Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore Parks and Outdoors Vacations

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore Parks and Outdoors Travel Guide

Other Guides for Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

Parks and Outdoors Destinations Near Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

Travel Guides Near Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

Midwest Parks and Outdoors States/Provinces

Parks and Outdoors Travel Destinations
Cloudy skies over Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, Michigan
The beach at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, Michigan (courtesy, National Park Service)

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore Parks and Outdoors Highlights

By Travel Expert: Brian Kevin
  • The 460-foot Sleeping Bear Dunes tower over the northeastern shore of Lake Michigan like shifting pyramids of sand. The dunes are a popular launching pad for hang gliders and stretch for seven of the thirty-four miles of national lakeshore.
  • Claim a site at the large, developed D.H. Day Campground west of Glen Arbor for wooded sites and quick access to both the shore and the popular Dune Climb. Families should take advantage of the ranger programs offered in the evenings, which focus on local history and environmental issues.
  • Backcountry camping is the law of the land on North Manitou. Keep your distance from the trail and water sources, and abide by the fire prohibition. The area around Swenson's Barn on the island's west end offers the best lake views and water access.

Hotels

Maple Lake Resort
8720 S. Dorsey Rd.
Empire, MI 49630
Hotel Class: Not Yet Rated
Distance: 9.7 Miles
(from destination center)
Parks Expert Rating
5.0 out of 5
5.0 out of 5
Traveler Rating
Not Yet Rated
Recommended for:
Parks and Outdoors travel
from: $99 compare hotel rates expert favorite hotel
Grand Beach Resort Hotel
1683 N Highway 31
Traverse City, MI 49686
Hotel Class: 2 class stars
Distance: 26.6 Miles
(from destination center)
Parks Expert Rating
4.0 out of 5
4.0 out of 5
Traveler Rating
4.7 out of 5 11 reviews
4.7 out of 5
Recommended for:
Parks and Outdoors travel
Sleeping Bear B&B
11977 Gilbert Rd.
Empire, MI 49630
Hotel Class: Not Yet Rated
Distance: 6.0 Miles
(from destination center)
Parks Expert Rating
3.0 out of 5
3.0 out of 5
Traveler Rating
Not Yet Rated
Recommended for:
Parks and Outdoors travel
All Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore Hotels
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Attractions

expert favorite attraction
Betsie Valley Bike Trail
Runs 22 miles from Frankfort to Thompsonville
49617
Distance: 6.0 Miles (from destination center)
Description: Twenty-two miles from Frankfort to Elberta, the... Read More
Parks Expert Rating
4.0 out of 5
4.0 out of 5
Traveler Rating
Not Yet Rated
Recommended for:
Parks and Outdoors travel
expert favorite attraction
Dennos Museum Center
At Northwest Michigan College
1701 East Front St.
Traverse City, Michigan 49686 Map
Distance: 24.8 Miles (from destination center)
Description: Dennos Museum Center caters to the casual... Read More
Parks Expert Rating
4.0 out of 5
4.0 out of 5
Traveler Rating
Not Yet Rated
Recommended for:
Parks and Outdoors travel
Brys Estate Vineyard & Winery
3309 Blue Water Rd.
Traverse City, Michigan 49686 Map
Distance: 0.0 Miles (from destination center)
Description: Beautiful Brys Estate, perched on 80 wooded... Read More
Parks Expert Rating
3.0 out of 5
3.0 out of 5
Traveler Rating
Not Yet Rated
Recommended for:
Parks and Outdoors travel
All Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore Attractions

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