Sand dunes that plunge hundreds of feet straight into one of the world’s largest freshwater lakes — that’s the kind of spectacle that earns a place on the global travel map. Established on October 21, 1970, Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore has grown into one of the Midwest’s most celebrated natural destinations. In 2011, the area won the title of “The Most Beautiful Place in America” from Good Morning America, and it has only built on that reputation since — most recently being ranked among the Top 10 “One-of-a-Kind” beaches in the world.
Located within Benzie and Leelanau counties, the park extends along a 35-mile stretch of Lake Michigan’s eastern coastline, as well as North and South Manitou Islands, preserving a total of 71,199 acres. Whether you’re an avid hiker, a beach lover, a history buff, or just someone craving open skies and fresh Great Lakes air, this park delivers on every front.
Things to Do at Sleeping Bear Dunes
The Dune Climb — No visit to Sleeping Bear would be complete without at least attempting the iconic Dune Climb. Miles of sand beach, bluffs that tower 450 feet above Lake Michigan, lush forests, clear inland lakes, and unique flora and fauna make up the natural world of Sleeping Bear Dunes. Hikers can push all the way through to the shoreline of Lake Michigan, but be warned — climbing the dunes is no joke; they are pretty steep and will leave even those in great shape huffing and puffing. Bring plenty of water and plan to earn every step.
Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive — First-time visitors won’t go wrong starting their journey with the Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive, a 7½-mile drive that takes travelers through forested landscapes and along sand dunes to various overlook points. Located off of M-109 between Empire and Glen Haven, the road runs 7.4 miles, providing access to scenic views of Lake Michigan, Glen Lake, and surrounding parkland. There are a handful of gorgeous views that showcase Lake Michigan, North Bar Lake, and Glen Lake, among others — and the drive is accessible and enjoyable even for visitors with limited mobility.
Hiking Trails — Roughly 100 miles of hiking trails feature diverse terrain, from sandy dunes to forested, high-bluff overlooks. The Empire Bluff Trail climbs through a beech-maple forest rife with wildflowers to a high coastal bluff featuring the iconic double-dune view, with boardwalks and an observation deck looking out over Lake Michigan and a large chunk of the national lakeshore. For something with equally jaw-dropping payoff, the Pyramid Point trail leads to stunning panoramas of Lake Michigan, where the blue waters and dunes create a diverse landscape and you can even spot the Manitou Islands with the occasional Great Lakes freighter passing by.
The Manitou Islands — The two Manitou Islands have plenty of hiking trails and backcountry camping, and the Port Oneida Rural Historic District — the largest intact rural farming community in the nation — is also accessible. Reaching the islands requires a ferry ride, which makes the experience feel genuinely adventurous and rewards those willing to go the extra mile.
Water Activities & Beaches — Much of the Lake Michigan shoreline is open to swimming, and there’s a plethora of smaller inland lakes and rivers great for floating, fishing, and boating. Kayaking is a popular activity in the park’s rivers and lakes, especially in the Crystal River and Platte River. The lakeshore contains numerous spectacular beaches on its 33 miles of protected Lake Michigan shoreline, including D.H. Day Park in Glen Haven, North Bar Lake, Good Harbor Bay, and Manitou Island.
Glen Haven Historic Village & Cultural Sites — History runs surprisingly deep here. Glen Haven Beach and Historic Village lets you visit the Cannery and Boat Museum, a blacksmith shop, and a general store. The park contains nearly 370 historic structures and eight sites on the National Register of Historic Places. The park truly operates as both a natural and cultural treasure.
Year-Round Recreation — The national park offers year-round activities, so you can play in the snow during the winter, watch the trees bud in the spring, or experience a Pure Michigan beach vacation followed by leaf-peeping season. Winter is a beautiful time to explore the park, with incredible cross-country skiing and snowshoe trails available. The 22-mile Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail is open for walking, biking, and winter recreation.
Atmosphere & Setting
The sheer scale of the landscape here is what catches most people off guard. The park is known for its outstanding natural features, including dune formations, forests, beaches, and ancient glacial phenomena — all of which were shaped by continental ice sheets thousands of years ago. The transition from dense forest to open, windswept dune ridges feels dramatic and almost cinematic.
The park carries a rich sense of legend and lore as well. The park is named after an Ojibwe legend of the sleeping bear: according to the legend, an enormous forest fire on the western shore of Lake Michigan drove a mother bear and her two cubs into the lake for shelter. After many miles of swimming, the two cubs lagged behind, and when the mother bear reached the shore, she waited on top of a high bluff. That bluff still stands today, and knowing the story while gazing out over the lake adds an entirely different emotional weight to the view.
The park is located about 20 miles west of Traverse City, the largest city in Northern Michigan, so it sits within easy reach of a charming regional hub while still feeling remarkably remote and wild once you’re inside its borders. Rolling hills, quaint communities, and plenty of opportunities to get out and explore the shores of Lake Michigan round out the broader regional experience.
Other Considerations
What does it cost to get in? Admission is $25 per vehicle, though if you walk or bike in, you’ll pay $15. The America the Beautiful National Parks Pass is also accepted, which is a great investment if you plan to visit multiple national parks throughout the year.
Is the park good for kids and families? Absolutely. Kids love running up and down the dunes, and the range of activities — from gentle scenic drives to beach swimming — means there’s something to keep everyone entertained regardless of age or fitness level. The park also offers All-Terrain Track Wheelchairs to allow visitors using wheelchairs or mobility equipment access to additional trails that are usually not deemed wheelchair-friendly.
When is the best time to visit? Summer is peak season, and crowds are a hit or miss depending on the time of year, with most days in the summer being packed, even on weekdays. For the dune climb specifically, arriving early in the morning on hot days is strongly recommended to beat both the heat and the crowds. Late afternoon on weekday visits tends to offer a quieter, more personal experience on the trails.
Where should I start my visit? The Philip A. Hart Visitor Center in Empire is where you can buy your national park pass, learn about the natural and human history of the area, and pick up a souvenir. The visitor center also has a movie about the history of the dunes and how the park got its name — a great orientation before heading out to explore.
Can I camp inside the park? Yes — and it’s one of the best ways to experience it. Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is one of Michigan’s most popular destinations for camping vacations. There are a few campgrounds, grouped into D.H. Day Campground, Platte River Campground, camping areas on the Manitou Islands, and some other sites for backcountry or group camping. Reservations are highly recommended, especially during summer months.
Are there any safety tips to keep in mind? A few important ones. The dunes are incredibly steep — so steep you cannot see to the bottom — and signs warn of the cost of being rescued if you dare descend and cannot return on your own. Always bring more water than you think you’ll need. There are no lifeguards on duty at the beaches, and rip currents can catch many people off guard, so it’s important to pay attention to weather and wave conditions, red flag warnings, and keep a close eye on anyone in the water.
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
📍 9922 W Front St, Empire, MI 49630
Website: https://www.nps.gov/slbe/
