Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is a protected area along the northeastern shore of Lake Michigan in northwestern Michigan, established by Congress in 1970. It preserves coastal dunes, shoreline, islands and associated ecosystems.

The park includes large sand dunes that rise dramatically above Lake Michigan, scenic overlooks, beaches and forested trails; a 7.4-mile scenic loop offers multiple viewpoints across the dune landscape. The area also includes the North and South Manitou Islands, reachable by seasonal ferry, which provide hiking and backcountry camping.

Congress created the lakeshore in 1970 to conserve the shoreline, dunes and historic structures and to provide public recreation. Since designation, the National Park Service has managed trails, overlooks and cultural resources while accommodating public access and interpretive programs.

The lakeshore runs along the northwest lower peninsula of Michigan, with the nearest small towns including Glen Arbor and Empire; the regional hub city of Traverse City lies roughly 25-30 miles to the northeast.

• Best viewpoints: Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive is a short, timed route with several overlooks that provide the best dune and lake vistas; plan for crowds in summer and use designated trails to protect the dunes.
• Island access: Seasonal ferry service from Leland provides access to Manitou Islands-check schedules and bring supplies if hiking or camping, as services are limited.

What to See#

• Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive: A 7.4-mile scenic drive with multiple overlooks that provide panoramic views of Lake Michigan and the dune landscape, including access to several short hiking trails and boardwalks to view the dunes safely.
• North and South Manitou Islands: Two offshore islands-North Manitou and South Manitou-reachable by seasonal ferry service from Leland; both offer hiking, backcountry camping and historic lighthouses and structures.
• Glen Haven and Platte River area: A small maritime museum and historic buildings clustered at Glen Haven and the nearby Platte River area, with interpretive displays about local shipping and settlement.

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore sits along Lake Michigan’s shoreline near the villages of Empire and Glen Arbor. The nearest full-service city/airport is Traverse City (Cherry Capital Airport); the park is roughly a 25-30 mile drive from downtown Traverse City (about 35-45 minutes) via regional highways that connect to scenic M-22 along the lakeshore. There are multiple parking areas and trailheads (Dune Climb, Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive) - most attractions require a short walk from the nearest parking lot.

Public transit in the area is limited; most visitors reach the park by car from Traverse City or other regional towns. If you’re flying in, plan to rent a car at Cherry Capital Airport for the drive to Sleeping Bear Dunes.

• Visit early in the morning on weekdays - parking at the Dune Climb and popular overlooks fills quickly later in the day, and mornings offer calmer winds and clearer views across Lake Michigan.
• Drive the Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive (the signed 7.4‑mile loop) rather than trying to see everything on foot; its overlooks give quick, high-value perspectives most visitors skip after climbing the main dune.
• If you want solitude, take the ferry from Leland to South Manitou Island - the island's trails and shoreline are far quieter than the mainland overlooks and reward a half‑day trip.
• Stop at a park visitor center before exploring to get current advice on which trails and overlooks are open (conditions and seasonal closures change frequently).