Marvel at Ancient Sand Dunes Along Lake Michigan

General Info: Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, near Empire, Michigan, covers 35 miles of Lake Michigan shoreline on the lower peninsula. The area is rich with cultural and ecological significance, and offers plenty of fun activities year round. The park derives its name from the Native American legend of Sleeping Bear.

Download the Sleeping Bear Dunes park map PDF to get acquainted with the area before your visit.

Hours and Fees: The Philip A. Hart Visitor Center in Empire, MI, is open daily all year except Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Days. Summer hours from Memorial Day to Labor Day are 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., and 8:15 a.m. to 4 p.m. for the rest of the year. Entrance is $10 per vehicle (good for all areas of the park) and is valid for 7 days from date of issue. Annual passes good for 12 months are available for $20. Call the park visitor center for questions and information at (231) 326-5134 ext. 328.

Activities: From climbing the towering sand dunes and splashing on the lakeshore to touring historic lighthouses and farmsteads, you’ll never be at a loss for things to do at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Outdoor recreation opportunities abound no matter the season; the park features over 100 miles of hiking trails and 21 inland lakes.

Cruise along the top of the dune ridge on the Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive, a 7-mile loop road off MI-109, for spectacular views of Lake Michigan and the dunes. Scenic overlooks are spread along the route, with placards explaining the area’s ecology and history.

Download the Sleeping Bear Dunes 2009 Guide PDF to see a list of recommended activities for those of you on a tight schedule, and for a list of planned special events for 2009.

Pets: Your leashed pets are welcome to join you at Sleeping Bear Dunes, with a few exceptions to protect park wildlife. See the pet regulations page for a list of No Pet Areas.

Weather: The weather can change quickly due to lake-borne conditions, so wear layers for maximum comfort and flexibility. Summer high temperatures range from the upper 70s to 90s F, but lows can dip down to the 50s-70s F. It’ll be cold (10s-30s F) in winter, with snow typically on the ground between late November and March.

Camping Info: The Platte River Campground is a year-round campground with paved, ADA-accessible RV campsites with 30 amp electrical hookups. There are 150 back-ins (12×30’) and 20 pull-thrus (12×70’). Water and a dump station are located at the campground entrance. There are bathhouses with modern toilets and hot showers (two 3-minute shower tokens for $1), with camp sinks for washing dishes, hands, etc. Water spigots are also located throughout the campground for your convenience.

The national park also has a more rustic campground, D.H. Day Campground, with dirt roads, vaulted toilets and no electrical hookups. Or you can stay at Sleepy Bear Campground, a private RV park with full hookups and larger back-in sites (35×60’).

If you’re from Michigan or have visited Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore in the past, please chime in with your stories and tips! Your insights can help others have a fantastic trip.