Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, located in the state of Michigan, encompasses a vast area along the northwestern coast of the Lower Peninsula. This stunning natural park stretches for around 65 miles along Lake Michigan and is famous for its towering sand dunes, pristine beaches, lush forests, and breathtaking views.

The fascinating historical background of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore dates back thousands of years. Native American tribes, including the Odawa, Ojibwa, and Potawatomi, inhabited the area for centuries before European settlers arrived. The name of the park itself comes from a beautiful Native American legend that recounts the story of a mother bear and her two cubs seeking refuge from a forest fire by swimming across Lake Michigan. The mother bear eventually reached the shore and climbed to the top of a bluff, waiting for her cubs. Tragically, her cubs drowned, leaving two large islands, which are now known as the North and South Manitou Islands, just off the coast.

Today, Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore offers visitors a wide range of activities and attractions. One of the main highlights of the park is the immense sand dunes that rise up to 450 feet above Lake Michigan. Visitors can explore these dunes by hiking various trails of different lengths and difficulty levels. Additionally, visitors can relax and swim at the park's beautiful beaches, such as the popular Glen Haven Beach and Empire Beach. The crystal-clear and refreshing waters of Lake Michigan provide ample opportunities for swimming, kayaking, paddleboarding, and fishing.

Apart from its natural wonders, Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore also boasts a rich cultural heritage. The park features historical sites like the Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive, a 7.4-mile-long route that provides stunning overlooks and access to various hiking trails. The villages of Glen Haven and Port Oneida also offer visitors a glimpse into the area's maritime and agricultural history. The park also hosts various educational programs and events, allowing visitors to learn about the local plants, animals, and cultural heritage.

Nearby Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, visitors can explore the charming towns of Glen Arbor and Empire, which offer unique shops, restaurants, and accommodations. The area is also home to numerous wineries, where visitors can enjoy wine tastings with scenic views of the surrounding vineyards. The nearby Leelanau Peninsula features picturesque towns, lighthouses, and cherry orchards, making it an ideal destination for exploring the region further.

In summary, Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore in Michigan is a majestic natural park offering visitors a diverse range of activities and attractions. With its impressive sand dunes, beautiful beaches, rich history, and nearby cultural sites, it is an ideal destination for nature enthusiasts, history buffs, and those seeking a peaceful retreat in the heart of the Midwest.

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is nestled along the northwestern coast of Michigan's Lower Peninsula, encompassing a stretch of pristine shoreline along Lake Michigan. Situated around 25 miles west of Traverse City, this captivating landscape can be found in Leelanau County. The park spans an area of approximately 71,000 acres, encompassing towering sand dunes, lush forests, sparkling inland lakes, and scenic rivers. With its unique geographical position, Sleeping Bear Dunes proudly offers visitors breathtaking vistas of Lake Michigan's azure waters and a majestic panorama of the surrounding countryside.

Address & Contact

9922 Front Street
Empire, MI 49630
Driving Directions
Phone: 2313264700
Web: Link

Weather & Seasonality

The best time to visit Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore would be in June or September. In June, the average maximum temperature is 75°F, the average minimum temperature is 52°F, and the average monthly precipitation is 3.3 inches. During this time, the park experiences its highest visitor count. In September, the average maximum temperature is 71°F, the average minimum temperature is 51°F, and the average monthly precipitation is 3.9 inches. Although the visitor count drops, the weather remains pleasant, making it an ideal time for outdoor activities. These months offer a good balance of weather conditions and crowd size for an enjoyable visit to Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.

Activities

Some of the activities you can do in Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore are: Astronomy Stargazing Guided Tours Self-Guided Tours - Walking Junior Ranger Program Wildlife Watching Birdwatching Shopping Bookstore and Park Store Biking Camping Backcountry Camping Hiking Fishing Hunting and Gathering Hunting Paddling Canoeing Kayaking Skiing Cross-Country Skiing Auto and ATV Scenic Driving Tubing Snowshoeing Swimming Self-Guided Tours - Auto Group Camping Freshwater Swimming

Topics

Learn about these topics at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore: Animals Birds Night Sky Arts Native American Heritage Fish River and Riparian Trails Unique Species Wilderness Schools and Education Climate Change Forests and Woodlands Glaciers Lakes Scenic Views Wetlands Endangered Dunes Maritime Ships and Shipwrecks Lighthouses Farming and Agriculture

Visitor Centers

South Manitou Island Visitor Center

The former general store for the island now serves as a visitor center. It houses an interesting collection of photos and artifacts that tell the story of what life was like for the loggers, farmers, and members of the Life-Saving Service who made the island home.

Campsites within or near Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

Bay Campground - South Manitou Island

The Bay Campground is the closest campground to the dock. Bring water filtration equipment because there is no source of purified drinking water. There are 25 individual sites and 3 group sites.
Fees (US$): 10.00 (Bay Campground for 1-4 persons), 30.00 (Bay Campground Group SItes)
Total Campsites: 28
Toilets: Vault Toilets - year round
Showers: None
Potable Water: No water

D. H. Day Campground

The rustic D.H. Day Campground is located in the northern district of the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, on the lower peninsula of Michigan. This beautifully wooded campground is one of the most popular in northern Michigan, with easy access to the Dune Climb, the Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive, and museums and the historic village of Glen Haven. and is located only 2 miles from the restaurants and shops of beautiful downtown Glen Arbor.
Fees (US$): 20.00 (Reservations only: May 1 – October 15), 10.00 (Self-registration: October 16 - end of November), 10.00 (Self-registration: First Friday in April – April 30)
Total Campsites: 87
Toilets: Vault Toilets - year round
Showers: None
Potable Water: Yes - seasonal

D. H. Day Campground Group Campground

The D.H. Day Group Campground offers more rustic camping. You will find dirt roads, vault toilets, and ready access to the Lake Michigan beach. There are no electric hook-ups or showers. The campground is located in the northern part of the park mid-way between Glen Haven and Glen Arbor.
Fees (US$): 40.00 (DHDCG group campsite for 7-25 persons)
Total Campsites: 4
Toilets: Vault Toilets - year round
Showers: None
Potable Water: Yes - seasonal

Platte River Campground

Platte River Campground is open year-round and offers a wide variety of camping styles. You can find back-in and pull-through sites for RV's, including electrical hookups; but it also offers beautiful tent sites, walk-in sites for the slightly more adventurous, and group sites (hike-in, tents only) accommodating up to 25 people. There is even a nearby backcountry campground for those who enjoy a great backpacking experience, but don't have the time to head for the Manitou Islands.
Fees (US$): 31.00 (PRCG campsite with electrical hook-up), 26.00 (PRCG campsite with no electrical hook-up), 50.00 (PRCG group campsites), 22.00 (PRCG Walk-in Sites)
Total Campsites: 179
Toilets: Flush Toilets - year round
Showers: Hot - Year Round
Potable Water: Yes - year round

Popple Campground - South Manitou Island

The Popple Campground is the furthest from the dock (about 3.5 miles), so you are likely to have fewer people camping there. The campground is close to the beach on the northern tip of the island. Bring water filtration equipment since there is no source of purified drinking water. There are 7 individual sites
Fees (US$): 10.00 (Popple Campground for 1-4 persons)
Total Campsites: 7
Toilets: Vault Toilets - year round
Showers: None
Potable Water: No water

Village Campground - North Manitou Island

The small Village Campground contains eight first-come, first-served designated campsites, two fire rings and one outhouse. There is a limit of two tents and four people per site. Fires are permitted in the community fire rings at the Village Campground.
Fees (US$): 10.00 (Village Campground Campsites for 1-4 persons)
Total Campsites: 8
Toilets: Vault Toilets - year round
Showers: None
Potable Water: No water

Weather Station Campground - South Manitou Island

The Weather Station Campground overlooks Lake Michigan from the bluffs on the south side of the island. Camp sites are well secluded from each other and have fire pits for open fires. Follow the wooded trail past the lighthouse about 1.3 miles to the campground. Bring water filtration equipment since there is no source of purified drinking water. There are 20 individual sites and 3 group sites.
Fees (US$): 10.00 (Weather Station Campground for 1-4 persons), 30.00 (Weather Station Group Campground for 7-20 persons)
Total Campsites: 23
Toilets: Vault Toilets - year round
Showers: None
Potable Water: No water

White Pine Backcountry Campground

This camp has 6 sites and is located about 2 miles from the Trail's End Road trailhead on the Platte Plains hiking trail south of Empire just off of M-22 and is about 1/2 mile from the Lake Michigan shore where you can obtain fresh water. There is no well water at White Pine, so if you use water from Lake Michigan, it must be treated before drinking it.
Fees (US$): 13.00 (White Pine backcountry site)
Total Campsites: 6
Toilets: Vault Toilets - year round
Showers: None
Potable Water: No water

Hotels within or near Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

Baymont by Wyndham Beulah

Located in Beulah, Baymont by Wyndham Beulah is in the business district, within a 5-minute drive of Crystal Lake Golf Club and Betsie Valley Trail. Featured amenities include complimentary wired Internet access, a business center, and express check-out. This hotel has 3 meeting rooms available for events. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 1400 US Highway 31, Beulah, Michigan 49617
Web: Link

Coastal Inn

With a stay at Coastal Inn in Beulah, you'll be within a 5-minute drive of Betsie Valley Trail and Benzie Area Historical Museum. The front desk is staffed during limited hours. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 475 N Michigan Ave, Beulah, Michigan 49617
Web: Link

A Breath of Heaven Bed and Breakfast

Located in Traverse City, A Breath of Heaven Bed and Breakfast is in a national park, within a 10-minute drive of Bay Meadows Golf Course and Hickory Hills Ski Area. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 6537 East Allgaier Road, Traverse City, Michigan 49684
Web: Link

Crystal Lake Resort

Located in Beulah, Crystal Lake Resort is on the waterfront, within a 15-minute drive of Pinecroft Golf Course and Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. The front desk is staffed during limited hours. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 498 North Michigan Avenue, Beulah, Michigan 49617
Web: Link

Serenity Home on Big Platte Lake

Located in Honor, Serenity Home on Big Platte Lake is on a lake, a 1-minute drive from Platte Lake and 9 minutes from Champion Hill Golf Course. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 7997 Woodlawn Drive, Honor, Michigan 49640
Web: Link

Innisfaire

When you a stay at Innisfaire in Traverse City, you'll be on a lake, just steps from Lake Michigan and Grand Traverse Bay. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 7930 S West Bay Shore Dr, Traverse City, Michigan 49684
Web: Link

Cedar Ridge Cabins

Located in Honor, Cedar Ridge Cabins is on a river, within a 10-minute drive of Champion Hill Golf Course and Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 11481 Main Street, Honor, Michigan 49640
Web: Link

Coastal Suites Resort

With a stay at Coastal Suites Resort in Beulah, you'll be within a 5-minute drive of Betsie Valley Trail and Benzie Area Historical Museum. Featured amenities include a 24-hour front desk, microwave in a common area, and refrigerator in a common area. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 171 North Center Street, Beulah, Michigan 49617
Web: Link

Fountain Point Resort

Located in Lake Leelanau, Fountain Point Resort is on a lake, within a 15-minute drive of Lake Leelanau and Lake Michigan. The front desk is staffed during limited hours. Planning an event in Lake Leelanau? This holiday park has facilities measuring 2000 square feet (186 square meters), including conference space. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 990 S Lake Leelanau Dr , Lake Leelanau, Michigan 49653
Web: Link

The Cottonwood Inn B&B

Located in Empire, The Cottonwood Inn B&B is in a national park, a 5-minute walk from Sleeping Bear Dunes Park Visitor Center and 12 minutes by foot from Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 9583 W Front St, Empire, Michigan 49630
Web: Link