Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
5
About
This national park includes a 35-mile stretch of beach on Lake Michigan for swimming plus 13 hiking trails.
Meets animal welfare guidelines
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listingTours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
What is Travelers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travelers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travelers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Top ways to experience Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore and nearby attractions
The area
Reach out directly
Best nearby
We rank these restaurants and attractions by balancing reviews from our members with how close they are to this location.
Attractions
1 within 6 miles
See what travelers are saying
- ManningAvengerSellersburg, Indiana2,043 contributionsBeautiful Lake Michigan dunesCan't believe I've never been here before. This national lakeshore is really beautiful. Driving along the Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive and seeing several sights. The Manitou Islands from a distance were beautiful, including the lighthouse. The dune climb was fun to view (but wouldn't want to climb). Lake Michigan was huge, like an ocean, from 400 feet above. Gorgeous scenery and worth the trip.Thank youWritten June 11, 2024This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited May 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten June 1, 2024
- DutchLaceHolland, Michigan1,187 contributionsBreathtaking ViewsAll along the national lakeshore you will see beautiful areas. Some hiking involved (little or lots) depending how adventurous you want to make it. Couple of our favorites: Dune Climb area and Pyramid Point. We didn't enjoy the beaches for long due to this time of year the biting flies were a bother.Thank youWritten June 11, 2024This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited June 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten June 11, 2024
- BarbWapakoneta, Ohio110 contributionsA must see if you're in the area!Great area to visit! Be sure to get the exact location to the start of the tourist drive in the park (addresses provided on the national park website is incorrect). The Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive is a great way to see the area. Be prepared to pay a $25 park fee to enter the area. I've heard the drive can sometimes be packed and slow moving (holidays and weekends) and is one way with little options to stop. I went on a Monday and it was empty and peaceful! The paved drive is both scenic and smooth!Thank youWritten July 16, 2024This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited June 2024Traveled soloWritten July 1, 2024
- BonBShow Low, Arizona679 contributionsUnique area, worth a visitWe spent a few hours here during our Michigan road trip. The Visitor Center in the town of Empire is informative and a good place to start your visit. We hiked the Empire Bluff trail, about 1.5 miles round trip and basically flat, through the woods and out to a pretty overlook of Lake Michigan. Signage to the trailhead was not as good as it could have been, but we figured it out. This is a popular trail, for good reason -- the lot was full, so we parked along the road as others were doing. We were going to do a second hike elsewhere in the area, but the humidity was a bit much for us (we're used to the dry heat of Arizona). We also did the Pierce Stocking scenic drive, which was, frankly, a bit underwhelming. A lot of the stops seemed to be just forest, which we'd already hiked through. One of the last stops did have a good view of the dunes. We SHOULD have stopped at the Dune Climb parking lot to take a photo of the giant dune there, but we missed the turnoff. If you have a National Parks pass, bring it for free entry.Thank youWritten July 16, 2024This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited June 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten July 9, 2024
- Sully_ak907Cooper Landing, Alaska82 contributionsWorth the timeGreat family day trip. You would spend a few days in the area with the dunes, beaches, and cool little towns along the way. There really is a lot to see in the area. It's definitely worth a trip if you are in the area, or even a special side trip if you're not.Thank youWritten July 22, 2024This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited July 2024Traveled with familyWritten July 19, 2024
- GrumpyandtheOldLadyNew York City, New York652 contributionsDo the scenic drive, take a hike, laugh at the people climbing back up the dune.What a surprise this area was. This lakeshore is a Must-Do. Try to do the Pierce Stocking Scenis Drive at sunrise. It is amazingly beautiful. The dune at Overlook 9 is the one you’ve heard about. I love the warning sign telling you the cost of rescue is $3,000 and will take a couple of hours…and they are not kidding. Stand at the overlook deck and watch the idiots, oh, um, adventurous people who went down to the bottom attempting to go back up the dune. I watched as two experienced mountain climbers (according to the family member taking photos) struggled on hands and feet (never just feet only,) stopping every 30 feet or so to catch their breath. Be prepared if you decide to do this. The hikes are great. Bring hats and sunscreen. This area is a treat. You should visit here.Visited August 2024Traveled soloWritten August 26, 2024
- SCMDJKWhiteAtlanta, Georgia453 contributionsSTUNNING!!!Absolutely stunning views of Lake Michigan!!! The amazing pictures you see are real. The boys of the sky and water are unbelievable! The hiking is great! Through the woods, across the meadows, up the hills, down the dunes, along the lakeshore… I wish I was still there wandering through the Park. I highly recommend the Guide Along app.Thank youWritten October 16, 2024This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited October 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten October 7, 2024
- iblameromeoAnn Arbor, Michigan57 contributionsSpectacular Views and Unforgettable Experience at Sleeping Bear DunesSleeping Bear Dunes in Michigan is truly spectacular! The views from the top are amazing, and I can only imagine how breathtaking they are down at the water’s edge. I didn’t attempt the descent myself, though—the steep slope is no joke! I’d rather not risk a $3,000 rescue fee if I got stuck. Entry is only $25 per vehicle, which is typical for U.S. national parks. I highly recommend visiting; there are several scenic stops along the way to the main dunes that are absolutely worth exploring. Overall, an unforgettable spot to experience Michigan’s natural beauty!Thank youWritten October 30, 2024This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited October 2024Traveled with friendsWritten October 29, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Contribute
Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
1,933 reviews
Excellent
1,669
Very good
224
Average
28
Poor
5
Terrible
7
ImmerWandern
Palos Park, IL13,287 contributions
Jul 2020 • Couples
This is one of 3 National Lakeshore on the Great Lakes, the others being Pictured Rocks (MI) and Apostle Islands (WI). The Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore was elevated to a National Park recently.
Sleeping Bear is much more than massive sand dunes and the infamous “Dune Climb”. The National Lakeshore stretches for 35 miles on the eastern shoreline of Lake Michigan. Beyond dunes and beaches there are forests, lakes large and small, and rivers to explore. During our 2 days in the area we hiked the Empire Bluff Trail to the high dune overlook, did the Dune Climb and continued on the Dune Trail to the shores of Lake Michigan. We also checked out Bass Lake, Otter Lake and Otter Creek for a chance to hike in the woods and perhaps see some wildlife.
We did not get to explore Glen Haven or Port Oneida.
Due to COVID-19 restrictions the National Park Service had cancelled the ferry trips to the North and South Manitou Islands.
One of the dunes was thought to look like that of a sleeping bear. The Ojibwa legend was that a mother bear and her 2 cubs took to the water to flee a fire on the western shore of Lake Michigan. She made it across as her cubs lagged behind. She climbed on top of a bluff where watched and waited for her cubs to join her. In vain. They had drowned. The Great Spirit created the two Manitou islands to commemorate the cubs. The sands eventually covered the sleeping bear.
We hiked the Empire Bluff trail which led to the high bluff rising over 400 feet above the lake. There are are epic views to be enjoyed along the way but especially once you make it onto the bluff itself. The hike is just 1.5 miles round-trip, mostly in the shade of a forest.
The Dune Climb was a brief challenge best tackled first thing in the morning while the air was still cool and before the sun got too high. The view of Glen Lake from the top of that dune was good, even better from the dunes further in. The challenge lay in making it through and over the series of dunes all the way to Lake Michigan. It was worth the effort.
Bass and Otter Lakes were peaceful, as was Otter Creek. Unfortunately we didn’t spot any wildlife and mosquitoes
There is truly a lot to see and do, easily worth 3 days worth of exploration.
Sleeping Bear is much more than massive sand dunes and the infamous “Dune Climb”. The National Lakeshore stretches for 35 miles on the eastern shoreline of Lake Michigan. Beyond dunes and beaches there are forests, lakes large and small, and rivers to explore. During our 2 days in the area we hiked the Empire Bluff Trail to the high dune overlook, did the Dune Climb and continued on the Dune Trail to the shores of Lake Michigan. We also checked out Bass Lake, Otter Lake and Otter Creek for a chance to hike in the woods and perhaps see some wildlife.
We did not get to explore Glen Haven or Port Oneida.
Due to COVID-19 restrictions the National Park Service had cancelled the ferry trips to the North and South Manitou Islands.
One of the dunes was thought to look like that of a sleeping bear. The Ojibwa legend was that a mother bear and her 2 cubs took to the water to flee a fire on the western shore of Lake Michigan. She made it across as her cubs lagged behind. She climbed on top of a bluff where watched and waited for her cubs to join her. In vain. They had drowned. The Great Spirit created the two Manitou islands to commemorate the cubs. The sands eventually covered the sleeping bear.
We hiked the Empire Bluff trail which led to the high bluff rising over 400 feet above the lake. There are are epic views to be enjoyed along the way but especially once you make it onto the bluff itself. The hike is just 1.5 miles round-trip, mostly in the shade of a forest.
The Dune Climb was a brief challenge best tackled first thing in the morning while the air was still cool and before the sun got too high. The view of Glen Lake from the top of that dune was good, even better from the dunes further in. The challenge lay in making it through and over the series of dunes all the way to Lake Michigan. It was worth the effort.
Bass and Otter Lakes were peaceful, as was Otter Creek. Unfortunately we didn’t spot any wildlife and mosquitoes
There is truly a lot to see and do, easily worth 3 days worth of exploration.
Written October 18, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
pshurd
Everywhere USA968 contributions
Jul 2021
We started the visit with a stop at Phillip A Hart Visitor's Center. We both have our Senior Park Passes, so they gave us a National Park Card sleeve to hang from our Rearview Mirror when entering the Pierce Stocking Scenic drive or parking at any of the trailheads. Then on to the scenic drive. There are several suggested stops on the brochure handout & most had scenic views of Lake Michigan and/or the dunes. The NPS app's titled stops do not match the current numbers on the road, but it was easy to figure it out. Although not the most exciting of drives we have taken through recent National Park visits, it is well worth the time & we had absolutely gorgeous weather (clear, sunny, & high 70's with a slight breeze) for our stop. Lake Michigan is as blue as blue can be & reminds us of ocean views. It was fun watching the folks run/slide down the dunes & then start the long 450' slog back up. Signs warn of how difficult the climb can be on the slippery hot sand, but all that we saw seemed happy & healthy. We expended enough energy trudging through the slight uphill to the viewpoint platform of the Dunes Overlook, so didn't give it a try. We didn't take any hikes yet, we plan to visit again later this week.
Written July 26, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sydney
Saint Louis, MO210 contributions
Aug 2022
If you want to have a good time, go hang out on the observation/overlook deck right above the Dune Climb and just watch people climb their way back up. My friend and I spent at least two hours here, doing exactly that. We had timers going for certain folks, made up names and stories for each person who attempted the Climb, and incredible make believe narration about the people who ditched their loved ones further down. You can't hang out in this part of Michigan without checking out the Dune Climb (or doing it yourself). The massive sign warning about a $3,000 rescue charge makes for a great photo op. But even if you don't have much time, the visitor center is nice and the drive through the park is beautiful.
Written March 3, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mike
Cleveland, OH125 contributions
Sep 2020
Definitely worth the stop and the hike. The hike to the lakeshore of Lake Michigan was long exhausting and we were not prepared - definitely make sure you bring water. Hiking through the sand was challenging but the beach was beautiful and peaceful and the views along the way were great!
Written September 25, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bill T
Columbus, OH439 contributions
Aug 2020 • Family
Short synopsis. Climb a sandy hill, see sand. Repeat.
That said, it's magnificent. We started at the dune climb. It's certainly not an easy climb, and the trail and subsequent Dunes are also moderately difficult. If there's any chance you are going to take the trail, make sure to bring water. Don't just look at the map and think it's super close to Lake Michigan. We walked 45 minutes then met someone who said we were a third of the way there. Granted, we were doing a lot of stopping and picture-taking. Not thinking we'd want to do the whole trail, we left our water in the car. So that ended any hope of changing our minds.
Don't be daunted, though. People of all ages, including small kids, were managing fine. At least the first few hills and valleys.
If you just want to go far enough to get a good view of Lake Michigan do 3 or so hills and plan an hour or so round trip. We did about twice that and the view didn't change that much.
Pro tip. You can follow the blue-tipped posts that mark the trail and at one point it goes down and to the left. That flattens out (some) one of the bigger hills.
That said, it's magnificent. We started at the dune climb. It's certainly not an easy climb, and the trail and subsequent Dunes are also moderately difficult. If there's any chance you are going to take the trail, make sure to bring water. Don't just look at the map and think it's super close to Lake Michigan. We walked 45 minutes then met someone who said we were a third of the way there. Granted, we were doing a lot of stopping and picture-taking. Not thinking we'd want to do the whole trail, we left our water in the car. So that ended any hope of changing our minds.
Don't be daunted, though. People of all ages, including small kids, were managing fine. At least the first few hills and valleys.
If you just want to go far enough to get a good view of Lake Michigan do 3 or so hills and plan an hour or so round trip. We did about twice that and the view didn't change that much.
Pro tip. You can follow the blue-tipped posts that mark the trail and at one point it goes down and to the left. That flattens out (some) one of the bigger hills.
Written August 8, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
EvalKnievel
Boston, MA112 contributions
Jul 2022
First time in Northern Michigan, and this was a real highlight. We were lucky to have had a day of rain in the middle of our trip, which made the sand hard enough to climb down (and, especially, back up) to Lake Michigan. Whole family enjoyed this -- multiple cousins, ages 6 to 15 plus adults. For those of us not from the midwest, Lake Michigan looks like the Caribbean because it's so huge and blue!
Written September 18, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
RoTripper597
Chicago, IL241 contributions
Sep 2020
Parked at the sleeping bear dunes 'big dune' parking lot. Took the paved 2 mile trail to the right of the dunes all the way to glen haven (old historic town and beach area). Dune was very popular, people of all ages climbing it. It was fun to get to the top of the first peak, but you'd need some endurance to continue all the way to the lake. Bathrooms and soda machine near the parking lot. Bathroom also by Glen Haven. Seemed to be a popular biking spot as well.
Written September 22, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I AM Clearly Crystal
Indiana15 contributions
Jul 2022
The lakeshore is beautiful with the different colors of blues and greens. The walk up the sand dunes at Sleeping Bear is doable...but the lakeshore is miles from that sand dune. Along the scenic drive is more sand dunes with the lakeshore in plain view. Those sand dunes have a pretty steep incline. The sign reads if you need to be rescued it is a $3,000 dollar fee. No joke on the work out there.
Written September 12, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jencbus
Columbus, OH11 contributions
Jul 2020 • Couples
The only scenic drive, Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive, is closed for all summer construction per the surly ranger we spoke to. No boardwalks, half the exhibits St the visitor center were out of order. No way to actually see the dunes. Big disappointment
Written July 6, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Wendy O
40 contributions
Jun 2021 • Couples
If you are anywhere near Sleeping Bear and have even just an hour to spare, you must use your National Park Pass or purchase one to enter and drive Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive to visit any or all of the 12 points along the way. Starting with the Covered Bridge, Dune Overlook, Lake MI View and Sleeping Bear Overlook is totally worth the easy walk to each point. Rest rooms available along the way. Will do this again!
Written June 24, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We’re staying just West of Traverse City in August, and currently planning one day to be spent at Sleeping Bear Dunes. Is it realistic to plan that as an all day excursion? We like to hike, and so do our college-aged kids who’ll be with us. Thanks!
Written July 4, 2024
Planning a family camping trip to Sleeping Bear in mid July. Anyone have issues with the MI biting flies during this time?
Written January 14, 2024
Is this worth a stop for a few hours? It would be 2 hours out of our way but we love national parks. Looking to do the scenic drive and the visitor center. Not planning on any major dune hikes. Thanks!
Written June 21, 2022
Our family also loves the national parks. Since you said you do to...I'd say it is worth the trip. It is something to see for sure! I think if you visited the visitor center, did the scenic drive, and made a few stops (along the scenic drive) you would spend between 1-2 hours. We spent 2 hours and did climb the Dune Climb. You should a least climb the dune climb to the first crest...(about 20 minutes) so you can say you climbed the dune! It's an experience!
Written June 24, 2022
Hi! What trail would you recommend if traveling with a 6 year old?
Written June 7, 2021
It depends on how athletic they are. Empire Bluff and Pyramid Point have some really cool views but have a lot of up-and-down big hills that can tire even an adult out. The dune climb is fun too if they're up for it, but it's not really a hike.
I'm told there are flatter/easier trails (Windy Moraine Trail) but I don't have personal experience with them. The Visitor's Center could give you more personalized advice.
Written July 8, 2021
Planning an Adult trip to celebrate 50th birthday, goal is some great hiking and Winery/ Brewery & relaxing. Best places to go? Thank you
Written January 24, 2021
Hiking? Empire Bluff Trail is the most famous and critically acclaimed. Pyramid Point has a cool lookout at the end too. I liked that one better than Empire Bluff but beware that it's 0.6 miles uphill one way. No trail is flat, it's dune shores after all, so it depends on how fit you are. The park has some longer hikes, even short backpacking trails, but I haven't done them. The rangers at the Visitor's Center are helpful for that.
Wine? I don't drink so I can't help (that's why I waited to respond). The Leelanau peninsula is famous for it though. Just call ahead to find out about COVID restrictions.
Written February 7, 2021
We’re in Traverse City and are hopping to go to Sleeping Best Dunes in the next couple of days — July 28, 29, 30.Their website has conflicting information about whether the scenic loop drive is open. Anyone have any information on that?
Written July 27, 2020
Hello. We are planning to visit Sleeping Bear Dunes this summer (with a 5 and 8 year old). What is the best place for families to stay? The KOA in Traverse City looks perfect (for price and amenities), but it's 45 minutes from the park--I'd prefer to be closer. Is there anything like the KOA but closer to the Dunes? Thank you!
Written November 20, 2019
We are planning mini vacation at the end of August. Which is better (in terms of kid friendly/kid activities) sleeping bear or pictured rock???? (Kids are 2 and 7)
Written August 1, 2019
We didn't go to Pictured Rock. Sleeping Bear Sand Dunes would be fun for an afternoon with a toddler and elementary school kid, but you wouldn't be able to climb the dunes all the way to the view of Lake Michigan unless you carried the two year old. Bring lots of water.
Written August 2, 2019
If I am hiking the dunes to the lake, will I be in any danger of getting lost. My sense of direction is poor and I will be by myself this time. Last time I was with a group.
Written July 20, 2019
I agree, you'll be ok! The trail is up and down, so at the top of the dunes you can spot the lake. We didn't have a map but we followed other groups and explored a few dunes, and they all led back to the lot. Have a great trip!
Written July 25, 2019
…
Showing results 1-10 of 58
*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listing