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
Are you currently on your trip?
Help us find experiences available for you.
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, Indiana2,052 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, Michigan1,186 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 York656 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, Georgia466 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
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.
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.
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.
Capt R
92 contributions
Sep 2023 • Family
We have seen this Lakeshore from the water on boat trips coming across the Lake from Wisconsin but never came here by vehicle. We drove here from northern Wisconsin where we live with our van camper and enjoyed 4 great days in this park. The scenery and overlooks are spectacular! Just driving the roads in the park and in nearby areas is worth it. We camped at Platte River Campground and DH Day campground. Platte River is an exceptional campground and if we ever go back would spend the whole time there. Nice private wooded sites and first class bathrooms and facilities. One could easily spend a week here. Nearby Glen Arbor is a really nice village with stores and restaurants worth checking out. Make sure to visit historic Glen Haven and tour the village there and museums.
Written October 29, 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.
Thank you
Written January 3, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
dreamspeaker
Middleton, WI540 contributions
Jul 2022
This area is just unbelievable. I thought I had grown up around dunes, having grown up in Door County (favorite beach there, Whitefish Dunes, had dunes but NOTHING compared to this!). Clearly, I had no idea how big they could get.
Between insanely large sand dunes (both grass covered ones inland, and bald ones by the lakeshore), and azure water on a sunny day, this was just stunning.
We did the scenic drive, then drove to Glen Haven and the Maritime Museum. The scenic drive has a large pullout. If you don't stop here and walk down the sandy path to the "Lake Michigan Overlook", you will miss the largest dune. We stayed here I don't even know how long until we could feel our skin burning in the sun and had to leave. All three of us (two adults and a teen) agreed watching people on the huge dune was a highlight of our trip to Michigan.
Glen Haven was very busy, but cute looking. The lifesaving station at the Maritime Museum is interesting, but better yet is the path that leads to the beach there.
With some sunscreen, I could have stayed here much longer than our day allowed for.
Between insanely large sand dunes (both grass covered ones inland, and bald ones by the lakeshore), and azure water on a sunny day, this was just stunning.
We did the scenic drive, then drove to Glen Haven and the Maritime Museum. The scenic drive has a large pullout. If you don't stop here and walk down the sandy path to the "Lake Michigan Overlook", you will miss the largest dune. We stayed here I don't even know how long until we could feel our skin burning in the sun and had to leave. All three of us (two adults and a teen) agreed watching people on the huge dune was a highlight of our trip to Michigan.
Glen Haven was very busy, but cute looking. The lifesaving station at the Maritime Museum is interesting, but better yet is the path that leads to the beach there.
With some sunscreen, I could have stayed here much longer than our day allowed for.
Written July 30, 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.
Deb C
Lewes, DE254 contributions
Sep 2023 • Couples
This park was so awesome ! Start out by stopping by the visitors center in Empire. Here you can pick up maps, souvenirs and a stamp for your passport book. Chat with the staff there on the highlights of the park based on your interests. We wanted to take short hike so we found out the best trail for that. Drive up the road to the entrance to the park. Each stop is well marked and has parking. The views are breathtaking! To think that the dunes were created from a lake and not an ocean is mind boggling. There was one stop to walk to the top of the dune and look down. A sign informs you that if they need to come down to rescue you the fine is $3000. Steep as the dune going down Every stop is more beautiful than the one prior.
Will definitely do this park again
Will definitely do this park again
Written September 25, 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.
Thank you
Written January 27, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
MB122918
Pensacola, Florida97 contributions
Jul 2023
Easily could spend days here hiking the trails and stopping to explore each area off the driving path. We had perfect weather for some fantastic views. Definitely stop by the visitor center and ask to watch the short film (which they play on request) as it's very informative about the park and some of the Native history. Just be mindful of your activity level if you decide to do the dune climb - at the overlook (I think it was marked 9 or 10 on a map we got from the visitor center), the dune down to the lake is around 500 feet and almost vertical, with a sign stating a hefty fine if they have to send someone out to rescue you from the bottom. Even the younger, fit people were breathing heavily once back at the top. There are smaller, less steep dunes you can climb throughout the park that are more suitable for those wanting a bit of a challenge.
Written August 7, 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.
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.
SnowyShasta
Portland, OR2,601 contributions
Aug 2023 • Couples
We enjoyed our visit to this National Lakeshore. We were more interested in scenic views and hiking than in a beach visit, so we didn't ever actually go to the lake itself. We started our visit at the visitor center, where there were friendly people and a small giftshop, and we could get maps, advice, and a National Park Passport stamp. We also picked up a brochure for the Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive, which showed each stop and give a short description - this drive was one of our favorite activities that we did at the park.
The area is a bit spread out along the lakeshore, which makes sense, but there was plenty of parking as we drove around to the various places we wanted to see. This was our first visit to a National Lakeshore (there are only 3 of them) and it definitely met our expectations and then some.
The area is a bit spread out along the lakeshore, which makes sense, but there was plenty of parking as we drove around to the various places we wanted to see. This was our first visit to a National Lakeshore (there are only 3 of them) and it definitely met our expectations and then some.
Written October 1, 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.
Thank you
Written January 27, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
ImmerWandern
Palos Park, IL13,386 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.
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