Not every National Park charges an entry fee but some do and Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is one of them.
Don’t let this deter you from checking out this amazing landscape! The fee is per car and you can purchase a week long pass ($25) or an annual pass ($45). You can purchase the pass at various locations as well as online. The park also offers days that are fee free!
Empire Bluff Trail Overlook 2019
There is so so much to see and do throughout Sleeping Bear Dunes that it may seem overwhelming as to what you should do! Below I’m listing my top destinations throughout the park.
The Classics
Pierce Stocking Drive
Little and Big Glen Lake Lookout 2015
This is a 7.4 mile long loop with 12 stops/look-out points. You can make this drive as long as you want, by stopping at each lookout, taking pictures, or simply just drive through the gorgeous forest and enjoy the dunes and Lake Michigan from the road. You can take a virtual tour here, but trust me this is a MUST to do in person.
If you are going to stop at any of the points, make sure to stop at #9 & #10, for some breathtaking views.
Dune Overlook 2015
To note, you must have a pass to the park in order to go through the drive.
Dune Climb
This is a difficult, but rewarding trek. The dunes are massive and completing the entire dune climb to Lake Michigan and back is EASILY a half day event (the National Park Service estimates 3-4 hours).
The entire distance is 3.5 miles so be sure to bring plenty of water along, and maybe some snacks! There are some “signs” that guide you toward Lake Michigan, but I found them kind of difficult to find initially so keep a good eye out! If you go in the spring or fall time you can probably climb the dunes in your bare feet and be just fine! However, in the summer time bring along a pair of sandals/shoes as the sand can get EXTREMELY hot!
Awesome trails
Empire Bluff Trail
This is an awesome trail, at only 1.7 miles out and back, it’s not too long of a trek for some breathtaking views. It’s also the #1 rated trail for Sleeping Bear Dunes on AllTrails! The trail is rated easy, it is gradually hilly, and mainly dirt. I’ve seen plenty of families on the trail in the winter and spring time, it’s a great trail for all ages.
After hiking through woods, you reach the bluff and Lake Michigan, there’s plenty of room along the bluff to sit, relax, and enjoy the view.
Sleeping Bear Point Trail
This was a trail we happened to stumble upon and I’m so glad we did! It’s just through the city of Glen Haven and the trail head had pretty limited parking, I’m not sure how busy this trail might get in the summer so be prepared!
The trail is completely sand and pretty short, it splits to a few different trails after about 300ft of hiking up a dune. After hiking up that initial dune you get your first site of Lake Michigan. You can continue hiking over the dunes or turn and walk toward the lake. There’s some beach area, though closer to the water it gets rocky. But this is an AMAZING spot for some killer sunset views.
Trails I Want to Try
Alligator Trail
This is 4.7 loop that is highly rated on AllTrails! People have commented on gorgeous views of Glen Lake as well as the Manitou Islands.
Pyramid Point Loop
Still so shocked I haven’t tried this one yet, as it’s the #3 rated trail (after Empire Bluff & the Dune Climb). It looks similar to Empire Bluff where you start in the woods and hike out to Lake Michigan. People have mentioned how great this trail is for every season. It’s definitely on my list for this summer!
Let me know in the comments or on Instagram your favorite trails, lookout points, and things to do at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore!