Exploring the Joys of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore in Michigan
We had an incredible time exploring Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore during our visit to Michigan.
Starting from our accommodation on Bear Lake, we traveled north along the picturesque Lake Michigan shoreline. Our first stop was at the Point Betsie Lighthouse, followed by a hike along the Boekeloo Cabin Trail, which led us to the stunning dunes by the water.
We continued our journey north and took a scenic drive around the Pierce Stocking Scenic Loop within the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Each stop offered breathtaking views of the dunes and the lake, making it a day trip worth cherishing in Michigan.
Discovering Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore spans 72,000 acres and stretches approximately 35 miles along the eastern shoreline of Lake Michigan. It includes the two offshore islands, North and South Manitou. Established in 1970, this national park aims to preserve the remarkable dunes and other natural landscapes. The area has historic significance as it was once home to the Anishinaabek peoples and is named after a local legend involving a mother bear and her cubs, symbolized by the dunes and the two islands.
We explored the Pierce Stocking Scenic Loop, a 7.4-mile drive featuring 12 designated stops. The scenic route is open from May to November, and we discovered various hiking trails branching off from the different stops along the way.
Throughout the park, we encountered expansive stretches of sandy beaches and towering bluffs rising up to 450 feet above Lake Michigan. There were several spots where we could climb the dunes, with the Dune Climb located about five miles outside Empire, north of the loop. At Stop 10 on the Pierce Stocking Scenic Loop, we found a path that allowed us to descend the dunes to the shoreline.
The Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail encompasses over 20 miles of accessible walking and biking paths. Some trails even offer cross-country skiing during the winter months. Lush hills and forests filled with birch, pine, beech, and maple trees create a beautiful setting. Additionally, the park boasts 26 small inland lakes and winding rivers, with various locations offering canoe and kayak rentals for aquatic exploration.
If camping in the park is of interest, there are 12 designated campsites around the area, with one site available year-round, while others have varying opening and closing dates.
Having enjoyed smaller sand dunes close to home at the Scarborough Bluffs in Bluffers Park, we were eager to explore the vastness of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.
First Stop: Point Betsie Lighthouse
Michigan is home to numerous lighthouses. As we journeyed north toward Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, we made our first stop at the Point Betsie Lighthouse.
This lighthouse usually welcomes visitors to its museum and stair climb, except for the Tuesday we arrived! Undeterred, we strolled along the shoreline to admire the lighthouse from a distance.
We spent time gazing at the shimmering blue-green waters of Lake Michigan, a peaceful way to kick off our exploration of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.
Hiking the Boekeloo Cabin Trail
While driving north along Hwy 22, we passed the pristine waters of Crystal Lake. We spotted a vibrant mural by the roadside, although there was no nearby parking for lake access.
As we drove, Highway 22 drew closer and farther from Lake Michigan. Spotting a “Seasonal Road” sign leading toward the water, we decided to follow the single-lane path through the woods. At one point, another vehicle pulled into a small clearing to allow us to pass.
When the road led us to a parking lot, we noticed a marked trail heading toward the water. According to GPS, the trail extended another 1.3km (0.8 miles). Just past the trail entrance, we discovered the Boekeloo Cabin, which is available for rent.
The trail meandered through the forest, featuring both uphill and downhill sections. As the path became sandy and a “No Dogs Allowed” sign appeared, we realized we were nearing the water. The trail grew steeper as we approached the dunes near the shoreline.
After climbing the last sandy dune, we were rewarded with stunning views of the expansive sandy beach on Lake Michigan. We took a moment to settle in and enjoy the scenery before retracing our steps back.
Our dune hike took about 90 minutes, marking an exciting beginning to our adventure at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.
Taking the Scenic Loop Through Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
Next, we stopped by the Visitor Center at the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. During our research, we couldn’t locate a map outlining the various attractions or viewpoints, nor were we clear on what the park fee included. At the Visitor Center, we acquired a map and purchased a pass for $25, as all viewpoints required this fee for access.
We proceeded to the Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive, where our pass was checked at the entrance. Each stop was highlighted on the map and marked with signs along the road. The first point of interest was a charming covered bridge.
As we continued, the next two stops offered parking and stunning views over Glen Lake and a panoramic perspective of the Dunes. We were fascinated by the extensive green spaces interspersed among the sandy dunes.
Our initial stops along the Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive left us excited to explore Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.
Close-Up Views of the Dunes by Lake Michigan
Many stops along the scenic drive provided educational insights into dune ecology, the Beech-Maple forest, and the Pine Plantation. We passed most of these but made note of the large parking area at the Lake Michigan Overlook and Sleeping Bear Overlook.
Upon approaching the sand path leading to these overlooks, we noticed a caution sign regarding the distance to the water and the costs associated with rescue operations. Once we reached the top and observed the steep dune slope, we understood the warning. Despite this, many adventurous souls were making their way down and back up.
We walked to the viewing platform overseeing the dunes, where we were treated to magnificent vistas of the expansive dunes and Lake Michigan. Though a sandy path led to a better view of the Sleeping Bear Dune, our weary legs opted to skip that additional trek.
Once back in our car, we continued along the scenic drive to our final stop at the North Bar Overlook, where we were treated to a splendid view of Lake Michigan. There was even a designated area set up for selfies!
We discovered some exceptional viewpoints while driving along the Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive, making our exploration of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore truly memorable.
Venturing North to Historic Fishtown in Leland
After meandering through the Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive, we were ready for a little rest. Eventually, we pinpointed the location for the Dune Hike outside of the scenic area, but we weren’t quite up for more sand climbing.
We cruised through the charming small towns of Glen Haven and Glen Arbor, stopping at the beach to experience the stunning blue waters of Lake Michigan once more.
Continuing on, we arrived in the quaint town of Leland, known as Historic Fishtown. Walking along the pier, it was clear that we were in a vibrant fishing community.
Although we had intended to indulge in homemade ice cream from the Dam Candy Shop in Leland, it was disappointing to find it closed. Instead, we discovered Rick’s Cafe near the dam, offering a delightful dining experience alongside a picturesque waterway.
After finishing our dinner, we made one more stop for Moomers ice cream at Leland Harbor House before heading back to our accommodation on Bear Lake. This wrapped up our day of adventures through Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.
Our First Visit to Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
We thoroughly enjoyed our day exploring the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. The extensive sandy dunes along Lake Michigan were a significant highlight of our Michigan trip, and we were grateful for the time spent discovering this beautiful area.
Did you enjoy exploring Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore? What experiences did we miss?
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