Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore Travel Guide

Discover the beauty of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore with our comprehensive tour guide. Explore its natural and cultural attractions, learn about the best things to do and places to stay, and plan your perfect trip!


Introduction to Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is a beautiful park located in the Grand Traverse Bay Area, in Northern Michigan, in the Midwest, in the United States of America, in North America. It encompasses over 70,000 acres of sand dunes, forests, beaches, and scenic views, making it one of the most popular tourist destinations in Michigan. This comprehensive tour guide will help you plan your perfect trip to Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.

List of Places to Visit in Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Port Oneida Rural Historic District: This district includes approximately 23,000 acres of historical farmland and 13 rural historic structures. Visitors can take guided tours or explore the district on their own.
  • Sleeping Bear Point Coast Guard Station Maritime Museum: This museum features exhibits about the history of the Life-Saving Service and the Coast Guard in Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.
  • Maritime Museum: located in Traverse City, this museum showcases the maritime heritage of the Great Lakes region.

Natural Attractions of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • The Dune Climb: 110-foot high sand dune that visitors can climb and enjoy panoramic views of Lake Michigan.
  • Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive: A 7.4-mile scenic drive through forests, along beaches, and through sand dunes that offers incredible views.
  • North and South Manitou Islands: These islands can be reached by ferry and offer miles of hiking trails, beaches, and camping opportunities.
  • Empire Bluff Trail: A 1.5-mile hiking trail that features stunning views of Lake Michigan from a 400-feet high bluff.
  • Beaches: Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore offers many beaches, including Platte River Point Beach, Good Harbor Beach, and Esch Beach.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore offers over 100 miles of hiking trails and 20 miles of bike trails, ranging from easy to difficult. Some popular hiking and biking routes include:

  • Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail: A scenic 22-mile bike trail that runs through forests, beaches, and dunes.
  • Empire Bluff Trail: A 1.5-mile hiking trail that features stunning views of Lake Michigan.
  • Alligator Hill Trail: A 2.7-mile long trail with scenic views of Lake Michigan and Manitou Islands.
  • Bay View Trail: A 8-mile hiking trail that offers brilliant views of Sleeping Bear Bay.

Best Things to Do in Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore: Activities and Tours

  • Kayaking and Canoeing: Experience the beautiful coastline of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore by kayaking or canoeing on Platte River or Crystal River.
  • Fishing: Enjoy fishing on Lake Michigan or in the numerous streams and rivers in Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.
  • Touring Glen Arbor: Glen Arbor is a charming town located near Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore that offers great restaurants, shopping, and art galleries.
  • Visiting Leelanau Peninsula Wineries: Leelanau Peninsula is home to over 20 wineries. Take a wine tour and experience Michigan’s wine country!
  • Sunset Dune Climb: Climb to the top of a sand dune and enjoy the stunning sunset over Lake Michigan.

Week-Long Itinerary for Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

Day 1: Visit the Sleeping Bear Point Coast Guard Station Maritime Museum, explore the beaches, and take a sunset dune climb. Day 2: Kayak or Canoe on Platte River, hike the Empire Bluff Trail, and enjoy dinner in Glen Arbor. Day 3: Visit North and South Manitou Islands. Day 4: Go on a winery or brewery tour and sample Michigan craft beverages. Day 5: Take a scenic drive on Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive and hike Alligator Hill Trail. Day 6: Visit Port Oneida Rural Historic District and the Maritime Museum in Traverse City. Day 7: Relax on the beach and watch the sunset over Lake Michigan.

Food and Drink Scene of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

Must-Try Dishes

  • Cherry Pie: Traverse City, located near Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, is known as the “Cherry Capital of the World,” and showcases this in their delicious cherry pie.
  • Pasties: A traditional Upper Peninsula dish consisting of meat, potatoes, and vegetables wrapped in a pastry crust.
  • Whitefish: A locally caught fish that is commonly served in the area.

Local Beverages

  • Cherry Wine: Leelanau Peninsula is also famous for its cherry wine.
  • Beer: Traverse City is home to over 20 breweries, making it a great destination for beer enthusiasts.

Where to Stay in Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  • M-22 Inn Glen Arbor: A cozy inn located in the heart of Glen Arbor.
  • The Homestead: A luxury resort with condos, hotel rooms, and cottages located on a bluff overlooking Lake Michigan.
  • Platte River Campground: A rustic campground located near Platte River.

What to Buy in Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Cherry Products: Traverse City and Leelanau Peninsula are known for their cherry products, including jams, sauces, and dried cherries.
  • Art and Crafts: Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is surrounded by many small towns that have local art galleries and craft shops.

Local Culture and Customs of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is a natural and cultural haven, deeply rooted in Native American history and early American heritage. Respect and understanding are key elements of the local culture.

Best Time to Visit Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

Summer months (June-September) are the most popular time to visit Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. The weather is pleasant, and all attractions are open. Fall (September-November) is a great time to visit if you want to experience peak fall foliage. Winter is also a good time to visit if you enjoy winter sports like skiing and snowshoeing.

Do’s and Don’ts of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

Do:

  • Respect wildlife and natural habitats.
  • Follow Leave No Trace principles.
  • Stay on trails.

Don’t:

  • Disturb wildlife or plants.
  • Damage or remove natural features.
  • Build fires outside designated areas.

Safety and Health

Safety in Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

  • Wear appropriate shoes while hiking.
  • Be aware of changing weather conditions.
  • Be careful when climbing sand dunes.

Health in Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

  • Drink plenty of water.
  • Wear sunscreen and bug spray.
  • Be aware of poison ivy and ticks.

Getting to Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

  • Cherry Capital Airport (TVC) in Traverse City, Michigan
  • Manistee County-Blacker Airport (MBL) in Manistee, Michigan

Bus Stations Near Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

  • Indian Trails Bus Station in Traverse City, Michigan

Other Options

  • Car rentals are available at both airports and in Traverse City.

How to Get Around in Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

It is recommended to have a car to navigate Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore and its surrounding areas.

Where to Go Next from Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Mackinac Island: A charming island located in Lake Huron, known for its Victorian architecture and fudge.
  • Torch Lake: A beautiful lake known for its crystal-clear waters.
  • Charlevoix: A picturesque town located on Lake Charlevoix, known for its quaint shops and restaurants.

Conclusion

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is an incredible destination that offers something for everyone. From its beautiful beaches and sand dunes to its historic museums and cultural attractions, there is no shortage of things to do and see. Whether you’re planning a week-long trip or just a weekend getaway, use this comprehensive tour guide to help plan your perfect trip to Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.

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