There are 6 sites in the White Pine Backcountry area. You will see the Visitor Center as you enter Empire on your right. Another 10 miles north will bring you to Empire where the Visitor Center is located. According to the story, one of the sand dunes resembled the mother bear waiting along the shoreline for her cubs and the two Manitou Islands were created to honor them. It is such a unique and beautiful part of the midwest! Its not uncommon for visitors to get stranded and have to be rescued on this hike and that costs a pretty penny. The Dune Climb is one of the most popular destinations in Sleeping Bear Dunes. Owners Steve and Jennifer Nowicki serve up fresh and hearty breakfasts. 101 West Grandview Parkway, Traverse City, MI 49684. The Blacksmith Shop and Cannery are open to the public during the summer consistently from Memorial Day to Labor Day and sporadically through the fall. There are 87 total sites, with some being tent-only and walk-in sites. She swam to shore, laid down, and kept watch over where her babies had died. Guests love the private setting, but the easy drive to many things to do. Read more about 12 of the best stops along Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive here. Be sure to know what you are looking for! From backcountry primitive campsites to modern RV hookups, cabins, and hotels are also lodging options in the area. Fromepic hikes around the worldto adventures closer to my home inMinnesota, Im here to help you discover what adventure means to you! Everybody likes to climb the dunes-or watch the kids enjoy the sand. National Park Pass: A vehicle pass is required for parking at any beaches, climbing, and exploring within Sleeping Bear Dunes National Park. Required fields are marked *. For more information, visitSS Badger. Visit another National Park Service site nearby 10. Traverse City, Michigan: Sleeping Bear Dunes Itinerary - Visit The USA At its peak, this was a cooperative group of tight-knit farmers working together. The Dune Climb offers plenty of pure, wind-blown sand for your climbing pleasure. This beautiful Lake Ann Cottage has everything that your family will need for time spent in Sleeping Bear Dunes. If you follow M-22, stay on it through Frankfort, and in about 10 miles, you will come to the Platte River Campground. But its definitely worth it. Cost To Visit Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, Where To Stay When Visiting Sleeping Bear Dunes, Wrapping Up our Sleeping Bear Dunes Travel Guide, backcountry primitive campsites to modern RV hookups. 141 reviews #5 of 20 things to do in Empire Hiking Trails Visit website Call Write a review About This 4.5-mile challenging hiking trail is the most popular in Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Find all the transport options for your trip from Toledo to Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore right here. Just 10 miles from shore, even though they could see land, the cubs grew tired and drowned, one right after another. PLEASE NOTE - FAILURE TO OBTAIN A PARK PASS MAY RESULT IN A FINE. Our Sleeping Bear Dunes hiking guide will help you familiarize yourself with all the different terrain, mileage, and points of interest for each trail. MI You might even meet one of them. 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. Their shop is open 7 days/ week. (See section 10.1.1) However, the park requires a waiver application to account for the free entry of adult chaperones and to manage park resources. Featuring RV hookups, tent sites, walk-in tent sites, and modern restrooms, there's something for every type of camper at this . Turn left on M-72 toward Empire and travel about 14 miles until until you come to a blinking light. There's an app for that 4. Empire, Where to Stay Near Hickory Run State Park: Unique, Budget-Friendly, and Convenient Places to Stay! I dont know what it is about them, but I love lighthouses. By Up North Tours LLC. Ask a ranger for advice for things to do that match your interests. The closest city is Traverse City, 25 miles to the east. Sleeping Bear Dunes Day Trip: Know Before You Go, Sleeping Bear Dunes Day Trip: Top Things to Do. Not far from the Platte River Campground, a few backcountry sites are available for those looking for a backpacking experience but have little time to do it. Where is Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore? The path takes you past the Dune Climb, along Glenhaven Beach, through the town of Glen Arbor and even to the Alligator Hill Trailhead (see #1). Your browser is not supported for this experience.We recommend using Chrome, Firefox, Edge, or Safari. Paddle a river The Visitors Center is your best bet to be sure they will be in stock. Planning a backpacking trip to the Manitou Islands? Around 100 miles of trails are available for use in Sleeping Bear Dunes. There are restrooms with running water at the village (where the boat docks) and outhouses elsewhere on the island. Explore the magnificent dunes that overlook the water. From the north (Michigan's Upper Peninsula), take I-75 to Grayling and follow M-72 to Traverse City or take US-31 south to Traverse City, then go west on M-72 to the Village of Empire. Any morels gathered in the National Lakeshore must be for personal consumption. Pro Tip: If you are looking for a place to unload your own bikes, try parking at the picnic area across from the Dune Climb parking lot. There is also a ferry service that runs across Lake Michigan from Wisconsin. These outfitters offer everything from lazy river tube rides to adrenaline-pumping fast water kayak adventures. Pro Tip: Download the National Park Service app for a free self-guided tour on this drive. MI Oooh this all looks fab Susan! A few small hotels and motels are situated near the National Lakeshore for those looking for more creature comforts during their stay. BATA also offers a summer service that goes from Traverse City to downtown Glen Arbor, DH Day Campground, the Dune Climb, Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive parking lot, and downtown Empire. By Samantha June 7, 2023 Planning a visit to explore Michigan's beautiful coastline? Need domestic travel insurance for your Sleeping Bear Dunes trip? Currently, nearly 22 miles are completed, connecting Empire and its attractions to Glen Arbor. Looking for a dose of the Caribbean in the Midwest? ParkPlanning - Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, Final General A small bench fashioned from rocks faces the views as well. The other, the SS Badger, is an older and larger ship which sails between Manitowoc and Ludington in 4 hours. 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. In fact, theyre so awesome that you might be tempted to stay for more than a day! Pro Tip: Want a similar dune hike experience with less risk? For an interesting article on the history of car ferries on Lake Michigan, visitwww.carferries.com. Another 10 miles north on M-22 will bring you to Empire. Beyond dunes and beaches there are forests, lakes large and small, and rivers to explore. 1. An alternative to spending the day on the island is to take a 1.5 hour guided cruise around North and South Manitou Islands. VRBO has a ton of options and may be a good place to start your search. 1. 8799 Sleeping Bear Road, Glen Arbor, MI 49636, Platte River Campground Transport Tickets Hotels Car Hire Search accommodation with Expedia Closest airports to Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore The nearest airport to Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is Traverse City (TVC). Discover the at, The park is home to over 100 miles of trails! Adults in personal vehicles with an organized youth group visiting for the sole purpose of recreation are not exempt from the entrance fee. Find it at the Visitors Centers, campgrounds, and some of the trailheads. The trail is relatively flat with some smaller rolling hills, making the trail ideal for beginner and intermediate bicyclists. Also, another popular attraction, the Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive, can become quite busy during summer weekends. If you havent, what part of our Sleeping Bear Dunes travel guide makes you most excited to go? On the island, enjoy a day at the beach, climb to the top of the South Manitou Island lighthouse, or paddle along the shoreline. Duration: 2 minutes, 40 seconds Be prepared. Because of its central location, Sleeping Bear Dunes is easy to access from both the lower and upper peninsulas of Michigan. Youll learn both about the life of this particular family as well as the general lifestyle of those living in the surrounding homes. Steer clear of tall grasses, shrubs, and tree leaves where ticks like to "quest". document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Weather conditions or other issues may cause the schedule to change. The whole trip is about 3.5 miles and may take 3-4 hours depending on your condition and the weather. Other than on the roads, the only spot to ride your bicycle in Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is on the Heritage Trail. Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore - Wikipedia 2023 AWESOME Guide to Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore You have successfully joined our subscriber list. Have a pet-friendly visit 6. 49630, Download the official NPS app before your next visit. Pro Tip: Ask for rope to tie several tubes together for a group float. For information and fairs, visitManistee National Airport. Street parking is available in the area. Join the Maiden Voyagers Facebook group! There are bear lockers, though, to protect your food and toiletries from any creatures. This gives you access to self-guided tours and maps even if you don't have cell service. Have a 4th-grader in the family? Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore Dont gather all of the morels in a particular area. For more information, visit Lake Express. I would give it a pass. It's worth timing a trip around these showers as the rangers share the best spots for sky viewing as well as constellation and star lore. For a beautiful hike, take the Sleeping Bear Point Trail out over the dunes. The exception to this is the 3-mile section traveling through the Port Oneida Historic District, which is gravel. Want adventure in your inbox every month? 2023 AWESOME Guide to Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Ferry tickets can also be purchased ahead of time. Payment must be made at the Philip A. Hart Visitor Center or the kiosk station at Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive. Wash it down with some strong coffee and youre good to go. Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, Final General Management Plan/WIlderness Study/Environmental Impact Statement - October 2008 The Final General Management Plan/Wilderness Study/Environmental Impact Statement was crafted from the valuable input we received on the draft plan, and we have revised the preferred alternative based upon your input. This small corner of Michigan is the largest producer of cherries in the US! Plan like a Park Ranger. The campgrounds here are popular, so planning your trip in advance can help secure a spot. For most, you would be able to cover a couple of trails per day. The ferry operators have been servicing the islands for many generations and the company is still run as a family business. Why do you need to know? Mobile ticket. During our 2 days in the area we hiked the Empire Bluff Trail to the high dune overlook, did the Dune Climb and continued on the Dune Trail to the shores of Lake Michigan. You may also get to Empire from the south via US-31 to Ludington and then north to Manistee. Please check your inbox to confirm your subscription. AllTrails highlights the top 19 trails at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, ranking them for difficulty (easy, moderate, and hard), detailing trail length, and providing elevation, maps, and insightful tips. Do you know how the park got its name? window.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', function() { Explore these areas before 10 am or after 4 pm when there are less crowds, lower temperatures, and better parking spots. Many of the most popular hiking trails lead to views of Lake Michigan, which also involve climbing up hills, to the top of the dunes, in the sand. Those with a ticket for the ferry will also have a campsite available, though the sites are first-come, first-served. There isn't really an "entry checkpoint" of sorts for the park, unless you go to Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive or the Dune Climb. Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is located in Northwestern Lower Michigan along the eastern shoreline of Lake Michigan. Settle into one space for the duration of your visit or move around to experience the whole spectrum! While the outdoor experiences in the park are spectacular and unforgettable, biking . If you plan to visit for longer than one week, an annual pass just for Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore can be purchased for $45. Stop in the Glen Arbor Artists Galleryand discover the incredible talents of some of the local artisans. Top Ten Tips for Visiting Sleeping Bear Dunes Cashless payments at all staffed locations. We found the king room with a pull-out sofa to be spacious and the bed quite comfortable. Frying them up with some butter, salt, and pepper for a snack is a tasty treat. Plan ahead and download the NPS mobile app before your visit. Visitors 16 years of age or older who enter on foot, bicycle, or as part of an organized group not involved in a commercial tour. (M-109), Glen Arbor, MI 49636, 9922 Front Street The Cyclery, located in Glen Arbor, has easy access to the trail though they also offer delivery of bike rentals. Per private vehicle (valid for 1-7 days from date of purchase), Park Entrance Pass - Motorcycle - $20.00 The seasonal population jumps dramatically as there are numerous seasonal homes on the lakes and at The Homestead. Do you know what you need to hike in the dunes? It may not be obvious, but a national park pass is still required at all of the Sleeping Bear Dunes locations. While the climb can be strenuous, the run back down to the picnic area is a blast! Alternatively, begin from Grand Rapids, exploring the lakefront towns on a 3-hour drive up Route 31. Unfortunately, my experience at Western Avenue Grill was underwhelming. For more information, visitSS Badger. Manistee National Airport offers service to and from Chicago, and has a number of charter flight options available for groups. Most credit cards and digital forms of payment are accepted including Discover, Mastercard, Visa, American Express, Diner's Club, JCB, Union Pay, Apple Pay, Samsung Pay and Google Pay. 49630, Download the official NPS app before your next visit. You can also get a park pass at the Sleeping Bear Dunes visitor center in Empire MI, which is about a 10-15 minute drive from the Dune Climb. On the way back down, you have the option of running or walking (kids choose the former). The other, the Badger, is an older and larger ship. Explore this 20+ mile mostly paved trail (aside from a small section with crushed gravel) that extends from just south of Empire to the Good Harbor Trailhead. Campfires are typically allowed in fire rings, but only use dead and down wood found on the islands. While youre at the beach, be sure to stop at the Cannery Boathouse Museum and Glen Haven Village for a brief history of the area. Top Attractions 1. On your way to the islands you will see the North Manitou Island Lighthouse Crib. Begin your visit at the Port Oneida Farms Heritage Center, which is located in the old farmhouse of Charles and Hattie Olsen. Hike through the sand, enjoy beautiful views, swim in Lake Michigan, or float down the river in a kayak. For an interesting article on the history of car ferries on Lake Michigan, visitCar Ferries. Begin at the Trails End Road trailhead of the Platte Plains Trail between Otter and Bass Lakes. The Dune Climb offers plenty of pure, wind-blown sand for your climbing pleasure. With that being said, one of the best spots to explore on Michigans coasts is Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Things to Do Near Sleeping Bear Dunes: The Ultimate Pure Michigan Guide Note: There is a time change from Central to Eastern or Eastern to Central en route. Explore Port Oneida You can either hike down to the beach or take in the stunning scenes from the top of the dunes. Rome2Rio is a door-to-door travel information and booking engine, helping you get to and from any location in the world. Mosquitoes, flies and ticks are common in summer and fall, so wear clothes to cover arms and legs and bring some insect repellent. While you could certainly explore a few of the most popular sites in a one-day visit, wed recommend planning at least a weekend to explore the area more thoroughly. Read my detailed trail guide to plan your Alligator Hill Trail hike. I actually had to look up the history of the name. Learn how your comment data is processed. For more information, visitLake Express. In the Blacksmith Shop, expect to see a blacksmith exercising his craft of turning a piece of iron into something functional. Here is the current list of where to purchase a Sleeping Bear Dunes park pass. If you plan ahead, you can enjoy a roaring beach bonfire too. The ferry service operates from the Fishtown Dock located in Leland, MI. There are so many fun things to do on a Sleeping Bear Dunes day trip or extended visit. Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore - Tripadvisor According to the Sleeping Bear Dunes map, this beautiful natural area can be found four hundred fifty feet above Lake Michigan. Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore: M22 Road Trip -Scenic Views Many of the remnants cannot be traced to any particular vessel. Evening programs are offered in both campgrounds and anyone can attend. Buildings still standing include the General Store, the Blacksmith Shop, and the Cannery Boathouse. In both, after walking quite a distance along the beaches, they were growing hungry and decided to swim. Start with an order of Coconut Shrimp or Calamari Fries, either are a perfect segue to the Fresh Lake Perch dinner. The city and the surrounding Northwest Lower Peninsula region of Michigan offer spectacular scenery and many ways to get out and enjoy it. Again, there is a fee to visit the Lakeshore, park in any of the trailhead parking lots, etc. Trudging in the sand will most likely slow you down and youll tire more quickly, so dont plan all of your hiking for one day! Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. You wont have to navigate the entire time. Park passes are available at the Fishtown dock during the summer months. $25.00 Motorcycle $20.00 Per Person $15.00 For Organizations & Businesses Education/Academic Group $0.00 Commercial Sedan (1-6 seats) $25.00 Commercial Van (7-15 seats) $40.00 Commercial Mini-bus (16-25 seats) $40.00 Commercial Motor Coach (26+ seats) $100.00 Annual Entrance - Park The Cannery Boathouse, on the other hand, displays some of the boats that were historically used around the Manitou Islands and the village of Glen Haven. Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore has all the Caribbean vibes with deep blue water, sandy beaches and beautiful hikes with overlooks of the shoreline. How Much Time Do You Need To Explore Sleeping Bear Dunes? That means that if you purchase through a link, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Cookies are used for measurement, ads and optimization. There is no direct connection from Nearby airports to Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. If you will be staying for a few days, check in with the ranger to be sure when the boat will arrive. Travel another 8 miles and the Philip A. Hart Visitor Center will be on your right. History of the name The park is named after an Ojibwe legend of the sleeping bear. Empire, Wear clean shoes through the woods of the National Lakeshore. Attend a ranger-led program or event Tags School Groups Bring rain gear. Farmhouses, barns, silos, and more all sit on their original land. This cottage has great amenities, too! Manistee National Airport offers service to and from Chicago, and has a number of charter flight options available for groups. Important note; bikes are permitted on maintained roads only within the park. If you are driving from any location to the south or west of Lake Michigan, you should know that two car ferries provide an alternative form of transportation which, in and of itself, adds excitement to the trip. Your browser is not supported for this experience.We recommend using Chrome, Firefox, Edge, or Safari. Ninedifferent self-pay locations are available throughout the park for visitors who don't have a debit/credit card. The Ultimate Sleeping Bear Dunes Travel Guide - PA on Pause Mosquitoes, flies and ticks are common in summer and fall, so wear clothes to cover arms and legs and bring some insect repellent. I wonder if bears used to sleep around the dunes!? Cash accepted at self-pay stations. Also, during the first weekend in August, the area hosts a fair and brings even more life to the area with exhibits and live demonstrations. The dunes are most definitely a sight to see, but there's so much more to this national lakeshore than just sand! Start your visit to Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore at the Phillip A. Hart Visitor Center in Empire, MI to get oriented, get your maps, and see the slide show. From epic hikes around the world to adventures closer to my home in Minnesota, Im here to help you discover what adventure means to you! Stargaze Around a Bonfire The park offers monthly star parties, especially popular during meteor showers. Park Entrance Pass - $25.00 Essentially its a very large sand dune that you can climb up and over, a total of 3.5 miles from the parking lot to the shore of Lake Michigan and back. If you are planning last minute, still check if youd like to stay. For information about the park, visit the National Park Service website for Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore: nps.gov/slbe For a chain hotel, youll probably have to head back to Traverse City, 30-45 minutes east. The 7.4-mile-long loop winds through wooded areas, but it also provides sweeping views of the Dunes. 8010 West Harbor Hwy. After swimming for miles, the mother reached the shore and waited, hoping that the cubs would make it as well. The legend of Sleeping Bear Dunes, on the other hand, comes from the stories passed on through the Anishinaabe people of the area. . One of the most popular activities in Sleeping Bear Dunes is the Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive. Once at the top, you witness the most amazing view of Glen Lake (Yes, take a selfie.) View constellations you never knew existed, watch in awe the expanse of the Milky Way, and perhaps catch a glimpse of the NorthernLights. Drive west on South Airport 1 mile to Garfield Road and turn right. Best family hike in Sleeping Bear Dunes: Old Indian Trail. This is not charged at a ticket booth in many areas, but signage is clear in parking areas and trailheads that are fee-for-use areas. After settlers descended upon the area surrounding Sleeping Bear Dunes, the land transitioned to be used for logging until 1910, when all the lumber was gone and it was essentially destroyed. Explore Glen Haven and the Maritime Museum From the Heritage Center, hike, bike, or drive around the area to see many of the other farm structures. So many things to do at Sleeping Bear Dunes! This 1.8 mile out and back trail has stunning views but much of the trail is through a forest with plenty of shade. . You'll have access to epic views from atop the 450-foot dunes, and the surrounding area is full of history and excitement. Per Person Entrance Pass - $15.00 If you like cherries, walk over to Cherry Public House for cherry everything including ice cream and pie!
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