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 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

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Best Western Scenic Hill Resort

1400 US Highway 31
Beulah, MI 49617-9704 Map

Distance: 5.1 mi.
(from destination center)

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Expert Rated & Recommended

Maple Lake Resort

8720 S. Dorsey Rd.
Empire, MI 49630 Map

Distance: 9.7 mi.
(from destination center)

Hotel Class: Not Yet Rated

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Attractions

Betsie Valley Bike Trail

Runs 22 miles from Frankfort to Thompsonville
49617

Distance: 6.0 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

Dennos Museum Center

At Northwest Michigan College
1701 East Front St.
Traverse City, Michigan 49686

Distance: 24.8 mi. (from destination center)

Description: Dennos Museum Center caters to the casual observer and arts enthusiast with visual and performing... Read More

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Great Lakes Children's Museum

Across from West Bay in Greilickville
13240 S. West Bayshore Dr.
Traverse City, Michigan 49685

Distance: 22.3 mi. (from destination center)

Description: What better way for kids and adults to learn about the Great Lakes than a hands-on, life-size... Read More

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