The views from Alligator Hill are lovely, and I am always up for tasting cherry pie! After enjoying a good stretch of the legs, its lunchtime. Several park maps are available to download. Getting around the National Lakeshore is quite easy with the free map provided by the NPS. Steer clear of tall grasses, shrubs, and tree leaves where ticks like to "quest". Those with a ticket for the ferry will also have a campsite available, though the sites are first-come, first-served. Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is located about 30 miles directly west of Traverse City. The trail has three different routes, perfect for hikers of all different skill levels. The Dune Climb is located just about 5 miles north of Empire on M-109, you can see it on the west side of the road. Find all the transport options for your trip from Toledo to Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore right here. 9 7/1/2023 Simply beautiful and stunning views. American Eagle/American Airlines 800.433.7300, Enterprise in Traverse City 231.933.7000, National in Traverse City 231.947.1560. Visitors 16 years of age or older who enter on foot, bicycle, or as part of an organized group not involved in a commercial tour. Add hiking around the Manitou Islands, and you could be at it for quite a long time. window.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', function() { Best easy Sleeping Bear Dunes hike: Empire Bluff Trail. Even though Indiana Dunes has graduated to a National Park, this park still gets an honorable mention here, as it is quite similar to Sleeping Bear. For more info, visit this page. . The horseshoe-shaped pull-off will be on the left in about 1.5 miles. For your convenience, we have compiled driving directions to the Phillip A. Hart Visitor's Center in Empire from Traverse City. Heads up! Native Americans were the original inhabitants of the area, and they lived off of the land with minimal impact for many, many years. After settlers descended upon the area surrounding Sleeping Bear Dunes, the land transitioned to be used for logging until 1910, when all the lumber was gone and it was essentially destroyed. We found the king room with a pull-out sofa to be spacious and the bed quite comfortable. Valid for 12 months from month of issue. An Academic Fee Waiver is required for organized groups visiting the Lakeshore for education.Organized, educational groups of children who are less than 16 years of age may enter the park free of charge and do not need a fee waiver. And the perfect way to top it all off is back in Glen Arbor at Boonedocks. Once at the top, you witness the most amazing view of Glen Lake (Yes, take a selfie.) Plan Your Visit Basic Information Operating Hours & Seasons Operating Hours & Seasons *Openings and closings are dependent on staffing, weather, and volunteer availability. Driving Instructions If you are driving from Traverse City, drive along the Bay to the intersection of M-72 and M-22 on the western side of Traverse City, and then: Turn left on M-72 toward Empire and travel about 14 miles to a blinking light and; Turn left to continue on M-72 another 8 miles. Join the Maiden Voyagers Facebook group! Best family hike in Sleeping Bear Dunes: Old Indian Trail. 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. If you follow US-31 north of Manistee, you can either take M-115 to Frankfort where you can take M-22 to Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore as described above, or you can continue north on US-31 to Beulah. If you plan ahead, you can enjoy a roaring beach bonfire too. 8799 Sleeping Bear Road, Glen Arbor, MI 49636, Platte River Campground There is an option to suit any need when visiting Sleeping Bear Dunes. No commercial use! There are two campgrounds located within Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Wear comfortable hiking boots. Best hard Sleeping Bear Dunes hike: Dune Climb Trail. Duration: 6-7 hours. It may not be obvious, but a national park pass is still required at all of the Sleeping Bear Dunes locations. 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. Don't miss the boat! Bring rain gear. Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore will be moving tocashlesspayments at all of our staffed locations starting March 1, 2023 for all fees and permits. 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. This 1.8 mile out and back trail has stunning views but much of the trail is through a forest with plenty of shade. For most, you would be able to cover a couple of trails per day. Keep it simpleget the famous cheeseburger with a side of their too-good-to-miss, beer-battered onion rings. If you are going to hike in the Dunes, there are a few things you should do to make your trip more enjoyable. Plan to either pack in plenty of water or prepare to treat it out of Lake Michigan, which is about 0.5 miles from the camp area. Paddle a river Hike a trail, 9922 Front Street Its on the western border of Michigan on Lake Michigan. Finding shipwreck remnants on the beaches is also quite common, due to the currents and always changing sand. $25.00 + $10.00 Per Person 16 years or older (up to a maximum of $40.00). Find it at the Visitors Centers, campgrounds, and some of the trailheads. There are more camping opportunities, though, around the island in the designated wilderness. Bring a bag with holes, like an onion bag. If youre flying in to a nearby airport, be sure to secure a rental. The closest city is Traverse City, 25 miles to the east. And the lighthouse looks so pretty! I believe that theres a sense of adventure inside of everyone, waiting to be discovered. They do check. This would be a great option for families or larger groups, or those staying a little longer and looking to cook some of their own meals in a kitchen. On the way back down, you have the option of running or walking (kids choose the former). Rangers and ferry crew will tell you when to return to the dock for the return trip. But all of the Sleeping Bear Dunes activities are located in a "fee area." You can get your Sleeping Bear Dunes park pass at the visitor center. This gives you access to self-guided tours and maps even if you don't have cell service. By Samantha June 7, 2023 Planning a visit to explore Michigan's beautiful coastline? What are morels, you ask? This cottage has great amenities, too! The South Manitou Island lighthouse is 65 feet tall. There are so many fun things to do on a Sleeping Bear Dunes day trip or extended visit. Platte River Campground, on the other hand, is larger and has 179 campsites. Head east on 616 from M-22. For a less crowded spot, hike the Old Indian Trail in the southern part of the park to a less-visited beach to relax. The Dune Climb offers plenty of pure, wind-blown sand for your climbing pleasure. 101 West Grandview Parkway, Traverse City, MI 49684. It is very small. Download the official NPS app before your next visit. Motorcycles visiting will be required to pay a $20 fee, and those on foot or bicycle should pay the $15 pass fee. Save it for later or share it on social media! A more remote area of the park, the Manitous are a great place to hike, backpack, and backcountry camp. Explore this 20+ mile mostly paved trail (aside from a small section with crushed gravel) that extends from just south of Empire to the Good Harbor Trailhead. The ferry service operates from the Fishtown Dock located in Leland, MI. Follow CR 706 4.4 miles to M-22. Hi! Trek up the Dune Climb-or watch the kids enjoy the sand. 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. Without further delay, well begin with our ultimate Sleeping Bear Dunes Travel Guide. Grab a table on the patio (weather permitting) and settle in for some live music. By Up North Tours LLC. Fromepic hikes around the worldto adventures closer to my home inMinnesota, Im here to help you discover what adventure means to you! Payment must be made at the Philip A. Hart Visitor Center or the kiosk station at Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive. But, hey, youre on a schedule and this is a must-do experienceso here are some highlights that are well worth your limited time. Head to Glen Arbor and Arts Tavern; a summer food mecca for area visitors. Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is a beautiful, but popular spot to visit in Michigan. Beyond dunes and beaches there are forests, lakes large and small, and rivers to explore. If you are driving from any location to the south or west of Lake Michigan, you should know that two car ferries provide an alternative form of transportation which, in and of itself, adds excitement to the trip. Cherry Capital Airport has year-round service to and from Chicago and Detroit, as well as seasonal service from some destinations on the East Coast. Settle into one space for the duration of your visit or move around to experience the whole spectrum! Climbing to the top of the Dune Climb is strenuous but rewarding, so be sure to evaluate your physical abilities before you start. 7 | Grab ice cream and a bite to eat in Glen Arbor. According to the tour company, canoes have a 50% tip-over rate, so plan that you may get wet! This 3.6-mile loop trail is all sand, making it difficult going. For a fee, kayaks and canoes can be transported on the ferry but rentals are not available on the island. I would definitely love to take the Manitou Islands ferry! Find a map of the Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail here. Bring rain gear. 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. MI With that being said, one of the best spots to explore on Michigans coasts is Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Ask a ranger for advice for things to do that match your interests. Good question! Apply the sunscreen, put the shoes in your backpack, and up you go. Stay safe 5. That means that if you purchase through a link, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Buildings still standing include the General Store, the Blacksmith Shop, and the Cannery Boathouse. Bicycles are also permitted on the drive, but are not recommended for casual riders due to the elevation changes and tight turns. D.H. Day is a seasonal campground, open from the last Friday in April to the last Sunday in November, while Platte River is open year-round. Plenty of space to run around and p." Friends of Sleeping Bear Dunes on Instagram: "There's playing in the sand, then there is the Dune Climb. Travel another 8 miles and the Philip A. Hart Visitor Center will be on your right.