Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

Sleeping Bear Dunes is located in northern lower Michigan. Summer days have highs ranging from upper 70's to 90's with lows typically in the 50's to 70's. Winter days have highs ranging from 20's to 30's and lows in the 10's to 20's. Snow is usually on the ground from late November through March.

Reservations available for camping.

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. Ask a ranger for advice for things to do that match your interests. 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.

After leaving the Visitor Center, head north to the Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive, the Dune Climb, and Glen Haven. Just follow M-22 out of Empire for about 2 miles to M-109. Take the M-109 loop and then back to M-22 at Glen Arbor.

Take a drive on the 7-mile drive Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive loop through the Beech-Maple forest and sand dunes and enjoy spectacular views of Glen Lake and Lake Michigan or take a dune hike along the Cottonwood Trail. You can also stop for a picnic at one of the picnic areas on the drive.

Everybody likes to climb the dunes – or watch the kids enjoy the sand. The Dune Climb offers plenty of pure, wind-blown sand for your climbing pleasure. There is a picnic area at the bottom and you can climb up the dunes for a view of Glen Lake. While the climb can be strenuous, the run back down to the picnic area is a blast! For those who have extra time and a lot of energy, take a hike through the dunes all the way to Lake Michigan. This may take as long as 3-4 hours, so take lots of water and remember you’ll be walking up and down the dunes in loose sand all the way. Hiking through the dunes can be disorienting, so be sure to keep children within sight and if hiking with a group, be sure to agree on a destination before leaving.

Take time to learn about the flora and fauna in the area by hiking the interpretive trail along the base of the dunes beginning on the right side of the picnic area. This is a wheelchair accessible trail.

Visit the U.S. Coast Guard Museum to learn about the history of the U.S. Life-Saving Service, U.S. Coast Guard, and Great Lakes shipping. The museum is a U.S. Life-Saving Station that had been moved from Sleeping Bear Point to its present location near Glen Haven. A room on the second floor is outfitted as a Steamer Wheelhouse with a panoramic view of the Manitou Passage Shipping Channel. Walk through the boathouse next to the museum and see the life-saving equipment used during the early 1900’s.

Walk through Glen Haven, a lumbering village restored to the way it was around 1900. You can visit a Blacksmith Shop which is in operation from June to early October to see how iron is heated and forged into useful tools and parts. Then walk through the Cannery Boathouse to see the displays of some of the boats used on the Great Lakes. The Glen Haven General Store appears as it did in the 1920’s and offers typical merchandise and items related to the history of the area. The beautiful beaches of Lake Michigan are right there, so take time for a swim or walk along the beach.

If you will be spending a few days in the area consider a day trip to South Manitou Island where you can enjoy a picnic lunch by the ranger station, walk through the village and imagine what it would have been like to live here 100 years ago. Take a tour of the lighthouse. The view from the top provides an excellent panorama of the island and the mainland. Hike the trails to see some of the historic farmsteads and the old schoolhouse, or the wreck of the Francisco Morazan which is visible from the south end of the island.

You can hike about 100 miles of designated trails in the Lakeshore. There are thirteen trails on the mainland for hiking, and most of them are maintained during the winter for cross country skiing, and snowshoeing too. Each trail has a trailhead with a parking area. Hiking trails on the dunes are marked by blue-tipped posts.

Trail maps are available in this section, at the Visitor Center, or at the trailhead. A Park Pass is required for all trail use within the Lakeshore. There are also hiking trails on North Manitou Island and South Manitou Island.

Each trail has its own unique beauty and challenges. Some have beautiful views from high vistas overlooking lakes, hills, or dunes. While others take you through fields of wildflowers with views of fields and lakes or forest in the background. Others take you through the sand dunes to explore the hardy vegetation and wildflowers that flourish in this harsh environment.

Climbing the Dunes

Everybody wants to climb the Sleeping Bear Dunes, so come to the Dune Climb located north of Empire on M-109. You will find pure, wind-blown sand to climb, then run or roll down the dunes to the picnic area for a break and some refreshments and then head up the dune again.

Climbing the dunes is great exercise and there is a beautiful view of Glen Lake from the top. With the parking lot and picnic area at the base of the dune, you can stop climbing when you get tired and let gravity bring you back down.

This is a great playground for kids of all ages. The memories created here draw us to bring our children and grandchildren here to share the fun and create their own memories.

The Dune Center is the Visitor Center at the Dune Climb. It contains a park store and modern restrooms are nearby. A large picnic area is also available at the foot of the dunes.

Those who have a lot of energy can take a hike on the Dunes Trail to Lake Michigan. This is the most strenuous trail in the park. While only 3.5 miles round trip, it is all sand and you will find climbing the dunes all along the trail to be a challenge. This is especially true on hot, sunny days. Be sure to wear sturdy shoes and take lots of water. The hike is worth the effort, because you will see a variety of wildflowers and the sight of Lake Michigan is outstanding. Don’t forget, you have to walk back.

There is also a handicap-accessible interpretive trail at the Dune Climb which identifies the local wildlife and shows how the dune is moving.

The Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive is a 7 mile scenic route that takes you to spectacular overlooks of Lake Michigan, Glen Lake, and the Sleeping Bear Dunes. Two picnic areas are also on the route. A brochure is available at the entrance to the drive for a self-guided tour which has 12 designated stops that are described in the brochure and on interpretive signs at the stops.

Bus Tours

If you have a group on a bus tour, arrangements can be made to have a Park Ranger give a commentary during your bus tour of the park. Contact Park Headquarters 231-326-5134.

Snowshoe Tours

During the winter season (January through March), a snowshoe hike is guided by a ranger each Saturday. This is a very popular event each week, so be sure to call Park Headquarters 231-326-5134 to make reservations.

Kayaking and Canoeing

You will find a lot of water in and around the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. That means there are many opportunities to paddle a canoe or kayak. Bring your own boat, raft, or tube or you can rent one in the area.

River Paddling

Two rivers provide easy river paddling and floating. The Platte River is located in the southern part of the park, and canoes, kayaks, and tubes can be rented where the river crosses M-22. In the northern part of the park, near Glen Arbor, the Crystal River flows from Glen Lake to Lake Michigan and canoes and kayaks can be rented in Glen Arbor. Low water levels in the Crystal River can make canoeing difficult at times.

Inland Lakes

Inland lakes offer some of the best wildlife viewing along the lakeshore. Loon Lake is located near the Platte River in the southern part of the park. There is parking lot and lake access just off M-22. School Lake and Bass Lake are small inland lakes in the northern part of the park. The public access for School Lake is from county 669.

Kayaking on Lake Michigan

Lake Michigan is beautiful, but it can be treacherous as well. The cold temperatures, winds and waves can sometimes make canoeing or kayaking dangerous, so take appropriate safety precautions. Be sure your equipment is in good condition and that you don't overestimate your skill level. It is best to go out with at least one other person, who can help you in case of emergency.

There are several good places to put-in at the lakeshore. One of the best is at Glen Haven, where you can park at the Cannery Boat Museum right next to the beach. The paddle around Sleeping Bear Point is beautiful with a blue sky overhead, crystal-clear water, and the sand dunes on shore. Esch Road, just south of Empire also provides a good access point for a kayak. On the northern part of the lakeshore, County Roads 669 and 651 both provide good access to the lake.

Fishing

Anglers with a Michigan license can fish for trout, pike, bass, and salmon. All Michigan fishing regulations apply.

There are several small inland lakes to fish in the Lakeshore. On the southern part of the park, you will find Loon Lake along the Platte River. There is a boat launch just off M-22 for Loon Lake. Otter Lake is near Trail's End road, but the boat launch is made for canoes and will not accommodate trailers. On the northern end of the park, Bass Lake and School Lake offer good fishing. There is a boat launch for School Lake on County Rd. 669.

For some excellent Smallmouth Bass fishing, try Lake Manitou on North Manitou Island. The island has some additional fishing regulations: artificial lure only and 18 inch minimum size.

Riding your bicycle in the Sleeping Bear National Lakeshore is a great way to experience the beauty of the area and get some exercise at the same time. Bicycling is permitted only on maintained roads in the park. Bikes are not permitted on hiking trails, but any road open to automobiles can be used for biking - including 2-track roads. Roads within campgrounds, the back roads around Port Oneida, and the Pierce Stoking Scenic Drive can all be used for biking.

Road Bike Touring

Bike clubs frequently schedule trips to the Sleeping Bear Dunes area because the terrain in the area provides a variety of levels of challenge. M-22, M-109, and M-209 are all generally flat to moderately rolling. The Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive is quite challenging with steep hills and curves. Some of the county roads in the area have relatively steep hills, so it is wise to take a tour of your proposed bike trip by car before starting out.

Nearby Biking Areas

For those who enjoy mountain biking on single track trails, there are two Michigan State Forest trails just east of the National Lakeshore that allow mountain bikes. Lake Ann Pathway is located just west of Lake Ann on Reynolds Road. Lost Lake Pathway is located 1.5 miles west of Interlochen on US 31 then 1 mile north on Wildwood Rd.

There is a new paved rail-trail south of the Lakeshore that goes from Frankfort and Elberta to Crystal Lake. The trail is gravel from Crystal Lake to Thompsonville. It is called the Betsie Valley Trail.

Ski and Snowshoe

Sleeping Bear Dunes offers outstanding cross country skiing and snowshoeing on a variety of trails and terrain. A list of trails and links to trail maps can be found on the bottom of this page. Ski trails are not groomed but are usually well tracked by previous skiers.

Winter is an excellent time to explore the Lakeshore, especially with a National Park Ranger on snowshoes! Hikes will begin at the Visitor Center on Highway M-72 at the edge of the village of Empire at 1:00 pm every Saturday in January and February.

Rangers will first provide basic snowshoeing instructions and then, everyone will travel by car to a specific trailhead. Along the trail, the ranger will share interesting facts about the park's unique features. Be prepared and plan to be outside until about 3:00 pm.

Not only is snowshoeing easy, fun, and good exercise, it is also an activity that can be enjoyed by all ages. The ranger-led hikes are mildly strenuous, yet they proceed at a leisurely pace for approximately one and a half miles. This allows you to look for signs of wildlife or evidence of ancient glaciers or to simply experience a winter wonderland.

Snowmobiling

Snowmobiling is prohibited in the park except on rights-of-way along state and county roads. There are many other areas near the park for snowmobiling and several state trails in the area.

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore does allow hunting. Michigan hunting seasons often coincide with very popular visitation periods by non-hunters to the Lakeshore, such as during the time of changing fall colors. The Lakeshore Ranger staff asks both hunters and non-hunters to follow a few park rules and regulations and to work together in order to have a safe and enjoyable visit. A special Deer Hunt is also conducted on North Manitou Island each year.

The Lakeshore Ranger staff recommends that non-hunters, who visit the Lakeshore during hunting seasons, wear blaze orange or other brightly colored clothing. Also, non-hunters should consider only hiking on marked, designated trails and beaches to minimize contact with active hunters. The Ranger staff can assist non-hunters with additional information concerning hunting and when the different hunting seasons occur within the Park.

Areas Closed to Hunting

The majority of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is open to hunting. However, most high visitor use areas and facilities are closed and include a 450 foot safety zone. The safety zone is defined as the area beginning at the edge or exterior boundary of any road, site, or development and extending outward for 450 feet. Hunting is not allowed at or near:

• All occupied structures
• Platte River Campground
• D.H. Day Campground
• White Pine and Valley View Backcountry Campgrounds
• D.H. Day Group Campground
• The Village Campground on North Manitou Island
• Weather Station, Bay, and Popple Campgrounds on South Manitou Island
• Village areas on North and South Manitou Island
• Duneside Accessible Trail
• Stocking Scenic Drive - when open to motor vehicles
• Glen Lake Picnic Area
• Good Harbor Picnic Area

Rules and Regulations

Hunters are asked to be familiar with both the State of Michigan and federal rules and regulations concerning hunting in Michigan and Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Many park visitors are unaware that hunting activities may be ongoing within the Lakeshore.

Following are some of the regulations which hunters will need to be aware of:

• Entrance fees are required when using park lands and waters.
• The cutting of standing trees (alive or dead) and branches, or the possession of green vegetation is prohibited.
• Digging or disturbing soils or vegetation is not permitted.
• Vehicles or other wheeled devices are not allowed off roads.
• Ground blinds may be built with natural dead or downed materials, but they must be dismantled at the end of the hunting season. When dismantling ground blinds, the area must be returned to its original, natural setting. All blinds must be removed within seven days after the close of the season.
• All trash and other man-made materials must be packed out and deposited in trash receptacles.
• Marking trees to locate trails using spray paint, colored flagging, or reflective tacks and similar materials is prohibited. The blazing of trees is not allowed.
• Tree stands and climbing devices must be in compliance with Michigan Department of Natural Resources Regulations and must not penetrate or damage the bark of the tree.
• Target shooting or the sighting in of weapons is prohibited.
• Hunters can hunt with dogs when they are used in compliance with Michigan Department of Natural Resources Regulations. However, training hunting dogs within the Lakeshore is prohibited.
• Baiting deer on North Manitou Island is prohibited.
• Trapping is prohibited in the Lakeshore.

There are times when the weather forces visitors to stay indoors. If you have times like that during your visit, plan to go to the Philip A. Hart Visitor Center in Empire. Watch the slide presentation that introduces you to the park and walk through the exhibit room and browse the store.

You can also visit the Sleeping Bear Point Maritime Museum and walk through the US Life-Saving Service station and the boathouse. The Glen Haven General Store, Cannery Boathouse, and Blacksmith shop will also be open in the summer.

If you are in Empire, stop into the Empire Historical Museum on M-22. They have an extensive collection of exhibits about the history of this area.

Where should we go when we come to Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore? Good question! With 35 miles of pristine Lake Michigan beaches, two large islands, enormous sand dunes and bluffs, rivers and inland lakes, there are plenty of choices.

Head for the beach! The clear water of Lake Michigan and beautiful sandy beaches draw many visitors during the hot summer days. Walk along the shore and look at the wide variety of rocks. Maybe you will find a Petoskey Stone or find the remnants of a shipwreck.

Here's another way to cool down on a hot summer day. Float the Platte River. Get a tube, raft, canoe, or kayak and head for the river. Pay attention to the shoreline as you float down the river and you'll see a variety of wildflowers and waterfowl.

The Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is rich in history and culture. Visit the museums and drive, bike, or hike through the Port Oneida Rural Historic District and see farmsteads and fields that represent farming in the late 1800s or early 1900s.