Discover the Majestic Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
Explore the breathtaking beauty of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, where towering dunes meet the pristine shores of Lake Michigan.
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is a breathtaking natural wonder on the shores of Lake Michigan, known for its towering dunes, pristine beaches, and stunning vistas. Perfect for outdoor enthusiasts and families, this park offers a wide range of activities and unforgettable views.
A brief summary to Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
- 9922 W Front St, Empire, Michigan, 49630, US
- +1231-326-4700
- Visit website
- Monday 12 am-12 am
- Tuesday 12 am-12 am
- Wednesday 12 am-12 am
- Thursday 12 am-12 am
- Friday 12 am-12 am
- Saturday 12 am-12 am
- Sunday 12 am-12 am
Local tips
- Visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon for the best lighting for photographs.
- Bring plenty of water and snacks, especially if you plan on hiking the dunes.
- Check the weather and dress in layers, as conditions can change rapidly near the lake.
- Take advantage of the ranger-led programs for a deeper understanding of the park's history and ecology.
- Plan to spend a full day to fully explore the park's diverse landscapes and activities.
Getting There
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Public Bus
From Traverse City, head to the Bayline bus stop located at the corner of East Front Street and Boardman Avenue. You will take the Bayline Route 10, which heads towards Empire. The bus ride will take approximately 30-40 minutes. Once you arrive in Empire, get off at the stop nearest to the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. From the bus stop, it’s a short 5-minute walk west along W Front Street to reach the entrance at 9922 W Front St. Look for signage indicating the park entrance.
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Bicycle Rental
If you prefer cycling, rent a bike from one of the local shops in Traverse City. A popular option is 'The Cycle Company.' After renting a bike, head west on East Front Street, which transitions into M-72 W. Follow M-72 for about 12 miles; it will lead you directly to Empire. Once you reach Empire, turn left onto W Front Street, and continue for about 1 mile until you reach the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore located at 9922 W Front St.
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Walking
If you're feeling adventurous and want to experience the scenery, you could walk from Traverse City to Empire. Start at the intersection of East Front Street and Boardman Avenue and head west. Continue on East Front Street until you reach M-72 W. Follow M-72 for approximately 12 miles; it's a long walk and will take several hours, so make sure to bring water and snacks. Once you reach Empire, turn left onto W Front Street and walk about 1 mile to find the entrance to Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore at 9922 W Front St.
Discover more about Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
The Sleeping Bear
1.7 km
Discover the breathtaking Sleeping Bear, a towering sand dune in Glen Arbor, Michigan, offering stunning views and outdoor adventures amidst natural beauty.
Glen Haven Village
3.6 km
Discover Glen Haven Village, a historical gem in Michigan, showcasing rich maritime heritage with charming architecture and stunning lake views.
Sleeping Bear Point
4.6 km
Sleeping Bear Point: A Natural Wonderland in Glen Arbor, Michigan, Where Sand Dunes Meet Lake Michigan's Pristine Shores.
Sleeping Bear Bay
8.3 km
Experience the breathtaking beauty and tranquility of Sleeping Bear Bay, a pristine destination in Michigan's natural paradise.
Empire Bluff
8.9 km
Discover the stunning Empire Bluff in Michigan, where breathtaking views of Lake Michigan and beautiful dunes await nature lovers and adventurers alike.
Port Oneida Beach
11.3 km
Explore Port Oneida Beach, a tranquil oasis in Michigan with stunning views, soft sands, and endless outdoor adventures for all ages.
Platte Plains Trail
15.2 km
Discover the tranquil Platte Plains Trail in Michigan, where stunning landscapes and diverse wildlife create an unforgettable hiking experience.
Traverse Bay Tours
15.7 km
Discover Traverse Bay's hidden gems with personalized tours that offer stunning views, local culture, and unforgettable experiences for every traveler.
North Manitou Island Lifesaving Station
28.1 km
Explore the North Manitou Island Lifesaving Station, a historic landmark revealing the rich maritime heritage amidst breathtaking natural beauty.
Clay Cliffs Natural Area: The Leelanau Conservancy
31.5 km
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Traverse Tall Ship Company
33.8 km
Experience the beauty of Traverse City aboard the Traverse Tall Ship Company’s majestic vessels for a memorable sailing adventure on Lake Michigan.
Hippie Tree
34.0 km
Explore the vibrant Hippie Tree in Traverse City, Michigan, a landmark celebrating creativity, nature, and community spirit amidst stunning scenery.
The Barrel Room
34.2 km
Discover the essence of Traverse City at The Barrel Room, where exquisite wines and ciders meet a vibrant atmosphere for all occasions.
Aberdeen Stone Cottage
34.2 km
Experience the charm of Aberdeen Stone Cottage, a unique indoor lodging in Traverse City, MI, blending historic elegance with modern comfort for an unforgettable stay.
Left Foot Charley
34.2 km
Experience the best of Traverse City at Left Foot Charley, where exceptional wines and a welcoming ambiance create unforgettable memories.
Unmissable attractions to see
Dunes Scenic Overlook
0.3 km
Explore the stunning beauty of Dunes Scenic Overlook in Glen Arbor, Michigan, where nature meets breathtaking views of Lake Michigan.
Cottonwood Trail
0.4 km
Experience the beauty of Cottonwood Trail, a hiking paradise in Glen Arbor, MI, surrounded by nature's wonders and scenic views.
Dune Climb
1.1 km
Discover the breathtaking Dune Climb in Michigan's Sleeping Bear Dunes, where adventure meets stunning natural beauty and panoramic lake views.
Dunes Trail
1.2 km
Discover the breathtaking beauty of Dunes Trail, a premier hiking destination in Glen Arbor, Michigan, showcasing stunning views of Sleeping Bear Dunes.
Pierce Stocking Scenic Dr
1.5 km
Discover the stunning beauty of Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive in Michigan, a scenic route showcasing breathtaking views and natural wonders.
Glen Lake Beach Park
1.6 km
Experience the natural beauty of Michigan at Glen Lake Beach Park, a tranquil escape for outdoor enthusiasts and families alike.
Sleeping Bear Dunes Overlook
2.1 km
Explore the breathtaking vistas of Sleeping Bear Dunes Overlook, where nature's beauty meets adventure along Lake Michigan's stunning shoreline.
Lake Michigan Overlook
2.3 km
Experience the stunning views and serene atmosphere of Lake Michigan Overlook, a picturesque destination in Empire, Michigan, perfect for nature lovers.
Sleeping Bear Dunes
2.4 km
Explore the breathtaking beauty of Sleeping Bear Dunes, a stunning nature preserve with towering sand dunes and pristine Lake Michigan views.
Alligator Hill Trail
2.7 km
Discover the breathtaking Alligator Hill Trail in Empire, Michigan, where nature's beauty and adventure await amidst stunning landscapes.
North Bar Lake
3.6 km
Experience the stunning beauty of North Bar Lake, a tranquil swimming lake nestled in Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, perfect for relaxation and fun.
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore Ranger Station
3.7 km
Discover the breathtaking beauty of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, where towering dunes meet pristine Lake Michigan for an unforgettable outdoor adventure.
Cannery Boathouse Museum
3.8 km
Explore the Cannery Boathouse Museum in Glen Haven, MI, for an unforgettable journey through maritime history with stunning lake views.
Sleeping Bear Point Coast Guard Station Maritime Museum
4.0 km
Explore the maritime legacy of the Great Lakes at the Sleeping Bear Point Coast Guard Station Maritime Museum, where history meets stunning natural beauty.
Sleeping Bear Point Trailhead
4.1 km
Experience the stunning landscapes and diverse trails at Sleeping Bear Point Trailhead, a natural paradise along Lake Michigan's beautiful shoreline.
Essential places to dine
Good Harbor Grill
5.2 km
Experience delectable American cuisine at Good Harbor Grill in Glen Arbor, MI - perfect for post-adventure dining with scenic views.
Cherry Public House | Glen Arbor
5.2 km
Savor local flavors at Cherry Public House in Glen Arbor – where craft beer meets delicious cuisine and delightful ice cream.
Bear Paw Pizza & Market
5.4 km
Experience delicious pizza and convenience shopping at Bear Paw Pizza & Market in beautiful Glen Arbor, Michigan.
Blu
5.5 km
Experience fine dining at Blu in Glen Arbor, where New American cuisine meets breathtaking views of Lake Michigan for an unforgettable culinary journey.
Empire Village Inn
6.8 km
Discover delicious grill cuisine at Empire Village Inn in scenic Michigan - your perfect dining destination after exploring Sleeping Bear Dunes.
Shipwreck Cafe
6.9 km
Experience the charm of Shipwreck Cafe in Empire, MI – where delicious sandwiches meet stunning natural beauty.
Joe's Friendly Tavern
7.1 km
Experience the best of grill cuisine at Joe's Friendly Tavern in Empire – where hearty meals meet friendly service in a cozy atmosphere.
Cafe Manitou
7.8 km
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Nonna's at The Homestead
8.0 km
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Trattoria Funistrada
8.3 km
Indulge in authentic Italian flavors at Trattoria Funistrada in Maple City, where every dish tells a story.
Broomstack Kitchen and Taphouse
15.0 km
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Stone Oven
23.1 km
Experience the delightful flavors at Stone Oven in Lake Ann - where comfort food meets affordability in a cozy setting.
Platte River Inn
23.4 km
Experience the heartwarming flavors of American cuisine at Platte River Inn – your cozy culinary retreat in Honor, Michigan.
The Cherry Hut
26.7 km
Experience the taste of Michigan at The Cherry Hut – where delicious pies meet warm hospitality in Beulah.
The Cove
28.0 km
Discover The Cove in Leland, MI - where exceptional American cuisine meets breathtaking views of Lake Michigan.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Dune Center Store
1.0 km
Discover the Dune Center Store, a charming bookstore near Sleeping Bear Dunes offering literature, maps, and gifts that celebrate the natural beauty of Michigan.
Arabella
5.1 km
Explore Arabella Jewelry in Glen Arbor for stunning handcrafted pieces and stylish women's clothing, capturing the essence of Michigan's beauty.
Bay Wear
5.1 km
Explore Glen Arbor's Bay Wear for unique clothing and exceptional service in a charming boutique setting.
Evolve
5.2 km
Discover a delightful selection of books and unique gifts at Evolve, Glen Arbor's charming bookstore and gift shop.
Cherry Republic | Glen Arbor
5.2 km
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Anderson's Glen Arbor Market
5.2 km
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Momentum Apparel / CSEA Inc.
5.2 km
Discover Glen Arbor's unique style at Momentum Apparel—your go-to boutique for fashion and local flair.
The Totem Shop
5.2 km
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Imagine That Eclectic Art & Gifts
5.3 km
Explore a charming gift shop in Glen Arbor, MI, offering unique art, handmade jewelry, and eclectic treasures that capture the local spirit.
Cottage Book Shop
5.3 km
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Cottonseed Apparel
5.3 km
Discover unique gifts, stylish clothing, and exquisite jewelry at Cottonseed Apparel, your go-to destination in Glen Arbor, Michigan.
Coastal Clothing And Accessories
5.5 km
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Grocer's Daughter Chocolate Shop
6.8 km
Discover the taste of artisanal chocolates at Grocer's Daughter Chocolate Shop in Empire, Michigan, where every bite is a celebration of quality and flavor.
Empire Outdoors
6.9 km
Discover outdoor essentials and unique gifts at Empire Outdoors, your go-to store near Sleeping Bear Dunes for all adventure seekers.
Sleeping Bear Gallery
7.0 km
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Lil Bo Bar and Restaurant
34.8 km
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Kilkenny's Irish Public House
35.1 km
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Low Bar
35.5 km
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Dillinger's Pub
35.5 km
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Union Street Station
35.5 km
Experience the charm of Union Street Station, Traverse City's favorite bar for craft beers, cocktails, and a friendly atmosphere.
Brady's Bar
35.7 km
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The Pub
35.7 km
Experience the vibrant local culture at The Pub in Traverse City, where delicious food, craft beers, and a welcoming atmosphere await.
North Bar
35.7 km
Experience the lively atmosphere and delectable cuisine at North Bar in Traverse City, a must-visit destination for food and drink lovers.
U And I Lounge
35.8 km
Discover the vibrant and welcoming atmosphere of U And I Lounge in Traverse City, where great drinks and friendly service await.
The Parlor TC
35.9 km
Discover Traverse City's vibrant nightlife at The Parlor TC, a cocktail bar and live music venue offering exquisite drinks and a lively atmosphere.
Beacon Lounge
36.0 km
Discover the vibrant atmosphere of Beacon Lounge in Traverse City, a perfect spot for relaxation and socializing with a diverse drink selection.
SideTraxx Dance Bar
36.6 km
Discover the lively atmosphere and affordable drinks at SideTraxx Dance Bar in Traverse City, a perfect spot for dancing and socializing.
Sail Inn Bar & Grill
37.5 km
Discover the perfect blend of delicious food, refreshing drinks, and stunning views at Sail Inn Bar & Grill in Traverse City, MI.
Blue Slipper Tavern
58.1 km
Experience the cozy atmosphere and delectable offerings at Blue Slipper Tavern, the heart of Onekama’s social scene.
Bucksnort Bar
58.3 km
Experience the vibrant flavors and warm atmosphere at Bucksnort Bar, the heart of Mesick's culinary scene.
