Things To Do

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. Ask a ranger for advice for things to do that match your interests. You will find amazing views of the dunes and Lake Michigan, great hiking, interesting local history, and of course some incredible sand dunes to climb.

Everybody likes to climb the dunes - or watch the kids enjoy the sand. The Dune Climb offers plenty of pure, wind-blown sand for your climbing pleasure. There is a picnic area at the bottom and you can climb up the dunes for a view of Glen Lake. While the climb can be strenuous, the run back down to the picnic area is a blast! For those who have extra time and a lot of energy, take a hike through the dunes all the way to Lake Michigan. This may take as long as 3-4 hours, so take lots of water and remember you'll be walking up and down the dunes in loose sand all the way. Hiking through the dunes can be disorienting, so be sure to keep children within sight and if hiking with a group, be sure to agree on a destination before leaving.

Take time to learn about the flora and fauna in the area by hiking the interpretive trail along the base of the dunes beginning on the right side of the picnic area. This is a wheelchair accessible trail.

Visit the U.S. Coast Guard Museum to learn about the history of the U.S. Life-Saving Service, U.S. Coast Guard, and Great Lakes shipping. The museum is a U.S. Life-Saving Station that had been moved from Sleeping Bear Point to its present location near Glen Haven. A room on the second floor is outfitted as a Steamer Wheelhouse with a panoramic view of the Manitou Passage Shipping Channel. Walk through the boathouse next to the museum and see the life-saving equipment used during the early 1900's.

Walk through Glen Haven, a lumbering village restored to the way it was around 1900. You can visit a Blacksmith Shop which is in operation from June to early October to see how iron is heated and forged into useful tools and parts. Then walk through the Cannery Boathouse to see the displays of some of the boats used on the Great Lakes. The Glen Haven General Store appears as it did in the 1920's and offers typical merchandise and items related to the history of the area. The beautiful beaches of Lake Michigan are right there, so take time for a swim or walk along the beach.

If you will be spending a few days in the area consider a day trip to South Manitou Island where you can enjoy a picnic lunch by the ranger station, walk through the village and imagine what it would have been like to live here 100 years ago. Take a tour of the lighthouse. The view from the top provides an excellent panorama of the island and the mainland. Hike the trails to see some of the historic farmsteads and the old schoolhouse, or the wreck of the Francisco Morazan which is visible from the south end of the island.

Places To Go

Where should we go when we come to Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore? Good question! With 35 miles of pristine Lake Michigan beaches, two large islands, enormous sand dunes and bluffs, rivers and inland lakes, there are plenty of choices.

Head for the beach! The clear water of Lake Michigan and beautiful sandy beaches draw many visitors during the hot summer days. Walk along the shore and look at the wide variety of rocks. Maybe you will find a Petoskey Stone or find the remnants of a shipwreck.

North Manitou Island

North Manitou Island is managed as wilderness with the exception of a 27 acre area around the Village. Visiting the island is a primitive experience emphasizing solitude, a feeling of self-reliance and a sense of exploration. The primary visitor activities are backpacking and camping. Travel in the wilderness area is by foot only. Power on the island is provided by a photovotaic array located in the Village.

Topography

North Manitou Island is 7-3/4 miles (12.5 km) long by 4-1/4 miles (6.85 km) wide and has 20 miles (32 km) of shoreline. The highest point on the island is in the northwest corner, 1,001 feet (305 m) above sea level or 421 feet (128 m) above Lake Michigan. The topography varies considerably on the island. Low, sandy, open dune country on the southeast side grades into interfingering high sand hills and blowout dunes on the southwest side of the island.

Lake Manitou [elevation 675 feet (206 m)] occupies a lowland in the north central portion of the island. To the west of the lake the terrain becomes very rugged as you approach the west and northwest bluffs. The bluffs are very incised and steep between Swenson's and the Pot Holes. Its 300-foot (90 m) high face is deeply gullied by erosion.

Biology of North Manitou Island

The North Manitou wilderness environment is a reflection of the interesting wildlife and natural flora of the island. The island is one of a chain of islands between Michigan's Upper and LowerPeninsulas. Migrating birds pass from one island to another to cross Lake Michigan. These include many species of warblers and other songbirds, woodcock and snipe. The contiguous forests of the island offer shelter for these birds. Bald Eagles are also often seen flying over the island.

The island does not have the variety of mammals common to the mainland. Beaver are here because they are good swimmers. White-footed mice and chipmunks have made it to the island by methods unknown; raccoons but there are no skunks or porcupines. White-tailed deer were artificially introduced in the 1920's and have greatly altered the native vegetation. At one time it was estimated that as many as 2,000 deer resided here. With reduced deer numbers, resulting from a managed hunt each fall, the forest flowers such as violets, trillium, and hepatica, as well as seedlings of white pine and cedar can be seen once again.

The People of North Manitou Island

The island has seen the heyday of the lumber industry, has known farming, has watched a lighthouse and the U.S. Life-Saving Service come and go, and has been an escape for summer residents seeking solitude. Today,little remains of these activities. A few buildings are scattered throughout the island. Some appear usable while others are in obvious decay. Small family cemeteries are a sign of the time when residents once populated the island. The village area is composed of houses which were once used as summer homes or hunting lodges.

Blacksmith Shop

The blacksmith shop is operational most days in the summer, staffed by volunteers. You can watch the blacksmith take a piece of iron, heat it in the forge and pound out useful shapes and parts. The exhibit is very interactive, so feel free to ask questions. You can see some of the parts they have made in the shop and ask the blacksmith questions about his trade or the history of the local area. While you are watching, you will learn about D. H. Day and his role in developing the Glen Haven area.

US Coast Guard Station Maritime Museum

The Sleeping Bear Point Coast Guard Station Maritime Museum is located just west of Glen Haven. It is the original Sleeping Bear Point U.S. Life-Saving Station which was moved to its present location because the encroaching sand dunes were beginning to bury it in sand.

The Maritime Museum is open on the following schedule:
May 19 to September 3, 2007 - Daily 10:30 AM to 5:00 PM
September 8 to September 30, 2007 - Daily Noon to 5:00 PM.
October 1 to October 14, 2007 - Weekends Only Noon to 5:00 PM.

During summer at 3:00 PM each day, there is a re-enactment of the breeches buoy rescue drill utilizing Raggedy Ann & Andy as our shipwreck victims. Needless to say, this particular program is especially enjoyed by children, who are encouraged to participate in the drill exercise.

The Lyle Gun shown below was used to fire a rescue line from shore more than 400 yards to a ship in distress to retrieve crew stranded on the ship. Check the listing of weekly events during the summer for the day and time of the Lyle Gun demonstration.

Navigating the nation's coastal waters, whether the oceans or the Great Lakes, has always been a risky business. Courageous volunteers performed most of the early rescues, but often their efforts were hampered by inadequate training and poor equipment. As the nation grew in the post-civil War era, shipping also increased. On the Great Lakes, both sailing vessels and steamers were numerous, carrying cargoes of lumber, grain, iron ore and other products.

During the severe winter of 1870-71, 214 people lost their lives in shipwrecks on the Great Lakes. Shipwrecks were common along the Atlantic Coast. The need for professional rescue crews was evident, and in 1871 Congress appropriated money for this purpose. The U.S. Life-Saving Service was the government agency charged with carrying out rescues from shore.

Each station had a keeper, often called "Captain," who had overall responsibility for the station. He was chosen for his skill as a boatman coupled with his ability to read and write. The keeper supervised a crew of six to eight surfmen hired from the local community. The main qualification for a surfman was the ability to row an open boat in a storm. The surfmen were ranked by skill, the best man being #1, while the least experienced would be #6, #7 or #8, depending on the size of the crew. The men worked their way up through the ranks. On the Great Lakes, the surfmen worked during the shipping season from April to mid-December, while the keeper worked year-round.

The Sleeping Bear Point Life-Saving Station

By the turn-of-the-century, there were about sixty life-saving stations along the Great Lakes. This included one at Point Betsie, about 19 miles southwest of Sleeping Bear Point, and one on North Manitou Island about 15 miles north of Sleeping Bear Point.

The Manitou Passage, the channel between the Manitou Islands and the mainland, was a heavily-used shipping lane. Ships traveling between Chicago and the Straits of Mackinac favored the Manitou Passage over the open waters of Lake Michigan because of the shorter distance and access to the harbor-of-refuge on South Manitou Island. However, the waters of the Manitou Passage could be treacherous and shipwrecks occurred frequently. In 1901, two identical life-saving stations were constructed to guard the Manitou Passage, one on South Manitou Island and one at Sleeping Bear Point.

Over the years, technological developments such as radios, radar and helicopters reduced the need for many life-saving stations. The Sleeping Bear Point Coast Guard Station closed during World War II and stood idle until 1971 when it served briefly as the visitor center for the newly-established Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. For several summers rangers led tours in the empty station, interpreting the U.S. Life-Saving Service and Great Lakes maritime history. Then in 1982 and 1983 the site underwent historic restoration. The grounds and the buildings were restored to their 1931 appearance, except for the interior of the boathouse and the crew's bedroom which were restored to the way they looked in the early 1900s, during the first few years of the station's existence. In the spring of 1984 installation of exhibits and furnishings was completed and the former Coast Guard station re-opened as a maritime museum. The official dedication took place with a gala ceremony on Coast Guard Day, August 4, 1984.

The life-saving stations played an important role in local communities, assisting in many ways beyond their official functions. The surfmen became folk heroes, greatly respected for their courage and skill. Neighbors often came by to watch their drills, especially the boating practice. This involved not only rowing in the surf, but also intentionally capsizing the boat and then righting it. The constant practice paid off in a crisis. From the time of its establishment in 1871 until it became part of the U.S. Coast Guard in 1915, the U.S. Life-Saving Service rescued over 178,000 people. Its success rate was an astounding 99%.

School groups or other large groups may make arrangements prior to their visit for a ranger to guide them through the museum and boathouse. Please call park headquarters at 231-326-5134.

Other Farms

As you explore Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, you will find many farmsteads of historical and cultural significance. Take a look at the Map of Cultural Resources in the Park. Port Oneida is the largest area devoted to historical farms, but there are other interesting farms and cabins as well. This section will give you background on some of them, which you can integrate into your imagination as you think about what it would have been like to live and farm here.

Most visitors to Sleeping Bear Dunes drive right past these buildings without giving them a thought, but now that you know about them, you may be more inclined to take a moment to stop and explore the farmsteads and think about the people who built the buildings and lived here. Feel free to get out of your car at any of the stops described here and walk around the farm or cabin and imagine what it would have been like to live here in 1900 when the site was in operation. Most of the buildings are near state or county roads, so very little hiking will be required to get to most of the farms and cabins. The exception is the Treat Farm, which requires a ½ mile hike to the farm, but it is definitely worth the effort!

There are two clusters of farms and cabins described here. One cluster is in the northern region of the Lakeshore and the other is in the southern region. See the Map of Cultural Resources.

South Manitou Island

South Manitou Island is part of an island chain that extends north to the Straits of Mackinac. The island consists of a ridge of tilted layers of limestone, buried under a blanket of glacial debris. Glaciers carved out the Lake Michigan basin. When the basin filled with water, the peaks of the ridge remained exposed as islands. During post-glacial times, winds blowing on the high, sandy bluffs on the west side of the island moved sand inland, forming perched dunes. The dunes are a fragile environment. Please stay on existing paths and avoid stepping on plants.

Tucked away on the southwest corner of the island is a grove of virgin white cedar trees. One of the fallen trees showed 528 growth rings, dating its existence to before Columbus.

The Coast Guard Station
In 1901 the U.S. Life-Saving Service built a station on the island to assist ships in distress. The life-savers could row out in their surfboat or use a line-throwing gun and breeches buoy to rescue stranded sailors. A wreck from this era, the Three Brothers (1911), is located just off shore between the dock and the lighthouse. There is a sign describing the shipwreck along the trail to the lighthouse. In 1915 the U.S. Life-Saving Service became part of the U.S. Coast Guard.

After World War II, modern equipment ushered in a new era in life-saving. This was demonstrated on the cold, stormy night of November 29, 1960 when the Liberian freighter, Fransisco Morazan ran aground on the southwest shore of the island. Three Coast Guard cutters and a helicopter rescued the fifteen people on board. The battered wreck is still visible today. As a mark of the changing times, the station was permanently closed in 1958.

The Coast Guard Station now functions as the South Manitou Island Ranger Station and is not open to the public. It is a private residence and office.

The Manitou Passage State Underwater Preserve

This preserve was established in 1988 to conserve the historic and archeological value of over fifty known shipwreck sites, dating from 1835 to 1960. For more information about the preserve, contact a Park Ranger. These sites are protected by state and/or federal law.

Fires

Fires are permitted in community fire rings only. Dead and down wood may be used. Cutting any standing vegetation, alive or dead, is prohibited. Fires are prohibited on the beaches.

Pets

Pets are not allowed on the island due to disturbance of visitors and wildlife.

Trash

Deposit all trash in receptacles located at the boathouse near the dock.

Water

Water is available at the Village, Bay Campground, Weather Station Campground, and at the School House. Water is not available at Popple Campground. Please do not use pump areas for bathing or dishwashing.

Hiking

For safety, hike with a companion and notify someone of your route and expected return time. Wear footgear that gives good support. Terrain varies from sandy beaches to gravel and boulder-surfaced slopes. Carry drinking water. Please stay on designated trails to avoid causing erosion and damage to plants. This is especially important in sensitive areas such as the old growth cedars, dunes and steep bluffs.

CAUTION: Hiking on steep bluffs is dangerous

Dune Climb

The Dune Climb is the main attraction for the kids who love to run and roll down the dunes. Located just about 5 miles north of Empire on M-109, you can see it on the west side of the road. Visitors love to bring their children and friends to the Dune Climb because they remember how much fun they had playing in the dunes when they were here as children. Parents and grandparents enjoy watching the activities from a picnic table or blanket at the bottom of the dunes. It's a great spot for a picnic too. The Dune Center, located at the base of the Dune Climb, offers modern restrooms and a bookstore.

If you decide not to climb the dunes, the Duneside Interpretive Trail is a handicap-accessible trail that is a flat, short (0.9 mile) round trip hike that follows the base of the dunes to the north from the right side of the Dune Climb. This trail is designed for use by all park visitors including those using wheelchairs and the visually impaired. There are signs along the trail to interpret nature. This information is also available on cassette tape, which can be borrowed with a cassette player at the Dune Center or the Philip A. Hart Visitor Center in Empire.

Climbing to the top of the Dune Climb is strenuous but rewarding, so be sure to evaluate your physical abilities before you start. The good thing about the Dune Climb is that if you get tired before you get to the top, you can just come back down to the picnic area. Gravity is on your side on the return. Once you get to the top and decide to make the hike to Lake Michigan, consider that you will be climbing and descending several steep dunes before you get to the lake, and you have to repeat the process to get back. The whole trip is about 3.5 miles and may take 3-4 hours depending on your condition and the weather.

If you are going to hike in the Dunes, there are a few things you should do to make your trip more enjoyable.

1. What's the plan? Rangers are called upon to conduct many searches each summer because folks back at the Dune Climb are concerned about companions who have been out on the dunes longer than expected. Often it turns out that there was simply a misunderstanding as to when the group would reconvene. Agree on a plan before splitting up, and be realistic about the time it will take for a hike.
2. Which way do I go? Out on the dunes there are few clues as to which way you need to go. The best plan is to follow one of the marked hiking trails and carry a map. The hiking trails in the dunes are marked with posts with blue tops. That will also minimize the human impact on this fragile ecosystem. If you are determined to explore off-trail, be sure to bring a compass and keep track of your directions.
3. Watch those slopes. Steep dune slopes occasionally collapse - a dangerous situation if you are there! This is especially hazardous during winter and early spring seasons. Another reason to avoid them is to help dune grass roots remain intact and do their job of holding the sand in place.
4. Resist the ridges. We tend to be drawn to walking along the narrow ridge tops among the dunes. However, this is another part of the dunes which is highly vulnerable to erosion. It's best to hike on the broad open plains where possible.
5. Keep it under control. Often folks begin running down the dunes, and soon find their legs can't keep up with the rest of them! Resulting tumbles can cause injuries. While careful, controlled running at the Dune Climb is relatively safe, other slopes have hidden rocks and other hazards which can cause serious injuries.
6. Don't be shoeless. Even if you don't want to wear shoes at the start, throw a pair into a backpack. The sand can be very hot and abrasive and underground shoots of dune grass can stab into your feet.
7. Go wet & wild. The dunes are a bit like a desert environment, and you will need to stay hydrated. Bring a bottle of water.
8. Don't be a ghost-buster. Everyone enjoys the "ghost forests" (trees that long-ago became buried by moving dunes, then reappeared after the dunes moved). Please leave them because they are the most photographed ghosts around.

Scenic Drive

The Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive is certainly a must-do activity when visiting Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. This 7.4 mile self-guided auto tour provides the visitor with insight to the history of the area, a sampling of the vegetative communities found within the park and, best of all, spectacular overlooks of the Glen Lakes, the Sleeping Bear Dunes and Lake Michigan. The Scenic Drive is open from April 21, 2007 through November 12, 2007 from 9:00 a.m. to one half hour after sunset. Take a Virtual Tour now to get ready for you visit. You'll get an idea of what the Drive is like, but nothing compares to seeing it in person!

World-class vistas will give you a feel for Michigan that you may have never thought possible! The Scenic Drive will definitely reinforce why Congress saw fit to designate this area as a National Lakeshore within our great National Park system.

This is a view of Glen Lake from the Glen Lake Overlook stop on the Scenic Drive. If you look closely, you can see M-22 separate Big and Little Glen Lake. A picture can not describe what you'll see, so I guess you'll just have to visit the park.

Who was Pierce Stocking?

Pierce Stocking spent his youth working as a lumberman in Michigan's forests. He loved the woods and spent most of his spare time there, developing a self-taught knowledge of nature.

He used to walk the bluffs above Lake Michigan, awed by the views of the dunes, Lake Michigan and the islands. He wanted to share this beauty with others and conceived the idea of a road to the top of the dunes.

As a lumberman, he had built roads in difficult terrain before. The planning for the road began in the early 1960's, and in 1967, the road, then known as the Sleeping Bear Dunes Park, first opened to the public.

Stocking continued to operate the scenic drive until his death 1976. In 1977, the road became part of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Several years later, based on public opinion, the drive was named the Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive.

Recommendations and Cautions

Pick up an interpretive guide for the Scenic Drive at the Visitor Center in Empire or at the entrance to the drive (there is no charge for the guide). There are numbered signs along the drive that will refer you to the guide, making your visit an educational adventure as well.

Please obey the 20 mph speed limit and drive carefully so that motorized vehicles, bicycles and pedestrians can share this roadway safely. While bicycling is permitted along the Scenic Drive, it is recommended for expert-level cyclists only due to the steep terrain, sharp curves and heavy traffic present. We recommend that anybody contemplating bicycling the Scenic Drive first take a car through it to see if your skill level is up to it.

Cannery Boathouse

The cannery was first built as a warehouse and converted to a state-of-the-art cannery for cherries in the early 1920s. In recent years, the Cannery has housed a museum of historic boats used around Glen Haven and the Manitou Islands. Volunteers have donated many hours to restoring the boats and operating the exhibit. The Cannery Boathouse Museum is the largest public exhibit of Great Lakes small craft.

Outdoor Activities

No matter what the season, there is plenty to do at the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. There are over 100 miles of hiking trails and many of them can be skied or snowshoed in the winter. The 35 miles of mainland Lake Michigan beaches offer great swimming and sunbathing in the summer and incredible views for a quiet hike at any time of the year.

Kayakers will find several good access points to Lake Michigan and for those who want to float the rivers, bring your boat or tube or rent them here and enjoy a liesurely float on the Platte or Crystal rivers.

Hunters and fishermen will also find an abundance of opportunities.

Hunting

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore does allow hunting. Michigan hunting seasons often coincide with very popular visitation periods by non-hunters to the Lakeshore, such as during the time of changing fall colors. The Lakeshore Ranger staff asks both hunters and non-hunters to follow a few park rules and regulations and to work together in order to have a safe and enjoyable visit. A special Deer Hunt is also conducted on North Manitou Island each year.

Click here for information about the North Manitou Island Deer Hunt.

The Lakeshore Ranger staff recommends that non-hunters, who visit the Lakeshore during hunting seasons, wear blaze orange or other brightly colored clothing. Also, non-hunters should consider only hiking on marked, designated trails and beaches to minimize contact with active hunters. The Ranger staff can assist non-hunters with additional information concerning hunting and when the different hunting seasons occur within the Park.

Areas Closed to Hunting

The majority of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is open to hunting. However, most high visitor use areas and facilities are closed and include a 450 foot safety zone. The safety zone is defined as the area beginning at the edge or exterior boundary of any road, site, or development and extending outward for 450 feet. Hunting is not allowed at or near:

1. All occupied structures
2. Platte River Campground
3. D.H. Day Campground
4. White Pine and Valley View Backcountry Campgrounds
5. D.H. Day Group Campground
6. The Village Campground on North Manitou Island
7. Weather Station, Bay, and Popple Campgrounds on South Manitou Island
8. Village areas on North and South Manitou Island
9. Duneside Accessible Trail
10. Stocking Scenic Drive - when open to motor vehicles
11. Glen Lake Picnic Area
12. Good Harbor Picnic Area

Rules and Regulations

Hunters are asked to be familiar with both the State of Michigan and federal rules and regulations concerning hunting in Michigan and Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Many park visitors are unaware that hunting activities may be ongoing within the Lakeshore.

Information on State of Michigan hunting regulations can be found in the Michigan Hunting and Trapping Guides. National Park Service regulations are not contained in those guides. Following are some of the regulations which hunters will need to be aware of:

1. Entrance fees are required when using park lands and waters.
2. The cutting of standing trees (alive or dead) and branches, or the possession of green vegetation is prohibited.
3. Digging or disturbing soils or vegetation is not permitted.
4. Vehicles or other wheeled devices are not allowed off roads.
5. Ground blinds may be built with natural dead or downed materials, but they must be dismantled at the end of the hunting season. When dismantling ground blinds, the area must be returned to its original, natural setting. All blinds must be removed within seven days after the close of the season.
6. All trash and other man-made materials must be packed out and deposited in trash receptacles.
7. Marking trees to locate trails using spray paint, colored flagging, or reflective tacks and similar materials is prohibited. The blazing of trees is not allowed.
8. Tree stands and climbing devices must be in compliance with Michigan Department of Natural Resources Regulations and must not penetrate or damage the bark of the tree.
9. Target shooting or the sighting in of weapons is prohibited.
10. Hunters can hunt with dogs when they are used in compliance with Michigan Department of Natural Resources Regulations. However, training hunting dogs within the Lakeshore is prohibited.
11. Baiting deer on North Manitou Island is prohibited.
12. Trapping is prohibited in the Lakeshore.

Snowmobiling

Snowmobiling is prohibited in the park except on rights-of-way along state and county roads. There are many other areas near the park for snowmobiling and several state trails in the area.

Kayak and Canoe

You will find a lot of water in and around the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. That means there are many opportunities to paddle a canoe or kayak. Bring your own boat, raft, or tube or you can rent one in the area.

River Paddling

Two rivers provide easy river paddling and floating. The Platte River is located in the southern part of the park, and canoes, kayaks, and tubes can be rented where the river crosses M-22. In the northern part of the park, near Glen Arbor, the Crystal River flows from Glen Lake to Lake Michigan and canoes and kayaks can be rented in Glen Arbor. Low water levels in the Crystal River can make canoeing difficult at times.

Inland Lakes

Inland lakes offer some of the best wildlife viewing along the lakeshore. Loon Lake is located near the Platte River in the southern part of the park. There is parking lot and lake access just off M-22. School Lake and Bass Lake are small inland lakes in the northern part of the park. The public access for School Lake is from county 669.

Kayaking on Lake Michigan

Lake Michigan is beautiful, but it can be treacherous as well. The cold temperatures, winds and waves can sometimes make canoeing or kayaking dangerous, so take appropriate safety precautions. Be sure your equipment is in good condition and that you don't overestimate your skill level. It is best to go out with at least one other person, who can help you in case of emergency.

There are several good places to put-in at the lakeshore. One of the best is at Glen Haven, where you can park at the Cannery Boat Museum right next to the beach. The paddle around Sleeping Bear Point is beautiful with a blue sky overhead, crystal-clear water, and the sand dunes on shore. Esch Road, just south of Empire also provides a good access point for a kayak. On the northern part of the lakeshore, County Roads 669 and 651 both provide good access to the lake.

Swimming

Sunshine, warm weather, and beautiful clear water are a recipe for beach activities, and Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore has a lot of pristine beach! This is the place to sunbathe, make sand castles, play in the Lake Michigan waves, swim, or just walk the beach. Lake Michigan is beautiful, and on a hot day it's inviting you to take a swim, but you'll find it more refreshing than the inland lakes, so be prepared! The whole Lake Michigan lakeshore is open to swimming, but there are no lifeguards on duty. Popular access points to Lake Michigan in the Lakeshore are listed below:

• Platte River Point
• Tiesma Road
• Peterson Road
• Esch Road
• Glen Haven by the Cannery
• North Bar Lake
• Sleeping Bear Point Maritime Museum
• County Road 669
• County Road 651

Interested in helping us keep our beaches clean? Check out the Adopt-A-Beach program run by the Friends of Sleeping Bear Dunes.

Beach fires are permitted only on the mainland beaches of Lake Michigan between the water's edge and the first dune. Please do not build fires on or near vegetation and remember to extinguish your fire with water and clean up all debris before leaving. Thank you for helping to keep the beach fire tradition alive and our beaches clean for everyone's enjoyment.

Glass containers are prohibited on all beaches in the park.

Sometimes Lake Michigan is a little colder than you want for swimming, so there are a few swimming areas on inland lakes in the Lakeshore too: North Bar Lake - just north of Empire is usually pretty warm and has easy access to Lake Michigan too. Glen Lake picnic area is just north of the Dune Climb and provides access to swimming in Glen Lake.

One of the most interesting features of the Lake Michigan shoreline is the dynamic beach structure where streams flow into the Lake. The shape of the inlet changes depending on the wave action from Lake Michigan. You can experience this at the inlet of North Bar Lake to Lake Michigan, and at the Esch Road access point where Otter Creek empties into the Lake.

Geology Tour

The Geology Auto Tour is designed to take you to view points where you can see evidence of the geologic origins of the area.  You can pick up a brochure and maps at the Philip A. Hart Visitor Center.  This section of the web site will give you a virtual tour, but you can get a much better appreciation for the size of these features when you climb the hills and walk the beaches and dunes.

Platte River Point

On a map, you can see that Platte River Point juts out into Lake Michigan.  The Point is a river-mouth deposit.  The Platte River carries a load of sediment, which settles out where the river empties into Lake Michigan.  Prevailing westerly winds drive shoreline currents in Lake Michigan.  The currents have shaped a sand spit at the mouth of the river, directing the river's flow to the east.

For a panoramic view of the shoreline, take a short stroll north along the beach.  The vast size of Lake Michigan reflects the size of the glacier that formed it.  The Lake Michigan lobe of ice was just a small part of a great continental ice sheet that once covered much of North America.

Glacial ice, like water, seeks valleys and lowlands. The front of the ice takes on a lobate shape as it conforms to the terrain. Imagine glacial ice twice as thick as the highest hills you can see. As the ice melted, the runoff waters carried sand and gravel that had been frozen into the ice. This debris was deposited between lobes of ice to form highlands. Looking north from Platte River Point, you can see two such highlands. Empire Bluffs and Sleeping Bear Bluffs. The pattern of bay and bluff is repeated along the park's entire shoreline, reflecting the earlier array of ice lobes and interlobate moraines.

North Bar Lake

North Bar Lake lies within the Empire Embayment, a former bay on ancestral Lake Michigan, now a lowland surrounded by hills.  The lake developed when a sand bar closed off the mouth of the bay.

At the north end of North Bar Lake you can see beach dunes formed by wind blowing beach sand onshore.  The wooded hills on the far side of North Bar Lake are also dunes but much older, formed a few thousand years ago during the Lake Nipissing stage, when the water level was higher in the Lake Michigan Basin.  Lake Nipissing was the result of a gradual rise in water level.  Over a period of several thousand years, the shoreline advanced inland.  Onshore winds carried sand in front of the rising water to form high beach dunes.  The Nipissing and recent dunes show some of the different sizes, shapes, and types of vegetation that dunes can display.

Ski and Snowshoe

Sleeping Bear Dunes offers outstanding cross country skiing and snowshoeing on a variety of trails and terrain. A list of trails and links to trail maps can be found on the bottom of this page. Ski trails are not groomed but are usually well tracked by previous skiers.

Powerless Flight

Launching and landing of powerless sailplanes, balloons, hang gliders, paragliders, radio controlled motor-less model aircraft, and other such powerless flight devices is permitted at the following areas:

A free powerless flight permit must be obtained at the Philip A. Hart Visitor Center Information Desk. The operator must be in possession of the powerless flight permit and a valid Lakeshore Pass when launching or landing on the Lakeshore lands. Powerless flight permits are valid for the calendar year.

Hang Gliding/Paragliding

Pilots must have a current U.S. Hang Gliding Association proficiency rating of H-2 to P-2 or greater. Some designated launch sites require higher ratings than others. Identification is required to obtain a permit. Each permitee must sign an affidavit acknowledging that such flights may present a serious hazard to his/her personal safety, that his/her equipment is in safe operating condition and that he/she is in good physical condition.

Transporting equipment to launch sites will be done by hand carry on established trails.

Standards established by the U.S. Hang Gliding Association apply, as well as all applicable laws and regulations imposed by Federal and other governmental agencies. These include:

Remote Control Gliders

Persons flying model aircraft must agree to the following conditions:

Tubing

Cool off with a relaxing float on a tube or raft down the Platte River on a hot summer day. This is one of the most popular recreational activities to beat the heat of summer. The river is shallow and clear, and while it moves along at a good pace, there are no rapids to contend with. You will see a multitude of different wildflowers and birds on your trip, so pay careful attention to the shoreline.

You can either bring your own tube, raft, air mattress, etc. or you can rent them at the Riverside. If you need to rent during the height of the summer season, you will want to plan ahead and get reservations.

Float a one hour loop from the Platte River Picnic area or Riverside livery to just above Loon Lake and then carry your tube for a 10 minute walk back to your car.

If you have more time, you can take a 2 hour float. In this case, you will put in at the Fish Weir just below Loon Lake and float to the mouth of the Platte where it flows into Lake Michigan. In this case, you will have to carry your tube about 1/4 mile from the road to the river along a gravel road to the Fish Weir and shuttle your car to the parking lot at Platte Point at the end of Lake Michigan Road where you will end your trip.

Fishing

Anglers with a Michigan license can fish for trout, pike, bass, and salmon. Certain fish may be contaminated and should be eaten in limited amounts or not at all. Check the Michigan Fishing Guide for details about fishing regulations in Michigan and the Michigan Fish Advisory for information about fish consumption.

There are several small inland lakes to fish in the Lakeshore. On the southern part of the park, you will find Loon Lake along the Platte River. There is a boat launch just off M-22 for Loon Lake. Otter Lake is near Trail's End road, but the boat launch is made for canoes and will not accomodate trailers. On the northern end of the park, Bass Lake and School Lake offer good fishing. There is a boat launch for School Lake on County Rd. 669.

For some excellent smallmouth bass fishing, try Lake Manitou on North Manitou Island. The island has some additional fishing regulations: artificial lure only and 18 inch minimum size.

Climbing the Dunes

Everybody wants to climb the Sleeping Bear Dunes, so come to the Dune Climb located north of Empire on M-109. You will find pure, wind-blown sand to climb, then run or roll down the dunes to the picnic area for a break and some refreshments and then head up the dune again.

Climbing the dunes is great exercise and there is a beautiful view of Glen Lake from the top. With the parking lot and picnic area at the base of the dune, you can stop climbing when you get tired and let gravity bring you back down.

This is a great playground for kids of all ages. The memories created here draw us to bring our children and grandchildren here to share the fun and create their own memories.

Those who have a lot of energy can take a hike on the Dunes Trail to Lake Michigan. This is the most strenuous trail in the park. While only 3.5 miles round trip, it is all sand and you will find climbing the dunes all along the trail to be a challenge. This is especially true on hot, sunny days. Be sure to wear sturdy shoes and take lots of water. The hike is worth the effort, because you will see a variety of wildflowers and the sight of Lake Michigan is outstanding. Don't forget, you have to walk back.

There is also a handicap-accessible interpretive trail at the Dune Climb which identifies the local wildlife and shows how the dune is moving.

Bicycling

Riding your bicycle in the Sleeping Bear National Lakeshore is a great way to experience the beauty of the area and get some exercise at the same time. Bicycling is permitted only on maintained roads in the park. Bikes are not permitted on hiking trails, but any road open to automobiles can be used for biking - including 2-track roads. Roads within campgrounds, the back roads around Port Oneida, and the Pierce Stoking Scenic Drive can all be used for biking.

Road Bike Touring

Bike clubs frequently schedule trips to the Sleeping Bear Dunes area because the terrain in the area provides a variety of levels of challenge. M-22, M-109, and M-209 are all generally flat to moderately rolling. The Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive is quite challenging with steep hills and curves. Some of the county roads in the area have relatively steep hills, so it is wise to take a tour of your proposed bike trip by car before starting out.

Nearby Biking Areas

For those who enjoy mountain biking on single track trails, there are two Michigan State Forest trails just east of the National Lakeshore that allow mountain bikes. Lake Ann Pathway is located just west of Lake Ann on Reynolds Road. Lost Lake Pathway is located 1.5 miles west of Interlochen on US 31 then 1 mile north on Wildwood Rd.

There is a new paved rail-trail south of the Lakeshore that goes from Frankfort and Elberta to Crystal Lake. The trail is gravel from Crystal Lake to Thompsonville. It is called the Betsie Valley Trail.

Scuba Diving

The Manitou Passage Underwater Preserve offers divers a variety of Lake Michigan attractions - from historic dock ruins to fascinating shipwrecks of two centuries.

The Manitou Passage Underwater Preserve's most popular dive site is also the most recently discovered. The Three Brothers, a steam barge that hauled lumber on the Great Lakes, grounded on South Manitou Island in 1911 after taking on water. The 160-foot vessel was exposed in 1996 after a large area of Sandy Point eroded due to winter storms. The Three Brothers is an excellent shore dive as it is located about 150 feet offshore with the bow in 7 feet of water and the stern in 45 feet of water. Snorkelers and boaters can easily observe the wreck in the relatively clear water.

The wreck of the Francisco Morazan, a package freighter that ran aground during a December 1960 snowstorm, is a few hundred yards offshore from the south end of South Manitou Island . The Morazan is easily accessible and lies in only 15 feet of water. Those factors make it a great dive for those just learning about Great Lakes shipwreck diving. Divers enjoy exploring the hull of the 246 foot ship. Some machinery remains in the engine room. Although much of the Morazan is above water, divers should not attempt to explore the superstructure. This is a nesting area for cormorants and gulls.

A few hundred yards to the south of the Francisco Morazan is the wreck of the Walter L Frost, a wooden steamer that ran aground in 1905. The Frost is broken up because the Morazan literally ran over the wreck during the disaster of 1960.

Divers enjoy the Frost because much of the vessel remains. Large sections of the hull, machinery, boilers, and related artifacts offer exploration opportunities for divers of all skill levels. The Frost lies in about 12 feet of water.

Another of the most popular dive sites in the Manitou Passage Underwater Preserve is also the most newly discovered. The wreck of the Alva Bradley was discovered between North and South Manitou Islands in 1990. Many small artifacts are associated with the wreck of this schooner. Some of its cargo of steel billets can be found near the bow of the vessel. About 200 yards northeast of the main wreck divers will find rigging and other artifacts from this shipwreck.

In addition to shipwrecks, divers enjoy dock ruins that can be found throughout the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Massive pilings were driven into the sandy bottom to create docks and wharves for loading lumber, fruits, grain, and other products onto schooners and steamers that transported such goods on Lake Michigan .

These dock ruins attract schools of fish and many artifacts, including anchors and pieces of shipwrecks, can be found among the pilings.

There is an excellent interactive map showing the location and description of over 45 shipwrecks in the area on the Traverse City Convention and Visitor's Bureau web site.

Preserve Regulations

No person shall recover, alter or destroy property which is in, on, under or over the bottomland of the Preserve. State and Federal law provide stiff penalties for violators so please: "ENJOY, DO NOT DESTROY."

Planning Your Visit

Access to some of the best diving is from South Manitou Island, which can be accessed by private boat or by passenger ferry service operated by Manitou Island Transit (231)256-9061. More information on scuba diving is available on their web site or from local scuba shops in the area. The ferry service operates from the Fishtown Dock located in Leland, MI. The ferry operators have been servicing the islands for many generations and the company is still run as a family business.

Between June and August, the ferries for each island leave daily from the Fishtown Dock in Leland at 10:00 AM. Reservations are recommended. Plan to arrive at the Fishtown Dock 45 minutes prior to departure. Leland is located 27 miles north of Empire on M-22.

Guided Tours

The Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive is a 7 mile scenic route that takes you to spectacular overlooks of Lake Michigan, Glen Lake, and the Sleeping Bear Dunes. Two picnic areas are also on the route. A brochure is available at the entrance to the drive for a self-guided tour which has 12 designated stops that are described in the brochure and on interpretive signs at the stops.

Bus Tours

If you have a group on a bus tour, arrangements can be made to have a Park Ranger give a commentary during your bus tour of the park. Contact Park Headquarters 231-326-5134.

Snowshoe Tours

During the winter season (January through March), a snowshoe hike is guided by a ranger each Saturday. This is a very popular event each week, so be sure to call Park Headquarters 231-326-5134 to make reservations.

Winter Activities

Nature transforms Sleeping Bear Dunes from season to season, and winter provides the opportunity to experience this wonderful landscape with fresh eyes. The trails, scenic views and popular destinations are all still here, just embellished with a new look. The days are shorter, the pace is slower and crowds are never an issue during the winter months. Yet, activities are abundant and the Lakeshore remains a wonderful place to explore.

Click here to view a copy of the Winter Activities Site Bulletin (pdf file,115 kb)

The Philip A. Hart Visitor Center in Empire is a great place to start your visit and to find out more about the park's features and facilities. Rangers provide information and Park Entrance Passes and brochures are available. Accessible parking is provided to the exhibits, auditorium, and bookstore, and a captioned multimedia presentation introduces visitors to the park. Facilities including restrooms, water fountain, and telephone are all accessible, and an assistive listening system is available. The VisitorCenter is open seven days a week, year-round, and winter hours are 8:15-4:00. It is located on M-72 just east of the intersection with M-22.

Please exercise caution! The lakeshore offers fascinating winter activities, but freezing temperatures, as well as slippery and unstable surfaces, create hazards. Ice formations along the Lake Michigan shoreline may be tempting to explore but are dangerous. Avalanche is a possibility on steep, snow-covered dunes.

Snowshoeing is permitted on all snow-covered dunes, fields, and forests in the Lakeshore, although it is recommended that you stay on well-marked pathways. If you are snowshoeing along a cross-country ski trail, please stay off to the side of the skiers' tracks.

Guided Snowshoe Hikes with a ranger are offered on Saturdays and during the winter holidays. Hikes will start at the Philip A. Hart Visitor Center at 1:00 pm. Bring your own snowshoes or try out those available for use on the hikes. Rangers will first provide basic snowshoeing instructions and then everyone will drive to the trailhead. During the snowshoe hike, rangers will share interesting facts about the park's unique features. Dress in layers and plan to be outside until about 3:00 pm, then return borrowed snowshoes to the VisitorCenter. Not only is snowshoeing easy, fun, and good exercise, it is also an activity that can be enjoyed by all ages. The ranger-led hikes are mildly strenuous, yet they proceed at a leisurely pace for approximately one and a half miles. This allows visitors an opportunity to look for signs of wildlife or evidence of ancient glaciers or to simply experience a winter wonderland. The National Lakeshore has a limited supply of snowshoes and will provide them free of charge. Participants need only purchase the park entrance pass to join in the fun. Space is limited, so please call 231-326-5134, extension 328 for more details and to make reservations.

Cross Country Skiing opportunities are plentiful as popular hiking trails turn into snow-covered paths. Designated trails for cross country skiing include Old Indian, Platte Plains, Scenic Drive, Windy Moraine, Alligator Hill, Bay View, and GoodHarborBay. Maps are available at the VisitorCenter in Empire and at the trailheads. Please note that these trails are not groomed, and for safety purposes it is always recommended that you ski with another person.

Pets are not allowed on designated ski trails from December 1 through March 31. Pets on a 6' leash are allowed on Empire Bluff, Pyramid Point, and Duneside Accessible trails throughout the year. Pets on a 6' leash are also allowed on the roadway portion (but not on the Shauger Hill Trail portion) of the Scenic Drive Ski Trail.

Sledding is permitted at the Dune Climb in the designated area when it is covered with snow only. Sleds, toboggans, saucer sleds, inflatable tubes or similar equipment as well as downhill skis and ski boards are prohibited at all other sand dunes in the National Lakeshore.

Camping is permittedat Platte River Campground. Snowshoe and ski access is also available to the White Pine backcountry campsites.

Ice fishing in compliance with State of Michigan regulations is permitted.

Snowmobiling is not permitted on lands or waters of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.

Indoor Activities

Yes, there are times when the weather forces us to stay indoors. If you have times like that during your visit, plan to go to the Philip A. Hart Visitor Center in Empire. Watch the slide presentation that introduces you to the park and walk through the exhibit room and browse the store.

You can also visit the Sleeping Bear Point Maritime Museum and walk through the US Life-Saving Service station and the boathouse. The Glen Haven General Store, Cannery Boathouse, and Blacksmith shop will also be open in the summer.

If you are in Empire, stop into the Empire Historical Museum on M-22. They have an extensive collection of exhibits about the history of the area.

Self Guided

Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive - Take the 7.4-mile drive through the park, which will take you through beech-maple forest to spectacular overlooks of Glen Lake, Lake Michigan, and Sleeping Bear Dunes. The guide book provides a description of each of the 12 stops on the drive. You will also find interpretive signs at some of the stops. Stop #4 is the Cottonwood Trail. Pick up a Trail Guide and learn about the dune ecology and some of the plants that live on the dunes. Picnic areas are located at Picnic Mountain and North Bar Lake Overlook. Restrooms are available at Picnic Mountain, Lake Michigan Overlook, and North Bar Lake Overlook stops.

Dune Climb - Everyone wants to climb the dunes, but there are some good lessons to learn here too. Your class can climb to the top of the dune and get a great view of Glen Lake. You will begin to understand the magnitude of the natural power of the wind and sand. Walk along the Duneside Trail which is located just to the right of the Dune Climb. This trail is handicapped accessible and has interpretive signs describing the moving dunes and the wildlife in this ecosystem. There is a large Picnic Area at the base of the Dune Climb. Restrooms are also available.

Maritime Museum - Visit the U.S. Life-Saving Station and Boathouse just west of Glen Haven. Students will learn about the men who worked and lived at the Life-Saving Station and the equipment and procedures they used to rescue shipwreck survivors. Rangers lead a program demonstrating the use of the Lyle Gun and Breeches Buoy each day during the summer, and once a week a Ranger will demonstrate the firing of the Lyle Gun. The museum is located right on the beach, so take this opportunity to take a hike along the beach to Sleeping Bear Point. The Sleeping Bear Point Dunes Trailhead is located near the museum, so consider a hike through the dunes to Lake Michigan and back along the beach to the Museum. Restrooms are available.

Blacksmith Shop - The original blacksmith shop in Glen Haven has been restored and is operated by volunteers. Students will learn about blacksmiths and why they were so important to the little communities that sprang up to support logging and farming in the area. Watch the blacksmith as he uses some of the common tools to make useful metal parts. There are restrooms in Glen Haven.

Cannery Boathouse - A variety of boats were used on the Great Lakes. This museum, located in Glen Haven houses a variety of these boats with interpretive signs describing the boats and how they were used. There are restrooms in Glen Haven.

Port Oneida Tour - The Port Oneida Rural Historic District located in the northern part of the park preserves the farm culture and history of the area. Use the Port Oneida Driving Tour booklet to guide you through the district and introduce you to some of the people who lived there. You can get a preview by clicking through the Port Oneida Virtual Tour before you come. There are no restrooms.

Interpretive Trails - Learn while you hike. There are three trails in the Park that have interpretive signs or trail guides: Cottonwood Trail located on the Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive, Windy Moraine Trail located on the east side of M-109 near the entrance of Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive, and the Duneside Trail located at the base of the Dune Climb.

Geology Tour - Drive to various points within the Lakeshore to view evidence of the geologic origins of the area. You can pick up a brochure and maps at the Philip A. Hart Visitor Center. Before you come, take a virtual tour, but you will get a much better appreciation for the size of these features when you climb the hills and walk the beaches and dunes.

South Manitou Island - A field trip to South Manitou Island is an all-day affair. The ferry to the island leaves at 10:00 AM (Check-in at 9:15 AM) and returns about 5:30 PM. This trip offers a unique opportunity for students to visit the island and learn about life in this little community and the logging and farming business that supported it. The lighthouse is open for visitors to walk to the top for a spectacular view. Bring your food and water for a picnic, because there is no food to purchase. There are vault toilets on the island.