This hike is only two miles from the Sleeping Bear Visitor Center in Empire, MI. thanks!! Treat Farm Trail6748 S Dune Hwy, Empire, MI 49630. The bears swam for many hours, but soon the cubs tired. Glen Haven is an authentic and old village showcasing logging life along the Lake Michigan shoreline from days gone by. Hike, swim, boat, or camp there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy Michigans majestic dune and lake vistas. So many things to do at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore! Empire Bluff Trail If you are going to do just ONE hike in Sleeping Bear Dunes, you might want to make it the Empire Bluff Trail! Put out your fire with water when done, and pack out everything you brought in. Michigan Sand Dunes Worth A Visit - Hour Detroit Magazine Explore | Sleeping Bear Dunes NATIONAL LAKESHORES WIND CAVE SD And while there are small markets and the occasional gas station, you will be hard-pressed to find specialty medications, electronics, and other items common in a city. An island lighthouse, US Life-Saving Service stations, coastal villages, and picturesque . Perhaps try the beach at Shalda Creek Access for an off-the-beaten-path adventure. Youll be on top of a high bluff which makes it another overlook with great views of Lake Michigan. You will find amazing views of the dunes and Lake Michigan, great hiking, interesting local history, and of course some incredible sand dunes to climb. In addition to a beautiful, old-style bed and breakfast, Black Star Farms is a winery and distillery with a tasting room, cafe, horse stables, and hiking trails. Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is located in the northwest part of Michigans Lower Peninsula on the shores of Lake Michigan. Yes, there are beaches that you can find many people swimming at during the summer. The trail has three different routes, perfect for hikers of all different skill levels. The park boundary isnt continuous as youre driving. After you spot Lake Michigan you can head back, or you can continue your hike by walking across sand dunes to get to a Lake Michigan beach! And the lighthouse looks so pretty! Where is Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore? Turn left and drive about 1/2 mile to the trail-head for the Pyramid Point trail. But, be warned! Sandi loves writing about culture, cuisine, adult beverages, cruising, golf, skiing, road trips, hiking, New England, and photography. North Bar Lake Beach is usually nice and warm and is a popular place for kayaking. FLORIDA, U.S. NATIONAL PARK SITES Home | Things To Do Share Things To Do Popular Attractions Frequently mentioned favorites include the Dune Climb, Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive, Glen Haven Maritime Museum and Life Saving Station, canoe trips on the Crystal and Platte Rivers, and the biking and hiking trails - especially those with scenic overlooks in areas such as at Pyramid Point. BRYCE CANYON UT Also, dont forget to get your Michigan fishing license. ZION UT GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS TN NC Several wonderful antique shops dot Leelanau County. Virsuliskes Forest Park. For comparison, Sleeping Bear Dunes is about 335 miles from Chicago and 275 miles from Detroit. Thats okay. window.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', function() { Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. For your convenience, we have compiled driving directions to the Phillip A. Hart Visitor's Center in Empire from Traverse City. Safety Note: Visitors are often shocked at the sheer size of Lake Michigan. Whether you love to hike or boat, or prefer a relaxing drive, you will be surrounded by nature. Lanphier Observatory: The Lanphier Observatory is home to a 14 Celestron Telescope, perfect for gazing into the star-filled sky over northern Michigan. This is a hiking trail that you can do in the Port Oneida area. Try the Baldy Dune Trail in nearby Arcadia Dunes. Sleeping Bear Marathon, Half Marathon, 5K, 101 West Grandview Parkway, Traverse City, MI 49684. Map of where Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is located in Michigan. Pack your roasting sticks because beach bonfires are permitted within the Sleeping Bear Dunes Michigan Lakeshore on certain Lake Michigan beaches! The Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail takes you right past this beach, not far from the Dune Climb. Its far less crowded and busy. Perusing art galleries in Leelanau will offer you many choices for a souvenir of your visit. Empire, Another Lake Michigan beach in Sleeping Bear Dunes! For more information, visit the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore event . This overlook is also where you can see the famous dune climb from above. Thank you for your support. Best Things to Do at Sleeping Bear Dunes Michigan in 2023 - grkids.com Lake Michigan is not generally known for being able to find colorful rocks like along the shores of Lake Superior, but you can try searching at this Old Indian Trail beach. If you are going to see just ONE overlook that you can basically drive to, you will want to make it the Lake Michigan Overlook! Theferrys 2023 summer schedule begins Memorial Day weekend.The ferry departs from Leland, MI. Beach Bards Storytelling Nights: On select Friday nights in the summer, the Beach Bards gather to recite poems, tell stories and share music around a big bonfire next to Lake Michigan at the Leelanau School near Glen Arbor. Our mission is to serve the 50+ traveler who's ready to cross a few items off their bucket list. If you are short on time, here are 8 awesome things to do on a Sleeping Bear Dunes day trip. You can make this an overnight backpacking trip. If youre interested in how people in this area of Michigan lived back in the day, you can head to the Glen Haven Historic Village. Cherry Bowl Drive-In Movies: While the Cherry Bowl Drive-In is not officially in the Sleeping Bear Dunes Michigan Lakeshore, this nearby drive-in movie theatre is a treat. Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore near Glen Arbor is a popular destination for visitors from around the globe. BIG ISLAND Visit the main streets to discover wonderful galleries, antique shops, and general stores. ARIZONA The Platte Plains Area includes three lakes: Otter Lake, Bass Lake, and Deer Lake. Its remote location means that visitors wont just happen upon the park. That means that if you purchase through a link, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Spending time at Sleeping Bear Dunes is an unforgettable, iconic Michigan experience that should be on everyones bucket list. Enjoy Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore with canine companions: cooling temperatures, decreased activity favorable to dogs for trails, beaches, and pet-friendly towns. Pyramid Point Hiking Trail Basch Rd, Maple City, MI 4966. function ml_webform_success_2601308(){var r=ml_jQuery||jQuery;r(".ml-subscribe-form-2601308 .row-success").show(),r(".ml-subscribe-form-2601308 .row-form").hide()} Sites are spaced far enough from each other to afford a good amount of privacy. North Bar Beach, Esch Road Beach, Glen Haven Beach, and Good Harbor Beach are popular bonfire spots, but any unposted Lake Michigan beach within park boundaries is fair game. Bike rentals and service spots in Sleeping Bear Dunes, The Cyclery6260 W. River Road, Glen Arbor, Michigan 49636Sleeping Bear Surf & Kayak10228 W Front Street, Empire, Michigan 49630, 21+ miles of trail and shared roadway in Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Trailhead maps and park signage also have QR codes you can scan to download the app. What better way to cool off than a scoop (or two) of ice cream? Have more time to spend in the area? 10. GULF ISLANDS FL Manitou Island includes Lake Manitou, Tamarack Lake, and Florence Lake. Located on the Leland River in Leland, just 30 minutes from Sleeping Bear Dunes, the Bluebird Restaurant and Tavern offers both pub grub and find dining. Delcroix Romain / Shutterstock Hi! In the northern part of Michigan lies the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. 7 | Grab ice cream and a bite to eat in Glen Arbor. The Tavern offers lighter fare including pizza, sandwiches, and some great local fish dishes. Rather, it is comprised of thePlatte River Districtto the south and theLeelanau Districtto the north, with the town of Empire in the middle. If you do reach the top, you will be rewarded with a picture-worthy view of the Glen Lakes. This is another spot you may consider for grand Michigan sand dunes. The resort has a pool, restaurant, and provides kids activities in season. If you do have extra time, you can take a deeper look at the hikes and beaches: ROAD TRIP AMERICA This is one of the trails that is a part of the Platte Plains Trails. Great question, Josy! With 35 miles of Lake Michigan shoreline, magnificent Michigan sand dunes, and covering over 70,000 acres, this park is more than a dot on a map. Spanning miles of the Lake Michigan shore and packed with scenic views and recreation opportunities, it's easy to see why so many locals adore it. NORTH DAKOTA Miles of sand beach, bluffs that tower 450' above Lake Michigan, lush forests, clear inland lakes, unique flora and fauna make up the natural world of Sleeping Bear Dunes. Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is home to the famous Sleeping Bear Dunes, two islands, miles of Lake Michigan lakefront, 5+ inland lakes, several campgrounds, and miles of hiking and biking trails. Todays visitors reap the rewards of the conservation efforts of those from decades past. Usher in the stars any night with a beach bonfire on the shore, permitted on all mainland park beaches between the water's edge and first dune (though extinguish carefully with water and clear debris when you're done). The Dune Climb is one of the most popular destinations in Sleeping Bear Dunes. Explore Glen Haven and the Maritime Museum With that in mind, weve put together recommendations for visiting Sleeping Bear Dunes with over the summer. Do this hike at your own risk youre literally in the wilderness on this trail. This Sleeping Bear Dunes Travel Guide will let you in on all the little secrets and the best spots to visit in the national lakeshore. The Platte River empties into Lake Michigan, and playing in the lake or river at the mouth of the river is half of the fun. If you love freshwater fish, this is the place to sample some of the best in the country. 6. Guided snowshoe hikes are held every Saturday in January and February and feature interesting park facts. Holiday Park Campground, just outside of Traverse City, is a favorite for many families. If you have only a few hours to spend at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, you will want to start at the Phillip A. Hart Visitor Center in Empire, MI to get oriented, get your maps and see the slide show. There is a parking lot available but expect it to fill up by late morning. This requires a drive along the Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive. Buy all things cherry and eat all things cherry when you are in Traverse City or Glen Arbor! Splurge on the Sleeping Bear and Beyond Tour with TC Helicopters. One such cultural building is a hexagonal wooden church that dates back to 1757, which . The Sleeping Bear buoy is a tool for monitoring Lake Michigan. Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is one of Michigan's true gems! Sleeping Bear Point TrailW Sleeping Bear Dr, Glen Arbor, MI 49636. 2.8 mile loop with 0.5-mile spur off to the beach. Glen Arbor MI can be considered a gateway town on the northern side of Sleeping Bear Dunes. Riverside Canoes, located in the town of Honor, offers two different tube rental options. Family Vacation Family Vacations At Sleeping Bear Dunes Family Fun Above and on the Water Pack a picnic (don't forget sunblock, insect repellant, and your camera), load up the gang, and head north from Glen Arbor on M-22 about 3 miles to Port Oneida Road. Explore the many woodland trails through the woods or to overlooks like the soul-souring Empire Bluffs. You can make it a climb up the first big hill, or you can hike further across sand dunes to Lake Michigan on the Dunes Trail. This one-day Sleeping Bear Dunes itinerary will take you to the must-do, cant-miss sand dune attractions, including: The National Park Service operates this lakeshore park, so many of the programs, signage, and policies you see at National Parks around the country will be familiar to you. Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, Empire | Roadtrippers 04 Stay & Plan. The National Park Service provides a comprehensive virtual tour of the scenic drive highlighting the overlooks, trails, and history of the area. 1 | Hike to some amazing views on the Alligator Hill Trail. The Platte River District is flatter and includes a meandering river that snakes along, ending in Lake Michigan. Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is located about 30 miles directly west of Traverse City. There are also picnic tables here. How to get to Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore from 5 - Rome2rio Enjoy and have fun! This casual dining establishment will satisfy your pasta craving with locally sourced, expertly crafted Italian cuisine. Start out in a dense cedar/jackpine forest. Pack plenty of insect repellent, sunscreen, water bottles, rain gear, and any other items youll need for an extended outdoor adventure. If youre parked along the road or in the NPS lot, your Sleeping Bear Dunes Michigan park pass will cover you. With a mix of remote nature trails, great fishing spots, and sandy beaches, you will certainly find lake life fun for every adventurer on your journey. If you have time, be sure to extend your Michigan vacation there are so many amazing destinations to visit in this part of the state! This is the drive in Sleeping Bear Dunes that you must do so you can go see the Lake Michigan overlook. Historically, the Sleeping Bear Dunes were home to the Anishinaabe people, who inhabited and hunted the area before the arrival of Europeans in the 1600s. The Sleeping Bear Dunes campground near Glen Arbor MI does not have any modern amenities. LANAI 2. Paddle Sports. According to the Sleeping Bear Dunes map, this beautiful natural area can be found four hundred fifty feet above Lake Michigan. Hotels and B&Bs are in limited supply within the National Park area, although there are a few to be had. On mainland Michigan, there is one backcountry campground. This is a spot where you can see a river that empties out into a lake. Save it for later or share it on social media! Cell service is spotty. JEWEL CAVE SD, HAWAII TRAVEL PLANNING Hiking in the national park offers something for everyone. Sleeping Bear Surf & Kayak, located in Empire, also has easy access to the trail and is open every day except Sunday. This is the resort where you bring generations of family to make amazing family vacation memories. One of our favorite spots to go stargazing is at the Dune Climb open 24 hours a day but any Lake Michigan beach will be wonderful, too. Hop out and feast your eyes on the turquoise waters of Glen Lake in the distance Its your first glimpse of the vast beauty found at the Sleeping Bear Dunes. Youll be greeted by the aquamarine waters of the Manitou Passage at the end. This is one of the classic pictures of Sleeping Bear Dunes you've probably seen. If you have more time for a visit hopefully two days or more you have so many things to explore. 100 Things to Do at Sleeping Bear Dunes - Sleeping Bear Dunes National document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Uncovering Grand Rapids, West Michigan, and the Midwest.