Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore Parks and Outdoors Travel Guide

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore Parks and Outdoors Travel Guide

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Cloudy skies over Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, Michigan
The beach at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, Michigan (courtesy, National Park Service)

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Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore Parks and Outdoors Travel Tips

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.

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore Overview

The 460-foot Sleeping Bear Dunes tower over the eastern shoreline of Lake Michigan like shifting pyramids of sand. The dunes are a popular launching pad for hang-gliders and stretch for seven of the Sleeping Bear Dunes' 35 miles of national lakeshore. The Sleeping Bear Dunes are the world's largest assemblage of perched dunes, so named because the dunes sit atop high, limestone bluffs. The dunes are slowly migrating eastward and inland, where forest remnants of bleached pine, white birch, and cedar swamps persist. Read More

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Hotels

from: $69

Grand Beach Resort Hotel

1683 N Highway 31
Traverse City, MI 49686

Distance: 26.6 mi.
(from destination center)

Hotel Class: 2 class stars

expert favorite hotel Traveler Rating
4.7 out of 5
4.7 out of 5
11 reviews
Expert Rated & Recommended
4.0

Maple Lake Resort

8720 S. Dorsey Rd.
Empire, MI 49630

Distance: 9.7 mi.
(from destination center)

Hotel Class: Not Yet Rated
Traveler Rating
Not Yet Rated
Expert Rated & Recommended
5.0

Sleeping Bear B&B

11977 Gilbert Rd.
Empire, MI 49630

Distance: 6.0 mi.
(from destination center)

Hotel Class: Not Yet Rated
Traveler Rating
Not Yet Rated
Expert Rated & Recommended
3.0
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Attractions

Betsie Valley Bike Trail

expert favorite attraction Traveler Rating
Not Yet Rated
Runs 22 miles from Frankfort to Thompsonville
49617

Distance: 0.0 mi. (from destination center)

Description: Twenty-two miles from Frankfort to Elberta, the Betsie Valley Trail is a hiker- and biker-friendly... Read More
Expert Rated & Recommended
4_0

Dennos Museum Center

expert favorite attraction Traveler Rating
Not Yet Rated
At Northwest Michigan College
1701 East Front St.
Traverse City, Michigan 49686 Map

Distance: 0.0 mi. (from destination center)

Description: Dennos Museum Center caters to the casual observer and arts enthusiast with visual and performing... Read More
Expert Rated & Recommended
4_0

Brys Estate Vineyard & Winery

Traveler Rating
Not Yet Rated
3309 Blue Water Rd.
Traverse City, Michigan 49686 Map

Distance: 0.0 mi. (from destination center)

Description: Beautiful Brys Estate, perched on 80 wooded acres, began in 2001 when owners Walter and Eileen Brys... Read More
Expert Rated & Recommended
3_0
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Airports

Major Airports near Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

Distance (mi.)
Grand Rapids Kent County International Airport 130.4 map
Milwaukee General Mitchell Airport 152.6 map Flight Deals to MKE
Chicago O'Hare International Airport 209.8 map

Other Smaller Airports near Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

Distance (mi.)
Manistee Blacker Airport 32.8 map
Escanaba Delta County Airport 84.1 map
Pellston Emmet County Airport 85.5 map

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