We’ve set up this site to help answer some of the many questions we get regarding the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore and the surrounding area. Lots to see but if you attempt the dunes climbs make sure you are in good shape. A great family-friendly outdoor activity! Sleeping Bear is much more than massive sand dunes and the infamous “Dune Climb”. Becoming a Friend of Sleeping Bear Dunes is a great way to learn about the park while contributing to help preserve its natural resources. The National Lakeshore stretches for 35 miles on the eastern shoreline of Lake Michigan. Michigan's Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore encompasses a 60 km (35 mi.) South Manitou Island Empire is home to 14 hotels and other accommodations, so you can find something with the amenities you're looking for. Plan your trip to Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore including the Dune Climb, Pyramid Point, Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive, and more incredible destinations and beaches. The view is WORTH IT! The hike back, the sun was going down so we were able to see the beautiful sunset (which many hiked in for). The Sleeping Bear Dunes were named as part of an Ojibwe Tribe legend. didn’t have kids with us, but the ones we saw were having a blast running and rolling down the dunes. | 231.334.2000 Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is one of the most beautiful places in the Midwest. Is this a romantic place or activity that you would suggest for, Is this a place or activity you would suggest for, Would you recommend this place or activity to a friend looking for an, Is this attraction a good place to visit on a, Is this a must-do if you are traveling with a, Are the prices for this place or activity, Is this a place or activity you would go to on a, Been coming here for sixty years well before it became a National Park. We hiked with a 12 year old, and finished no problem. As we climbed the dune we expected to arrive at Lake Michigan over every hill. Enjoy your stay in the Sleeping Bear Dunes area. Cell service and Wi-Fi are limited in Sleeping Bear Dunes. Sleeping Bear Dunes | Relax and give way to the uncommon pleasures of tranquil, naturally beautiful settings that many of our locations have to offer. Our tour provides access to all of it. Experience the Sleeping Bear Dunes and Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail in Traverse City, Michigan. If you are physically able, it's a lifetime experience. Vacation ideas, events, and deals all in your inbox. Shaped by glaciers thousands of years ago, the diverse terrain and ecology of the dune environment is alive with opportunity for observing and learning about our natural world and what we can do to protect it. Empire, MI 49630, USA. Staying Near Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore Great beauty and exercise! With 35 Miles of coastline designated as Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, Where should I go? As soon as you crest one. Good plac, You first are confronted with a steep climb up a very tall dune. Here’s what our week at Sleeping Bear Dunes looked like…your own Sleeping Bear Dunes Travel Guide. The beautiful Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail is a smooth-winding bike path that takes you through 10-miles of breathtaking forests, dunes, and coastline. Get an overview of everything Sleeping Bear Dunes has to offer! In fact, the Dunes have a very long history of recreation, agriculture and maritime activity, a great deal of which can still be seen through preserved and restored buildings and landmarks. It's tough though, not for those with medical conditions. In spring, summer and fall, swim and picnic at sugar sand beaches; canoe, kayak or tube on crystal-clear streams; or, simply let the day slip away with a late summer sunset. Wintertime provides a much different view. The Sleeping Bear Dunes are a popular destination and prices are high. Travelers like this welcoming area for its beaches. The park covers a 35-mile-long (56 km) stretch of Lake Michigan's eastern coastline, as well as North and South Manitou islands. Climb the sand dunes and you’ll be rewarded with spectacular views in all directions. This trail is located in the Port Oneida rural historic district . Some 50 years ago, an act of Congress established the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, the goal that that development could never destroy the “rare scenic beauty and character” northern forests, beaches, islands and dunes within. | info@sleepingbeardunes.com, © 2021 Sleeping Bear Dunes Visitors Bureau. D. H. Day Campground; Platte River Campground; White Pines Backcountry Camp; Hiking Trails. The lakes… Hiked the Dune Hike late in the day (5:30). Welcome to the Sleeping Bear Dunes in Northern Michigan’s Leelanau & Benzie Counties on the Lake Michigan shore. Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is located in Empire. The park's 64 miles of curving sand shorelines remain edged with the largest dunes east of the Mississippi. It's 110 feet up sand to the FIRST plateau, then 100+ feet MORE up to the very top. The staff at the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Park is proud to preserve and protect this natural environment for you and your family, just as they have for over 40 years. While you are at the Dunes, we encourage you to contact National Park Service uniformed employees, or one of the many volunteers that work in the park, if you have questions or need assistance. Be forewarned that this is the easy part! dune, there are 2 more in the distance, and it just keeps going and going! Lakefront cabin rentals in Michigan are ideal at Sleeping Bear Dunes, where you get the scenic waterfront and surrounding nature. Sleeping Bear Dunes has a number of historic sites to see if you’re interested in exploring the history of the area. Kayak, Canoe or Float. If you're not physically able, stay down and take pictures of the rest of your group. Sleeping Bear Dunes Vintage Map Pillow - Sleeping Bear Dunes Pillow - Sleeping Bear Dunes Map Pillow - Wedding Gift - Housewarming Gift DaisyMaeDesignsShop. It's delicious! A place in which to play, dream, refresh, create. Hotels near Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, Hotels near Glen Haven Historical Village, Crystal River Outfitters Recreational District, Surfing, Windsurfing & Kitesurfing in Empire, Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore: Tickets & Tours‎. 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. I have visited in the summer and in the fall and both times, nature puts on a show at the dunes. Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive is a must-do activity when visiting Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is a United States National Lakeshore located along the northwest coast of the Lower Peninsula of Michigan in Leelanau and Benzie counties near Empire, Michigan. Notes: Dune hikes are amazing along the Cottonwood Trail. We hope you have a safe and memorable visit. Some crests are more challenging than others. Description: sleeping bear dunes Tours offers guided nature discovery hikes, guided bike tours and sightseeing with emphasis on exploring and hiking in the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore Park and the surrounding areas! The dune climb is the ultimate experience at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore and a real bucket-list item. At this time of day it was perfect. Park Sleeping Bear Dunes NL map including surrounding area. Beyond dunes and beaches there are forests, lakes large and small, and rivers to explore. However, we saw many families that gave up and turned around. As well, you'll be accompanied by a guide well-versed in the area History, Flora & Fauna and geologic formation of the Great lakes and Dune formations. It's 110 feet up sand to the FIRST plateau, then 100+ feet MORE up to the very top. There are quite a few other downs and ups before you reach Lake Michigan. Your gateway to the Sleeping Bear Dunes and so much more… We are ideally situated only minutes from: the dunes & trails, the beaches & bays, the wineries & breweries, and all the restaurants & retail of Glen Arbor, Traverse City, Suttons Bay, Frankfort, Leland, Lake Ann, and Empire. From shop DaisyMaeDesignsShop. Would definitely recommend the stop for the unique views and hike! Still an amazing and beautiful place. Great time, would definitely hike it again. Two tranquil rivers flow through the heart of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. It will be somewhat easier for groups as you can rent a whole house and at full occupancy you may get down to $30-$50 per person. High dunes afford spectacular views across the lake. Glen Arbor, MI 49636 Guided nature hikes, guided bike tours and a walking tour of historic Empire. Kick your shoes off and climb for a photo-worthy experience. 231-835-2047. We took our time and had fun looking at all the different native plants. Sleeping Bear Dunes, large complex of shifting sand dunes, extending 7 miles (11 km) along the northeastern shore of Lake Michigan between Empire and Glen Haven, in the northwestern part of the Lower Peninsula of Michigan, U.S. It's tough though, not for those with medical conditions. This incredibly scenic 7.4 mile drive loops through the Beech-Maple forest and sand dunes with spectacular overlooks of the Glen Lakes, the Sleeping Bear Dunes, and Lake Michigan. You will have opportunities to interact with visitors throughout the park helping to maintain the nearly 53 miles of trails, 35 … The park was established primarily for its outstanding natural features, including forests, beaches, dune formations and ancient glacial phenomena. Hiking at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Seashore. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Campground Maps. Sleeping Bear Dunes is a delightful national park in northwestern Lower Michigan where the naturally beautiful setting makes it easy to relax in the tranquil pleasures of the sun and sand. This Northern Michiganpark was established primarily because of its outstanding natural features, including forests, beaches, dune formations, and ancient glacial phenomena. We had such a great stay at Sleeping Bear Dunes and as a person who likes to see and do all the things on a vacation, I had a carefully laid out travel itinerary. If you are physically able, it's a lifetime experience. An island lighthouse, US Life-Saving Service stations, coastal villages, and picturesque farmsteads reflect the park’s rich maritime, agricultural, and recreational history. Hike the nature trails, swim on the beaches and camp under a star-filled sky. It also includes North and South Manitou Islands. We weren't able to complete the entire trail as it was far too, It is incredible to find such a huge sand dune in the interior of the country. Things to do at Sleeping Bear Dunes. The bike ride ends at the base of the famous Sleeping Bear Sand Dunes (Dune Climb), where your paddleboards are waiting for you on Little Glen Lake. stretch of Lake Michigan's eastern coastline, as well as North and South Manitou Islands. ##Notes Download the app before you arrive. Sleeping Bear Dunes is a fun U.S. National Park for the family to explore the outdoors in northern Michigan. It is so neat to drive up and see little specks on the dune tops only to realize those are fellow hikers. If you are in decent shape you can complete this hike without stopping, or if your not, just take your time and stop and you will also make it. We stopped but still got great pictures! Spend a weekend or a week; there is enough to keep everyone busy here. It was established as a National Seashore in 1970. The Dunes offer visitors sightseeing and recreational and educational opportunities in all seasons of the year. And you can visit all year round. High dunes afford spectacular views across the lake. Your only company will be the Dunes' year-round residents - its natural wildlife. The staff at the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Park is proud to preserve and protect this natural environment for you and your family, just as they have for over 40 years. The end you are rewarded with an amazing view of Lake Michigan. Sleeping Bear is fantastic in and of itself, but having a guide to explain everything from the Native Tribes that once roamed the area, to the geologic forces that leave us with the Great Lakes we know today, greatly enhances ours guests visit to Sleeping Bear. It is a little easier path. 12 Wood Ridge Road, North Manitou Island. Sleeping Bear Dunes National Seashore contains 35 miles of Lake Michigan. It’s “unofficial”, but we’ve designed it to be the best resource on or off line about the Sleeping Bear. Other reviews stated that the sand can get hot and to bring plenty of water. Difficult hike through the sand - make sure to give yourself time and bring water if getting far along the trail. The view is WORTH IT! BIKE RENTAL is available! It requires some le, Pictures don't do this justice. Hiking the farm loop of the Bayview Trail will take you on part of the Sleeping Bear heritage trail , and you can also see the historic Charles Olsen farmhouse and barn. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. Snowshoe, cross country or downhill ski, snowboard or venture into the wilderness. The dune climb is the ultimate experience at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore and a real bucket-list item. Learn about the park's history, beaches, forests and hiking. Hiked barefoot with water. It is worth the climb....it’s a bit of a calf-burner ha! We went a lot higher than it seemed, which was really cool once we got to the top. half way there. Oh, and guests rave about our catered lunch. What should I see? We. more. It does take an hour to get there, and it seems never ending. From a North Carolinian, this was definitely a neat Michigan experience! In fact, the Dunes have a very long history of recreation, agriculture and maritime activity, a great deal of which can still be seen through preserved and restored buildings and landmarks. 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