All the national lakeshores in the U.S. are along the Great Lakes in the Midwest. Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is in Michigan’s Lower Peninsula along Lake Michigan. The other lakeshore in Michigan, Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, is along Lake Superior in the Upper Peninsula.
The legend of Sleeping Bear also gives it its name. Long ago, there was terrible hunger in Wisconsin. A bear and her two cubs decided to swim across the great lake. The cubs began to get very tired, but their mother urged them on. Soon they came in sight of land; however, only 10 miles away, the cubs grew weaker and sank into the water. The heartbroken bear waded ashore and lay down, peering into the water where the cubs disappeared. Two cubs surfaced as two islands – North and South Manitou Island – and the mother bear still rests on the dunes, watching her cubs.
The sand dunes and bluffs in Sleeping Bear reach 450 feet above Lake Michigan. With 35 miles of beaches, two islands, hiking, biking, scenic drives, climbs, kayaking, and canoeing there’s something for everyone!
Hike
We started the day off on the Empire Bluff Trail. It is 1.5 miles from the trailhead to the scenic overlook and back. While a relatively easy trail, there are some steep climbs and visitors need to watch their step along the edges of the bluff.
There are a couple of points of interest prior to the overlook. At post #2, there is an abandoned horse-drawn mowing machine from the Great Depression era.
Half a mile from the trailhead is a lookout for South Bar Lake and Lake Michigan’s Platte Bay. On a clear day, you can catch a glimpse of the Sleeping Bear Dune.
At the overlook you are treated to picturesque views of Lake Michigan and the dunes. Here the trail turns to a boardwalk as you make your way through the sand. There are several benches to enjoy the view or a snack.
Eat
After the trail, we stopped for lunch at Shipwreck Café. Everyone in our group liked their meal. I had a delicious Italian sub called Three Brothers and would absolutely recommend it. Very fresh!
Drive
Then we moved on to the Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive. The one-way 7.4-mile loop is a must-do if you’re visiting the park. There are multiple pull-offs with numbered signs.
To enter the scenic drive, you will have to go through the park entrance and pay a $25 fee for a pass that is good for 7 days. If you have an annual national park pass, it covers the Lakeshores as well. I purchase a pass every year, so it was free for us.
Below are my favorite stops along the drive:
Covered Bridge (Stop 1)
Glen Lake Overlook (Stop 2)
Dune Overlook (Stop 3)
This is on the eastern edge of the sand dunes. On the overlook, you stand on one of the tallest (around 200 feet high).
Lake Michigan Overlook (Stop 9)
This is the place to stop and see the dunes and the lake. You’ll have to climb the sand to make it to the overlook which sits 450 feet above the lake. On clear days you can see Empire Bluffs and Platte Bay, 4 miles and 9 miles away respectively.
We spotted people descending the Lake Michigan bluff. Although it is not prohibited, it is officially discouraged for people to climb here. The steep grade makes footing difficult, and it is a very strenuous climb back up.
North Bar Lake Overlook (Stop 11)
Both North and South Bar Lakes are named for how they were formed – behind sand bars which separated them from Lake Michigan. This stop also has a picnic area and a wooden frame for people to take souvenir photos.
Climb
The most famous thing to do while at Sleeping Bear is the Dune Climb. The Dune Climb is over 280 feet of white sand, forming the eastern edge of the Sleeping Bear Plateau. There are picnic tables at the bottom of the dune for those who choose to forgo the scramble.
Most visitors get to the top of the first hill, get a view of Glen Lake, and come back down. If you make it to the top of the second hill, there is an even better view of Glen Lake, but you won’t see Lake Michigan. Lake Michigan is not just over the next dune, or the next. That lake is 1.5 miles up and down 5 more dunes from the top of the second hill.
This is the most strenuous hike in the Lakeshore and, according to the Park Service, takes most people 3 hours to complete.
While there are many more activities in the Lakeshore, I hope this has given you a taste of what it has to offer. We thoroughly enjoyed our time in Sleeping Bear Dunes. If you’ve been, what was your favorite part? Comment below!
There are so many sights to see in Michigan, especially the Traverse City Area. You’ve captured the best of the best and at a beautiful time of year!
Thank you! I would love to go back and explore even more 🙂