The Anishinaabek, people indigenous to Michigan, were living in the area when the first European explorers arrived searching for furs and minerals in the mid-1600s. Another popular spot is Glen Haven Beach. The powerful forces of wind and water further transformed the landscape to create the prominent landmarks we can see todaylike the spectacular perched dunes, created when glacial sand was blown to the top of the glacial moraines. Sleeping Bear Dunes is an amazing area of Michigan full of beautiful nature. First, some quick things to know about the DH Day campground thats located in Sleeping Bear Dunes. Take note, though, that the trail section to reach the lookout point is almost entirely uphill. This is completely fine if you realize more climbing is beyond your abilities. The trail is an ideal versatile activity. Trail Tread: Loose Sand. Bring a bottle of water. Where are the best spots for hiking in Sleeping Bear Dunes? While in town there are many lovely locally-owned restaurants and cafes which have great food. One of the best places for river kayaking is Platte River, with a short float or long float available. Places To Go This map of the Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail including all the trailheads from the NPS website would be extremely helpful in planning your route from start to finish. The rustic D.H. Day Campground has vault toilets and no hook-ups or showers but is located in the northern area of the park and close to several popular park sites. The cubs drowned within sight of the shore. With increased demand for lumber and the development of commercial shipping on the western Great Lakes, settlements sprang up in what is now Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Located at the southern end of Sleeping Bear Dunes, the Old Indian Trail is a little out of the way if youre staying at the D.H. Day campground, but it is worth adding to your itinerary. The return trip, on the other hand, is mostly downhill! The surrounding park and outlook to the sea are also relaxing and calm. The dunes are most definitely a sight to see, but theres so much more to this national lakeshore than just sand! Currently, at the time of publication, it covers about 22 miles. Pierce Stocking then put his energy into building a road through his property to the top of the dunesto share the beauty of Sleeping Bear Dunes with others. Float the Platte River. more information on current conditions Sleeping Bear Dunes Wilderness press release, Text of the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore Conservation and Recreation Act, Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore Conservation and Recreation Act establishing the Sleeping Bear Dunes Wilderness Area signed 3/13/2014 by President Barack Obama, The area should be primarily impacted by natural forces and human impact should be substantially unnoticeable, The area should provide opportunities for alone time and recreation that is primitive and unconfined, The area should be at least five thousand acres or of size enough that it is practical to preserve it, The area may also have features which have ecological, geological, scientific, educational, scenic, or historical value. You can then continue up the spur trail to Big Glen Lookout, which is 0.8 miles one way. River kayaking is sometimes considered easier for beginners, as there is less control needed. Be aware that reservations fill quickly for these popular campgrounds during busy summer months! On South Manitou Island you can find a visitor center, a museum, an old coast guard station, and ghost towns. Sleeping Bear Dunes has 13 mainland trails open for hiking in the spring, summer, and fall. The wind at the edge of the dunes while waiting for sunset can be quite chilly. Empire, Ferry service to North Manitou Island is for campers only, as there are no daytrips out to the primitive northernmost island. While the weather isnt exactly the same, there are many similarities, making the area ideal for wine-making. Hiking shoes,hiking poles,andice cleatsif you visit in winter. 13 Mainland Sleeping Bear Dunes Drive Time from Philip A. Hart Visitor Center: 28 minutes. Here, M-22 veers to the right, but youll want to keep straight onto S Thorenson Road. History & Culture Story of Sleeping Bear Story of Sleeping Bear Dunes The Story of Sleeping Bear Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore gets its name from one dune in particularthe Mother Bear. Pass the exits for the Coast Guard Station and Sleeping Bear Dunes Road. How Tall Is Sleeping Bear Dunes If you choose to continue, youll need to conquer 5 more dunes before reaching Lake Michigan. Camping inside Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore: There are two front-country campgrounds inside the parkthe Platte River Campground and D.H. Day Campground. If you bring your pup, just skip the spur. You could also pack a small blanket and a snack to enjoy a little picnic with an absolutely fantastic view. Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is a beautiful destination in western Michigan. Visit Cottage Row on North Manitou Island, Sign the guestbook at the North Manitou Island Visitor Center, Explore Port Oneidas history at the Charles, Find one of the largest petoskey stones in the park (PSSD #9), Find out whats around the riverbend on the, Help keep the park litter free and pick up any, Take advice from John Muir and Keep close to Natures heartand break clear away, once in awhile, and climb a mountain or spend a week in the woods., Visit the ghostforests of Sleeping Bear Point, Do the Geology Auto Tour https://www.nps.gov/slbe/planyourvisit/geologytour.htm, Go wild (get into the wilderness designated areas of the park), Enjoy your National Parks, but leave them. 10% of all after-tax profits are donated to the National Park Foundation. For those not interested in camping on the island, a daytrip offers the chance to experience the beauty and history of one of the Manitou Islands. Most people prefer the mild temperatures of summer, along with being able to use the beaches and lakes. The 25 wineries are arranged into the Leelanau Peninsula Wine Trail, which consists of three main loops. WebThere is no shade, so wear hiking shoes, apply sun block and bring water. Firstly, the obvious spot is Pierce Stock Scenic Drive; of course, with many wonderful views from the scenic drive, there will be amazing sunsets. It is possible to drive straight to Sleeping Bear Dunes, or if you are coming from across Lake Michigan there is a ferry that could be a good option as well. Sleeping Bear Dunes has 13 main trails covering many miles of the park. Its also a popular sunset spot. Perched along the edge of the large dune that towers about Lake Michigan, this dune, at one time, resembled a sleeping bear. The top-recommended trail in Sleeping Bear Dunes is the Empire Bluffs trail. Sleeping Bear Dunes 49630, Download the official NPS app before your next visit. D.H. Day is also known as a pioneer of sustainable forestry and promoted the reforestation movement long before it came to Michigan. The $25 fee for the car covers visiting sites for up to one week, and it goes back into maintaining the parklands. While the Wilderness Act authorized legislatively protected wilderness areas, the first wilderness areas were created by the United States Forest Service. When the park is fully open (typically between mid-May and October), youll be able to experience all the park has to offer. Dont forget, you have to walk back. Drive Time from Philip A. Hart Visitor Center: Varies. From active dunes to the older growth beech-maple forest and everything in between is a progression of the plant life of the area. It has recently emerged as an up-and-coming wine-growing area with up to 25 wineries now in business. The parking lot and trailhead will be on your left after 0.3 miles on this dirt road. There are a couple of benches at the end of the boardwalk to stop and rest prior to the return trip to your vehicle if needed. Sunscreen for the dune trails and beaches, Comfortable hiking shoes or sandals I love my. Walk along the shore and look at the wide variety of rocks. Also of note, this trail does cross the Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive route and Shauger Hill Road, two times each. What to wear when hiking Sleeping Bear Dunes? The forests, beaches, and lakes provide wonderful scenery for hiking, photography, and more. Head for the beach! Youll have a more difficult time finding solitude here. Empire, The walk-in sites are located at the end of the drive, on a small dead-end loop. The tallest dune is Most cars are cancellable up to 2 days in advance without any fees. Experience some of the top scenic views of the region from the convenience of one single road. It averages around 18 21C. Empire, It's 110 feet up sand to the FIRST plateau, then 100+ feet MORE up Many people say that if they had to choose one trail from Sleeping Bear, it would be this one. If you have only a few hours to spend at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, you will want to start at the Phillip A. Hart Visitor Center in Empire, MI to get oriented, get your maps and see the slide show. This list of Sleeping Bear Dunes hiking trails is organized according to the map. Learn more about Wilderness ethics and how to visit and recreate in wilderness. After stopping at the ranger station, continue on through the campground to the left. The Sleeping Bear Dunes hiking trails are a huge draw for people wanting to explore the sandy mounds and the terrain in between. Treat yourself to views that overlook Lake Michigan, Glen Lake, and the D.H. Day Farm in the distance. Its is a unique and interesting spot to explore and enjoy. Turn right onto Lake Michigan Road, just before the bridge over the Platte River. Story of Sleeping Bear Dunes Ill be blunt. is also clearly stated. Photos (1,100) Directions. It gives a special breakdown of how the plants and animals thrive in this special soil makeup. This variety stems from the sandy dunes, maple-beech forests, inland lakes, and cedar woods. We also wouldnt recommend heading this hike in flip-flops, even though it passes on so much sand. Be sure to check the NPS website for current conditions in the park (including road and trail closures). Very simply, we are passionate about our National Parks and Public Lands and explore them with our three kids whenever we can. Sleeping Bear Dunes In winter, ice fishing is also popular. Here you can find all info on domestic travel insurance for your trip. Here is an overview of the most important things to know before traveling to Sleeping Bear Dunes. The hiking trails in Sleeping Bear Dunes are really well maintained and clear, from what weve found. The Platte Plains trail system is a series of loops, leading through forested land, and around 3 inland lakes and a creek. In prime times, the meadows along the Kettles loop are perfect for wildflower viewing. Check out Sleeping Bear Dunes, near Traverse City, Michigan. Human remains, which likely date back to prehistoric times, were found at Sleeping Bear Dunes, park officials confirmed Tuesday. This trail is not yet complete, as it is planned to cover 27 miles of Lakeshore terrain. For more information on some of the best places in the area, check out our article here. There is also the Cannery Boathouse Museum, a small boathouse museum that exhibits the largest public exhibit of small craft from the Great Lakes. 9922 Front Street On a clear day at Peterson Beach, you can see South Manitou Island. 2. Go wet & wild. Thursday, July 29, 2021 3:00 PM. Manitou Island Transit does offer daytrips to South Manitou Island, in addition to the ferry service for South Manitou campers. There is some signage, but it can get a little confusing. This section of trail also has some more hill climbs, if youre looking for a little more of a workout. If you want to get a glimpse of what its like to take on the Dune Climb, you can get a birds eye view of the sandy incline and parking lot where that trek begins. Look around you for an insight into the changing of fauna and different plants within just a small area. Web1. These include M-22, which creates a range of M-22 (the highway) themed merchandise, independent jewelers, furniture designers, and so on. Keep reading to find out. As mentioned, there are many beaches in the Sleeping Bear Dunes area. Before enjoying the park, it is necessary to purchase a park entrance pass. The trail begins behind the restroom building at the loop parking area for all of the walk-in campsites. So youre planning a camping trip in Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore! Read Wilderness and You for specifics on activities allowed in our wilderness area at Sleeping Bear Dunes. It connects a lot of the top attractions, making it ideal for visiting the Dune Climb, Glen Haven, and the like. If you do not already have an America the Beautiful annual park pass, you can purchase a pass for Sleeping Bear Dunes year-round at the visitor center. Difficulty: This is the most strenuous hike at Sleeping Bear Dunes. Sleeping Bear Dunes is a great hiking destination. The trail travels up and down some hilly sections through wooded forests. Boonedocks is another great option with live music and indoor and outdoor seating, while Arts Tavern is good for its cozy comfort food style. Sleeping Bear Dunes All visitors are required to have a Park Entrance Pass, which must be clearly visible through the windshield of your vehicle. However, hiking is discouraged, especially during summer. If you dont want to walk through loose sand, just walk a short distance and at least view the lake from the top of the sand dunes. Enjoy the view from the Pyramid Point Overlook, Take a picture of the Robert H. Manning Memorial Lighthouse. Now over a million visitors come to Sleeping Bear Dunes every year to experience all that this stunning national lakeshore has to offer! All rates include a basic CDW and information about the deductible, fuel policy, included mileage, cancelation policy, etc. How to get there: Take M-22 north through Glen Arbor and past Port Oneida for 15.5 miles. How to get there: From the visitor center, head north on M-22 for 3.7 miles, then turn left onto M-109. Things to do in Sleeping Bear Dunes Text of the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore Conservation and Recreation Act. 12:30pm After enjoying a good stretch of the legs, its lunchtime. For the shortest possible hike, take the Farms trail to the Ridge Trail, past the Lookout Point, and back to the Farms Trail to return to the trailhead. The Cottonwood Trail, accessed via the Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive, is another popular trail in the area. For more information about Sleeping Bear Dunes Wilderness contact us or visit Personalized National Park Posters (WPA Style), Anishinaabe legend of the Sleeping Bear, farms and buildings in the Port Oneida area, rules, restrictions, and specific locations where pets are allowed at the national lakeshore, One of our favorite hiking trails in the northern part of the park was the, Another one of our favorite trails was the, Be sure to get a copy of our itinerary for, When you get back from your trip, be sure to send us a photo and well create a. A room on the second floor has been redesigned as a steamer wheelhouse with a panoramic view of the Manitou Passage shipping channel. The hiking trail is about 2.7 miles, with the overlook being 0.6 miles in. We take your privacy seriously and will never sell your data to anyone. Enjoy cruising along the paved trail from the Dune Climb to the village of Glen Arbor 4.25 miles. I believe we have a profound fundamental need for areas of the earth where we stand without our mechanisms that make us immediate masters over our environment. -Howard Zahniser. As the 1950s progressed and timber harvests and tourism increased, many became concerned about the need to protect wilderness areas by law. Two islands, North and South Manitou, are within the park boundaries. We're a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates program. Theyre NOT allowed on hiking trails or beaches. Traverse City is about 28 miles from the Sleeping Bear Dunes visitor center. Accommodation tends to book out fast in Sleeping Bear Dunes, so it is best to book well ahead of your actual trip. Drive Time from Philip A. Hart Visitor Center: 10 minutes to Otter Creek Trailhead, 13 minutes to Trails End Road Trailhead. In the years that followed the agency protected 14.6 million acres this way. They also have many dioramas, exhibits, and unique information about the park and the surrounding area. The ferry runs twice a day to the south island and once a day to the north island. The park does not offer any lodging, but there are options to suit all sorts of travelers in nearby townsGlen Arbor, Beulah, and Traverse City (further away but lots of options). Youll continue through the ticket booths onto the drive. For more information about Glen Arbor, see our post here. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 1 h 17 min to complete. Another great option is Glen Haven Beach, which is perhaps one of the most popular beaches with many amenities and even a museum. The national lakeshore is generally welcoming to pets, but they do limit access to certain areas. Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail 9. For more information about the Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail, check out our previous post here. They also arent permitted at the backcountry campsites both on the mainland and the Manitou Islands. The downside is that you wont see the spectacular Lake Michigan views. The Ashininaabek used the Mother Bear as a landmark and tell a story about how she came to be there. Port Oneida is a cultural and historical heritage town. Looking for the best things to do in Sleeping Bear Dunes? America's Lakeshore: Behind The Dune Climb The Cannery Boathouse also displays some of the boats historically used around the area, including Lake Michigan and the Manitou Islands. Its a short walk through wooded areas. Sleeping Bear Dunes To be honest, this trail isnt very exciting in the spring and summer. We look forward to welcoming you this summer. Here is an overview of the most important things to know before traveling to Sleeping Bear Dunes. Take the high trail out and low trail back, as the low trail is now paved and part of the Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail. The overlook peeks through the trees to see Glen Lake. There is also a Lyle gun demonstration weekly. In winter, with fewer leaves on the trees, the overlook would be better. MI August 3, 2022 by Julian Hooper Comments: This hike takes you through the native plants of the Sleeping Bear Plateau to Lake Michigan. But are you able to swim at these beaches? Hike the entire outter loop! Our recommendations include: The closest airport to Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is Cherry Capital Airport, located about 45 minutes away in Traverse City, Michigan. Learn about the early Anishinaabek cultures and the Anishinaabe legend of the Sleeping Bear, from which the name of the park is derived. The outer loop, labeled the black loop, has more hilly terrain, but we still found this to be a quick, easy hike. To find out more about which beaches are the best, check out our post here. There is rolling countryside, and many of the houses have a few maple trees. Be aware that sand can be hot enough to burn paw pads in the summer. 49630, Download the official NPS app before your next visit, As you explore the park and complete tasks off the list share your story with us on social media by using the tags, Watch Dreams of the Sleeping Bear at the, Watch some wildlife (from a safe distance), Find the flying squirrel at the visitor center, Explore the US Life-Saving Service Station, Learn about D. H. Day at the general store, Learn how to break the grip of a rip current, Enjoy the porch of the historic Log Cabin at D. H. Day campground, Climb to the top of the South Manitou Island Lighthouse, Sign the guestbook at the South Manitou Island Visitor Center, Learn about the boating history of the area at, Find yourself in a steamer wheelhouse with a, Pose for a photo in one of our Find Your Park frames, Step back in time at the Port Oneida Fair. Or you can explore nature and the native flora and fauna. It mostly consists of walking out over the dunes. The Sleeping Bear Point Trail is another spot where youll find plenty of loose, sandy terrain. And if you take our advice on the sunset hike, take a jacket or some sort of long sleeves. The Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is rich in history and culture. As resources were depleted, cordwood docks were added on North Manitou Island and the mainland. The Great Spirit created two islands to mark the spot where the cubs disappeared and then created a solitary dune to represent the eternal vigil of mother bear. These can include bald eagles, common loons, and many shorebirds. Subtract the Big Glen Lake Lookout, and youll have a hike of about 3 miles. It was the first protection of land under the wilderness designation since 2009. A few miles around the Bay View trailhead and through Port Oneida are crushed stone and probably best avoided on rollerblades. Glen Lake is also very beautiful around sunset. Ride through the historic logging village of Glen Haven and D.H. Day Campground on your way to Glen Arbor. If youre camping at one of the two park campgrounds, youll also be able to find maps there. Leelanau actually has its own state park on top of the many amazing parks nearby. Following the glacial retreat, the area was utilized by prehistoric people for hunting, gathering, fishing, and trapping. The Phillip A. Hart Visitor Center is the most common first stop when visiting Sleeping Bear Dunes. Many recommend hiking this trail in a counterclockwise fashion, which arrives much more quickly at a spur trail to a less-visited beach along Lake Michigan. There are many amenities along the way. Many people enjoy a quiet, relaxing day of fishing and the people around Sleeping Bear Dunes are no different. This means it is more accessible and open to more people. Visiting Sleeping Bear Dunes National The lookout point looks over Lake Michigan and it is sometimes possible to see South Manitou Island. These free maps are all youll need to explore the Sleeping Bear Dunes hiking trails on the mainland. Yes, there is a fee to enter the park. Most people just hike this as an out and back route, totaling a mere 1.2 miles. Turn left onto Wilco Road, and the trailhead will be on the right in just under 1 mile. With the proximity to the beach, its a place with great cultural heritage and a popular spot to visit for both historical knowledge and relaxing time. The Empire Bluffs trail is a 1.5-mile hike on a slight incline. Aside from the forested areas, you wont get many spectacular views like some of the other trails in the park. 1. The Empire Bluff Trail is also where some of the most Instagrammed Sleeping Bear Dunes hiking photos are taken, so if youre looking to stay away from the crowds, visit quite early in the morning. However, in summer it is important to be careful about storms and dehydration. For a more upscale establishment, there is the Western Ave Bar & Grill. Its mostly paved, can accommodate wheelchairs and strollers, and can also be used for biking and rollerblading. If you plan to hike the entire route to the beach and back, which totals 3.5 miles, plan for this hike to take about double your normal pace for this distance. During the summertime, this trail is great for viewing wildflowers in the meadows. Before you head to Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, make sure you pick up a copy of our downloadable Sleeping Bear Dunes Itinerary. He established the Glen Haven Canning Company and shipped cherries and other fruits to various Great Lakes cities. North Manitou Island offers an even more primitive experience than its Southern counterpart. Dune Climb Trail You can do the Dune Climb Trail by doing the popular option of just climbing up the first hill, or go further for a solid hike across sand dunes to Lake Michigan and the beach! These trailheads are separated by 4.3 miles or about 10 minutes of driving. 49630, Download the official NPS app before your next visit. MI We still found it to be enough to find everything we wanted to see in Sleeping Bear Dunes. The trip to the island takes about 1 hours each way--allowing visitors 4 hours to explore, hike and/or take a guided tour. Length 2.5 miElevation gain 538 ftRoute type Loop. Where to stay: Empire: All Seasons Log Cabin; Historic restored Caboose; Empire Lakeshore Inn; Glen Arbor: Sylvan Inn B&B; Arbor Woods Oak; Renting a car: Check out Rentalscars.com and Discover cars. However, youll find this 3-mile trail on the marked authorized parkland to the southeast of Glen Lake. See the NPS website for more information on winter activities at Sleeping Bear Dunes. When to Visit Sleeping Bear Dunes The area is particularly well-known for its white wines, although sparkling wines, dessert wines, and the like are also available. This is because sometimes habitat is fragile, an endangered species are nesting in the area, or it is dangerous for pups. Most of these trails are also open in winter for cross-country skiing.