Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

Things To Do Near Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore covers 111 square miles of beaches, forests, and hills. Explore the landscape on the park's 100-mile trail network, which is open to hikers, bikers, snowshoers, and cross-country skiers. Try surfing, swimming, and paddling on Lake Michigan, or head to one of the nearby inland lakes and rivers for calmer water. Sleeping Bear Dunes is spectacular in the fall when the changing leaves create a wonderland of color; in the winter, sparkling white snow adds a fairytale feeling to the quiet forests and beaches.

Hiking Trails

• Bay View Trail

  As its name suggests, the Bay View Trail offers beautiful views of Lake Michigan. In the spring, summer, and fall, come for a comfortable hike through the rolling hills. Along the way, you can see the historic Charles Olsen farm and the Port Oneida school. In the winter, the National Park Service grooms the trails for cross-country skiing. With a variety of different loops, you can create a lovely hike of any distance. To access this network by wheelchair, get in touch with the Friends of Sleeping Bear Dunes; this group offers free use of an electric track wheelchair to visitors.

  Location

  Bay View trailhead, High Trail, Maple City, MI 49664

  Length

  8 Miles

  Intensity

  Moderate

• Shipwreck of the Morazan Trail 

  Take a boat over to South Manitou Island, and take the Shipwreck of the Morazan Trail. This path runs to a viewpoint that overlooks a partially submerged shipwreck. It capsized in 1960 and is now visible above the surface. As you hike, keep an eye out for the island's enormous cedar trees.

  Location

  South Manitou Island

  Length

  5 Miles Round Trip

  Intensity

  Moderate

• Empire Bluff Trail

  Enjoy some of the most beautiful views in Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore on the Empire Bluff Trail. It travels through a beech and maple forest, taking you through a hilly landscape to a point overlooking Lake Michigan. From the top of the bluff, you can see for miles down the coast.

  Location

  Empire Bluff trailhead, Wilco Rd, Empire, MI 49630

  Length

  1.5 Miles Round Trip

  Intensity

  Moderate

Sightseeing

• Dune Climb

  The highlight of any trip to Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is the legendary Dune Climb. The hike to the top of the enormous sand dunes is challenging, but the return trip is fast and exciting.

  Location

  6748 S Dune Hwy, Glen Arbor, MI 49636

• Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive

  Stretching for 7.4 miles along the coast, the Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive takes you to some of the most breathtaking vistas in the park. Allow plenty of time; you'll want to stop along the way to take photos and to explore the dunes.

  Location

  S Dune Hwy, Empire, MI 49630

Museums

• Port Oneida Farms Heritage Center

  Learn about the pioneers who settled in Michigan at the turn of the century at the Port Oneida Farms Heritage Center. Here, you can explore the Charles and Hattie Olsen Farmhouse, discover the culture and history of the local Native American tribes, and walk through the stunning farmland.

  Location

  3164 W Harbor Hwy, Maple City, MI 49664

• Maritime Museum

  The Maritime Museum explores the history of the Sleeping Bear Point U.S. Life-Saving Station and the sailors who braved the Great Lakes. Learn what it takes to navigate the often-dangerous shoreline, and find out how the Life-Saving Station helped rescue sailors from wrecked ships. If possible, attend a Lyle Gun demonstration to find out how the rescue teams shot a rope out to a capsized ship and ferried the crew back to the beach using a breeches buoy. 

  Location

  Sleeping Bear Dunes Rd, Glen Arbor, MI 49636

Nearby Shops and Restaurants

• Sleeping Bear Surf & Kayak

  Discover the wonderful world of lake surfing with a stop at Sleeping Bear Surf & Kayak. Whether you want to paddle the local waterways or try surfing on Lake Michigan, this friendly spot can help you get started.

  Location

  10228 W Front St, Empire, MI 49630

• Grocer's Daughter Chocolate

  With a mouth-watering selection of chocolates, candies, and other locally made foods, Grocer's Daughter Chocolate is the perfect place to pick up treats for your camping trip. Most items are made in-house, so you can try freshly made truffles, clusters, and more.

  Location

  Michigan 22, 11590 S Lacore St, Empire, MI 49630

• Cherry Republic

  Set in a stunning building with vaulted wooden ceilings, Cherry Republic resembles a Viking lodge. Inside, you'll find Michigan-made cherry treats, art, and souvenirs.

  Location

  6026 A, 5109, S Lake St, Glen Arbor, MI 49636

• Joe's Friendly Tavern

  True to its name, Joe's Friendly Tavern is a welcoming spot to grab a beer and a casual meal. The menu features burgers, sandwiches, and salads; in the mornings, make sure to check out the fantastic breakfast options.

  Location

  11015 W Front St, Empire, MI 49630

• Little Finger Eatery

  If you're in the mood for a quick meal, head to the adorable Little Finger Eatery. This quaint, cottage-style eatery serves sandwiches, wraps, and salads in a colorful dining room.

  Location

  10213 W Front St, Empire, MI 49630

• Blu

  For a special-occasion meal with stunning views of Lake Michigan, head to Blu. With elegant options such as tuna tartare and lamb chops, this is a lovely spot for a romantic evening. Get a table on the patio or near the window for the best view of the sunset.

  Location

  5705 S Lake St, Glen Arbor, MI 49636

How To Get To Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore sits in the northwestern part of Michigan's Lower Peninsula. From the southern part of the state, take Highway 131, Highway 127 or I-75 north. When you hit MI-115 or MI-72, head east. When you reach MI-22, drive north until you reach the park entrance.

Address

9922 Front Street, Empire, MI 49630

Fee: Entry Fee (per vehicle) $25.0

Fee: Entry Fee (per motorcycle) $20.0

Fee: Entry Fee (per person) $15.0

Entry fee per person on foot or on bicycle.

The Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore has something for every type of vacationer — get active on the hiking trails or surf the Lake Michigan waves on a kayak or a paddleboard. Whether you love history, fishing, or scenic drives, you'll find plenty to fill your days. Between activities, relax in one of the beautiful forested campsites; when you bring an RV, you can enjoy the wild and wonderful landscape no matter the season.