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Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

9922 Front Street, Empire, MI 49630-9797
231-326-5134
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Ranked #1 of 10 attractions in Empire
Type: National Parks, Nature/ Wildlife Areas, Scenic/ Historic Walking Areas
Activities: Hiking, Swimming, Walking
Traveler Description: As a frequent traveler to national and state parks...and a father of young kids, the initial choice of western Michigan was primarily for proximity... more »
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291 reviews from our community

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    1
Date Rating
Mount Prospect, Illinois
Contributor
13 reviews 13 reviews
4 attraction reviews
Reviews in 9 cities Reviews in 9 cities
4 helpful votes 4 helpful votes
2 of 5 stars Reviewed May 21, 2013 NEW

This was our second attempt to cross the dunes and reach Lake Michigan. This time we were successful as we hiked in a much cooler weather and with couple bottles of drinking water. The hike was challenging. While the views along the way were spectacular, the finale was not grand. Reaching Lake Michigan was a big disappointment. No cliffs, no... More

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sgirlie
Senior Contributor
26 reviews 26 reviews
9 attraction reviews
Reviews in 13 cities Reviews in 13 cities
10 helpful votes 10 helpful votes
3 of 5 stars Reviewed May 21, 2013 NEW

My elderly Dad and I went to the dune area to sightsee last week (mid-may). He has limited mobility so we were looking forward to driving the Pierce Stocking drive. But we got a nasty surprise when we discovered that it's not open until Memorial Day. However, we had to pay full price for the park pass for the areas... More

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Frankfort, Michigan
Senior Contributor
28 reviews 28 reviews
4 attraction reviews
Reviews in 15 cities Reviews in 15 cities
8 helpful votes 8 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 20, 2013 NEW

Living nearby, in Benzonia, I use the trails, rivers, and the lake here quite frequently. While there are areas that attract crowd junkies, there are still places where one can get away and relax. The lower Platte River is a gentle leisurely paddle with a pretty simple shuttle that can be done by bike. And, a fabulous sea kayak trip... More

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douglas_s00
Senior Contributor
25 reviews 25 reviews
11 attraction reviews
Reviews in 6 cities Reviews in 6 cities
4 helpful votes 4 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 19, 2013 NEW

I hadn't been up the dune climb since I went in school for field trips as a child - it was exactly as I rememebered...well it was actually smaller than I remembered it being but I guess that's because when you're a child everything is so big. It's still a bit of a climb up in the sand. We got... More

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Washington, Michigan, United States
Contributor
15 reviews 15 reviews
4 attraction reviews
Reviews in 8 cities Reviews in 8 cities
4 helpful votes 4 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 14, 2013

I have visited many times with my family and we always have a great time and love the amazing views from the top. My kids can never make it very far, especially since we always seem to go on days when its 90 degrees. I would recommend bringing a lot of water.

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Holland
Senior Contributor
21 reviews 21 reviews
Reviews in 9 cities Reviews in 9 cities
5 helpful votes 5 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 13, 2013

Any time of the year is a great time to visit the dunes. Ranked as one of the best national parks, you will see why when you visit. some of the best views in the world.

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Elmira, New York
Senior Reviewer
8 reviews 8 reviews
3 attraction reviews
Reviews in 7 cities Reviews in 7 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
5 of 5 stars Reviewed April 17, 2013 via mobile

Climbing the dunes in early May with the cold wind and crisp air gave the place a whole different look at feel than the summer months.

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Plainwell, Michigan, United States
Contributor
13 reviews 13 reviews
6 attraction reviews
Reviews in 6 cities Reviews in 6 cities
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed April 16, 2013

We live in Mi. so we get to visit the lake shore often. It is unbelievable beauty and soothing to the soul. We have two teenage sons and even they enjoy the visit. It is fun to attempt to climb the dune and even more fun being at the bottom taking pictures as the boys run down! There is a... More

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Ludington, Michigan
Senior Contributor
38 reviews 38 reviews
18 attraction reviews
Reviews in 13 cities Reviews in 13 cities
11 helpful votes 11 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed April 8, 2013

This is a place not to be missed. It is spectacular for miles and miles with crystal blue water and white beaches. There are dune cliffs rising hundreds of feet toward the sky and amazing vistas in all directions. It is pristine and spectacular and so worth the trip!

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Troy, Michigan
2 reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
5 of 5 stars Reviewed March 29, 2013

I have been to Sleeping Bear Sand Dunes several times now, and make a point to bring my family back there every summer. You can't get tired of the beauty of this place. It's pure and serene, no fancy hotels, malls, tourist crowds- just a well hidden jewel that I hope won't get destroyed by commercialism. Views from the decks... More

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