Along the way, you will need to follow the spur trail to the Pyramid Point Overlook, one of the best viewpoints in the park. 3. Cellular reception is varied throughout the park, but public WiFi is available at the Philip A. Hart Visitor Center in Empire, the Dune Center at the Dune Climb and at the Glen Haven General Store. 13 Mainland Sleeping Bear Dunes The towering headlands are glacial moraines that once protruded further into Lake Michigan. Enjoy the view from the Pyramid Point Overlook, Take a picture of the Robert H. Manning Memorial Lighthouse. While Sleeping Bear Dunes first comes to mind as a place of forest and sand dunes, there are also many beautiful beaches to enjoy. This is because sometimes habitat is fragile, an endangered species are nesting in the area, or it is dangerous for pups. What to wear However, in summer it is important to be careful about storms and dehydration. Areas where pets are not allowed include the Dune Climb, Platte Point Beach, Maritime Museum grounds, North Bar Lake, and the Manitou Islands. Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore has all the Caribbean vibes with deep blue water, sandy beaches and beautiful hikes with overlooks of the shoreline. All visitors are required to have a Park Entrance Pass, which must be clearly visible through the windshield of your vehicle. Port Oneida is a cultural and historical heritage town. One can be found to the north and one to the south. Some rarer animals are around too, including the parks namesake, the black bear. After a while the cubs began to get very tired, and so the bear said, Try hard, the land is not very far. And very soon they did come in sight of land. Even though the beach along this trail isnt as busy as some of the others, there isnt anything else really notable about it. Senator Philip A. Hart was a key player in the movement to preserve the lakeshore. There are 2 loops, each totaling 2.3 miles. Sleeping Bear Dunes has 13 main trails covering many miles of the park. This section of trail also has some more hill climbs, if youre looking for a little more of a workout. Take the high trail out and low trail back, as the low trail is now paved and part of the Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail. Be sure to check the NPS website for current conditions in the park (including road and trail closures). However, unlike other places with similar views, the placement of this overlook makes Lake Michigan panoramic, as if it never stops. Some food places that regularly come up include The Homestead, with its various dining options. But gradually the cubs got weaker, and only ten miles away, one cub sank into the water. Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore gets its name from one dune in particularthe Mother Bear. Reservations are recommended. Thursday, July 29, 2021 3:00 PM. How to get there: Just head to the Platte River Campground! The forests, beaches, and lakes provide wonderful scenery for hiking, photography, and more. It flashes a white light every 4 seconds and is maintained throughout summer. It's tough though, not for those with medical conditions. It can be confusing to know where pups are allowed and where they are not. Begin with plenty of time before sunset, and head out beginning on the shaded, packed section of trail. There are so many different native environments that a huge variety are here. It mostly consists of walking out over the dunes. Some include Peterson Beach, a secluded beach on the south end of the shore. We look forward to welcoming you this summer. All rates include a basic CDW and information about the deductible, fuel policy, included mileage, cancelation policy, etc. Travel along beautiful countryside roads while enjoying the best of this wine-growing region. Then, turn right onto Esch Road. This hike begins at the overlook at Stop #4, about 2.5 miles into the 7.4-mile drive. Two different versions of the story are commonly told. This summer and fall, youre invited to explore 50 amazing things to Watch Dreams of the Sleeping Bear at the visitor center; Learn the Legend of Sleeping Bear; Find an animal track in the snow; Snowshoe or cross-country ski; Come to a researchers talk; Sled down the Dune Climb; Go ice fishing on an inland lake; Make snow art; Enjoy the park with someone you love; Get inspired by the park and create art! About halfway through the trail, there is a resting spot, so its easy to take a picnic or have a break before continuing. Where are the best spots for hiking in Sleeping Bear Dunes? Some sections travel through the maple-beech or pine forests, while others pass through farmlands and meadows. Here you can find all info on domestic travel insurance for your trip. Get a tube, raft, canoe, or kayak and head for the river. at the Sleeping Bear Dunes | Empire Enjoy a day out boating in Lake Michigan. This is a very popular spot for both tourists and locals alike due to its versatility and ability to enjoy at all ages. The Cannery Boathouse also displays some of the boats historically used around the area, including Lake Michigan and the Manitou Islands. How to get there: From the visitor center, head north on M-22 for 3.7 miles, then turn left onto M-109. Maybe you will find a Petoskey Stone or find the remnants of a shipwreck. Following the glacial retreat, the area was utilized by prehistoric people for hunting, gathering, fishing, and trapping. Difficulty: This is the most strenuous hike at Sleeping Bear Dunes. Buy local, burn local! There are a couple of benches at the end of the boardwalk to stop and rest prior to the return trip to your vehicle if needed. Sleeping Bear Dunes is located in Michigans Lower Peninsula. Empire, The $25 fee for the car covers visiting sites for up to one week, and it goes back into maintaining the parklands. Here we have showcased some of these ways and narrowed down the best ways to enjoy Sleeping Bear Dunes. They waded into the water, one cub on each side of the bear, and they swam off into the lake a long way. Drive Time from Philip A. Hart Visitor Center:11 minutes. is also clearly stated. Drive Time from Philip A. Hart Visitor Center: 17 minutes (potentially longer during busy times when the Scenic Drive is busy and backed up). The ferry runs twice a day to the south island and once a day to the north island. West Sleeping Bear Drives ends at the trailhead parking lot in 1.4 miles. Here, M-22 veers to the right, but youll want to keep straight onto S Thorenson Road. Then hike, bike, or drive to some of the other classic structures. Even if you dont see any animals, youll definitely find what theyve left behind, including evidence of the hard work of woodpeckers in the old trees. Trail Tread: Loose Sand. It gives a special breakdown of how the plants and animals thrive in this special soil makeup. It averages around 18 21C. Sleeping Bear Dunes You may need your maps to navigate these loops, as they do overlap. Here are the top things to do when visiting Sleeping Bear Dunes with the family. It was the first protection of land under the wilderness designation since 2009. Whether you plan to visit on a day trip to Sleeping Bear Dunes or for a longer complete stay in the lakeshore, there are plenty of hiking trails ot suit whatever your needs. Be aware that sand can be hot enough to burn paw pads in the summer. 1) Bayshore Resort Bayshore Resort is approximately twenty-three miles from Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, directly on the shores of Traverse Bay. There is not much access to public transport. Sleeping Bear Dunes is an amazing area of Michigan full of beautiful nature. Come early or stay late. This would be a great hike for the family, as the viewpoint is not far from the parking area. Youll be able to catch a glimpse of the Manitou Islands off in the distance into Lake Michigan. At the most popular attractions such as the Dune Climb and the Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive, there are ticket booths you must drive through prior to entering the parking area. Where to stay: Empire: All Seasons Log Cabin; Historic restored Caboose; Empire Lakeshore Inn; Glen Arbor: Sylvan Inn B&B; Arbor Woods Oak; Renting a car: Check out Rentalscars.com and Discover cars. On a nice, clear day, you can even catch a glimpse of South Manitou Island! You can access this path from many of the other trailheads, including the Dune Climb, beginning of the Scenic Drive, Alligator Hill, and Bay View. Sleeping Bear Dunes There are many campgrounds, cabins, hotels, and more. Looking for a gorgeous, off the beaten path destination? The trail is short and sweet but can be made even shorter. Fishing is possible to do both from the shore and from a boat, although a boat is more common. Choosing a selection results in a full page refresh. See the NPS website for more information on winter activities at Sleeping Bear Dunes. Sleeping Bear Dunes has 13 main trails covering many miles of the park. Turn right at the T in Glen Arbor to continue on M-22 for another 3.5 miles. Fall is often agreed upon as a good time for fishing. Ask a ranger for advice for things to do that match your interests. Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is home to the famous Sleeping Bear Dunes, two islands, miles of Lake Michigan lakefront, 5+ inland lakes, several campgrounds, and miles of hiking and biking trails. First of all, this trail is a multipurpose trail, unlike the others which are solely hiking trails in the summer. Web1. If youre camping at Platte River, this would be a great trail to end the day with! Some other locations sell the pass during more popular times of the year. This trail is an interesting perspective into the development of the habitats as you move away from Lake Michigan. You can spot the signature Dune Climb hill from M-109. Heres a comparison table of all the Sleeping Bear Dunes attractions. The place to get away from the crowds on this trail to continue on the rest of the outer loop through the forest and meadow scenery. To operate an ice auger, you need a permit, but these are available for free from the visitor center. It can sometimes be difficult to find the right travel destinations for hiking enthusiasts or those wanting to experience nature. Ferries operate from Fishtown Dock in Leland and typically run from Memorial Day to Labor Day. There is a private beach you can use when you are not out in Sleeping Bear Dunes National Park and the hot tub is perfect after a long day out on the trails. Temperatures in the summer typically range from the 70s to 90s during the daytime, and nights can dip into the 50s. Empire, There are some beaches where pets are NOT allowed to protect the endangered Great Lakes Piping Plover that nests on the lakeshore. Technically still under construction, the trail is currently around 22 miles and is intended to be 27 miles when it is completed. There are many amenities along the way. The trail is more difficult because there are several (small) hills that need to be conquered. In the years that followed the agency protected 14.6 million acres this way. If you plan to hike the entire route to the beach and back, which totals 3.5 miles, plan for this hike to take about double your normal pace for this distance. The namesake, Robert H. Manning, lived his entire life in Empire from 1927 1989 and was a keen fisherman. That sunset over the beach is a classic sunset viewpoint. 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 some cases, a fully refundable deposit is taken at the time of booking. In prime times, the meadows along the Kettles loop are perfect for wildflower viewing. So how do you spend your time at Sleeping Bear Dunes? It may not be the popular activity in Sleeping Bear, but boating is a great way to spend a day and there are many places where you can rent a boat. There are a number of different ideal times for different fish. Take in some incredible views from Pyramid Point Overlook. The powerful forces of wind and water further transformed the landscape to create the prominent landmarks we can see todaylike the spectacular perched dunes, created when glacial sand was blown to the top of the glacial moraines. Be sure to wear sturdy shoes and take lots of water. As you explore the park and complete tasks off the list share your story with us on social media by using the tags #100SLBE #FindYourPark. This is completely fine if you realize more climbing is beyond your abilities. Sleeping Bear Dunes is a great place to spend a weekend or more exploring. How you spend your time in the park may depend upon where you are staying (camping inside the park or staying at lodging in a nearby town). Here are 100 ways to celebrate 100 years of the National Park Service! There is also the fact that due to the size of Lake Michigan, it can act like a normal ocean with a current. Glen Abor is part of the area famous for cherries, so there are many cherry-related things for sale, even a store dedicated to cherry products called Cherry Republic. In just a couple hundred feet, the parking area and trailhead will be found on the left. These products include cherry chocolate, cherry cheese, cherry salsa, cherry wine, and the like. A popular way to explore one of the shorter sections is to begin from the Dune Climb lot and head north just over 2 miles to explore the Glen Have Historic District. Drive Time from Philip A. Hart Visitor Center: 10 minutes to Otter Creek Trailhead, 13 minutes to Trails End Road Trailhead. Manitou Island Transit does offer daytrips to South Manitou Island, in addition to the ferry service for South Manitou campers. Old farm equipment can be found along the trail, marking the historic use of the land. But are you able to swim at these beaches? Temperatures may still chilly, but visitors can catch spring blooms. After 7 miles, continue left onto Glen Haven Road. Sleeping Bear Dunes can be best visited by car. Fall is also popular due to the beautiful scenery of changing leaves and not-yet-cold weather. After 0.4 miles, keep left to stay on the same road. As the sun goes down, it can get a little chilly. For more information about Glen Arbor, see our post here. Firstly, the obvious spot is Pierce Stock Scenic Drive; of course, with many wonderful views from the scenic drive, there will be amazing sunsets. Over time, more and more ways to enjoy the dunes and the surrounding area have popped up. Day trip ferries depart Leland at 10 am and return at 5:30 pm. We are Amy & Pete Brahan. Currently, at the time of publication, it covers about 22 miles. The Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive is considered one of the must-do activities when visiting Sleeping Bear Dunes. How to get there: There are 10+ trailheads to access various points along the Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail. After he died, his family and friends built the lighthouse he never had that would remain for years to come. The Sleeping Bear Point Life-Saving Station was built in 1901. The Leelanau State Park is right at the tip of the peninsula and houses the Grand Traverse Lighthouse and the accompanying museum. Consider this, especially in the late spring and summer. If youre camping at one of the two park campgrounds, youll also be able to find maps there. These extra loops travel mostly through forested terrain, so you wont really miss much if you want to skip them. In this travel magazine we share our best tips and adventures. Empire Bluff Trail 4. Its mostly paved, can accommodate wheelchairs and strollers, and can also be used for biking and rollerblading. Glen Lake can be seen in the back, the higher you go, the more spectacular the views become. To find out more about which beaches are the best, check out our post here. While visiting Sleeping Bears Dune, its pretty common for people to eat at home or at their camping spot, but at least once we want to out to a restaurant. The parking lot and trailhead will be on your left after 0.3 miles on this dirt road. WebHi there! Leelanau actually holds most of the cherry-growing farms in the region. Glen Arbor is one such town and lies smack in the middle of Sleeping Bear Dunes. There is also the Cannery Boathouse Museum, a small boathouse museum that exhibits the largest public exhibit of small craft from the Great Lakes. Before you head to Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, make sure you pick up a copy of our downloadable Sleeping Bear Dunes Itinerary. This is the 2.8-mile loop. We document the best things to do, including details on hiking trails, where to stay, what to pack and other places to visit while you are in the area. 12:30pm After enjoying a good stretch of the legs, its lunchtime. For more info about the Dune Climb and other fun activities in Sleeping Bear in winter, click here. Take the Farms Trail, with a quick 0.2-mile detour to Lookout Point, then continue on the Farms Trail past the Miller Barn and Olsen Farm. After this hike, enjoy a picnic at the picnic area just beyond the trailhead on West Lake Michigan Road, or head down and enjoy the clear Lake Michigan waters from the beach. Pets are not permitted on this trail during the summer months from April 15 to August 15 due to piping plover breeding (A piping plover is a small bird, in case youre wondering what that is!). Plan appropriate footwear. The dunes are most definitely a sight to see, but theres so much more to this national lakeshore than just sand! However, Sleeping Bear Dunes is the absolute perfect travel destination for those who love the outdoors. There are also many locally-owned independent shops to support. If youre bringing children, there is the option to return back to the car or continue along another loop hiking trail. Being such a lowland trail, it can go beyond muddy to flooded out, even when some of the other area trails are in great condition. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 1 h 17 min to complete. The spur trail entails about 0.5 miles of hiking to reach the beach. The first settlement, on South Manitou Island, was established to provide cordwood to fuel the steamships that traveled the Great Lakes. Youll have a more difficult time finding solitude here. The one thing you should know about the free map is that not all of the small side roads, especially dirt roads, are included on the map. The section after taking the footbridge across the creek before returning back across the boardwalk is marshy and can get really muddy. Personalized National Park Posters (WPA Style), Anishinaabe legend of the Sleeping Bear, farms and buildings in the Port Oneida area, rules, restrictions, and specific locations where pets are allowed at the national lakeshore, One of our favorite hiking trails in the northern part of the park was the, Another one of our favorite trails was the, Be sure to get a copy of our itinerary for, When you get back from your trip, be sure to send us a photo and well create a. Sleeping Bear Dunes is the largest freshwater dune system in the world. In fact, there are so many things to do that we have collected the top things to do in Sleeping Bear Dunes. We still found it to be enough to find everything we wanted to see in Sleeping Bear Dunes. Windy Moraine Trail 5. MI After 1.4 miles, turn right onto W Welch Road, labeled 616 on the free map. Its also often skipped by people who favor more of the dune hiking experiences. Visiting Sleeping Bear Dunes National When in the area, it is recommended to have a car whether it be owned or rented. The best time to hike this trail, however, is during the fall. An area designated as wilderness is, according to the Wilderness Act an area where the earth and its community of life are untrammeled by man, where man himself is a visitor who does not remain. Each wilderness area is different, and allows different actions according to the legislation that first protected it. Glen Lake is also very beautiful around sunset. The dunes are most definitely a sight to see, but theres so much more to this national lakeshore than just sand! He operated the scenic drive, then known as Sleeping Bear Dunes Park, until his death in 1976. There are many different lakes and fish to look for and any keen fishing enthusiast will enjoy the variety of Sleeping Bear Dunes. This location has amazing hiking trails, beautiful forests, clear lakes, sand beaches, and historic, charming pieces of remains. Another airport to consider is Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport, located about a 4 1/2-hour drive from Sleeping Bear Dunes NL. Its also a popular sunset spot. Sleeping Bear Dunes Leading through the typical maple-beach forests, then through a smaller set of dunes, eventually in 0.8 miles, youll end up at the beach on Lake Michigan. These include the Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive Entrance Station, The Homestead, and the Dune Climb Entrance Station. Also of note, this trail does cross the Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive route and Shauger Hill Road, two times each. Renting a car:Check outRentalscars.comandDiscover cars. However, most hiking trails and scenic views are still accessible and there are lots of winter activity options in the park! The area lies on the same parallel as some of the major wine-growing regions in France, such as the Rhone Valley and Bordeaux. When the park is fully open (typically between mid-May and October), youll be able to experience all the park has to offer. Once a thriving village with farms, a schoolhouse, and an active lighthouse, South Manitou is a great blend of nature and history. Yes, there is a fee to enter the park. They are open pretty regularly during summer, periodically during fall, and closed during winter. The design is cute and charming, with a quirky ambiance and it is common for people to come and enjoy the atmosphere. Climb, explore, and play on the Dune Climb, and enjoy the popular and amazing views. The entire region is famous for its cherry growing with Traverse City known as the Cherry Capital and even holding a yearly Cherry Festival. Photos (1,100) Directions. Sleeping Bear Dunes Visit Cottage Row on North Manitou Island, Sign the guestbook at the North Manitou Island Visitor Center, Explore Port Oneidas history at the Charles, Find one of the largest petoskey stones in the park (PSSD #9), Find out whats around the riverbend on the, Help keep the park litter free and pick up any, Take advice from John Muir and Keep close to Natures heartand break clear away, once in awhile, and climb a mountain or spend a week in the woods., Visit the ghostforests of Sleeping Bear Point, Do the Geology Auto Tour https://www.nps.gov/slbe/planyourvisit/geologytour.htm, Go wild (get into the wilderness designated areas of the park), Enjoy your National Parks, but leave them. By the early 1900s, forests were cleared, and the decline of the lumber industry led to the closure of cordwood docks and sawmills. This is a great activity for both adults and children because there are many different ways to tackle the Dune Climb. For those not interested in camping on the island, a daytrip offers the chance to experience the beauty and history of one of the Manitou Islands. Mother bear reached the shore first and climbed to the top of a high bluff to watch and wait for her cubs. If you do not already have an America the Beautiful annual park pass, you can purchase a pass for Sleeping Bear Dunes year-round at the visitor center. Sites at both campgrounds are reservation only from May 1st through October 15th. Drive Time from Philip A. Hart Visitor Center: 20 minutes. 9922 Front Street The Robert H. Manning Memorial Lighthouse was of course made after the passing of Robert H. Manning by his family and friends. Camping inside Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore: There are two front-country campgrounds inside the parkthe Platte River Campground and D.H. Day Campground. Youll head up out and over some of the dunes for spectacular lookouts with beautiful lighting. There are some picnic tables and places around the area so you can stop and rest for a while if you like. After 3.4 miles, youll turn left at the entrance to the Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive. There are only 6 sites here, and you must have obtained a permit ahead of time. If you dont want to head out on a nearly 15-mile day hike, there are several shorter loops. The Platte Plains trail system is a series of loops, leading through forested land, and around 3 inland lakes and a creek. The rustic D.H. Day Campground has vault toilets and no hook-ups or showers but is located in the northern area of the park and close to several popular park sites. Where to Find Sleeping Bear Dunes Trail Maps, Sleeping Bear Dunes Hiking Trails At A Glance, Full Details on All the Sleeping Bear Dunes Hiking Trails, Bonus: Platte River Campground to Beach Access, A Note About Dogs on Sleeping Bear Dunes Hiking Trails, What to Bring on your Sleeping Bear Dunes Hiking Trip, Final Things to Know Before Hiking in Sleeping Bear Dunes, Wrapping Up: The Best Sleeping Bear Dunes Hiking Trails, map of the Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail including all the trailheads, Exploring the Kinzua Skywalk: Breathtaking Views in Kinzua Bridge State Park, Exploring the Presque Isle Bike Trail: Beautiful Bicycling Along Lake Erie, The Lake Wilhelm Bike Trail: Biking the John C. Oliver Multi-Purpose Loop Trail, Discover Maurice K Goddard State Park: Everything You Need to Know, Tioga State Forest Camping: What You Really Need to Know. Sleeping Bear Dunes Hiking Trails At A Glance Full Details on All the Sleeping Bear Dunes Hiking Trails 1. There is a bench here to stop and take in the views. With the proximity to the beach, its a place with great cultural heritage and a popular spot to visit for both historical knowledge and relaxing time. Drive Time from Philip A. Hart Visitor Center: 25 minutes. Text of the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore Conservation and Recreation Act. Discover what led to the early settlement of the islands and mainland coastal communities. Turn right onto Lake Michigan Road, just before the bridge over the Platte River. There is also a Lyle gun demonstration weekly. Sleeping Bear Dunes is a perfect place for visitors, especially children, to experience wilderness, gain an appreciation for what makes wilderness unique, and hopefully form a lifelong love of wild places. Keep reading to find out. They are not allowed in visitor centers or at public ranger programs. You can also hike, pedal, or roll along the Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail. Story of Sleeping Bear Dunes This trail, however, is not one where you will descend the dunes to the waters of the lake. The Kettles loop trail isnt marked by a number on the free access map. The Phillip A. Hart Visitor Center is the most common first stop when visiting Sleeping Bear Dunes. There are also many Airbnbs and vacation houses in the area, which can offer a more homely or unique atmosphere. Dogs are permitted on most of this trail, but they cant come with you on the dunes. The southern area of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, just south of Empire, is home to some beautiful beaches, a hiking trail that leads to one of the best scenic overlooks in the park and the Platte River. He built these kilns to turn the waste into charcoal to sell to campers throughout the state of Michigan. All of these are home to different animals. When visiting the northern area of Sleeping Bear Dunes, our recommendations include: See Hiking Trails on the NPS site for more information on these and other trails at Sleeping Bear Dunes.
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