Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

We had an amazing time here. The water was unbelievably clear and the people were super friendly. We visited the local historic village and maritime museum, climbed the sand dune, drove the scenic stocking pierce loop, had a bonfire on the beach on a completely clear night full of stars, visited the visitors center, and got our junior ranger badges in our 3 night visit. We stayed at D H Day campground, which I highly recommend due to its cleanliness and proximity to the beach. Book your site early, because the sites reserve out quickly.

Amazing place to visit 🌄 🧡 Feels as if you're standing on the edge of the earth. I'm definitely going back 🙂 Plan for a whole day if you want to venture down the dune. I recommend the Pierce Stocking Scenic drive for fast viewing. It was filled with beautiful sites, including the Lake Michigan Overlook spot. It is easily accessible and the path is short.

Absolutely awesome experience! The hike is a not grueling, but totally worth it. I recommend following the 27 posts to the beach, turn left, then climb the BIG dune! Our hike was just over 4 miles, but took just under 4 hrs after stopping for the quick lunch we carried. Our home consisted of 7 children aged 7-13 and 6 adults. After the hike I recommend taking the panned trail up to the museum (about 2 miles). Very interesting history, easily read on the outdoor displays.

This was a beautiful place to come for people of all ages. Getting to the top of the dunes and rolling down toward the lake was great fun for kids. Stops 9/10 are more for people without mobility issues but they had lots of other stops along the way for people who can't walk around as much. Definitely worth the visit just to drive through the park.

Absolutely beautiful place on a perfect weather day in July. The scenic road tour is wonderful, and the view from the top is outstanding. $25 per car in the park for a 1-7 day(s) pass. My family felt it was worth the price even for our one day adventure. Awesome bike trails as well.

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore – A Majestic Wonder You’ll Never Forget If there’s one place in the Midwest that feels otherworldly yet deeply rooted in natural beauty, it’s Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore—a crown jewel of Michigan that deserves a spot on every traveler’s bucket list. 🗺️ Scenic Drive & Lookouts – Nature’s Masterpiece We began our journey with the iconic Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive, a route sculpted through dense forests and winding hills that open into panoramic overlooks. Each designated stop gifts you a new perspective of the dunes, forests, and the breathtaking blue stretch of Lake Michigan. Though erosion has claimed one of the legendary lookouts, the ever-changing landscape adds a humbling reminder of nature’s power and the fleeting beauty of time. 🏜️ Dune Climb – A Test of Will, A Reward for the Soul We revisited the Dune Climb, where the sand is surprisingly firm underfoot. It’s a manageable ascent with views that grow more spectacular with every step. A few years back, we hiked all the way to the shoreline, a trek that felt like walking through an epic sandscape. Though some dune access points to Lake Michigan are now officially closed, adventurers still descend—just beware, the climb back up can take anywhere from 45 minutes to over two hours, depending on your stamina and the will of your legs! 🌊 Lake Michigan – A Horizon that Never Ends Reaching the edge where sand meets water is surreal. The vast expanse of Lake Michigan, stretching endlessly into the horizon, feels like you’re standing at the edge of the Earth. It’s not just a lake—it’s a freshwater sea that mirrors the sky and leaves you breathless. 🌟 An Unforgettable Natural Wonder Sleeping Bear Dunes isn’t just a park—it’s a living wonder, shaped by ancient glaciers, kissed by the winds of the Great Lakes, and etched with stories in every grain of sand. From towering dunes to forested trails, this is a place that fills your spirit and etches itself into your memory forever. 🧭 Final Thoughts – A Must-See Before You Die This is not just a site, it’s an experience. A testament to the majesty of the natural world, and without question, one of the great wonders of the United States, if not the world. Whether you come for the challenge, the serenity, or the awe-inspiring views—you will not leave the same person.

We bought a pass for sleeping bear dunes at the visitor center and when we went into the park. I realized it was under the park services shoreline. The park ranger refunded our $25 .00 since I had a senior pass for the national parks. This is a beautiful place to visit. The park ranger at the visitor center gave us a map with detailed stops for Pierce Stocking scenic drive, dune climb, and Glen Haven Historic village. This is a must do.

Scenic drive is nice with technically twelve stops but only about five or so worth stopping for, three of which are definite stops. Great view over Glen Lake and Lake Michigan. Stop #9/10 including a significant dune climb leading to a beach along Lake Michigan which is a decent climb to get back up. Worth a visit on a fair weather day.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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.

It a great place to go now the improvements I would make is that safety team that recuse you would know a service dog efficient was an had more understanding on rights I got yell at for my dog by guy in orange shirt and also he was being a bit of a butthead

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.

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!

It is very important to know about the sleeping bear dune story. Also it helps you understand it way better and that it opens your eyes. It's a must have place to go check out.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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 !

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!!

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.

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.

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

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.

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!

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

Wonderful natural area to explore geography of a sand dune. Expect to spend one to two hours. Best to stay on trails and not damage the dune. We have come in summer and winter. Both have a special feeling. Bring sun and wind protection and food and drink.

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.

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!

We loved visiting Sleeping Bear Dunes! The views were amazing! The walk was short but you need to walk up an incline. I recommend wearing sneakers verse sandals. If we find ourselves in Michigan again, we would absolutely come back!

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.

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.

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.

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!

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!

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!!

Simply beautiful and stunning views. Might want to take some bug spray. Always go to Sunset a little early in case the sun sets in front of the clouds and so don't miss it.

This is a must-do and worth the price of admittance if you're in the area. Plus, you can get your National Parks stamp here. Visited for a day while touring the Great Lakes before we headed north toward the Upper Peninsula. This place is absolutely beautiful. Much of the scenery is just as pretty as in Yellowstone, Glacier, and Grand Teton, just minus the bigger mountains. The water here is crystal blue just like in the Caribbean, just not as clear or warm. lol We didn't have time to climb the big dune and after seeing people finish doing so wringing wet, I'm glad we abstained. The sand is so white and the dunes are massive. Great place to hike, camp, and off-road (where allowed). The pullovers suggested on Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive were 3,9, and 11. They were all great and worth the stop. If you like nature, this is a great place. I absolutely loved it here.

Beautiful Park that you're able to drive through with several stops to overlookthe dunes. Prepare to pay $25 to enter the park though which seemed a little steep.

Sleeping Bear National Park is a stunning, must-see wonderland!! At $20 for a vehicle full, seven-day pass, it's a steal! Pro tip: if you're on the fence about the annual pass for $40, you have all seven days of your valid pass to upgrade. Definitely do the initial dune climb! It feels like an accomplishment and the view of little Glen Lake is a sweet reward! If you feel like punishing yourself for all that amazing Cherry Republic cherry pie you've been gorging yourself on, climb on towards the "Dune Hiking Trail", but don't do it without the preparations outlined below (and to be fair - clearly outlined in the park's visitors guide. Hindsight is always 20/20.) 1. This hike, which begins right after the initial dune climb is 3.5 miles round trip and takes between 2-4 hours. It ends with a beautiful stretch of beach and the turquoise waters of Lake Michigan. There are markers along the way - 28 is Lake Michigan. 2. You need footwear! We are going to miss the first layer of skin that is gone from the bottoms of our feet after deciding to go barefoot. Choose sandals like Teva or full on runners. Just say no to flip flops. 3. WATER. At least one liter (quart) per person. Seriously, we started seeing mirages by the end we were so dehydrated (from not bringing any water.) 4. Bring sunscreen to re-apply after the glorious dip in the lake. There is like NO shade on this hike. And believe me I looked - see, #2 above. 5. Wear a hat or something to make you feel like you have some shade. A wet t-shirt also works in a pinch, as we found out. 6. Snacks. Especially with kids. Speaking of kids, we saw several near-hysterical kids on the hike. Or maybe just consider not dragging your little ones on this hike. They can have a nice swim in Glen Arbor, without trekking through the Michigan Sahara with you. Again, this hike is not for the faint of heart, as the three piles of recently vomited lunch we passed, can attest. We are sporty and I'm pretty sure I was pushing my max heart rate in the uphill climbs. Granted, due to #2 above, we were moving pretty fast. With that said, it is stunning and if we had been better prepared, it would have been much more enjoyable. Up next, Empire Bluff Trail!

One word - gorgeous! But beware of biting black flies and mosquitos. We did one night of wilderness camping and it was great. The only drawback were all the darn mosquitos. I have never seen so many in my entire life. Lots of biting flies on the beach but the beach was secluded and a great place to go for a walk. We did the dunes with all the tourist the next day. Definitely recommend a visit.

Fabulous gem of the national park service. Breathtaking views and quite lakeshores. Plenty of hiking and an epic sand dune climb.

Stopped in at the Visitor Center for Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore on a cold, rainy day. I wanted to hike up the dune but the conditions were so cold, raw, rainy, and windy - that I decided not to - so instead I spent some time learning about the park and it's ecology through the well done interpretive exhibits in the Visitor Center. The place was empty on a Monday afternoon in December. The Park Service employee manning the Visitor Center answered the questions I had. They also sell books, games, and other wildlife trinkets to commemorate your visit to the park!

We were very surprised by how much there was to do! The hike we did was nice for what we needed. The views were beautiful and it was very dog friendly which was a bonus for us!

Up, up, and up. On our honeymoon to National Parks we hit "up" this sky high sand dune and cannot believe I was in Michigan. Keep climbing higher and each time you think you reached the top you'll keep going. Bring water. Enjoy the sites. Wear sunscreen.

Gah! Where do I start?! Don't think twice, just GO! My husband and I were looking for hikes on All Trails and decided to go to Sleeping Bear Dunes. Some of the most breathtaking views I've ever seen! The park was super clean, we went earlier enough where parking was easy to land a spot and the scenery is gorgeous!

Wow!!! Super fun hike! You do walk around 1.5 hrs to get to the beach. It's not for everybody given how challenging it is to hike for that long, but it was well worth it!! Would def recommend for everyone as long as you hydrate and go when it's not too hot.

Go to overlook it is gorgeous and it is worth hiking around for even better views. Come on a sunny day in the fall for maximum fun!

I'm embarrassed to admit I've traveled abroad more than I've checked out our nearby states and I'm pleasantly surprised at how much neat stuff is just a drive away. I went to college with a girl who moved to Michigan so we met up and went to Traverse City for couple night which was a lot of fun. There is lots to see and do here but one of the must sees is the Famous Dunes. She lives in Michigan and had never been here either. Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is a United States National Lakeshore located along the northwest coast of the Lower Peninsula of Michigan in Leelanau and Benzie counties near Empire, Michigan. The park covers a 35-mile-long (56 km) stretch of Lake Michigan's eastern coastline, as well as North and South Manitou islands. This Northern Michigan park was established primarily because of its outstanding natural features, including forests, beaches, dune formations, and ancient glacial phenomena. The lakeshore also contains many cultural features including the 1871 South Manitou Island Lighthouse, three former stations of the Coast Guard (formerly the Life-Saving Service) and an extensive rural historic farm district. In 2011, the area won the title of "The Most Beautiful Place in America" from Good Morning America. The forest itself was lovely and peaceful but lets face it . . we came for the Dunes and our first "scenic stop" was ok but I was underwhelmed. I wasn't sure if that was all there was ...but never fear found out the Dunes and saw what all the fuss was about. I gather it's only been a national park since 1970s. Hearing it was deemed the most beautiful place .. that set the bar pretty high. I think it is awesome and I loved it but personally not on the top 20 for most beautiful places in America ... most beautiful in Michigan is more likely. But this was a fabulous girl trip ... Traverse City had shops and the Lake is lovely .. wineries, breweries, distilleries and of course the Dunes. The Dunes are Very large and steep ..like a mountain of sand and getting up is rough work. all kind of warning signs caution that it is dangerous and only for those in top shape ... many have not been able to get up and the coast guard had to come rescue. It was fun just watching them run down and literally crawl back up.

Sleeping bear dunes has a large area on Lake Michigan with sand dunes to walk or take a senic drive with over looks to stop at and check out! If you live in Wisconsin take the SS Badger back.

Such an awesome national park with so many beautiful places to explore. Lots of hiking options but the dune climb is what people come here for and for good reason. It's so unique and completely rewarding when you make it to the lakeshore. Fair warning that it is as hilly as the pictures suggest and sand just makes it extra strenuous. Luckily it was a cooler day when I did the hike because I think it would have been brutal if it was super hot because you are completely exposed to the elements (no protection from the sun) and I heard that the sand can get wicked hot. There a 20+ mile bike trail too that I will totally do next time I visit!