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Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore


TripAdvisor Traveler Rating: 4.5 of 5 stars
TripAdvisor Popularity Index: #1 of 7 attractions in Empire
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 »
Know about Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore? Share your expertise with other travelers. Add to this description now.
Attraction type: National park, Nature reserve, Scenic/historic walking area
Activities: Hiking, Swimming, Walking
Address: 9922 Front Street Empire, MI 49630-9797
Tel: 231-326-5134

Reviews you can trust

[ Date ] [ Rating ]
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5 of 5 stars
travelyiayia   4 contributions
St. Charles, MO
Oct 9, 2009

We visited this past August, and it was awesome. It is unbelievable how these dunes are formed. The amazing part of Sleeping Bear Dunes is how high they are. It is an amazing view, and the water is beautiful. (Lake Michigan) I would highly recommend anyone who is visiting near the area, to go see this amazing sight. If you... more

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4 of 5 stars
asief   1 contribution
Columbus, OH
Oct 8, 2009

We did a road trip here in July and it was definitely worth it, especially with kids. We drove up to the lookouts and was blown away at how the glaciers formed such interesting landscapes. It felt like we were at the end of the earth and the water was so blue. We did not attempt the steep climb, but... more

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5 of 5 stars
BayCitySue   3 contributions
Michigan
Aug 2, 2009

Take the driving tour through the dunes. The vistas are great! Very well worth the $10 price. more

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5 of 5 stars
tymetraveler222   315 contributions
Bay City, Michigan
Jun 10, 2009
1/1 found this review helpful

Though I have been countless times to Sleeping Bear, I always marvel at the colors of the water from the Lake Michigan overlook on Pierce Stocking Drive. And of course, all that sand. The Dune Climb is lots of fun for all ages, even if you just people watch. I always enjoy watching first time visitors marvel at the wall... more

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5 of 5 stars
francescacarlisimo   23 contributions
ohio
Feb 24, 2009
3/3 found this review helpful

We planned our 4th of July trip last year specifically to see the Dunes area. I had no idea how spectacular it would be in person. The pictures don't do it justice. Like others have said, be sure to stop at the Visitors Center in Empire and get a map to the area and then just start driving. We stopped... more

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5 of 5 stars
PAfamily07   45 contributions
pa
Sep 1, 2008
1/1 found this review helpful

Definately worth seeing ,especially if you enjoy nature, but even if you don't, the sheer size of this dune is unbelievable. This national park covers miles so you will need to drive from one sight to another. I recommend a stop at the visitor's site before you take the Peirce Stocking Drive. This drive has some nice overlooks and would... more

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5 of 5 stars
MichiganFloyd   39 contributions
Michigan
Aug 16, 2008

As other reviewers have noted, the dunes are most certainly worth the trip. Moreover if you take the scenic drive be sure to stop at the Lake Michigan overlook. When you do, you will see a sign that recommends you not descend the 450 feet down to the lake as the climb up is "extremely exhausting." The only thing I... more

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5 of 5 stars
tommybear85   25 contributions
Illinois
Jul 25, 2008
2/2 found this review helpful

During our trip to Traverse City, we took a day to go to Empire & Sleeping Bear Dunes. After a stop at the visitor's center, we went to the Dune Climb. WOW! My kids are 9 and 6 and loved this. We kicked off our shoes and enjoyed the barefoot walk/climb up the dune. The kids enjoyed rolling/sliding/running down the... more

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5 of 5 stars
BeachMe66   86 contributions
Wilmington, Delaware
Jul 16, 2008

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is a must see if you are anywhere in the area. Swim in beautiful blue water, hike, climb a sand dune, or simply soak up the sun and spectacular views. We stayed in Traverse City and it was easy to reach from there. Just a short drive away. more

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5 of 5 stars
jpete02   142 contributions
Lansing, Michigan
Jun 30, 2008
5/5 found this review helpful

We have been to Sleeping Bear National Lakeshore several times but recently visited during a weekend in June and were reminded once again how special this park is. If you are visiting the Traverse City area, this should be number 1 on the to do list. For those not familiar with Northwestern Michigan, you will be stunned by the huge... more

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Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore Address

9922 Front Street, Empire, MI 49630-9797
Tel: 231-326-5134