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Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore encompasses a 60 km (35 mi.) stretch of Lake Michigan's eastern coastline, as well as North and South Manitou Islands. The park was established primarily for its outstanding natural features, including forests, beaches, dune formations, and ancient glacial phenomena. The Lakeshore also contains many cultural features including an 1871 lighthouse, three former Life-Saving Service/Coast Guard Stations and an extensive rural historic farm district. Also, Alligator trail is a three loops of 4-5K (2.5-3mi.) each plus a spur trail of 1.3K (.8 mi.) located off the first loop. Dogs on a leash no longer than 6 feet are allowed on certain beaches, but are not permitted on beaches where Piping Plovers are nesting, on South Manitou Island, North Manitou Island or on the dune climb. These hilly trails wind through a beech-maple forest, brushy fields and a pine plantation. Horses are permitted on this trail. Trailhead: From M 109, 1.6K (1 mi.) north of the Dune Climb, turn onto Day Farm Road. At Stocking Road turn left. Or take Stocking Road south from M 109 just east of D.H. Day Campground. Mountain bikes are not allowed on any of the National Park trails. Pets must be kept on a 6-foot maximum leash.

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
9922 Front Street
Highway M-72
Empire, MI 49630
Phone: (231)326-5134
Fax: (231)326-5382
SLBE_Interpretation@nps.gov

Trails of Michigan, Sleeping Bear Dunes Climb

Trails of Michigan, Sleeping Bear Dunes Climb
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The National Lakeshore of Sleeping Bear Dunes consists primarily of a 35-mile stretch of Lake Michigan shoreline, featuring immense sand dunes rising as high as 460 feet above the lake, sculpted entirely by the winds and waters. Round trip from the parking area to the Lake Michigan shoreline is about 3.5 miles. That may not seem like a long way but you are also hiking up and down fairly steep terrain. Wear shoes because some days the sand can get pretty hot.

Video courtesy of Trails of Michigan

Empire Bluff, Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

Empire Bluff, Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
The Traverse City area landscape offers many stunning views along our miles of shoreline and through the forested woodlands of Northern Michigan. Don't forget your camera to capture a piece of these visual memories. This view is from Empire Bluff in the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.
Photo courtesy of Traverse City Convention & Visitors Bureau

Sleeping Bear Dunes

Sleeping Bear Dunes

The dunes at Sleeping Bear range in color from pale champagne to burnt sienna. Rolling and spiking 400 feet high earns them a perfect 10 in the splendor category. Add a rich array of shops, galleries, music, festivals and wineries and it’s the perfect 10 in the fun category too.

Sleeping Bear Dunes Attractions

Photo courtesy of Sleeping Bear Dunes Visitors Bureau

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore - Empire, Michigan

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore - Empire, Michigan
West of Traverse City, this immense sandbox covers the Lake Michigan shoreline plus two pristine islands, encompassing historic sites, scenic drives, forests and Michigan fishing. Clamber a dune, or climb almost 100 miles of hiking trails which traverse everything from high vistas at Empire Bluff Trail to wildflower fields at Bayview Trail. This is Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.

Photo courtesy of Midwest Living and Brian Confer

Plan Your Visit

  1. Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore Web Site
  2. Empire Page
  3. SLBE_Interpretation@nps.gov
  4. Empire Local Weather
  5. Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore Map & Directions

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore Events

EVENTDATE(s)
Port Oneida Rural and Cultural Arts Fair08/13/10 - 08/14/10
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