Such a beautiful scenic area with plenty of short distance hikes that offer fantasies views for the minimum effort requires. We have the national park pass which we were able to use during our visit. We stopped by numerous overlooks and of course, the main one where you can see the two land mass/bear cubs lay and the mama bear watching over them. You can read about the lore and why this area is named sleeping bear dunes. It's a cute, albeit sad story of love and loyalty and never leaving behind those you love. Now on to the wondrous nature view you'll find here. Sand dunes, yes! But also a beautiful lake view unobstructed by modern buildings. Pure nature beauty. This really is a place to visit. Don't skip it if you're in the area! It is dog friendly. There was even a kind man up on top of the dunes overlooks giving treats to pups. Our pup enjoyed the treats and the attention and I enjoyed creating memories with her and my husband in the middle of nature. Go check it out! read more

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Sleeping Bear Dunes is a must if you are nearby! There are beaches that are free to enter, but to go into the actual park and see the big dunes, you have to pay $20 per car, or you can get in with a National Parks pass. Most of it is drivable once you're in, and you can park your car off to the side of the road and view multiple different overlooks. The dunes are huge I was surprised. They're much bigger than I am used to seeing at Indiana Dunes! We stopped at the Lake Michigan overlook. There's a parking lot with plenty of parking. To get up to the overlook, you'll have to walk up a smallish sand dune. It's easier if you take your shoes off. Once you get up, there's super steep dunes that many people attempt to go all the way down then climb up on all fours. It's extremely hard to get back up!! Walking through sand is not easy. There's even a sign that warns you of the dangers of doing so and the damage it does to the dunes. There was a firetruck and ambulance on sight ready to rescue anyone. read more

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Amazing views. You're walking up hills in sand so wear appropriate shoes (I went barefoot) Very little shade so wear sunscreen. read more

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My second time visiting was just as spectacular as my first. There's so much beauty to see at Sleeping Bear Dunes. I recommend the cottonwood trail (1.5 miles loop) and empire buff trail (1.5 mile out and back) for amazing views and mixed terrain. The dunes are a must see (climb if you dare). Don't forget to grab a souvenir in one of the park shops. read more

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An absolute must! Pictures don't even come close to reality. So many scenic spots. Highly recommend the scenic drive. Be prepared to walk on uneven surfaces and in sand. Fewer people early in the morning. However, the National Park visitor center opens at 9:00. Don't rush and expect to spend time getting out to look around. read more

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Google labels Sleeping Bear Dunes a "mountain peak" - LOL. But it is a pretty cool naturally-occurring pile of sand (and every form of life that is adapted to it). We hiked Cottonwood Trail, but *might* have strayed off it a bit in order to see Lake Michigan. It is great to know that this area is protected. read more

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My only kind that I have about this place was that parking was really expensive! Overall, if you're into scenic views, challenging walks, even going to the beach too or are just a avid adventurer this is the place for you. Me and my wife basically did the Dune Climb which was very extraordinary which I reviewed on a separate page. This place was very well maintained with very minimal trash. The dunes were very scenic and even the people were very friendly too. I have never seen water looks so clean and beautiful before. Getting into the beach can be a bit painful with all those rocks just stabbing your feet. I absolutely had an incredible time here regardless. I highly recommend checking this place out if you ever have to chance! read more

Excellent visitor's center and even more excellent park! The rangers are super helpful even though they were inundated with guests. I love the dunes hiking trail is 3.5 miles, but it's pretty brutal since there's little shade and you're going up and down sandy dunes. You think you're on the last one, and then you go to the crest..and see another dune you have to cross. Repeat that several times. And when you're going up the sandy dunes, it's two steps up, half a step down. Going into Lake Michigan is worth it though! Just be sure to bring a lot of water, a hat, and loads of sunscreen. If you're not into the hikes, Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive is a great loop to drive and stop at various points and trailheads. There are a lot of placards about the history of the area and the biology of the dunes. Don't miss out! read more

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore - View of Lake Michigan. For scale, the tiny dots are people! - Parks Near Me - Empire, Michigan

This national lakeshore park has been on our list of places to visit for a long time, and now we finally got here. It was a beautiful day. Our first stopped was at the visitor center in the town of Empire. The staff was very helpful and the displays were also very interesting. We made our way north along the shoreline and did the scenic loop drive. It was was very interesting, especially many of the viewpoints of the dunes and the lake. We also picnicked in one of the pull out areas. We eventually made our way to the dune climbing area and I climbed up the first 150 feet of elevation change. I did not attempt to go all the way out to Lake Michigan since that first short climb was exhausting. We watched a group of grade school kids run down the sand dune at full speed and face plant in the sand. Hilarious! We drove further north in Glen Haven to where the old village was and took a tour of the life saving station where one of the volunteers gave a great overview of what happened there. We also popped in the cannery where another volunteer explained some of the memorabilia. There's much more we could have done including more hikes. They also have an awesome and long paved bike path that would be fun to ride. This place was really top notch. I am glad we finally made it here. read more

This is easily one of the coolest national park-type places I've ever been. Technically, Sleeping Bear Dunes is a National Lakeshore, not a national park--which honestly makes it even cooler, because there are very few of these in the country. If you're going, start by heading to Parking Area 9 inside the loop. That's where you'll find the iconic 45-story dune that drops straight down to Lake Michigan. The short walk to the overlook gives you an absolutely breathtaking view. You can hike down to the water, but heads up: if you can't make it back up, rescue comes with a $3,000 fine. Most people stay up top, so the beach is surprisingly peaceful if you do go all the way down. I'm in good shape and it still took me 16 brutal minutes to climb back up. It's no joke--but if you're up for it, it's 100% worth it. I really believe most people can make it back, just take your time and enjoy the adventure. For more personal recommendations and travel tips, check out my adventures on Instagram: @OfficialTravelGuy read more

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The Sleeping bear dunes, one of Michigan most famous treasure. From parking lot to the beach hiking through Dunes Trail is about 3.5mi round trip. There are some shade spot but going up and down the hill is tough on your leg, not impossible. In my experience, Great sand dunes is harder because you have to constantly go uphill. On a warm day you need extra bottle of water, one a hot sunny day then I recommend bringing more water. You can hike with or without shoes, some area you do need shoes due to vegetations, but it is up to you. read more

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We spent 2 days exploring the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. We did a lot of hiking, driving, kayaking, and relaxing. Sleeping Bear encompasses a large area that includes beaches, islands, woods, towns, and waterways so there are many ways to explore. There's a visitors center in Empire, MI and the rangers can help you decide how to explore. The main 2 areas we hiked were the Empire Bluff Trail (see separate review) which we made into a 5 mile hike and Sleeping Bear Point. Sleeping Bear Point kicked my ass because it was a hike straight up a Sand Dune. The main things that suck for me when hiking are elevation gain and walking in loose sand. This had both. It ended up being worth it though because it opened up to a rocky secluded beach that we had to ourselves. The view were spectacular. There were a lot of other hikes as well but we ran out of time. We all got to kayak in nearby Crystal River and explore a nearby historic area that I believe is apart of the National Park umbrella. I'd love to go back and hike some of the other trails and bike the Sleeping Bear Heritage trail. There's a lot of variety to do if you like nature and it's not overcrowded and rushed like many places theses days. read more

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We did the Empire Bluffs hike and the Pierce-Stocking Scenic Drive. My pics are from stop #9, I believe. Lake Michigan views. We could have spent hours there. I can't believe the people climbing down, it looked so steep! The Scenic Drive was well worth it! Highly recommend everything this National Park has to offer read more

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I came here with my husband and two dogs. We knew that there were a lot of areas that were not pet friendly so we made sure we were careful to only visit those that were pet friendly. I had no idea that Sand Dunes this large existed in Michigan ! The entire area was truly lovely and quite quiet in mid September read more

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This place is amazing encompassing over 71,000 acres of Lake Michigan shoreline, Many sand dunes that are over 400 feet high, The views off this trail, are amazing. There is even a historic light house, Point Bessie in the area that has amazing ice fishing areas. During the warm months you can tour the light house, It has wonderful architectural and a very majestic vide over looking the lake. Campground offers sites with electric hook-ups, showers, and modern restrooms. A must visit place and an excellent camping opportunity. read more

Wear comfortable shoes because it can be a lot of walking and climbing. I got some great pictures but yeah it can be your workout for the day. I love the scenic drive. If you go during the fall you can see the leaves changing colors. read more

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Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is a nice way to spend a couple days exploring Lake Michigan's eastern coastline. I started off my journey in the town of Empire Village...known as the "Gateway to Sleeping Bear Dunes". Empire is a quaint little town located just on the outskirts of the lakeshore. It was here where I spent 2 evenings camping out at Empire Township Campground which I highly recommend to outdoor enthusiasts. Since Sleeping Bear Dunes only runs for about 35 miles...I spent my 1st day seeing the sights before returning to Empire Township Campground. Then I went back to the lakeshore for my 2nd day of adventures before again returning to this Empire Campground for a 2nd night. Finally, I moved onto the UP - Upper Peninsula section of Michigan during my summer 2021 road trip. Ultimately, I believe having 2 full days to explore here at Sleeping Bear Dunes is more than enough time. Btw, Empire Township Campground was $25 to pitch my tent for the evening at a primitive campsite. They had showers and toilets and were located 5 miles from town. And...each morning I stopped in a BP gas station in Empire to grab a breakfast sandwich and drink before starting out my days. Also situated in Empire is the Philip A. Hart Visitor Center. I suggest you stop in here to grab any Sleeping Bear Dunes souvenirs and gifts you may like along with getting your National Parks Passport signed and also to pay the $25 entrance fee for access to the lakeshore. Plus, you can speak with a park ranger, and they can help plan out your lakeshore itinerary for your drive and what the main highlights are to stop at. Right after the VC located nearby is the Empire Bluff Trail - a 1.5-mile roundtrip hike that's a great introduction to the sights and surroundings of scenic Lake Michigan. The trail isn't difficult and part of the way you're standing on a boardwalk. But the scenery is worthwhile. I liked Empire Bluff trail and it's highly recommended. Next you can take the Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive. It's a casual 7.5-mile loop around the shores of Lake Michigan. Along the way there are 12 numbered roadside stops for you to exit your car and witness different areas and settings. My most memorable stops were #1, #9, #10, #11. The others were sort of pointless and you may question why they are relevant. Still, Pierce Stocking Drive is worthwhile. Let me quickly address my favorite stopping points. #1 - The Covered Bridge - famous, photogenic looking bridge you drive underneath. I actually pulled over to the side of the road and grabbed a few photos when passing cars weren't nearby. Supposedly a lot of people post photos of this Covered Bridge on their Instagram pages. But...Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive wasn't too crowded when I was visiting back in late May which afforded me time to stand in the middle of the road and take some pictures. #9 & #10 - Lake Michigan Overlooks - yes! Here at both of these vistas you'll walk out to the edge and admire Lake Michigan from high above. Terrific for photo opportunities and Lake Michigan on a sunny day was colorful from both overlooks. Btw, there were signs mentioning "avoid getting stuck at the bottom" of Lake Michigan. "When lake levels are high, the only way out is up, and rescues can cost $3000"! So, they advise do not trek down to the shores from either #9 or #10. #11 - North Bar Overlook and Picnic Area - decent view of Lake Michigan. You can take a framed #findyourpark picture of yourself here at the boardwalk observation point. The Dune Climb - the most popular activity at Sleeping Bear Dunes. It's a 3.5-mile roundtrip trek up and over giant sand mounds to finally arrive at the quaint beach shores of Lake Michigan. This Dune Climb is treacherous starting out but allows you terrific moments to see the entire Sleeping Bear Dunes Lakeshore area immediately after you labor over the initial dune. The rest of the trail wasn't difficult, but it can get hot during midday so bring a bathing suit and drinks to the beach. Visit the town of Glen Arbor. A cozy little town just a short drive off Sleeping Bear Dunes where you can grab dinner at a restaurant or what I did was I stopped in at Anderson's Grocery Market - perfect for picking up camping supplies I needed plus purchasing food for barbecuing back at camp for the evening. I loved Anderson's! They had everything. Glen Haven Historic Village - old fashioned town for walking around and getting some real-life history into the area. Sleeping Bear Point Trail - scenic landscape of flat area and sand with distant views of Lake Michigan. Pyramid Point Trail - my favorite hike at Sleeping Bear Dunes! It's a 1/2-mile climb to Pyramid Point Overlook. Lake Michigan's shore were turquoise green from here! You can do a 2.7-mile loop around the outskirts of Lake Michigan. This was my final activity. To conclude, Sleeping Bear Dunes NL is a straightforward and pleasant getaway into nature for a few days. I'm glad I got to experience it. read more

This is mostly a note about the scenic overlook. We hadn't been in 3 years and I was surprised to see just how much beach erosion had occurred in just a few years. But the lakeshore is still WONDERFUL. Just be prepared for some changes if you haven't been in a while. First off? The beach at the bottom is pretty much gone. You used to see folks running down the dune then play on the beach and crawl back up. You can still go down but if you have any trouble getting back up the steep dune you'll find the costs of rescue have jumped SIGNIFICANTLY given they have a harder time accessing the dune now because of the rising Lake Michigan levels. Not a huge change if you don't plan on zipping down there but if it's something you're into, be prepared. The other thing we noticed was that the trail/boardwalk that used do be there is now covered completely with sand. Last time we were here we were able to bring my grandma to the viewpoint via her wheelchair on the trail but we wouldn't have been able to do that without some all terrain wheels this time around. The views are still incredible and the changes just mean that we need to dedicate more resources and care to protecting this stunning National Park! read more

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Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is one of Michigan's true gems! Such unique landscape and along a significant portion of the coastline of one of our (best) Great Lakes, there is so much you can do here! You can hike, climb, play, swim, tube, the list goes on! These dunes are MASSIVE - some of the biggest in this country! If you're Michigan raised like I am, you were taught the legend of Sleeping Bear Dunes as a kid growing up. If you haven't heard the legend, I highly recommend that you look it up before coming here, just for some fun (perhaps a bit depressing) history, but it informs our natural landscape in this area & I hold that close to my heart. I honestly highly recommend doing Sleeping Bear in all seasons BUT summer. I personally am not a huge fan of heat, let alone hot sand, with no shade anywhere, on a summer's day! Sleeping Bear is also so popular during the summer since it's one of our biggest tourist destinations for Michiganders and non-Michiganders alike. So if you want to avoid the massive crowds and also actually enjoy exploring the extensive dune system and gorgeous views of Sleeping Bear without breaking too much of a sweat, come in the spring or the fall! If you love winter sports like cross-country skiing, DEFINITELY check out Sleeping Bear in the winter when so many of the trails switch over to cross-country skiing trails exclusively! I absolutely love Sleeping Bear Dunes and it's another reason why I'm so thankful to have been raised and continue to live in Michigan. There is so much diversity and variety in what Michigan has to offer, and I'm just so proud that Sleeping Bear Dunes is one of those things. read more

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Always a treat to visit the Sleeping Bear Sand Dunes. This was where we vacationed when I was a child and it was nice to visit with my husband many years later. We did the Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive and it was as beautiful as I'd remembered it. Lake Michigan is so blue. The park was clean and the rangers were helpful. read more

Came here in mid-May to get the early summer temps. We camped in one of the national park campgrounds (Platte River Campground). An important thing to note about this national lakeshore: it's spread out! Be prepared to drive in between most destinations/stops. That being said, the drives are usually gorgeous and surrounded by beautiful wooded areas and/or sandy dunes, with views of the lake popping out at random times. Onto the good stuff: the nature! We did a variety of stops, using the trusty AllTrails app. We did some secluded trails out to the lake and back to our campground, which were amazing. We also did more of the touristy ones and those were great as well. It's amazing that you're staring out into a lake as it basically looks like an ocean with how vast and crystal clear it can be in parts, esp. near the shore. I also loved having the small towns scattered throughout the park. It allowed for food/drink stops, shopping, and to get a glimpse of how locals live in the area. read more

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This is just an incredible area with amazing views of the endless Great Lake. One of my favorite National Parks due to the unbelievable feeling of walking/sprinting/bounding/backwards shuffling barefoot in the soft, warm inviting sand as you make your way to any one of many sand dune peaks with a magically different view at the top. Free admittance too with the National Parks Pass. I walked along the lakeshore portion of the Dunes first for a few hours, exploring the various wooded trails, but mostly frolicking among the sand dunes, getting a free foot massage from the warm sand all the while. After that I drove to the Dune Walk and that was so incredibly cool, because it was a reminder of a groomed ski hill, except with fine, warm sand replacing perfectly groomed snow. It's hard not to spend a minute or two just soaking in the view from the parking lot, because it's so unique, and the contrast between the sand dunes and blue sky is beautiful. The view at the top is even nicer, with the Great Lake in the distance, but with a good deal of picturesque farm land and greenery in the foreground. The vision whispers "heartland of America" and "God's Country" as you soak it all in as while trying convince your brain to walk back down, while your soul resists by keeping your eyes transfixed of the view that all around exist. It was so fun ( and quickly tiring) to jog up as far as you could up the dune, before collapsing to bent knee to recover some oxygen, then repeat a half dozen times until the peak was reached. The aforementioned view awaits at the top in one directio, and then in the other three directions there are sand dunes all around with hiking and biking trails. After spending a good 15 minutes up there, I shuffled backwards down the hill, and it was so fun, because there's nothing to worry about running into, or even falling backwards because there's no trees or large rocks to worry about falling on, so you can go as fast as you can run with abandon. Such a great workout for the calves!! read more

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Beautiful area. We rode our bikes on the Sleeping Bear Heritage trail, did the dune climb and the dune lookout hike. We were there midweek at the end of September. It was not crowded. In fact, we were the only car in the parking lot early Friday for the dune climb. When we returned to our car around 10 am, there were two more cars. The colors were just starting in the trees, but still so pretty. Some notes on the Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail - I was on a road bike and the gravel portion of the trail was not much fun. It's really more like very coarse sand with pebbles in it. I had to keep my speed under 10 mph or risk sliding. There is only about 1 1/2 miles of paved trail after the gravel and no great view. Save yourself and turn around before the gravel. Take the scenic drive, as well. You can park and walk to about 8 lookout points. Beautiful views. read more

Definitely worth stopping at if you're in the area! I really enjoyed the scenic drive and all of the lookout points were gorgeous. It was really interesting to learn about the area and go out on the platform to see the dunes plummeting straight down to the lake. It's something the whole family can enjoy too regardless of age or activity level since all of the lookout points are a fairly short walk from the car. We only did the scenic drive with the lookout points since we were short on time, but I've heard great things about the hiking trails and the bike trails seemed really well maintained. Also, the outhouse by the main lookout point was the cleanest I have ever been in. The DNR is doing a great job here and I really appreciate them! read more

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A fabulous experience worth every bit of time if you're traveling to the northwestern part of the lower peninsula. The sand dunes will blow you off of your feet. When you look down from the outlook point, the view will blow you away. Lake Michigan appears like an ocean and the steep elevated sand slope looks out of this world. A very unique experience indeed! read more

All of Michigan has so much to do and see- weather in the summer can vary from bright sun to big rain and even thunder. It's all part of the experience, so for any hikes dress in layers and bring water! We went to the visitors Center to get oriented and confirm directions- they were great, with helpful advice and lots of maps and facts. I especially liked learning how Dunes were formed. After the Area "education " we went on a hike at the dunes- beautiful! A few fellow hikers and several paths. Gentle grade with steps, overhanging trees, bright green and enjoyable. Loved the reward at the end- great vistas really pretty easy hike, less than 2 miles. read more

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Great views, trails and drives. A member of our group had a bad ankle but there is a driving trail designed for people with mobility challenges. Lot of activates around and shopping and dining near by the large park. read more

I agree this drive is well worth the $10 to drive around and jump out at all the scenic spots. It gives lots and lots of views. We went in August and I stayed near the top for safety and healing foot issues. My son ventured a bit farther off and explored. It is so beautiful and instantly brought me back to a previous family vacation. Pure Michigan for sure. I should have stayed over in Empire or surrounding area to enjoy it more instead of driving home that late afternoon to my home 5 hrs away. read more

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If you're reading this review, and you're a Michigan native, who hasn't been up to Sleepy Bear, slap yourself! Now that you've come to your senses, make PTO arrangements, hit up your travel crew, pack your car and go!! This place is amazing! Here are a few things to know : 1. Stop at the visitors center first- Grab a parking pass! It's $20, pricey yes, but if you don't get it, be ready to pay huge parking fines. The pass is valid for a few days. The visitors center has lots of information on the dunes, including a small museum and art gallery! The park rangers answer all your questions and provide sightseeing tips. There are souvenirs you can also pick up and they even have a sightseeing passport book! For the kids, theres the option to become a junior park ranger, I love that stuff & wish I can do it lol ! 2. Pierce Stocking Scenic drive- Do this!!! Without giving too much away, the scenic drive is perfect for a first time guest! Wear a hat, shades, oh and don't forget bug spray and sun screen. Bring a professional camera it you're into photography! The views are amazing. The hikes and dune climbs can be challenging so bring water and snacks. My daughter and I enjoyed the workout. We brought lots of water, fruit, and snack bars to stay strong for the trek! There's also a few picnic areas if you want to stop for a break. The drive took us a couple of hours to finish. 3. Bring your swim suit- There's a nice beach in Glen Haven! If you like to collect rocks and minerals, there's lots to chose from on the shore. The beach is beautiful, with clear waters and different shades of blue. Glen Haven is a small historical town with a few exhibits at the museum. Very interesting sight! 4. Go to Glen Arbor if you like art- We visited 3 galleries, all featuring local artists. There's also shops and restaurants/bars. Some with live music. They were all good for kids. There are also a few spots to rent bikes, paddle boards, and kayaks! It's a cute little tourist town. 5. Pyramid Point- Best place for a sunset! The 20 min scenic drive towards the point is peaceful. Lots of farm land and lakeshore views There's lots to see at Sleepy Bear Dunes. Its almost overwhelming how many different parts of nature you have access to. It makes me want to just drop everything and go live there (even though I probably wouldn't survive a day) I recommend staying for a weekend to spread out the activity. My daughter and I made it a one day trip, and we were exhausted towards the end. I'm hoping to go back up during the fall! SYOY! read more

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This is an absolute treasure of a place to visit! The views and the look out points are fantastic! With one of the tallest and steepest dunes around, you're sure to spend hours enjoying the views from either the lookout platform, or from the dune itself. Absolutely stunning place to take in the beauty that is the Lake Michigan shoreline. read more

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Such a beautiful place to spend with the family. A mixture of hiking, swimming and cycling awaits those who visit the dunes. The hiking trails are beautiful, for the expert and beginners alike. Make sure to bring plenty of water and snacks for the entire family. The more popular spots are pretty packed, so driving around to find a good hiking spot isn't that bad. The lakeshore in Empire is a thing of beauty, new playground equipment for the kids and plenty of benches to enjoy the sunset. Very family friendly beach with plenty of Petoskey Stones to hunt for by the shore. When driving please watch for cyclists, since this area is a cyclist's dream, plenty of trails perfect for the whole family. If you want to spend quality family time outdoors, make sure to stop by the dunes and experience everything they have to offer. read more

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore - Beautiful place to watch the sunset - Parks Near Me - Empire, Michigan

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This place is magical! Such a prestigious and majestic National Park. Wait, let me correct that, such a prestigious and majestic National Lakeshore. There is a difference as Sleeping Bear is one of 4 National Lakeshores. Two in Michigan, one in Wisconsin and one in Indiana. That in itself is pretty impressive. The true proof is in the pudding and Sleeping Bear has a ton of it. I have never been so awestruck than when I stepped up and peered out to Lake Michigan from this vantage point. Amazing doesn't even begin to describe or do justice to the beauty of this place. Pictures only scratch the surface but barley even portray how awe inspiring these dunes are. You really just need to get here and see it. We stayed in Charlevoix when we came up to Sleeping Bear. The camp for the dunes was full so we drove through and made a day trip out of it. Totally worth it as what I took in was almost life changing. I was also amazed at how many nationalities were also there to take it all in. People come to see this place from all over the world and that also made the experience that much sweeter. To know that in the United Sates we have some of the most revered and treasured sights to see is pretty cool. Sleeping Bear dunes is now off the bucket list although we may go back again just because. read more

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It's so beautiful here. It's definitely worth the visit. Parking is $20, but good for the week. We were here on a super hot day so you must bring hydration, sun screen, sun glasses and a hat. I would recommend bug spray too, because mosquitoes can be a problem depending on the time of day. A must see. We will definitely be back! read more

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It took me a long time to finally make it to Sleeping Bear Dunes but I finally checked it off the bucket list. Of course, I didn't get anywhere near seeing everything I wanted to see and I already want to go back. The Lake Michigan overlook on the Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive is the most spectacular place for sunset watching I've ever come across. My first evening there the gathered masses spontaneously burst into a round of applause when the last sliver of sun slipped below the great saltless sea called Michigan. Bring a chair unless you're cool with popping a squat in the sand. My second night there I just missed the sunset but the twilight colors splashed across the sky were pretty magical, too. The reason I missed another Lake Michigan sunset was I got caught up on the Dune Climb hike, a series of rising and falling dunes with some very Tattooine looking stretches that abruptly ended at a very chill beach at the shoreline when I expected another bluff towering above the westerly waters. I didn't realize the elevation had lessened so much after the first epic dune. It's maybe about a 45 or 50 minute hike each way but I needed maybe another 15 minutes on the return trip after misplacing my sneakers and socks. See, a lot of people take this trek barefoot but I initially decided not to go that route. Well, after maybe three dunes, barefoot looked easier and more relaxed, so I ditched my footwear in a place I thought would be easy to find on the way back. Somehow my dumb ass missed them on the return trip and had to circle back and collect a tip from two dudes also trying to get back to the parking lot. And that's how I missed the sunset on the second day. The Dune Climb was an experience I'm glad I had but I'd probably skip it on a return trip unless I was with someone who just absolutely had to go. There's just too much else to see here. On my third and final day I took the ferry to South Manitou Island out of Leland which is nowhere near the rest of the park but North and South Manitou Islands are part of Sleeping Bear Dunes and I've been fascinated with them for a long time. I already want to go back to South Manitou to camp overnight as opposed to the day trip I took and then hopefully graduate to the more rugged North Manitou. The stargazing has to be incredible way out there in Lake Michigan! South Manitou has a cool lighthouse and cluster of little buildings in one corner of the island that I couldn't help but think of as being like Dharmaville on Lost. My goal was to hike to the dunes on the western shore of the island but I spent too much time eating a late breakfast on a picnic table by the dock and detouring by one of the campgrounds by the south shore as recon for a possible return trip. So not wanting to get stranded by the very punctual boat trip back I didn't make it that far. I did see the shipwreck of the Francisco Morazan from a perch above the shore, though, and that was pretty cool. I also took a quick dip in Lake Michigan on the way back which I hadn't planned on but the water was just so clean and refreshing. Some people didn't even hike anywhere; they just packed a picnic and hung out on the beach the whole time! Me, I was trying to explore some of the wilderness here, but hey, that's cool, too. There's such a fantastic sense of otherness on South Manitou Island and I'm sure there's even more on the less developed and slightly more remote northern Isle. Reserve well in advance if you want a spot in one of the campgrounds in SBDNL. My trip was kind of spur of the moment so I ended up camping elsewhere but I'd like to check out a campground in the mainland park as well as off on the Manitou Islands. I'm glad we have such a beautiful and enticing land of natural wonders in my home state. There's lots more trails and adventures here for me and one of the great things about a bucket list is you can keep adding to it. read more

We stopped at the Sleeping Bear Dunes on our M22 drive this fall. Unfortunately we were on a time crunch so we only had time to do the Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive, but the views did not disappoint!! It's hard to capture in a picture honestly. Lake Michigan was a beautiful turquoise, and the look outs along the drive gave you beautiful photo opportunities. It was a windy day so the sand was blowing in our face a little, but still worth it ! read more

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Just beautiful. There's not much else to say. Good signage, lots of information from park personnel or even guests,locals who live in the area. I hope nobody tries to build condos on there. It's as beautiful as Northern California read more

Incredible Lake vistas, numerous hiking trails, biking the 22mile Heritage trail is some of the best pedaling in the state. Great restaurants in the area( La Becasse, Funistrada, Market 22 to name a few) kayaking, wine tasting ( over 30 vineyards in area) the list just goes on! read more

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Is beautiful, definitely not what I was expecting to see in Michigan! A must see!! Definitely will be back

I have amazing memories here growing up and it still has the same wonderful memories going as an adult. It's an amazing place to visit and simply beautiful with nature everywhere. Highly recommend visiting!! read more

Great family outing location! Beautiful sightseeing! Hiking, picnics and memories for all.