The "walk" is longer then you think. The markers start when you get to the top of "the hill" which most people think is the end. Once you're at "the top" the markers begin, there are 27 markers to the lake. It took my wife and I about an hour and a half to walk there (three hour round trip). On a hot day come prepared for the trip, I saw to many people bring nothing. If you bring kids be prepared to carry then as the sand is hot and hard to walk through. All that being said it was 100% worth the hike. We relaxed at the lake for about an hour and went for a refreshing swim.
I have been to many national parks. This is one of my favorites. You have beautiful beaches, dunes, hiking and biking trails. You can also kayak, hunt and do all kinds of outdoor activities. The people are friendly. The towns in the area are unique in their own right and the food, much of it locally sourced, is excellent. The campsites in the federal park have great facilities and are well kept.
This incredible natural site has a mix of sandy dune shores and verdant green forest landscape. Visitors can enjoy the steep sandy dune climb and walk to the shore, take scenic drive around the area, or get lost during a hike in the woods. Absolute must-dos are the dune climb, a sand covered hill that leads to the shores of the great lake and offers great views, and the Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive which circles the area. Nearby are several beaches for enjoyment of the shores of the lake as well.
Fantastic place! Very memorable experience. Be ready to hike up and down! I tried the giant dune on the lake and made it 2/3 of the way down and freaked out a bit. Go for it if you have the time (at least 60-90 min). Be careful, must be in good physical condition to get back up!
Beautiful area of National Lakeshore. It is straightforward, not much "hidden" , it is a big set of sand dunes. It is a great place for a picnic with the family and summer afternoon. We were there in the middle of summer, so the weather was nice and views were good. However, from the visitor's center they were saying the Sleeping Bear has different moods, which you can definitely see it happening in different seasons. Would like to consider more time to go out to the Little Bear islands. The Great Dune area is really good for just running around.
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is a US Park based in Empire, Michigan. Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is located at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, 6748 S Dune Hwy, Empire, MI 49630, USA.
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