Discover Sleeping Bear Dunes: Michigan’s Coastline Hidden Gem
A trip to Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore can be the adventure of a lifetime. With so much to do and see, it can be hard to know where to begin. No worries! We’ll cover everything you need to know to create lifelong memories at one of Michigan’s most beautiful natural wonders.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
Where is Sleeping Bear Dunes?
How to Get to Sleeping Bear Dunes
Best Time to Visit Sleeping Bear Dunes
Things to Do at Sleeping Bear Dunes
Beaches at Sleeping Bear Dunes
Hiking Trails at Sleeping Bear Dunes
Biking at Sleeping Bear Dunes
Camping at Sleeping Bear Dunes
Wildlife at Sleeping Bear Dunes
History of Sleeping Bear Dunes
Dining at Sleeping Bear Dunes
Accommodations Near Sleeping Bear Dunes
Safety Tips for Sleeping Bear Dunes
Conclusion
FAQs
Introduction
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is a stunning park in the northwestern part of Michigan’s lower peninsula. The park’s 71,000 acres have breathtaking views of Lake Michigan, miles of pristine beaches, towering dunes, lush forests, and scenic trails.
Where is Sleeping Bear Dunes?
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore runs along the eastern coast of Lake Michigan, between the towns of Empire and Frankfort.
How to Get to Sleeping Bear Dunes
If you’re flying in from out of state, both the Cherry Capital Airport in Traverse City, Michigan, and the Gerald R. Ford International Airport in Grand Rapids, Michigan will work as a landing pad for your Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore adventure. From there, the beautiful shore is just a car ride away. There’s even a shuttle service to the park.
If Sleeping Bear Dunes is the end destination of a road trip, you’ll want to take US-31 and M-22. For those who are also about the journey, several scenic routes, like the Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive, offer beautiful panoramic views of the dunes and Lake Michigan. It’s a great preview of what’s to come.
Best Time to Visit Sleeping Bear Dunes
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is beautiful all year long but it’s best to plan your trip around the activities you want to do. If you’re looking to hike, bike, and explore the park’s many trails, you’ll want to visit is in the spring, summer, or fall. The weather will be mild and all the trails will be open.
On the other hand, if you’re looking to enjoy the surf and turf, the best time to visit is during the summer when the water is warm and the beaches are open. Keep in mind this is the park’s peak season, so plan your trip well ahead of time.
Things to Do at Sleeping Bear Dunes
There’s no shortage of activities at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, whether you’re looking for an adventure or just want to relax. Some of the most popular activities are listed below.
Beaches at Sleeping Bear Dunes
Sleeping Bear Dunes has several beautiful beaches to choose from for fun in the sun and sand. These include North Bar Lake Beach, Platte River Point Beach, and Empire Beach. All three beaches have crystal clear water, soft sand, and breathtaking views of Lake Michigan. Whether you’re hoping to laze about and work on your tan or splash in the surf, any Sleeping Bear Dunes beach will do. Some, however, do have more amenities than others, however. If you’re bringing the family you may want to pick a beach with picnic areas and restrooms.
Hiking Trails at Sleeping Bear Dunes
Whether you want a leisurely, scenic hike or are looking to tackle a rugged trail, Sleeping Bear Dunes will have at least one trail that will be the perfect hike. The park’s 100-plux miles of hiking trails range from easy strolls to challenging treks and everything in between. The trails wind through forests, climb over dunes, and meander along the shores of Lake Michigan. You’ll enjoy stunning views of Lake Michigan the entire time.
One of the most popular trails is The Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail. It runs for 22 miles and serves as a connection between several of the park’s main attractions, including the Dune Climb, Glen Arbor, and the Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive. At Sleeping Bear Dunes, just getting to where you’re going can be one of the best parts of your trip.
Biking at Sleeping Bear Dunes
If you prefer to see the world on two wheels, Sleeping Bear Dunes has several bike trails, both paved and unpaved. Visitor favorites include the Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail and the Dune Climb Bike Trail.
Camping at Sleeping Bear Dunes
There’s so much to see a day trip likely won’t cut it. Fortunately, Sleeping Bear Dunes has plenty of campsites spread out among its four campgrounds: Platte River Campground, D.H. Day Campground, Bay View Campground, and a group camping area at Platte River.
Wildlife at Sleeping Bear Dunes
While exploring Sleeping Bear Dunes you’re certain to see a diverse array of wildlife, including black bears, coyotes, white-tailed deer, and bald eagles. Photos are fine, but remember to keep a safe distance and never approach or feed any wild animals.
History of Sleeping Bear Dunes
The history of Sleeping Bear Dunes stretches back thousands of years. Several Native American tribes, including the Anishinaabe, Ojibwe, and Ottawa, once called the park home.
European immigrants, working primarily in the burgeoning fishing and logging industries, settled in the park’s area during the late 1800s. Today, the park preserves the area’s rich cultural and natural history.
Dining at Sleeping Bear Dunes
From traditional restaurants to food trucks, there are plenty of ways to satisfy your appetite at Sleeping Bear Dunes.
Many of the park’s eating establishments have become known for signature dishes. There is The Cherry Hut in Beulah, famous for its cherry pie and Art’s Tavern in Glen Arbor is known for amazing burgers served in a cozy, rustic setting.
Accommodations Near Sleeping Bear Dunes
There’s plenty of places to stay near Sleeping Bear Dunes if camping isn’t your style. You’ll have your pick of hotels, motels, bed and breakfasts, or vacation rentals.
If you’re looking for luxury, you’ll want to book rooms at the Homestead Resort in Glen Arbor. The Lake ‘N Pines Lodge in Interlochen has a more cozy vibe and stunning lakeside views.
Safety Tips for Sleeping Bear Dunes
There are so many ammenities at Sleeping Bear Dunes it can be easy to forget it’s still a natural park. So it’s important to keep safety in mind when visiting. Some general rules of thumb include:
- Stay on designated trails and boardwalks.
- Never climb on or near the dunes.
- Watch out for poison ivy and other hazardous plants.
- Be aware of the weather conditions and dress appropriately.
- Don’t approach or feed wildlife.
- Follow all park rules and regulations.
Conclusion
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is an incredible destination that offers something for everyone. Whether you’re looking to get out in nature by hiking, swimming, or biking, or just relaxing and enjoying the scenery, you’re certain to have cherished memories at the end of your trip. Sleeping Bear Dunes is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Michigan.
Don’t wait another minute to book your trip to an unforgettable adventure.
FAQs
What is Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore?
Sleeping Bear Dunes is a national park located in the northwestern part of Michigan’s lower peninsula. It spans over 71,000 acres and is known for breathtaking views of Lake Michigan, towering sand dunes, and pristine beaches.
What are the best things to do at Sleeping Bear Dunes?
Sleeping Bear Dunes has recreational spaces and trails for everything from hiking, swimming, and biking to simply exploring the park’s beaches and trails.
When is the best time to visit Sleeping Bear Dunes?
The best time to visit Sleeping Bear Dunes depends on what activities you’re planning to do. For hiking and exploring, it’s best to visit during the spring, summer, or fall. When it comes to swimming and beach activities, the best time to visit is in the summer.
Can you camp at Sleeping Bear Dunes?
Yes. Sleeping Bear Dunes has several campgrounds, including the Platte River Campground, D.H. Day Campground, Bay View Campground, and a group camping area at Platte River.
Is it safe to climb the sand dunes at Sleeping Bear Dunes?
Though tempting, no. It is not safe to climb the sand dunes at Sleeping Bear Dunes. Climbing on or near the dunes can cause erosion and damage the fragile ecosystem.
