits back home every year. Your photos are amazing~
I hope you are able to visit in the spring or summer: my favorite seasons for exploring Sleeping Bear.
Gosh, it seems like a lot to do! I would love to visit one day (and have iced chocolate too!)
You’re right about that: it was a long day. Come for the weekend!
We’re from Southwest Michigan but now live in Texas. Still, this is a national park that is on the top of my list! Someday we’ll head up the west coast and up through the UP and this will definitely be one of our stops. Beautiful photos!
Michigan’s Upper Peninsula is a great road trip, and it would be perfect to stop in at Sleeping Bear Dunes in the northwest corner of the lower peninsula. I hope you can swing it in the next few years!
Such beautiful pictures. Would have been a great trip!
Thank you! Luckily, we live nearby and try to hike in the dunes at least once per season.
Oh, wow! This looks like it was such an awesome adventure! I will have to add Bear Dunes to my travel bucket list. I love how vibrant the outdoors and water is! Seriously so pretty!
Sleeping Bear Dunes is a great area to experience any time of year. Come on up!
A National Park site with a chocolate shop?!?!? Sign me up! Your pictures are beautiful and I have always wanted to visit the sand dunes.. marking this post for the future-thanks for the tips!
I agree: National Parks and chocolate go together! Let’s face it, good chocolate goes with everything. Thanks for your support, Jennifer!
Wow! So much to do here! I always think of Michigan as being flat (most of my experience is visiting family in the farmlands of Central Michigan), but these dunes have incredible views! And the story about the bears is so sad š Thanks for sharing all this! I’m hoping to visit my grandparents about 90 minutes from Traverse City soon, then hit some of the Great Lakes’ best points after. I’ll definitely keep this in mind!
Most of lower and central Michigan is quite flat. It’s only when you hit northern Michigan that you start to see rolling hills. Our Upper Peninsula is home to the Porcupine Mountains! Come on back and check out Sleeping Bear Dunes!
I haven’t been to Sleeping Dunes since I was a kid, and I’ve been wanting to plan a trip back up there with MY kids. Sounds like a wonderful vacation!
I hope you do manage to return with your kids, Pam. There are so many wonderful experiences for families in our area!
So many wonderful facets of exploration are available here! What a great place to spend time!
We love spending time in Sleeping Bear Dunes during every season of the year!
We were just here a few weeks ago! Sleeping Bear Dunes has so many amazing things to do for the whole family! We all loved the hiking and our kids loved the Scenic Drive and the exhibits at the Visitors Center. We live in Michigan and we can’t wait to head back up in the Fall.
Fall is my favorite time of year to hike around the dunes!
Sleeping Dunes National Lakeshore definitely looks spectacular! Adding to my list! Beautiful!
I hope you can visit: there is so much to do in the area!
I would love to spend a weekend at Sleeping Bear Dunes! What a lovely and lush place…plus that iced chocolate, oh my goodness!!! Really enjoyed discovering this spot through your blog!
Thank you so much for your kind words! Sleeping Bear Dunes is absolutely one of our favorite places, and we try to hike there at least once per season. I hope you’re able to visit one day!