Sleeping Bear Dunes Trails & More

Two women at the end of one of the trails in Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Northern Michigan is home to breathtaking scenery. From the waters of Lake Michigan or Glen Lake to wineries on the Leelanau Peninsula, there’s no shortage of stunning sights to take in when vacationing with Visit Up North Vacation Rentals. For endless adventure, spend a day exploring the trails, waterways, scenic drives, and all the other activities available within Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.

What to Do When Visiting Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is often regarded as one of the most beautiful places in the country. This popular natural attraction attracts over one million visitors annually. A large number of animals call the park home as well, including the endangered piping plover. You will need to purchase a pass to enter the park, which is open year-round, but facilities and visitor centers may have separate hours.

Places to Visit

There’s certainly no shortage of places to visit within the boundaries of Sleeping Bear. In fact, there are 35 miles of beaches, two large islands, sand dunes, bluffs, and more. If you have any history lovers in your group, you’re in luck. Visit Glen Haven, once a busy cord-wood station that now showcases how Surfmen from the U.S. Life Saving Service lived and worked. There’s also the Port Oneida Heritage Center, where you can go on a history hunt.

Things to Do

With so much to do, it’ll take several visits to explore all the activities available within the national park boundaries. When planning your visit, be sure to take a look at the event calendar to see what programs or special events are taking place.

The Dune Climb is found north of Empire. Climb to the top of the dune, enjoy the view, and then run back down.
Take in the beauty of the area on the Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive. The 7.4-mile route includes 12 stops, including a covered bridge and several overlooks.
There are countless hiking trails ideal for visitors of all ages. Some of our favorites include Pyramid Point, Windy Moraine, and Empire Bluffs.
Go for a bike ride along the Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail, which spans between Empire and Bohemian Road. This is the only bike trail in the national lakeshore.
Spend some time paddling along a waterway. You can go kayaking, canoeing, or tubing along Lake Michigan or one of the rivers found in the park, including the Crystal River.

Be Close to All the Fun | Reserve a Rental in Glen Arbor or Empire

If you plan on spending a lot of time exploring the trails and other things to do within Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, Visit Up North has the rental for you! Our inventory includes several vacation rentals in the charming towns of Glen Arbor and Empire, which are found on either side of the park. Our well-appointed Northern Michigan rentals have everything you need to relax after a day of fun. Before turning in for the night, stop by the River Club in Glen Arbor for a delicious bite to eat and a round of putt-putt. Call 231-922-8922 to learn more about which of our vacation rentals is the perfect place for you to stay on your next getaway.