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5.0 637 reviews

Excellent85%
Very good12%
Average1%
Poor1%
Terrible1%

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“scenic drive”(98 reviews)

“lake michigan”(159 reviews)

“sleeping bear dunes”(60 reviews)

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Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, Empire, MI

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+1 231-326-4700

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Reviews (637)

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1 - 10 of 633 reviews

CaptDarrrrrow

Traverse City, Michigan

54

Reviewed 1 week ago via mobile

Fall Colors

Such a beautiful scenic drive in the fall. I think it is better towards the end of fall when much of the leaves are scattered over the black top road.

Date of experience: November 2018

Thank CaptDarrrrrow

South_Georgia_boy

Macon, GA

21559

Reviewed November 28, 2018

Spectacular drive, well worth the time!

We really enjoyed this drive, and the various stops along the way. It was beautiful scenery, lots of interesting sights, and well presented. The little newspapaer they give your eally helps you understand what to look for. If you're in the area, this is something...More

Date of experience: September 2018

Thank South_Georgia_boy

Varsha G

Michigan

193

Reviewed November 12, 2018

Colorful drive

One should not miss this scenic drive while visiting sleeping bear dunes. You can see spectacular colors in Fall.

Date of experience: October 2018

Thank Varsha G

Fred J

Florida Keys, Florida

7918

Reviewed November 11, 2018

neat drive

We did catch the Fall Foliage of the Sleeping Bear Dunes and some wildlife along the scenic drive. Very pretty part of NW Michigan and the Park is unusual, as is most of the National Parks.

Date of experience: November 2018

Thank Fred J

jalowu

Chicago, IL

5419

Reviewed November 5, 2018

A "do not miss" scenic drive.

Lovely drive with various stops and outlooks through the forest and out onto the dunes. Take your time and enjoy the views.

Date of experience: August 2018

Thank jalowu

sabinocanyoneluv

Dallas, Texas

211

Reviewed November 5, 2018

Great drive to pull over and explore

Lots of beautiful places to stop. Small fee i believe for a park pass, ask for the map it has all the stops described on it.

Date of experience: August 2018

Thank sabinocanyoneluv

jeneeo

Newport, Michigan

38467

Reviewed October 29, 2018 via mobile

Love this scenic drive!

Do not miss this drive if you are nearby! The views are breathtaking! This was my first time taking the drive in the fall. We are usually here in summer. Fall colors are absolutely beautiful!!

Date of experience: October 2018

Thank jeneeo

Doubrava1

Lansing, Michigan

6424

Reviewed October 28, 2018

Scenic and Serene

On a color tour a few weeks ago, we were traveling from Traverse City to Empire. I looked up what to do in Empire and this national park came up. It is a hidden gem. We were given a map that showed points of interest...More

Date of experience: October 2018

Thank Doubrava1

Terry B

Noblesville, Indiana

61

Reviewed October 22, 2018

Don't miss this scenic drive

The scenery is breathtaking and beautiful. Well worth a drive to take this drive. The road is single lane and just goes in one direction with several places to stop and take a closer look at the sights. Good mix of dunes, vistas and forests.

Date of experience: July 2018

Thank Terry B

Fastphilad

Mich

942267

Reviewed October 12, 2018 via mobile

Beautiful drive.

We did not have a lot of time to spend at the park however we did want to see this and do it. The purest stocking drive was recommended to get an overview of the park. We intend to go there again in the summer...More

Date of experience: September 2018

2 Thank Fastphilad

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Questions & Answers

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Lew1120

When during the park visit do you think is a good time to do the drive? We will be arriving late morning on a Sunday and will be camping at Platte River and heading to Charlevoix the next morning. I'm wondering if this would be a good introduction to the park? My only thought is that we will have already been in the car for 4+ hours this day. I'm wondering if Monday morning would be a better time and add this into our drive to Charlevoix? I've read a few places that suggest Empire Bluff trail as an introduction to the park. We haven't been to the area before so are hoping to enjoy as much as we can!

May 20, 2018|

AnswerShow all 2 answers

The Pierce Stocking drive is by far the best introduction to this park. It has bits of all the best aspects of the park. The Empire Bluff trail is very good, especially in Spring and early Summer when the walk to the lake... More

Christine B

What is the actual route to drive? I can't seem to find directions on the scenic drive itself.

May 7, 2018|

AnswerShow all 2 answers

It is a one way drive. One turns into the park just south of the dunes. If you have a pass it is free. It is 30 minutes if you don't stop. Caution on going down the dunes to Lake Michigan. Coming back up is extremely... More

Elizabeth R

Is January a good time to go

January 25, 2018|

AnswerShow all 5 answers

If you can, go in the spring, summer or fall. You will miss a great deal in the winter, and the roads may be a tad treacherous. Keep in mind the rates for hotels go up significantly in the areas from Memorial Day to Labor... More

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Travel Forum Posts

joanlucky

Cleveland, Ohio

Lovely rental home (0 Replies)

Just got back from staying at Arbor Woods Oaks in Glen Arbor, Michigan. Found it at Michigan's website. Normally, this place rents by the week, but since it was off-season, the owner kindly let us rent for 3 nights midweek. Over the years we've stayed at cabins and cottages from rustic to funky to very modern. This was absolutely the best place we ever stayed! Everything you could expect to need was there in this lovely, spacious 3 bedroom-2 bathroom house. Every kitchen utensil you could...More

September 26, 2009|

RetiredTravelerTN

Nashville, Tennessee

Sleeping Bear Dunes -- Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive (4 Replies)

A few weeks ago, I was dismayed to see the NPS notice on the Sleeping Bear Dunes website that the Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive would close after Labor Day due to the sequester. Today, I'm happy to see that this scenic drive will now be open until October 20! So, while some things will be unavailable after Labor Day, at least this popular drive will be available to those of us doing fall travel.

August 24, 2013|

Response fromSteelerFanTransplant|

Thanks for the info. I would have been very disappointed if the drive was closed when we visit on Sept 13th.

mygardenhome

Bucks County, PA

Traverse City Road Trip (2 Replies)

First of all, I would like to thank 13Ezra for the Days Inn tip. We did stay there for 2 nights with a continental breakfast daily. I would also like to thank all the other posters on the forum for the Traverse City advice. Day 1 We checked into Days Inn and asked for a suggestion for dinner. The front desk suggested North Peak Brewing Company. First we browsed the shops and found the Cherry Republic with all their delicious samples. Then found our way to the North Peak Brewing Company –...More

August 02, 2012|

Response fromtymetraveler222|

Thanks again for another trip report, so glad to see you posting one (or 2, or 3...lol). TC is a fun place to go. Can't wait to read your Frankenmuth TR. I waved at you when you were in Fmuth, did you see me? ;)

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