Cherry Capital Airport has year-round service to and from Chicago and Detroit, as well as seasonal service from some destinations on the East Coast. Have a pet-friendly visit 6. 12 mind-blowing spots in Sleeping Bear Dunes - mlive.com This scenic drive, however, is only open to vehicular traffic from May through November. The mountainous sand dunes of Sleeping Bear define the Lake Michigan shoreline in the northwest corner of the state and are constantly shifting and changing, ensuring that each visit feels like the first. We would like to show you a description here but the site won't allow us. The GPS coordinates are 44.873258, -86.052197. Impressed by the mother bear's determination and faith, the Great Spirit created two islands (North and South Manitou islands) to commemorate the cubs, and the winds buried the sleeping bear under the sands of the dunes where she waits to this day. Miles of sand beach, bluffs that tower 450' above Lake Michigan, lush forests, clear inland lakes, unique flora and fauna make up the natural world of Sleeping Bear Dunes. This makes it approximately a 5-10 minute drive to either town, allowing easy access to restaurants, cafes, and shops. 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. Airbnb Sleeping Bear Dunes: 12 best places to stay It stretches for some 35 miles (55 km) along the shoreline and includes the wilderness areas of North Manitou and South Manitou islands (accessible by ferry from Leland up the coast) and the Pyramid Point area northeast of the main group. Both are located about an hour from the Dunes. Being that much of the view off into Lake Michigan faces west, there are so many opportunities here to view a beautiful sunset over the Great Lakes. For those with a little more time and desire for adventure, take the Manitou Island Ferry or private boat over to one of the islands. This Northern Michigan park was established primarily because of its outstanding natural features, including forests, beaches, dune formations, and ancient glacial phenomena. Wildlife representative of Michigan in times past can be found during a drive, a hike, a camping trip, or a canoe trip around a small inland lake. For a quick bite to eat, step into Little Finger Eatery in Empire. 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. MI You can travel to the park by car, plane or bus. Half the park is after dark 8. D.H. Day Campground is located more to the north, near the Glen Haven Historic Village. High dunes afford spectacular views across the lake. The Empire Bluff Overlook provides a stunning view of the Lake Michigan coastline and South Bar Lake one of the inland lakes in the area. Just 10 miles from shore, even though they could see land, the cubs grew tired and drowned, one right after another. A lover of all things Michigan. According to the legend, an enormous forest fire on the western shore of Lake Michigan drove a mother bear and her two cubs into the lake for shelter, determined to reach the opposite shore. Tons of wide, open spaces are available to explore, from beaches and dunes, to rivers and forests. The Cottonwood Trail is a 1.4-mile hike with views of the dunes, D.H. Day Farm, and stunning Lake Michigan. It was expanded a few years later to accommodate travelers. Overlooking Lake Michigan and featuring forests, dune formations, and beaches, Sleeping Bear Dunes is an amazing choice for a relaxing holiday. Without further delay, well begin with our ultimate Sleeping Bear Dunes Travel Guide. A more remote area of the park, the Manitous are a great place to hike, backpack, and backcountry camp. The park does limit each person to harvesting one gallon of morels per day, and all collection must be done by hand. After parking in the lot, head along the paved path to the overlook. The Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is the most popular single attraction in the Traverse City area, and its only a short drive from downtown Traverse City and the surrounding counties. You can just imagine yourself sitting down for a relaxing bonfire as the sunsets after a day of climbing the dunes in the park. 1. Paddling the Upper Platte River is certainly a workout, even though the water is not deep in most places. Winds blowing eastward across the lake create two types of dunes: perched dunes, formed on high plateaus and made of glacial sands, represented by the Sleeping Bear group; and beach dunes, formed along the shore and made of beach sands, represented by the Aral Dunes unit to the south of the Sleeping Bear group. Main details. Probably one of the quicker and morefamily-friendly hikes in the area, a trail climbs through the beautiful woods of Whaleback Natural Area to a lovely observation deck. The Ridgepoint Cottage at Cranberry Ridge is within walking distance of Glen Arbor and is perfect for couples. In addition to the dunes, the landscape includes lakes and streams, bluffs, and forests of cedar, birch, maple, and beech. [11], Platte River Campground is part of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore and offers a variety of campsites. The lakeshore is also known as the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Park and it's been part of the park system since 1970. Youre sure to work up an appetite climbing on the towering sand dunes all day, so its important to know where to go to get the best meal near Sleeping Bear Dunes. While thats one of the most popular activities for people of all ages to enjoy, there are many more things to do too. The 7.4-mile (12-km) Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive affords beautiful views of the lake and the dunes. Hikers can hike all the way to Lake Michigan. Updates? In 1863, McCarty built the Sleeping Bear House. Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree. Day was looking for another future to this small community. The only exception is that the park is closed on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Years Day. Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is located in the town of Empire Michigan, which is on the northwest side of the state. There are plenty of options scattered throughout the area for accommodations in cabins or lake cottages. Research is with the National Parks Conservation Association, Great . Sleeping Bear Dunes, large complex of shifting sand dunes, extending 7 miles (11 km) along the northeastern shore of Lake Michigan between Empire and Glen Haven, in the northwestern part of the Lower Peninsula of Michigan, U.S. The D.H. Day Campground is the more rustic of the two, with vault toilets and no electric hookups. Several park maps are available to download. Although they have multiple locations, check out the original Cherry Republic for all things cherry, including baked goods, jams, jellies, beers, wines, and ciders. Accommodations In The Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. 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. Featuring cozy indoor dining and refreshing patio dining, its known for its lively, family-friendly atmosphere. Spend a little time just wandering through the walkways in the historic area. This national park is known as a sightseeing attraction and recreational destination but has long played an important role in the history and development of the state. If youd like to spread out the driving from Chicago, spend an evening exploring Grand Rapids on your way! Stops are numerically labeled and there is a guide with more information to go along with the stops. Explore the map. The annual summer (they have one every fall, too!) South Manitou Island has more organized campgrounds, able to accommodate 52 individual groups and 6 large groups spread out over three areas. Nearby points of interest include Platte River Point, the Platte River, and Big Platte Lake. A climb to the top of the tower, 104 feet above the water, is a great place to take in an amazing and unique view of the Manitou Passage. It will start off as a paved path, and then turn into a sand trail. Omissions? The lakeshore is also known as the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Park and it's been part of the park system since 1970. Here are some recommended activities: How much does it cost to get into Sleeping Bear Dunes? Non-fatal injuries. Named for the lumberman who first began offering public tours on the drive, youll see a beautiful old covered bridge, various stages of forest growth, and multiple lake overlooks. Eat there or grab some food to go for your dune-side picnic. The Cherry Republic Winery is the most famous in Glen Arbor, and its a great place to relax and enjoy a sunny afternoon in Northern Michigan. Benzie County Visitors Bureau Wind and erosion have caused the "bear" to be greatly reduced in size over the years. The Maritime Museum just west of Glen Haven will add a touch of education and history to your trip to Sleeping Bear Dunes. The 7.4-mile-long loop winds through wooded areas, but it also provides sweeping views of the Dunes. It is recommended to book ferry rides in advance. Originating from one of the largest dunes, which used to resemble a sleeping bear, was said to be the mother bear. For the trail veterans out there, check out our list of lesser known andsecret spotsin the area! Bring Home a Story! Detroit is about 4.5 hours away by car, and coming from Chicago requires about 5.5 hours of driving. However, being on 2 acres of property also allows guests to feel secluded in nature and provides a . Many of the hiking trails include trekking in loose sand. Even though Indiana Dunes has graduated to a National Park, this park still gets an honorable mention here, as it is quite similar to Sleeping Bear. Yes! Details here. Can I use my Golden Age Passport or National Park Pass? While you can see the Manitou Islands from a distance when youre on top of a towering dune, you also have the opportunity to visit and explore the islands on foot. Where is Sleeping Bear Dunes located? Please refer to the appropriate style manual or other sources if you have any questions. ERIC FREEDMAN. In the summer months, the sun sets late in the evening often between 8:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m., giving you plenty of time to find the perfect spot and watch as the sun drifts down into the lake below. 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. Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore on Twitter: "BUOY do we have the While a visit can certainly be done in a day, many find that they can explore the park for days on end and never feel like their adventure is complete. Animals - Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore (U.S. National Park Stay | Sleeping Bear Dunes The trailhead is located next to the parking lot. North Manitou Island has a large population of white-tailed deer. This large, recently-built house is located in Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, directly between Empire and Glen Arbor. Cookies are used for measurement, ads and optimization. You will experienceflat andhilly terrain,enjoy a view ofLake Leelanaufrom the meadow midway along the trail, and hike through the forest to the observation deck overlooking Lake Michigan and the Manitou Islands. If you are driving, drive to the intersection of M-72 and M-22 on the western side of Traverse City and then: Turn left on M-72 toward Empire and travel about 14 miles to a blinking light and turn left to continue on M-72. You will be about 0.5 miles north of the Platte River Campground and 9.5 miles south of Empire. Farmhouses, barns, silos, and more all sit on their original land. Our below-mentioned list is full of amazing beaches. Originally a dock for Glen Arbor (1855-date), the site soon became a fuel supply point for ships traveling up and down the lake. Hotels near Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore After European settlements arrived, the lands surrounding the dunes played an integral role in the shipping and logging industry, which began to put Michigan on the map as a destination for pioneers and settlers. Come see why our location is so unique. Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, is a wonderful assortment of habitat types scattered along the shores of Lake Michigan. This cottage has great amenities, too! This was the first wilderness protection bill to be passed by the United States Congress in five years.[4][5]. Turn right and drive 1 mile to the Platte River Campground. Finding shipwreck remnants on the beaches is also quite common, due to the currents and always changing sand. The dunes are located in Empire Michigan, but some of the largest nearby cities include Traverse City, Leland, Glen Arbor, Frankfort, and Benzonia. Yes, Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is open to the public year-round. North Manitou is the larger of the two islands, with one primitive campground near the dock and plenty of opportunities to camp in the designated wilderness areas. This lake hike is best reserved for experienced hikers with plenty of time on their hands. The ferry makes regular trips to both islands for campers and day trips to South Manitou. Stay safe 5. Snowshoe hares occur on South Manitou Island but not on North Manitou. 6748 Dune Hwy (M-109), Glen Arbor, MI 49636, Maritime Museum 3,466 Photo by Ryan Lemasters Emily Bingham | ebingham@mlive.com 12 mind-blowing spots in Sleeping Bear Dunes Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is arguably the crown jewel of Lower. The South Manitou Island Lighthouse is also a popular spot and is accessible to visitors through tours. With the location being very important, we found it to be very close to the Pierce Stockton Scenic Drive, Dune Climb, and Glen Arbor. Table of Contents: Sleeping Bear Dunes Travel Guide. 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. Opportunities exist near both campgrounds, at both ends of the National Lakeshore. Corrections? 5685 Lake Michigan Road, Honor, MI 49640, D. H. Day Campground The only state with more coastline of any kind is Alaska! Lake Michigan Overlook is THE Sleeping Bear Dunes overlook you need to An assortment of snakes and turtles can be found throughout the Lakeshore and many campers go to sleep to the sound of frogs singing their evening chorus. There are at least 20distinct camping areas in the region immediately surrounding Sleeping Bear Dunes. You can either hike down to the beach or take in the stunning scenes from the top of the dunes. America the Beautiful Interagency Passes are also accepted at Sleeping Bear Dunes. Rolling Dirty will be, 2023 Sleeping Bear Dunes Visitors Bureau. The Lake Michigan beaches within the National Lakeshore are some of the finest freshwater beaches in the country. Theyre a type of mushroom found in Sleeping Bear Dunes and the surrounding areas. Even though sand in your shoes can be a pain, the sand can get quite hot in the sunshine. Beginning March 1, 2023, Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore has transitioned to all cashless payments at its staffed locations. The GR20 takes in the most spectacular mountain terrain in Corsica and along the way you can spot the elusive mouflon (mountain sheep), glimpse lammergeier (a rare vulture . Mammals such as white-tailed deer, red fox, porcupine, gray and fox squirrels, bats, and raccoons can be seen almost on a daily basis. If you follow M-22, stay on it through Frankfort, and in about 10 miles, you will come to the Platte River Campground. Then just check out the highlights, and use this guide to come back and explore more deeply later. However, the wait is worth it because the park truly comes to life when the snow begins to melt and the first buds of spring begin to reveal themselves. Planning your trip in advance will be fun before you are here, and will make your stay, As you look around, you'll see that you've chosen to visit a very unique corner of, You can get away to a place where the common pressures of everyday life give way to the, Voted the Midwest's "Number One Nature Escape for Families" by the readers, 2023 Sleeping Bear Dunes Visitors Bureau. Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore also contains many cultural features . The park was authorized on October 21, 1970. Take a look back at what Midwestern farm life was like in the 1800s and 1900s. For children, the Dune Climb becomes the best sledding hill in Northern Michigan. Located on the shores of Lake Michigan in Glen Arbor, this restaurant features an exquisite menu of locally sourced food and incredible panoramic views of the Manitou Islands. A popular activity in the spring during the months of April and May is to go foraging for them. One night, a raging forest fire broke out, driving the bears to the lakeshore. My arms were burning by the end of the trip! Leelanau wineries are famous for their wine, of course. It's how you get to the overlook! No An official form of the United States government. This Complete Sleeping Bear Dunes Travel Guide will provide you will all the information you need to know to plan your epic trip to the beautiful lakeshore.
