Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore Reviews

One of the most unique & beautiful areas in the world - it's a bit out of the way but a real Bucket List experience. Take the Up North bus tour, if you can.

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.

We took the drive through the park areas to get beautiful views of these shores. They are breathtaking. I love the opportunities we had along the way to get out and look around. The whole area all along the National Lakeshore was filled with opportunities to stop in little lake towns or stop and see more views. This was, by far, our favorite part of our visit to Michigan shores.

This park is absolutely beautiful and has so much to offer! We did a few hikes, the car trail and the beach at Glen Haven. The visitor's center is a great resource and should be your 1st stop. The park is spread out over a larger area so that helps to spread the people out too. The Empire Bluff trail is a must do and the Glen Haven Historical Village and beach is a great spot too. The park rangers were very helpful as well and they are very knowledge about the park and activities for your group.

We have visited Sleeping Bear Dunes several times. Climb the dunes. Drive through the Pierce Scenic drive, and make sure to stop along the way. You will not be disappointed.

Great stop in the area. The Pierce Stocking Drive was free during the GOV shutdown, and the outhouses were open too. The area was fairly busy during the week. It's pretty sandy hiking to stops 9 and 10 along the drive, so your beach shoes might be best.

We had ideal weather the day we were there. Like other reviews, I would suggest you start at the Philip Hart Visitor Center. The ranger was very informative and extremely helpful! We started with the Empire Bluff Trail. Overall easy travel. Does have some slight inclines, be doable. Spectacular views once you get out of the woods.
We also did the Pierce Stocking scenic drive which has 12 points of interest with pull off places. Once again amazing views! We finished our visit at The Dune Climb. It does take a little effort, but the panoramic views are breathtaking! We did not do the Dune hike which will take you to Lake Michigan given it takes several hours. Still we climbed several of the dunes and got amazing pictures!

We were travelling with our dog, which limited us somewhat in the sites we could visit, and we spent about five hours in the park each of the two days we were in the area, with the rest spent visiting wineries near Traverse City. If you have two full days you can see pretty much everything, but if you are limited to one day, I would suggest:
- Pierce Stocking Drive. This is a must. Stop frequently and get out of your car.
- A beach or two. We visited Good Harbor Beach, No Name Road Beach and Glen Haven Beach. In mid-September there were few people at Glen Haven, and the other two were basically secluded.
- Empire Bluff Trail
- The visitor center

Pyramid Point was the least interesting stop we made.

Pretty cool to visit once. Make sure you are in good shape just to make it to the top of the view. Gets windy and cold in the fall.

There are many ways to explore this amazing area. Hike, bike, swim, or just drive around and look in awe. This is our fourth trip and we will be back again and again.

We toured the park for a day in early October, unfortunately due to a storm the previous night the Pierce Stocking Road was closed. However the rest of the park is beautiful great views, lots to see many good hiking trails and also a nice biking trail. Highly recommended when in the area.

We went with a group of people to traverse city and all were excited to visit this place. After traveling 1hour from the city we reached here. While reaching we have seen many attractions and we ate our lunch in the woods. That was an excellent memory. After that, we reached these lovely sand dunes. Some of us tried to go down to the lake from the top and played in the lake for some time. While going down it is very easy and we don't need to put our energy. Because we felt like flying. while coming up we put some extra energy. Overall we enjoyed a lot and it's really a memorable one. I am sure that I want to visit this place next summer.

We’ve heard about but never visited before - so glad we detoured to see this magnificent National Park! Wish we had more time here!

Great views of Lake MI and the nature around the lake and ecosystem. Plenty of stops for taking pictures and enjoying nature.

Beautiful National Park. We hiked the dunes and some of the other paths and drove through the scenic drive. Was a workout as far a walking goes but absolutely worth the steps. Breathtaking views.

The dunes by the visitor center was fun to walk up and run back down. There should be a sign saying how long the walk is to get to Lake Michigan if you kept going across the dunewalk. We asked someone who was coming back. They said one hour to get there. One hour walk back (no ordinary walk, this is up and down multiple dunes). So we didn't do that. If you get to the visitor center after 4 pm, it's free. But it's good to support this national monument by still donating or going before 4 pm and paying that $25 per vehicle. We ended up paying anyway when we went to the Plaate river the next day- that's the only way to park "legally" to raft down the river-pay $25/car to park. The Lakeshore is a LONG stretch of land and beaches. DO NOT MISS THIS next thing- the scenic overlook. So keep driving down the stretch after the visitors center. Drive into the scenic overlook (stocking drive). After passing the overlook for little and big glen lake, keep driving several more miles and you will get to a sign that says LAKE MICHIGAN OVERLOOK. Park there and walk just a few feet through a sand trail and you will see the most breathtaking view of your life. You will be able to climb/run/fall down this almost 90 degree dune, and crawl back up. There is a sign that it is $3000 to rescue you if you get stuck down there. So be prepared! It's on my bucketlist to go back and roll down and crawl back up. The view alone was worthwhile for now. Don't miss this one. Lake Michigan and these dunes are absolutely amazing.

These dunes are HUGE! Glimpses of the lake along the drive are beautiful. The trails are alluring - wish we had bikes as you can ride safely though the beautiful and pristine woodland trails for miles.

What a beautiful natural treasure! Clear, blue green water and sandy beaches will make you think your not in Michigan anymore. Park pass was $25/car for 7 days- definitely worth it! Enjoyed the dune climb, driving loop, and the beach at Glen Haven. Great for a short trip, but definitely plenty of options for a week or more trip. Don't forget your national parks passport!

These dunes kicked are tough. My son (19) and I attempted the Climbing Dunes. The first hill was about 80 feet straight up. Then it leveled off then another steep climb. Apparently this goes on for 2.5 miles. I made it over 3 dunes until I found a tree to rest. We hear from someone who went to the lake and they said there were 27 hills.. I did 3.. but I’m super proud of what I accomplished, my son probably would have gone all the way to Lake Michigan, but he stayed with me. It’s tough because every step you take you loose ground in the sand. Be sure to take water with you.

Loved hiking here! The views are breathtaking and we experienced everything from wooded areas to the dunes.

We went for the hiking and were not disappointed. It snowed while we were here, which we were thankful for, we love a good snow hike. Also, minimal people, only encountered three other people on the trails. If you like hiking I strongly recommend the Dune Climb, it was awesome!

One of the best places I have visited in Michigan- absolutely love the Sleeping Bear Dunes - the dune climb is fun and Pyramid Point is place not to be missed

The views are spectacular a wonder of beauty.

Stocking Pierce Scenic Drive is worth doing too lots of great lookout points

This place is definitely worth a visit and should be high on your bucket list

Everything about the dunes was incredible! We hiked the Dune Climb till marker #9, and felt complete! (Really couldn't tell how far we still had to go to get to the end.) Although we did hike in the sand barefoot, we did carry our shoes in case the sand got too hot.

Travelled on the Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive. Thoroughly enjoyed the view of the vertical dune climb with the $3000 "rescue fee" if you were unable to make it back up!

Visited Glen Haven and felt like it was very similar to other "historical villages" we have visited in the past.

Be prepared for the hike over the dunes to Lake Michigan. Its about an hour and a half hike to Lake Michigan. Bring water and wear shoes. It will be worth it.

This is an amazing experience, actually breath taking, (especially if you climb any dunes). The drive is awesome, and the views from the one area are great. As others have pointed out, the one dune climb does not initially take you to a lake view; there is a dip, and then more climbing to get to the lake. However, it is a nice climb if you are in reasonable shape. I would recommend hiking poles, but didn't see many folks with theirs.

1 day adventure as part of a week long vacation to the sand dunes on Lake Michigans eastern shore. We only planned 1 day in the Glen Arbor/Empire area but will definitely be back again. The beach near Glen Arbor was blue water that looked like you were in the carribean, cool rock hunting along the beach, and awesome views of Lake Michigan and the Manitou Islands if you take time to climb the sand dunes! probably my favorite place from our whole trip!

Absolutely amazing on how truly big the dunes are. This hike is not for the faith of heart. It was a trek. Once you accomplish the first giant dune you are thinking oh the water it there. Not even close.
It is quite a hike. You need to be in shape and so worth the trek.

Wow, Lake Michigan is stunning! My wife and I spent 5 days in Traverse city and loved every minute. Our favorite day started in Glen Arbor where we ate at Cherry Public House. Then we bought all the cherry things at the store next door.
We rented bikes from the Cyclery and took the Heritage trail to the dunes and did the dune climb (about a 5.5 mile bike, mostly flat.) On the way back to Glen Arbor we stopped at Glen Haven and enjoyed the beach and the water. It was so calm, cool, refreshing, and peaceful! My favorite place we visited!

We were not prepared for the amount of hiking involved on the dunes. Yes we were prepared to hike and we had our water and hiking shoes etc, but you just don’t realize how big the dunes are. Beautiful views and well worth being exhausted lol

It is an impressive du e but seriously I thought getting up the first hill was torture, only to find out there was several others following it. We made it to the top but gave up trying to get to the water. It was a heck of a lot of effort for a so so view, EVEN at sunset

A beautiful beach with excellent views of Lake Michigan and the dune cliffs as well as crystal clear water.

The downside, the beach is popular and can get crowded (especially now that the lake level is risen and the beach/shoreline is a fraction of what it was just a few years ago.

On a sunny day the water is cool, refreshing, calm, and warm. A very pleasant place to be.

We only stopped in to see the dunes. Many kids and people running up & down the dunes. There seems to be a hiking trail. We have knee issues so climbing up the massive sand hill wasn’t an option. I’m sure the park is great.

These dunes were breathtaking- figuratively AND literally! :) The area is unbelievable- beauty all around. BUT, be prepared to walk....and walk....and walk....and walk!
Of the five of us in our family, my 22 year old daughter was the only one who actually made it to see Lake Michigan. It's not an "up one dune and you're done" visit. You go from one to the next to the next...but it was FUN and a memory my family and I will share forever!

I loved scampering up and down the dunes and walking in the sand in barefeet. There's a beach nearby, too. Lots of kids there that were having a blast.

The beautiful and impressive Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is a 35 mile stretch of coastline hugging the northeast shore of Lake Michigan. The park includes the popular climbable dunes of the Dune Climb. Worth a visit but it is very steep and very windy with sand blowing around, walking is not easy over the loose sand.

Amazing views. The Dunes Climb is fun. Take water if you plan to go beyond the first ridge. We then drove to the beach at Glen Haven. A fantastic place to soak in the sun, the view and the cool water! Then had lunch/early dinner in Glen Arbor. Quiet little place. Drove to Inspiration Point - amazing! That was a full day for us.

I haven't been to every corner of the midwest, but I have seen a lot, and I would rate Sleeping Bear Dunes as the best nature in the entire region. The dunes, the height, the blue water below is all fantastic. Hike Pyramid Point Trail for a great experience. Bugs are pretty bad in the summer so bring spray.

We had so much fun exploring the Sleeping Bear Dunes Lakeshore!! So much to do and see! It is absolutely stunning! Definitely a must do and bonus the fall!!

Several huge sand dunes to walk on or up. They lay right by the lake, awlsome view. Great for young people, not easy walking or climbing for seniors.

We had a great time, we didn't attempt the climb the warning sign was enough to stop us from doing that. We did the drive and stopped a few places and got out to take pictures. Dunes are must see, just be sure you wear comfortable shoes and have lots to drink.

The dunes are beautiful but be prepared for quite a long walk uphill from the beach. If you can make it, it's totally worth it!

Great fun and adventure for the kids and not only the kids. Complete challenge climbing 450 feet tall dune was priceless, not easy but well worth it.
We drove 5.5h from Chicago and stayed in Duneswood Resort right in the middle of National Park within 10 minutes bike ride from the dunes.
If you are in good shape you should all try this climb. But be careful if you stuck on the bottom will cost you $3000 to get help !!!

Visiting our nephew who took us to see these unbelievable sand dunes. It is so hard to imagine how high they are until you are standing at the top looking down. What a view. This is a National Park which we did not know so if you have a National Park Pass be sure to take it. Other wise it is 25.00 a car to get in. This is a drive tour that you can stop at overlooks and get out of your car to take pictures and there are picnic areas available too.

We didn’t have a lot of time so, we stopped at the visitor’s center first to get information about where to go. We purchased our souvenirs and then studied the exhibits about the formation of the dunes, lakes, rocks and wildlife. We then proceeded on the driving tour. A reminder that there is a $25 charge for the park. If you have a pass already, the pass owner and 3 others in the car get in. We stopped at each of the viewing areas and the views are absolutely gorgeous! A reminder, again, that if you fall down the dunes, it’ll cost you $3000 for the rescue! Our proudest moment was climbing the climbing dune! We believe it’s about 450 feet! Trudging through the sand was arduous... it was sunny and in the high 60s. I’m 70 and took my time and made it! Coming down was sooo much easier!
Make sure to read about the derivation of the name of the park and look for the Sleeping Bear! This time of year, it wasn’t too busy, so it’s easy to enjoy all the sights! The blue water reminds one of the Caribbean.

Great place to visit breathtaking views of Lake Michigan and the wilderness we did the drive threw the dunes family of 5 it was great only thing missing was a cup of coffee in my hand we lodged at the Lakshore Inn for 2 nights my advice is bring as much snack food or lunch meat as possible eating choices is limited and I do mean limited to about 3 places in town "Empire".Head over to Glen Arbor is a must also very nice scenic ride great coffee shop there fresh baked goodies plain donuts my favorite with banana nutbread flavored coffee also went to Traverse City enjoyed that as well the sleeping bear dunes is awsome I'm telling you very relaxing and peaceful stress free trip .

Visiting the Lake Michigan shoreline up around Empire is worth the trip up north. This National Park offers scenic vistas (whether dune, forest, or lake) and will allow you to take in nature, give you a lot of enjoyment. You can hike, bike, stroll, so many ways to take in the area. Must do: Dune Climb and a couple hikes to scenic overlooks. Oh, and take a dip in Great Lakes!

This is a must if you're heading up to Traverse City. It's about a 25-30 minute drive away. You pay by the car load ($25). The Dunes were a lot of fun but also very exhausting. It's quite the climb up them. Be prepared! Wear comfortable clothing. The climb is worth it. The views are breathtaking from the top. You get to see Lake Michigan for miles. Definitely check it out.

Great National Park to See. Ranger Desk will tell you how long you should be there and where you should go. It was great to do hiking see the scenic route and see the tour

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.

So the dune climb was outrageous. It's not for the faint of heart, but once you're at the top, it's really a great view and you can look down and see the parking lot before your eyes make it to the adjacent lake. The scenic drive was incredible and there are more dunes there for the brave. Views are amazing, and it was a great day of exploring!!!

Beautiful NP. Recommend walking the sand dunes for the experience. They seem to go on forever so we did not walk the trail to the lakeshore. We enjoyed the scenic drive. The best stop was 9 and 10 to see the lakeshore. Absolutely beautiful! Highly recommend Sleeping Bear!

Such a beautiful place to visit as couples or families.
So much fun. Great dine climb and not too hard. A little
Expensive to just park
Your car. $20.00

My husband and I camped at Platte River campground site 211 for 8 nights. We hiked, rode our bikes on various bike trails, visited wineries. The campground facilities were the cleanest I have ever seen and the campground was spotless! The campground was truly beautiful and a wonderful home for our week! A loud shout out to the staff at that National Park!

Fun place to visit, lots of great views and great hiking spots. We also had a picnic here. Very quiet in October, I’m sure it’s packed in the summer months. $25 entrance fee.

While spending a week in Traverse city we knew we had to check out sleeping bear sand dunes. They did not disappoint, but they’re not up to par with other national parks we’ve been to.

It is definitely worth the $25 vehicle entrance fee. I could post pictures, but it just won't give the scope of the Dunes. Immense

Very interesting park along the shores of Lake Michigan ... it's spread out a bit so you'll need a car or bicycle to get around to see most things. There is an established bike path that wanders through much of the park. We climbed the dune ... but be prepared, it's steep and is not a short "hike" ... it is at least 1.5 miles to the lakeshore over rolling sand dunes. Views of Lake Michigan are pretty sweet. Visit the abandoned village and check out the blacksmith's shop ... the volunteers in there were absolutely wonderful.

The family always enjoys a trip to Sleeping Bear. From the wonderful views to the dunes, this is a great outdoor experience. Military get in free to national parks, so if you still have your ID, even more of an incentive to stop by.

I think national parks are always cool to go to! The sleeping bear dunes and the scenic drive were great to see!! It can be a climb, so be ready!

If you go to Sleeping Bear you have to climb the dunes, right? My suggestion, climb the first dune and call it a day! We walked all the way to the lake thinking we were going to see some awesome view......not the case and the long hike in sand was totally NOT worth it. We were a family of 5 with 3 teenagers daughters and they agreed. It is an incredible work. Walking to the lake isn't that bad but walking back is a killer. Take the scenic drive and be sure and stop at #9&10 that there is the awesome view!

You have to pay $25 to drive the scenic route and to see the huge sand dunes. We did not spend a lot of time here but we did go to the main lookout. You park and walk just a short distance. It is an overlook of Lake Michigan and you are surrounded by dunes. It was spectacular! I would like to spend more time here and explore all there is here. I would recommend!!!

I don’t recommend going on a windy day because it is REALLY windy on the dunes, but it is absolutely gorgeous. Amazing views of Lake Michigan. Fall colors in full glory. It was an amazing place to stop and see on the way to Traverse City. Absolutely Gorgeous.

Love the views! Absolutely beautiful here in the fall! Don’t miss visiting here! You will not be disappointed!

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!

Sleeping Bear Dunes is absolutely amazing and definitely worth seeing. It is unbelievable that all of this sand, the bluffs, the lake, the trees, the look out points, there is so much to see all along the scenic drive.

Spectacular!!! Plan for the whole day. We did the scenic tour, climbed the dunes. Then we drove up to an old fishing town. Lake Michigan is breathtaking. Great place for the whole family.

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

We drove through the park on a recent visit to Traverse City. It’s been years since we visited and we absolutely loved it. Gorgeous drive through the hardwood forest with multiple stops to see the views and take pictures. Dog friendly too. The dunes are amazing! Will definitely go again, hopefully in the fall next time.

We enjoyed the beautiful National Sleeping Bear Dunes Park hiking for a better view of Lake Michigan and driving around on a long weekend enjoying history and each others company. Pack a day bag with a picnic lunch enjoy the 100 miles of hiking/biking trails.

It was not made into a national Lakeshore for nothing. It is a very beautiful stretch of land along Lake Michigan with sand dunes, forests scenic drives and a great place for a hiking and enjoying the outdoors. It is well worth going out of the way to spend some time out doors.

Had a very nice visitor center with a very friendly and helpful staff.

Run Run Run - I had a ball running up and down the sand dunes with my children, it was really fun. It took all their energy too, thanks God.

This was my second trip to Sleeping Bear Dunes and the first one where I really got to do some hiking. The whole day was excellent.

I came from the north, so the first place I stopped was in Glen Arbor. I checked out the Blowdown Section of the Heritage Trail. That was cool to see. Next I headed to the Pyramid Point Trail (stopping at the NPS Sign for a quick picture) and hiked the couple mile loop, including the dune overlook, which was amazing.

Since I had done Glen Haven before, I went and drove Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive, which was closed my last visit. I stopped at most of the points of interesr

Was to b highlight of r trip and was closed I guess for covid. How stupid when it’s open air platform ! Michigan needs to lighten up several other places
Closed also and we were not happy ! Traveled 9 hrs to see it 🤬😡

So, yes. I climbed the dune. I am not a huge hiking fan, nor am I in great shape, but it because a quest. I wanted to make it to the top and see what the hundreds of trekkers were seeing, so i took my time and made it to the top. It's not a tough climb for those in good shape - many people went right by me. But the sand is deep and the steps are measured. It takes a bit of time. However, when you DO make it to the top, the view is well worth the climb. Truly beautiful view of the inland lake and "The Big Lake", Lake Michigan. Worth the climb!!!

We spent lots of time in this beautiful park, hiking, and enjoying the amazing views and even got LOST...........the trails are NOT well marked. we took a left and climbed bery steep cliffs and saw lots of DUNES, then later learned you go down the trail, walkway just below the dam and go down to the 400 step climb that way. GLAD we eventually figured it out, but all we asked were not sure how to find it. WHAT VIEWS... must fun running back down the high dunes

Visiting on a weekend getaway this past July, we enjoyed the scenic views from Empire, the beach, visitor center, dune walk, but we were a little perplexed at the cost of entrance to the scenic drive, which is mostly a roadway thru wooded hills with a few overlooks of the dune system and lake. Other National Parks and Monuments offer quite a bit more for the price. Other than that a beautiful must see area !

We stopped in Empire, MI, just so we could visit this National
Lakeshore. We stopped at the visitor center, got suggestions as to what to do and set out to explore. Amazing high dunes on the shore of the Lake. not what you expect away from the ocean.

We were there for a day - walked (and climbed!) the dunes, strolled along the lakeshore and drove the scenic route

Always a joy to see one of my favorite places. I've been coming here since I was a young child, then with friends, then brought my family, still going. We took the Pierce Stocking Drive, to show my Floridian son-in-law the 500 foot sand dune and the beautiful views to Lake Michigan. He thought it was cool. We enjoyed sometime on the viewing platform. It was recently improved. Seating benches available.

So much sand! It wasn't easy going up the paved pathway, as it was covered in deep sand. The bench that was at the top was removed due to sand. The wooden walkway was removed due to fighting the elements of sand!

Bathrooms near the parking lot. That lot was very busy that day, as it was a beautiful October day. Lots of people attempting to climb down and hopefully making it back...lol.

There are other beautiful views along the drive. This one is still the most popular.

Great National Park in Michigan. Perfect for spending a long weekend or extended stay camping, hiking, biking, kayaking, and more. There are many beautiful overlooks and beaches. Access to clear, inland lakes and great nearby towns with a quaint feel.

As a family you can determine how much of an adventure Sleeping Bear can be for you. Beautiful, historic drives through the National Park, scenic hikes or walks , biking, and climbing the dunes. You can climb an easy route or a more extensive route up the dunes. We chose the basic route and it was a good choice for us and our 11 year old. Wear sunscreen, maybe bug spray , and be prepared to take your shoes off to dump the sand out. Definitely a great place to visit.

I would recommend seeing everything here. Take your time and enjoy. Its a beautiful area. Great for a family or just a couple weekend get away.

Prepare for a strenuous hike. Everytime you crest a dune, there's another one! Bring water and good hiking shoes, but it is well worth the view. Great workout and great day!

Hard hike in the sand but worth it! The views are beautiful. 27 markers to the end which is the lake. Going back is challenging . Plenty of parking and bath rooms. Bring water and prepare to get sand in your shoes!

This should be an actuacl national park over the last two choices by overzealous politicians in Missouri (Gateway Arch, are you kidding me?!?) & Indiana (Indiana Dunes, better choice but nah). This is ran by the national park service. My NPS annual pass was accepted here for parts of the park that have an entrance fees! Some of the largest sand dunes in the United States and largest in the Midwest are located here. We spent two days in the area. We rode the bicycle trail from Empire to Glen Arbor. We hiked many trails including near some of the large dunes.
Amazing views of Lake Michigan, North & South Manitou islands, and many species of birds. Weather was outstanding our two days with morning clouds clearing to afternoon sun. The area is hilly so keep that in mind for the hiking and bicycle trails. Some of the inclines?declines on the bicycle trail are 9 to 11%. The staff at the visitor center was helpful & friendly. Our first visit but it won't be our last.

There are lots of locations for hikes on well-marked trails, with interesting plants and beautiful views of the dunes and surrounding lakes.

We did the scenic drive, dune climbing and the Sleeping Bear Point in Glen Arbor. All these experiences were great for our family. The drive is nice and then you get to the top of lookout to walk out on the dune. If you climb down the dune it's supposed to be a 2hour climb back up. We just did the view. However, when we got to the dune climb we took part in this. It was so much fun even my 4 year old enjoyed it. It is a long climb in sand, and was tiring. But a great experience. Finally be we went to the point which is a small hike but you come out to Lake Michigan and there were not many people. This Park has something for everyone.

We were instructed by the reservationist from our hotel in Muskegon to stay off the interstate from Mackinaw Island and take the Lake Michigan scenic route and stop at Sleeping Bear Dunes ... HOLY COW! We turned off the road, drove the equivalent of a few blocks, and I swear we had been transported to another planet! This park is incredible!! The dunes are unbelievable ... my husband and I just watched from the main parking lot because it looked like more effort than we were willing to spend, but those who were seemed to have a lot of fun. There were many people (including those with canes, etc.) who walked to the top, although I was told that when they reach the top, there's another one and another one to keep going. We then took the scenic drive, which doesn't take more than about an hour, even stopping at all scenic lookouts. The ones that look out onto the lake from up high on the dunes literally took my breath away. Living in the midwest, I have never seen anything like this!! I'm amazed this place isn't more widely known. If you're in the area, PLEASE take some time to drive through and see what I'm talking about!!

We did the Indian Trail hike as it was listed as easy. It takes you out to a dune and the water. We then drove the scenic drive. This is wonderful. There are several scenic overlooks to see the dunes and water. We used our national parks pass so we didn’t have to pay.

The dunes were amazing! Since we came in from the north our first stop was at the Dune Climb. If you are traveling with children this stop is a must. As it was the last day of school in the area there were busses of children here enjoying themselves walking up the dunes and rolling back down, burying each other in the sand, and just having a wonderful time. Bring a picnic lunch and enjoy!
We also drove the Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive and it was lovely. Beautiful views of the dunes, Lake Michigan and Glen Lake.
Would highly recommend if in the area.

I climbed two dunes which was great, the views are outstanding. I also drove the scenic route and stopped at the overlook points - beautiful scenery even though it was a cloudy/rainy/misty day. I did not hike but am sure it would have been great. I thought the price was a bit steep but maybe I'm just out of touch with park fees. If you have any interest at all in the place, make a day out of it and just go!

The visitor center provided the essence of the park including the geological history of the area (who knew that those black streaks we've seen so often on beaches could be magnetite?) Cool. Options for walking and biking and driving were provided. - We chose the scenic drive and very much enjoyed the views.

Lots of trails to explore. Some sandy some not. Giant dunes. great views. Cool shoreline. Scenic. Campgrounds are also quite nice (even though they are large)

Great views. Visitor center is nice. Trails for all level of hikers. Be prepared for sand in your shoes. It was strange to us the way you drove around town to get to different locations in the park. Make sure you get a map and read the street signs.
Our favorite was Empire Bluff Trail.

Our first stop while on family vacation in the area was to Sleeping Bear Dunes. The day was sunny, bright an very warm. This is an attraction that shouldn't be missed if you've not visited before. The climb to the top of the dunes is rewarded by views of Lake Michigan and other bodies of water in the immediate area and the impressiveness of the dunes themselves. Very much worth any effort it takes to get to this attraction. An added bonus, don't forget if you have a National Parks and Federal Recreation Lands Pass, you and whomever is in your vehicle enters the area without charge. This is northern Michigan at its' best!

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.

After stopping at the visitor's center, we got our map and took the Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive. We got the directions from the center as to where to start. This 7.5 mile drive is open May until Mid-November. It has all the National Park Service arrowhead signs along the way to tell you where to stop for observations or when to read from your free visitor's guide. The covered bridge #1 is beautiful. We stopped to see dune overlooks and beech, maple and pine forests. So unique to have such diversity. Don't climb down the steep dunes for fear of the 2 hour climb back up or the possible rescue fee costs!! I wouldn't think of it! They are so steep that would be just craziness but they are amazingly beautiful.

This was such a beautiful view. I recommend making the stops along the way. It is also worth walking down part of the dune if you are not confident you can go all the way down and back up. None of us tried to go all the way down. Hearing it was 3k to get you back up made the decision for us😆

We enjoyed visiting this national park while in the Traverse City area. I would suggest stopping at the Visitor Center in Empire to get oriented and pick up some maps. Next, take the Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive. It is a great drive with several stops and overlooks. Be sure to stop at the Dune Climb (north of the scenic drive, not on it). It is something to experience! This is a huge sand dune that is quite a climb. Only attempt if you are able. My wife and I are in our 60's, but we took our time and made it up the large portion. It is supposedly over 2 miles up and then over to Lake Michigan. We went up the steep part to say we did it and to see the view. That was enough for us! We wish our grandkids had been along. The kids that we climbing there were having a blast! There is a park fee since it is a national park. We had our Senior Pass, so it did not cost us anything extra. We would definitely recommend a visit to Sleeping Bear Dunes!

My wife had memories of this before it was a National Seashore - back in the 60's and wanted to show it off to me. Since I grew up on the beach off the Atlantic and we had visited sand dunes near Dubai, I was not prepared to be impressed, but impressed I was. The Pierce Stocking Drive is exquisite - through beautiful and lush birch and maple forests, bird songs all over in otherwise wonderful silence, the funky covered bridge, and then two sights not to be missed anywhere - the Lake Michigan overlook and the Sleeping Bear Dune overlook with South Manitou Island in the background. Flowers including roses and lilies that you don't expect, soft, soft sand delicious on bare feet - and it doesn't stick to your feet either and being just crazy enough, but not too crazy to try climbing up a sand dune. Great, great fun!

Our first stop was the park headquarters located in Empire. A self guided tour of the geology, fauna and wildlife, as well as books and souvenirs. The seven day park pass helps support the ongoing efforts and is required to enter the Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive. The trails we took were all easy to moderate and parking was easy during that time of the year. I'd suggest going online and dloading the map to help plan your day...

Hiked the Dune Trail - 2 miles each way (4 mile RT) from parking lot to lakeshore. Very fun hike. Nice clean bathrooms at the base.

My family (me, husband, and kids 18, 15, & 9) just returned from a trip to Sleeping Bear Dunes. It was beautiful! We really enjoyed the dune climb and the dune overlook on the Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive. We wish we had had more time to spend on everything.

Beautiful scenery, breathtaking views, clear water, gorgeous beaches, great trails, clean and all travelers met were respectful.

Truth be told, my wife's and my itinerary in less than a week through the 'Mitten' plus the U.P. did not allow us time for the Dunes, barely enough for dinner in Traverse City nearby, and also kept us from exploring that region's wine country. But we did get to the heavy-duty Soo Locks at Sault Ste. Marie, the excellent/affordable Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum at Whitefish Point, and quaint, fudge-filled Mackinac Island via ferry from quiet St. Ignace. All three are quite kid-friendly, based upon families we observed at all those places. Michigan can boast of many a pleasant beach and lighthouse -- farm markets, museums -- think Dearborn -- and ballparks that likely would appeal to the kid in all of us.

One of the wonders of Michigan. Great sand cliffs, great hikes and refreshing swims in Lake Michigan.

I love this place. The sand is so soothing and soft. It was drizzling so the experience was different than totally dry sand, but I heard it’s easier to walk on when it’s wet.

I went to take pictures for my birthday, the views are amazing! I'm definitely going back to bring my family here. This is a beautiful view of Michigan!

What this park has to offer is amazing! The dunes, hikes, and lakeshore are all fantastic. My only issue is that I found it a little confusing that there were mini parks within the larger area - like the Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive, Dune Hike, or the old historic town of Glen Harbor - but it’s really all part of the same park. You pay one admission for your car ($25) and then you can go to different areas around the lakeshore. Unfortunately, the park’s website doesn’t really help much! They don’t provide addresses for the different areas, so you have to hope they come up in your map app. We did really enjoy the park, we just felt like we missed some areas because we thought we were seeing them and they ended up being in completely separate places. It turns out we saw more than enough and everything was gorgeous.

If you have kids who want to get a Junior Ranger badge, be sure to ask for the booklet at the first gate where you pay your entrance fee. They will tell you where you can hand it in for a badge.

What a national treasure! The views are exceptional. The lake disappears over the horizon. The water is a gorgeous green. I loved the drive through the park and the various places to stop and get out. I'm glad I got to see this in my lifetime. It definitely makes you appreciate the beauty of "Pure Michigan"!

We thoroughly enjoyed visiting Sleeping Bear Dunes. It's a beautiful drive through the loop of the park. The dunes are exciting and fun. We watched several people descend the biggest dune to the water front and then struggle back up. We didn't even try. If you can't make it back up and they have to send rescue personnel, it can cost you $3000 or more!
We loved sticking our feet in the sand, loved the views, and loved learning the legend of Sleeping Bear. We plan to take family back in the future and spend more time.

Had not been here in over 50 years, my how it has evolved. What a beautiful forest and views from up high over the dunes, water, just totally amazing. It was too cold to hike it but the drive through for only $25 a carload was well worth it. Truly spectacular.

My mom and I did the scenic drive. It had lots of lookout points and trails. And the dune climb was well with the effort!

The diversity of the landscape is amazing. The National Park Service has done an excellent job of providing access to the various viewpoints, while preserving the property. Visitors should start at the NPS office in Empire MI to receive excellent maps and instructions of what to see based upon the time available. All trails and sights are well marked. The massive size of the sand dunes is impressive. Much more interesting than the Sand Dunes in Colorado. Buy the NPS annual pass—substantial saving for travelers who will visit more than one National Park in a particular year.

Loved it! Kids had a great time. I had been wanting to visit for 20 years and it was worth the wait. Can't wait to go back.

We were going to skip this attraction, because have 2 little kids, but so glad we didn't. You can drive through and see several different scenic overlook spots. We were in awe when we walked up a little sand hill and saw what was on the other side for number 8 and 9. Completely breathtaking! Take a chair and sit there and enjoy it as long as you'd like. The whole drive through trip is $25 per car and your pass is good for 7 days. Highly recommended!!!

Sadly, we got there just a few minutes after the visitor center closed for the day.
At least one of the most scenic drives was closed.
The biggest dune was very intriguing, wish we had the time and wardrobe to make the climb.
There are a lot of hiking and biking trails.
With some of the scenic drives closed, the value of a driving tour is diminished.

Overall, recommended far more for hikers, bikers, and climbers than drivers

What a stellar way to experience a dune! While on a first time visit to Traverse City, we all hiked the big dune at our own speed. Even though most of us did not run down the dune, we all were smiling at the end of the trek down. It allowed us to state that we had "conquered" the dune as well as providing an excuse to overeat post hike!

The Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive within Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is a MUST. It's beautiful and easy to do, and it has some gorgeous stop-offs for you to get out of your car and look around and admire the beauty of the dunes meeting the sapphire blue waters of Lake Michigan. We also did Dune Trail before doing the Pierce Stocking Drive, and that is a true workout. You need to be in good physical condition for it, and you need to have water and snacks in a back pack. Dune Trail is about 3.5 miles round trip, which technically isn't a lot, but thru sand, IT IS and can easily take a couple of hours! There are no water fountains, snack shops, vending machines or phone chargers/outlets along the route, so come prepared!

Sleeping 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!

We did a day trip from Petoskey and arrived at the visitor center promptly at 9:00 to pick up a map/suggestions for our visit. We did the Pierce Stocking drive which only takes about an hour, making the stops along the way. One stop has the steep views downward (don't be tempted to hike down unless you are sure you can get back up). We then went to the dune climb and did about 1.5 miles round trip (marker 4) to get a view of Lake Michigan and a calf workout. If it is hot out, the earlier the better. We also took a look at the village a bit further north before we left to explore Traverse City.

We spent a day in the national park visiting the historical area, hiking and taking in the scenery. We travelled around by car but also easy to hike a bike as a flat 22 mile paved track runs throughout the park.

Quite different to other parks we've visited as you have a combination of sand dunes, woods, lakes and grass/meadow with pretty wildflowers in summer.

We really enjoyed our day. There are lots of great photo opportunities, interesting history and wonderful hikes of various durations, all well signed. (Be prepared for some thigh burning dune climbs!)

There are no cafes or facilities in the park except fir toilets, but plenty of picnic tables, so pick up some supplies for an al fresco lunch before heading in, along with plenty of water. Alternatively, the park isn't that big so it's relatively easy to head back out to Empire or Glen Arbor for lunch and then come back in if you prefer.

We stayed in a motel in Empire which isnt more than a few streets with two super casual eateries and day time cafes.

Empire is at one end of the national park and is also the home of the visitor centre to buy your pass and pick up maps. However, if I was to return I would stay at Glen Arbour at the other end of the park, which is 7 miles by road from Empire, especially if I was planning on spending more than 1 or 2 nights. Glen Arbour has more of a small resort town feel with more amenities, some nice shops and a good small supermarket.

It was an overcast, slightly rainy day, so we decided to take the scenic drive and then go hiking. Glad we did! Well worth the drive from Traverse City (around 40 minutes). The cost to get into the dunes is $25 good for a wekk (it is a national park) unless you have an annual pass.

The day we went was foggy, so at some of the viewing areas you couldn’t see anything. I would recommend checking the weather prior to your trip to make sure it will be clear enough to see. Otherwise, it was a beautiful drive, none of the viewing areas were difficult to reach even for the elderly people in the group, and the folklore surrounding the dunes is very interesting!

The husband and I took a day trip to SB. The weather was great. We took the Pierce Stocking drive. It was a little windy but that kept the flies away and the warm air tolerable. We walked to the vantage point and were able to see a magnificent view. The crowds were ot too thick. After an hour of roaming the place we finished the drive and went to the visitor center. The museum was informative and I was able to get my obligatory magnet and postcards. Would love to do again.

Spent a day here on a recent trip to Michigan. Loved the diversity of the park. First did the scenic drive. Did the little dune hike from the drive. Stopped at all the lookouts. then we did the dune walk. Only accomplished three as they were a lot of work. But they afforded great views of the lake. Did the lake overlook. Also did a farm trail, checked out the maritime area. Ate a great lunch at cherry place in ann arbor. Visited loon lake and platte river int he southern section. We wish we had a second day in the park.

The scenic drive is currently closed. There is an area where you can climb the dunes and it’s worth a visit. But dogs are not allowed. We made a big effort to get to the dunes - not sure I would if we’d known the drive was closed and we knew dogs couldn’t go up the dunes.

If you have never been to Sleeping Bear Dunes, it is definitely worth going to at least once. The beach is gorgeous and there are always people climbing the dunes. Be warned though, it looks a lot shorter than it actually is, so make sure you are ready for some exercise!

These dunes on Lake Michigan offered a beautiful view and the 450 drop in dunes was a remarkable site. There is an on duty onsite person who attempts to persuade people not to try to go down to the Lake. A posted sign notes $3000 for a rescue. I do feel the National Park Service price for entry was excessive. $25 per car for just a day seemed a little pricey. That is the same fee or near the same fee as Yellowstone a national Park. Of course the main problem is Yellowstone entry is too cheap.

Beautiful views, if you like nature this is a perfect venue. Beautiful lake views and places to stop and wet your feet.

Park was closed for cars, so we did lots of walking to get to see the site. We really Enjoyed the nature and beauty of dunes.

What an incredible experience. We enjoyed the walk, education and especially the view. The walk wasn't difficult and learning all the details of the two island was informative. Don't go off the edge to the base, it's a $3000 rescue.

We hiked on our own and had a blast! It is gorgeous, the paths are relatively well marked, and all in all it is something everyone should see.

This was my first visit to the park. It was beautiful. The weather was perfect and since we were there off-season we did not encounter many park visitors.

As mentioned, the weather was perfect. There was a thick haze/fog over the water but, near shore, the rippling water could be seen. A young couple arrived for their marriage while we were at the overlook; it was a perfect setting.

DO NOT ATTEMPT TO TRAVERSE THE DUNES UNLESS YOU AREIN EXCELLENT CONDITION. IF YOU HAVE TO BE RESCUED YOU WILL BE CHARGED. You can see the scenic sights from the walkways and the constructed overlooks.

We climbed the dunes to the lake. This included 3 in shape 45-57 adults and 3 teenagers. It did take about 2 hours each way. We started by 10:30 which was good because even on a day in the 70’s it was very hot on way back. I’d recommend sneakers with taller socks. We saw some people just in socks and that looked pretty good. Water shoes were NOT a good idea. Sand got stuck. I would also not recommend going barefoot way back gets very hot. My issue with this event is that when you climb the seven, yes there are seven, dunes the lake is a boring lake and a tiny sliver of beach. I recommend climbing the first 2 dunes, turning around and looking at that lake. It’s more interesting than the one 1:45 later!!

We had the opportunity to come here during fall and it was absolutely stunning. I am sure this place is beautiful at all times of the year, but the color changes of the leaves was particularly impressive. Furthermore, it seemed no where near as crowded as it might have been during summer.

Regardless, this is definitely a must-visit if you are around Michigan.

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.

Dunes are amazing. Seem to be endless. Sleeping Bear Heritage bike trail is awesome. Even a couple Michigan Mountains. Ice cream in Empire. Road cycling around Arbor Lake area is great too

The reviews are all true. Very nice attraction. If walking the dunes is an issue, there is a great scenic drive with tremendous views.

I have lived most of my life on the western side of Lake Michigan and know all it's nooks and crannies. How I never visited Sleeping Bear Dunes is a mystery! The dunes, the clear water, the sunsets, the bike rides and river trips. There is so much to experience - very active or laying in a hammock under the beautiful forest canopy. Can't wait to return. Next time we will bring our bikes so we don't have to rent. Looking forward to trying the night-time kayaking along the coast.

We decided to spend a few days in the Traverse City area on our way to Mackinac Island. From Traverse City, Sleeping Bear Dunes NL is probably a 30-40 minute drive west. We entered the park through Empire, stopping at the visitor center. Very helpful staff there, and they had multiple recommendations based on what you wanted to do. We selected the circle drive and a hike - both far exceeded our expectations. The size of the dunes was impressive and there were many places to wander into your own private dune. My kids loved it as well, as hiking on sand seems to be more fun!

My family stopped here on our way to traverse city. We all wanted to climb the sand dune for a picturesque view of Lake Michigan. One by one the 5 of us decided we wouldn’t make the end but it was a fun activity. Tons of great picture opportunities even if you don’t finish.

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.

Have always wanted to visit here as it’s one of a few locations that I haven’t gone to in Michigan. Hot, steamy weather in the Midwest meant “road trip” North for cooler temps. This National Park did not disappoint. Nor did the weather! It was picture perfect! We climbed the main posted climbing dune early in day before the sands were heated. Climbed without shoes for better traction. Take water! It’s challenging but the views of Glen Lake & surrounding countryside are worthy. Next drove the short drive to Glen Haven, a historical shipping village within the park, with a very small parking lot. There is a small but rocky beach front that brings limited visitors for sunbathing. The village has a General Store for limited supplies so bring your own. Finally did the Pierce Stocking scenic drive for some gorgeous vistas and hiking. This is definitely a wonderful National Park and I will come again. Full day of fun & sightseeing!

The drive was amazing... The views were that of a postcard and climbing the sand dunes was literally breath taking.... It was fun for the entire family. If ever in the area again we would stop again.

It was great! Would do it again. Great reward making it to the lake and cooling off! We went on a gorgeous day but if you are with older family members, it may be wise to plan to go very slowly if sunny. We loved it. My 11 and 13 year olds did great as well as
My husband and I. It was definitely Italy moderate to difficult with re terrain and heat. Maybe if it was under 80 in the sun, I would call
It moderate.

This area is beautiful. It's a big, sprawling park, and can be a little confusing driving around. Our GPS didn't take us to the correct place, and our cell signals were intermittent, so plan ahead. First stop should be the visitor's center. They have brochures available to help you plan what you want to do. There's a great driving tour with a lot of stops, but it isn't always obvious what you're looking at, so you need the brochure. There's also a geology driving tour brochure that is very informative. There are miles of hiking trails, tons of swimming beaches, and a little historic town. You can climb the dunes at the dune climb and there's a small boat museum and a maritime museum on the property. It was very crowded when we went though, but most people seemed to be there to swim. Neither of the museums were crowded and one of the rangers suggested a couple of trails that didn't get as much foot traffic.

This is a great experience! The first climb is the hardest and after that, it's just longer than you'd expect but the view at the end is excellent. We went at a particularly nasty weather day with very high winds and low temps but there were still quite a few of us braving the elements to see the view at the end. And the high winds made for some great pictures showing the blowing sands.

Visited Memorial Day weekend. Be aware that "summer" does not start here until after Father's Day. It was in 50s-60s temperature wise, and some places are not open every day because it is early in the season. Loved the variety of hiking trails in the area.

We spent two days exploring the shoreline and doing the Dune Climb. Scenery was just beautiful - gave you a southern California feel.
We didn't know much about the dune clime - but it was a lot more than we expected - great workout and exercise - took us an hour each way - but stunning sights along the way. So glad we did it.
Take the Scenic Drive and stop and the lookout points - you will be glad you did.

We 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.

Clean, accessible, and historic national park. The ranger gave us great guidance on what is reasonable for a young family to accomplish within the park for a half day visit.

We did the dune walk and select stops on the scenic drive she recommended. Everything we needed to experience the dunes with our group!

Tip: you won't be able to take in everything in a day. So either plan for select activities, or allow 2+ days if you want to do longer hikes, more time intensive activities.

I love the Sleeping Bear Sand Dunes. The views here are absolutely stunning, and a Michigan must-see. If you are down for a hike, I highly recommend going over all the dunes to get to the lake shore. It's a good workout, and it's so pretty once you make it to the end. The trip back is slightly easier, but there's still a lot of up and down, as they are dunes you're traversing. We came in early October and the weather was perfect. A little chilly in the morning, but we came early and had the dunes pretty much to ourselves. It warmed up a little and made the climb a lot easier without it being super hot. If you're coming in summer, definitely pack a lot of water and sunscreen because there is not a lot of shade. Even if you don't do the full hike, it's still well worth a visit to see the dunes. It was $25 for a parking pass when we went.

My wife and I spent a long weekend in Traverse City and took a morning to drive to Sleeping Bear Dunes. I visited here several times as a child, and it's still just as beautiful. Amazing views from above the lake. Good idea to come early in the summer, it gets pretty crowded.

When I told the park ranger we had forgotten our park passes but I was a military veteran, he said no problem. I was issued a military pass which is good for one year and explained the differences between the military pass and the senior pass. Park ranger was very informative and helpful by providing us with directions to his favorite hiking trail. The visitor center was clean and well maintained.

Great National park-be sure to do the scenic drive too. If planning to do the Dunes Climb- be sure to pack water and food- it is 1 3/4 miles out and back all walking through sand, with some steep hills to go over. Total of 27 of the sign post you will pass. We did not know this starting out and went out to about sign post 7 were you can begin to see the water (but still along way away from it.)

We road our bikes though out the area. Great trails though out. Climbed one of the dunes. It felt like spring on my feet coming down the sandy hill.

Beautiful place out in nature, picnic, bike ride, kayak near by or climb the gigantic dunes! We went twice and had a ball! They have star gazing parties several times a year. Awesome sunsets over the dunes!! If going on a weekend, I would go earlier in the day as it gets packed fast. $25 to get in but that's good for a week of visits!!

Interesting history in this area. They dunes are really huge. When viewing from the top, people at the bottom look like ants. Because Lake Michigan's level is way up, there are not beaches.

Wow!! This view was amazing. Pictures do not do it justice. It is so steep. We enjoyed watching people try to climb this dune.

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.

We visited Sleeping Bear Dunes for the first time and it was beautiful. We really lucked out on great weather so that made it even better. There is so much to see and do and we only had a couple of days. Unfortunately the Pierce Stocking drive was closed due to construction but we did part of the dune climb. We weren't sure what to expect and that is quite the hike. We also hiked up to Pyramid Point and that view is stunning. We also got to take in the beach at Glen Arbor and stroll around in that cute little town. There really is so much more to see and do and I hope to visit again to explore the area some more.

Sleeping Bear is beyond anything we ever imagined. Lake Michigan is beautiful beyond words. The turquoise water looks fake it is so perfect. We didn't hike the dunes because it was too hot, but looks like the would have been fun. Do not pass up this stop, so amazing.

We enjoyed the sleeping bear dune and the drive by the national lake shore. Visited the America's National Park Store, the replica village at Empire, MI. So many fun things to do and learn about. The blacksmith shop and the cannery were the top favorites! So much history!

It’s absolutely gorgeous. You can’t even believe it’s not the ocean. The water is so clear and the beaches so natural.

Love all the trails for hiking and biking. Dog was psyched to go with us too. Beautiful area. Lot's of artisan bakers in the area as well. Yum

Gorgeous views and wonderful hiking in the sand. Tackled the 450 foot beast at marker 9/10. Not for the timid!!! Then swam at the bottom. Fond memories with my children! It’s our second time here.

I love Lake Michigan beaches, so I was super excited to go to Sleeping Bear Dunes. From a distance the dunes and lake looked beautiful and inviting. However, once we got to the beach it was covered in dead fish, like LOTS of dead fish. Went to another beach and it was the same thing. I guess periodic fish die offs are normal for the area. Also there were lots of biting flies on the beach. If you are looking for a pleasant beach day one of the Michigan State Parks like Lundington or Petoskey may be a better choice.

Covid-19 prevented using or seeing almost any part of this park. We expected parts may still be closed but the scenic drive??? VERY disappointed not to at least be able to drive along the shore line or visit the Visitor's Center. We will not likely ever be able to get back here again.

Must see if in the area stop 9 & 10 are amazing
I try and stop every time I’m I the area it never gets old, those spots take your breath away. It’s such an awesome place in my home state, definitely a must go

It is a very clean beach. People are respectful and maintain their distance. The water is very clear. It is important that you go on a hot day because the water is very cold. It is beautiful to look at. It is a peaceful place to reflect. The parking is inexpensive. You do need water shoes because the rocks in the water are big and stepping on them is uncomfortable. However, the rocks are not sharp.

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!

We are National Parks enthusiasts and we found NW Michigan very pretty and quite enjoyable. Sleeping Bear Dunes National Seashore is very neat. The found the surrounding countryside of neat small towns and villages a quaint surprise. The Park visitor’s center is open year round.

I hadn't been to the dunes since I was a child. Taking my own children there brought back great memories. Pierce Stocking Drive with turnouts to see overviews and seeing deer was one of the highlights of the trip. If you are in the area, be sure to visit the viewing station at Arcadia, the Arcadia ice cream shop, the bakery in Frankfort, and The Einerlie in Sutton's Bay. Incredible time this past summer!

Our first stop was the visitor center, to get a map and watch a short video, which was worthwhile. We took the Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive and got out at several places. The view is spectacular. the beauty is breathtaking. We then went to the Dune Climb. What an experience. It is amazing. This is a great place for families to visit.

Scenic overlooks allow views of the lake. A 600 foot trail through sand leads to platform overlooking the lake.

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

The lakeshore is beautiful to view from a distance and to walk down to from the top of the bluffs. The sand feels nice and it is very white. It’s my favorite thing to do in Northern Michigan!

We did the sleeping bear dune hike in the evening as we knew rain was moving into the area. Im glad we pushed through and got it done before dusk. It took us about 2.5hours to do the while hike with minimal stopping. Once we reached Lake Michigan, we were greeted with beautiful views. Allow yourself plenty of time and definitely be prepared and bring water.

Decided to visit Sleeping Bear Dunes while on vacation. I made the mistake of not reading reviews before our visit. The views are stunning but the hike isn't easy. If you have the stamina to hike this, it's a must do. My biggest regret was forgetting my water in the car. We took several short breaks to catch our breath and take photos. Just when you think you're done, you aren't. LOL! We don't have kids but all of the kids I saw, were having a blast.

I brought a group in for their family vacation. The dunes are marvelous. I would highly recommend this trip and visit for everyone.

The views were stunning. Due to corona not everything was open, but we did the scenic drive through and part of the dune climb. The drive was really pretty and had some great stopping points for pictures. There was also a dune that was very steep and went all the way down to the water. Heard someone else say it took them about 20 minutes to climb back up (on all fours). Then onto the Dune Climb, it was nowhere near as steep but looks less challenging than it is. It's actually 3 dunes and a bit of a hike to reach the water and probably would take about an hour counting climb time, resting, and picture time. It was beautiful and unlike anything you can find anywhere else so definitely a must see. Just be ready to put in some work!

This place is absolutely amazing. The surrounding towns, the views, the dunes, and the trails was everything I imagined and more. The best part of this whole place is stargazing at the Dune Climb. Coming from Chicago, I’ve never in my life seen the milkyway and so many shooting stars. The Dune Climb is open 24 hours, so you can stargaze anytime at night. I only saw 2-3 cars during the time I was there, it can seem a bit scary, but it’s not. This place is truly magical.

Okay, there is just no way to describe the massive size of these dunes. The only way to believe it is to see them with your own eyes. This place is just too beautiful to believe. Check our Pierce Stocking Drive if you have time. Lovely dunes for your walking and climbing pleasure. Kids love climbing these. Some of us who are a little older taken longer to get to the top.

Can'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.

My wife did the dune climb and we’re a bit unprepared. We did a little research but had no idea how much climbing and walking was involved.

The huge dune from the parking lot was impressive but we thought that would get us close to Lake Michigan. Not so. Lake Michigan was actually about 8 dunes away!

After climbing each dune. We could see Lake Michigan in the distance and thought it was just over the next dune. Most people turned back and gave up. My wife and I made it there and back in about 2 1/2 hrs. It is strenuous and tiring walking in all that soft sand but it is fun. Take water and be patient as it is about a 3-4 mile hike there and back.

Our party was multi generational (ages 2-60). We enjoyed the deep north woods drive, views of Glen Lake and then the completely amazing dune plunge. The optical illusion that you are falling off a cliff really messes with the mind. Walking down is exciting but up is a trudge. The preschool kids stayed up top playing in the sand. The 6 year old climbed up in 15 minutes, 30 somethings in 25 minutes but the senior lady made it in 40 long minutes. Best done in the morning when the sand is cool and firm.

We headed there from Saugatuck. I recommend it for those looking for a day trip! Don't skip the overlook. It's beautiful.

I traveled to Sleeping bear Dunes with my wife and two children (9 yr old & 13 yr old). Its one of those hidden gems even though its a 450 ft sand dune that is a Must See. We first drove to the Dune Climb. Its a $20.00 fee to climb the dunes and the Pierce Stocking scenic drive.The climb to the top is a little tough but not too crazy. The view is nice but to get too Lake Michigan its about a 45 minute walk once you reach the top.The Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive is a great way to see Lake Michigan and to get to the Sleeping Bear Dunes. We opted out of the climb down due to a 2 hour climb back up (though the water did look so inviting).Plus I didn't want to pay to be rescued.
If you want to go swimming there is a great beach in Glen Haven just a short drive from the Dune Climb,

One of my favorite places in Michigan. It's beautiful! It's a great place to getaway, relax, be active and enjoy nature. You can hike dunes, you can hike in the woods, you can kayak, hangout on the beach. Our last visit was for winter hiking. We didn't have as much snow as hoped, no crossing country skiing for us but still stunning views and wonderful hikes. There are wonderful restaurants and bars to visit after a fun day hiking. It is an all season destination and we will be back many more times.

The botanist in our group picked the Dune Climb as one of our activities on our Michigan trip. We humored him and went along to the dune, and had a really great time. Everyone took off their shoes and left them at the bottom of the hill while climbing.

We all climbed up the first dune twice, with lunch in between climbs. The second time it was actually easier to climb. The little kids had a lot of stamina and climbed by themselves. The 2 year old had a great time digging in the sand and falling over onto it. We brought our kite up to fly from the top of the first dune where the wind was perfect for the kite. The botanist went off on a 7 mile hike and we picked him up on the beach later.

Its one heck of a hike up the sand dune to the top but if you can make it the views are spectacular. Others opt for 3 miles hikes and beyond. We just all went to the top dune and on the scenic drive to the lake.

Family took on the hike up the Big Sand Dune. It took another hike up three smaler sand dunes, but watching the sunset in Lake Michigan made it all worhwhile. Wonderfful for the kids

We had spent a week at Mackinac Island and a day at Traverse CIty. We wanted to spend a part of a day at Sleeping Bear Dunes before going to Muskegon to stay a few days on Lake Michigan. Our kids and grandkids enjoyed playing at Sleeping Bear Dunes. They ran up and down the dunes; and just had a good time. It was a fun time for them. Grandpa and grandma just watched.

Beautiful place in all seasons, great hiking trails, biking trail, scenic drive, and off course beautiful lakeshore..

We just left this area and were amazed at how beautiful it was! I would recommend Pierce Stocking Drive. There are stops along the way to learn about the history and incredible views. We only visited the dune on this trail because it was an easy trek for us. This is friendly for anyone who can walk at their own pace and also drive to each point. The last weekend in September was free admission and did not require a pass so we did not go to the visitors center. According to the website for the national park Oct 3rd is also a free weekend before the park is closed.

I recommend stopping at the visitor center first to get maps and ideas of what you want to see. The dunes were awesome but we opted to just look at them vs climbing them. There are some very scenic sights along the hiking trails and well worth the effort. We took a couple of hikes including the Empire Bluff Trail. There is even a covered bridge along the park road.

We enjoyed half a day at sleeping bear while traveling through the area. Climbing the dunes, walking trails and watched the sunset. Some of the usual things were closed because it was "off season" but we did still enjoy our time here.

Started at the dune climb. Don’t start here! Start at the overlook! At the dune climb you think you will see the water at the top but you will not! It takes a lot of energy and if your not in good shape it will be for nothing! (Except you will be able to say you climbed a dune). The overlook is breathtaking and pictures don’t do it justice. You should see it. We want to come back and camp next time.

The title of this is due to the fact that in June 22 2022 there is still a mask mandate for visitor center and the poor rangers have to wear masks. Come on…how ridiculous.

The dune climb at Sleeping Bear dunes is intense and beautiful. We were only able to one of the dunes as it was crazy hot and it was another 3.5 miles of dunes to get to Lake Michigan.

Lots of scenic viewpoints and short hikes along the dunes. Been all over the country and the views here stand up to anything.

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.

We had an absolutely beautiful day at Sleeping Bear Dunes. I had heard for years about how gorgeous that stretch of coast was and it didn't disappoint. Even though the day was cloudy and overcast, it was still spectacular.

We started at the visitor center in Empire. It had a small (but very expensive) gift shop, plus a mini-museum and a movie that plays. The rangers were very helpful and gave us maps and explained the scenic drive and things to see.

We did the scenic drive, which was perfect for my 73 year old parents. We stopped at all of the scenic overlooks, each which was more stunning than the last. The kids enjoyed climbing the dunes, both at the last overlook on the scenic drive and at the dune climb.

Our only disappointment was that we love our national park passports and are avid stamp collectors. Most of the passport stamp sites listed in the NPS app were closed, even though it was the weekend, and we couldn't get the stamps...we ended up with only the one from the visitor center. I wish they had all of them available at the visitor center if the other locations are closed.

First time visiting and would love to come back and have a longer stay. Stunning to drive through the park and stop at so many places. The view is inspiring.

All 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.

We really enjoyed climbing the Dunes. We stopped at the visitor center and received directions on going to the Dune Tun Climb. $25 for a 7 day pass. We just had time for the Dune Climb. There are also bike trails. Great scenery!

We hiked the Empire Bluff trail because the big dune trail looked like too much work for the reward. The trail at the north end of the park near to the Lifesaving Museum offered a quick route to the Lake. We stopped by the Park Service visitor center in Empire twice but it was closed. The scenic drive was also closed due to tree felling.

A fairly extensive park with hiking, biking, camping and beach access. Visitor center with LOTS of history. At age 72 I did NOT climb the dunes as the sand is difficult to walk in and harder to climb in. GREAT for families. We found that the site at Glen Haven had all terrain wheelchairs available.

I saw a combination of tight green woods and sand dunes shores right across from each other as if some creative mind had painted this unrealistically deceiving scenery like no other. Combine that with intrinsic meditation that just come with walking the dunes. I box and workout bare feet so I had calluses which were completely gone and my feet were baby-soft after having walked in the dandy dunes for a total of 30 minutes.
Last but not the least the off-roading in the dunes is one of a kind experience that everyone should try at least once in a life time.

A must adventure for anyone who loves the great outdoors. Weather was perfect and the sunset on top of the dunes was amazing.

As everyone says, it's a great place to visit. Just wanted to add some info if planning a trip.
There are two entrances to the park. One is to enter the Dune Park climb $25 per car. Right at the parking lot there is a large dune to climb up and then you traverse 2 miles over sand dunes to reach the massive Sleeping Bear dune. Plan on a full day for this as it takes a few hours. We didn't go this route as it's very arduous.
If you drive south a couple miles, it takes you to Stocking Scenic drive entrance. This is $25 to enter but I believe you only need to pay at one location and you can enter both parks. This drive meanders through Sleeping Bear park and has marked look out stops. One stop takes you to the massive Sleeping Bear dune. It's just a short uphill walk to the dune lookout for great views. You can then decide if you want to go down the dune and then try to climb back up. It's harder than you think. The park ranger said they made 8 rescues this year so far, which was actually a record low.
We highly recommend a visit.

All I can say is pictures DO NOT do this place justice!! It is absolutely amazing in person. One of the coolest places I’ve ever been to. When you stand on the deck and look out it’s like you’re in a different world. Just incredible. We weren’t up to the climb but you could take the sand straight down to the water. The climb/crawl up would be a struggle if you aren’t in shape. This is such a cool place. We will go back every year.

We went to the dunes off of Lake Michigan and it could not have been more fun! Our buggy driver and tour guide not only taught us a great deal about how the sand dunes came to be but also took us on an adventure ride through the dunes. The view of Lake Michigan was amazing when we stopped at the top of a dune. My boys said it was their favorite thing we did on vacation!

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!

You will pay $25.00 to drive the 7 mile loop that allows you to see Lake Michigan and the large sand dunes that you can walk to and climb on. It was a scenic drive and my highlight of this loop was indeed the Covered Bridge.

Although it is not easy to climb and very hot that day it is worth to walk all the way to Lake Michigan

Absolutely stunning! Don't miss the Dune Climb and the Empire Bluff Trail (easy 1 1/2 mile hike). These activities made our Michigan family vacation so special!

We come here every summer and it never fails
To elicit same response
Incredibly beautiful a marvel and hidden beauty and a big challenge hiking down and back up the 450’ straight up sand dune

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is a must see. Hiked the Good Harbor Bay Trail that was mostly in the woods. Then went through the Pierce Stocking scenic drive and went to several of the overlooks. Definitely worth it. Just south of Empire was the Empire Bluff Trailhead. Very hilly but a really nice view of the dunes and Lake Michigan. Lots of other great hikes there too with various levels of difficulty.

We went out to hike the big sand dune. My GPS had a hard time finding the place and took out down some unpaved roads. The guides were very helpful. Parking at the dune was easy and felt safe. The dune was busy but did not feel crowded. It was a fun family time and the view from the top was worth it. It is a really high climb and felt like a great accomplishment. We brought towels with us to wipe off our feet when we came back.

This place is awesome. My kids loved it and wanted to keep going but we had to go back. Definitely bring water and sunscreen.

Like many spots around the United States, Sleeping Bear Dunes is a great National Park Service site to take the family to visit. A semi-steep hike, optional trek to the lake via the dunes or a scenic drive, there are options for all abilities to enjoy this one.

Sleeping Bear Dunes has always been on my list. An easy drive up from where we stay in southern Michigan. Bigger than I even imagined and gorgeous. Take the time to hike some trails and see the many views in this area.

I’ve always wanted to visit this park and finally had the opportunity. Make sure you take the Stocking scenic drive for the best experience. We walked the Cottonwood trail, climbed the dunes, and were in awe at the scenic Lake Michigan overlook. Great park - don’t miss it.

Wish it was closer to Traverse City, but really nice vistas here. Incredibly steep dunes down to Lake Michigan - so steep you cannot see to the bottom and signs warn of cost of being rescued if you dare descend and cannot return on your own. Nice loop road with many overlooks, though parking was tight even on a weekday.

It had been about 58 years since my last visit. As a 10 year old you just don't appreciate the beauty of the dunes. This visit showed me so many things I would never had seen then. So glad we decided to stop and spend a couple of hours!

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.

We hiked part of the Dune Trail, went on the scenic drive, went to the beach, and our daughter earned her junior ranger badge. This is a beautiful lakeshore. We didn't have enough time to do everything and we will definitely be going back to experience all of it. If you like hiking and exploring nature, this is a great place to do it.

We only had a short time to visit this area and wanted to see and learn as much as we could.Took the Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive and had a wonderful overview of the park. Learned about the ecology, Dunes, Lake Michigan, changes over time, etc. My only disappointment was that we did not have more time to spend here as the hiking trails looked amazing!

Initially surprised by the size of the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, and then the amazing views from the top of both lakes and the surrounding dunes. Also enjoyed the scenic drive .

This is a beautiful area to get out and explore! Sadly, my family picked a rainy/over-cast weekend to explore but non the less it was enjoyable.

If your looking to collect your passport stamp for this location the visitor center is easy to get too. It has easy accessible bathrooms, a little side gallery to admire animals found in the region or artifacts.

KEEP IN MIND - while your at the visitor center if you intend to hit up Empire Bluffs Trail IT DOES REQUIRE A HIKING PERMIT which is $25!!!! That can be purchased at the visitor center. We only realized this once we parked at the lot for the Bluffs Trail.

Empire Bluffs Trail is an easy trail to hike out to the see the lakeshore. Its a beautiful hike (even when raining), the sights are pretty cool! Bring your selfie stick with you because there are areas that would make a great backdrop!

We also did the scenic drive around the park. For pet owners a vast majority of this area is not pet friendly so Fido has to stay behind or you just forgo those areas. You'll encounter various pull-off's or parking areas to go look at the dunes/lake. I don't suggest gawking into the forest or driving slow we encountered a lot of people that believed it was the Indy 500 down thru there which ruined it for us. We wanted to take in the sights, maybe catch a glimpse of the wildlife.

Be sure to drive down to Glen Haven area to check out the little town and the tug boat down by the shore.

Beautiful seasshore with sand dunes. Well worht the stop. You can follow their drive schedule and stop at various locations for different views.

If it would have been warmer we would of climbed the dune. We did take the scenic drive which was nice, but again chilly so we didn't stay out there long. I am not sure it was worth the 25 dollar entry fee, but it was a nice way to see different views. I would like to go back when it's warmer to experience the beach and other activities. It is very beautiful and should be a must see for Michiganders.

Beautiful place. Has sand dunes, beaches, woods. Perfect for hiking or relaxing. Went on a weekend, but not very crowded. With such a long beach you can easily find a secluded spot.

There are many beautiful hikes within the sleeping bear dunes. Definitely worth stopping and hiking out to some of the gorgeous overlooks!

We spent three days here and clearly could have spent another three. So much to see and do. Just beware of that Dune Climb. I looked at that huge hill and thought I can't climb that. (I am 63 and over weight). Then I thought, maybe I can. So I went for it. Got to what looks like the top but it goes on for another 3 miles once at the top of that first hill. Even though we did not make it all the way to Lake Michigan we were pretty close. Just absolutely Beautiful. The drive is awesome. This park is truly a gem. We are so lucky to have these beautiful parks to explore.

This is a must see!!! You can spend a lot of time in this area including the little towns near the Lakeshore! Everyone was happy and friendly which was really nice. Leave plenty of time for picture taking and exploring. We wished we had more time in the area.

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.

We had such a fun time struggling up the sand hill hoping to get a water view. No such luck yet the walk up was fun and had great views looking down. Never look down on people, only landscapes.

We were in Traverse City for the weekend and decided to take a day trip to the dunes. My first time and I was blown away by the beauty. We did the scenic route. It's a 7 mile loop with many scenic stops along the route. I think we stopped 4 times and walked around. They have picnic areas also. I never knew how steep these dunes were. I took many pictures and will post a few. This is a must place to visit.

We went to see the place that was ranked the most beautiful place in America by GMA viewers and we have to agree with them. We climbed the dune and just looked at the beautiful scenery around us. We highly recommend if you are in the area.

We went here on a recommendation at the Traverse City information center while visiting the area and I am so glad we went! It is such a beautiful area with spectacular views! We didn’t do a guided tour, however we climbed the “dunes” and did the scenic car tour where you can stop at different areas and experience various other beautiful aspects of the area. The pricing is decent at $25 per car and you can use it for up to seven days, however the gift shop prices are pretty high for souvenirs. Overall very pleased we visited and will return.

This place is beautiful, make sure you stop at the visitor center first. They are very knowledgeable of the Sleeping Bear Dunes. Stop at all the stops, they are worth it.

A gorgeous place to visit - the sand dunes are a bit of a hike (and farther than it appears) but after making it to the lakeshore, the views of the islands are spectacular.

Our guide was very informative., friendly and knowledgeable. He answered all our questions. Never rushed us. Lunch was awesome. I highly recommend this day trip.

We camped one night at the Platte River Campground at Sleeping Bear Dunes. The campsites were nice, very wooded and easy access to trails. While visiting, we drove the Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive. There are a couple overlooks along the drive with great views of the dunes and Lake Michigan. The dunes were much bigger than I was expecting. We also hiked Empire Bluff Trail out to the bluffs to watch the sunset. It was really beautiful. I'd like to come back and spend more time at the park.

Sleeping Bear is an incredibly beautiful and memorable place, combining a Moroccan-style desert with waters of Caribbean blue. We simply could not believe that we were in the Midwest (although in my view Michigan is easily the most beautiful midwestern state).

We did a small portion of the dune climb with out 8 year old daughter, and after becoming exhausted within 30 minutes, we did the Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive, stopping at the best overlooks. Amazingly photogenic and oodles of fun.

This is a very family friendly area!!! The sand dunes are spectacular, but it does takes some time to climb up them! It’s worth the hike up!! Kids were having fun running down the huge hill!!!!

This is one of my favorite places in Michigan! Love the views, love the dune climb, and love the beach! What more could you ask for?

We had heard of this place but didn't know much about it. It seems to be a popular attraction in the area, so we went to check it out. We had a terrible experience. There was barely any beach to speak of, and the biting flies were absolutely ferocious. Neither my husband nor I had ever seen anything like them. They followed us in clouds--even when we tried to escape them in the lake! They acted like Off was a condiment! After about 5 minutes of this torture, I ran for the car with them chasing me all the way. NEVER will I go there again. We found a much nicer beach a short distance away that had no flies. Thank heavens!

Visited here 4 years ago while on a motorcycle tour in July. Came back with my wife in October. This time brought along a few bag chairs and hung out at the top of the dune for a few hours. Beautiful day, sky was cobalt blue, 70 degrees.......reminded me of being in the Mediterranean Sea.

We loved visiting Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. It was beautiful. We hiked the Empire Trail, watched year sunset on Sleeping Bear Point and went to the beach at Good Harbor Bay! This is a must place to visit. The Pierce Stocking Drive was closed so we missed this. I hear it is beautiful. Need a National Park Pass and can get at visitor center in Empire.

This was beautiful! It’s a long walk but worth it- the views are beautiful. Area was very clean. It was cooler which was great, I’m not sure I would have done it in the heat. Great family activity-It is a must see!

Such a beautiful place to visit on the shore of Lake Michigan. Its a lot of work to climb but worth it. So many great views of Lake Michigan from the top. My family has been here twice and we still had a great time. Watching my kids run up the dunes and sliding down. Priceless

Stop at the Sleeping Bear Dunes Visitor Center off scenic M22 in Empire for maps and information. Grew up in Michigan and have traveled quite a bit. Still unprepared for the expansiveness and sheer beauty of the area. We walked the short trails (Empire Bluff with postcard views of Sleeping Bear Dune and Lake Michigan) and easy access beaches (Esch Rd, Heritage Trail Museum beach etc). We spent 2 great days in the area but you could easily stay 5. Highly recommend. A bucket list trip.

The dunes never disappoint! You are able to climb them, but the older you get, the harder the climb. You can take the scenic drive and get to the top of the dunes to see the breathraking views. You are also able to hike down the sheer dunes to Lake Michigan but if you can't climb back up, the price of rescue is as steep as the dunes!

Whether you’re visiting Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore for one minute or 7 days, you’ll be charged $25 per carload. We never saw that mentioned in our research and planning for our half-day trip there. Beyond that, we agree with most of the other reviewers: Sleeping Bear is a beautiful place to hike and climb and swim and kayak, and it has plenty to offer the whole family! Enjoy!

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is a huge, all encompassing, park. The Visitor Center has a very good 20-minute video about the park and the Rangers are very helpful. Nice restrooms in the Visitor Center and a picnic area outside across the road.
The Glen Haven Historical Park is within the park, but everything is closed before Memorial Day — a lot of the area is closed until Memorial Day. Empire Bluff’s Trail is within the park and offers spectacular views. Well worth the hike. The Dune Climb is inside the park. Take water and wear a hat for sun protection. At this time of year — May —there are lots of very annoying, non-biting bugs that look like mosquitoes, but aren’t. They are non-biting midges common around bodies of water.

i have been wanting to visit this place for so long,luckily, we were in town for camping. And Lake michigan was breathtaking when you reach #9 view.. you can go down to the lake but it will take you forever to come back 😊.

Wow! So beautiful and different from anywhere we have ever been. The dunes are huge, the water is Caribbean blue, and the scenic drive is beautiful.

My wife and I hiked a small portion of the Sleeping Bear Point Trailhead. This is a 2.8 mile 'strenuous' sand trail = yes, you pretty much walk in deep sand for almost three miles. We thus only walked a quarter mile or so to get a view of Lake Michigan, then returned to the car. There were wineries to be visited - why waste time trudging around in sand? That's for kids.

Beaches are crystal clear. Everyone is friendly. Great place to escape. Mile and miles of different beaches to visit.

Bear Dunes is a unique experience, for sure. Beautiful sand dunes to climb and enjoy. take a trail down to the lake for a refreshing swim before climbing back to the top. The lake is crystal clear and gets warmer as the summer goes on. If the lake is a bit chilly in June, remember it was frozen in February!

Tons of trails and beautiful views of Lake Michigan. Bring your camera. You can spend all day with the family.

We only had a few hours in this park, so my husband attempted the Dune Climb, then Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive. Make sure you stop at #9 and #10 to see the Lake Michigan overview, which is the greatest sight! We are thinking of returning in fall. The colors would be stunning!

Biked the Sleeping Bear Dunes Heritage Trail. This is a challenging hilly paved trail. It is amazingly beautiful. The Port Oneida historic area is interesting as it preserves agricultural history of the area.

My daughters requested to come here on our family trip. We came here after going to the UP. Maybe if we'd came here first it would have looked more special to us. We just thought it was ok, glad we went but don't need to go again. We thought they had dune buggys, We paid 20$ which is ok to get into the parking lot. We climbed up and halfway up my daughters were done. I went on up and saw beautiful scenery. I so appreciate the nature that it is, but after a trip where we couldn't even decide on top 5 favorites, we added this to the bottom of our list. Gift shop is expensive.

Sleeping Bear Dunes is pretty impressive - I suppose you just don't expect these giant rolling hills of sand leading you out to Lake Michigan (which is super blue and pretty that far north!). There were some really nice views as well as plants/trees along the hike, and please note that it is quite a trek if you plan to go all the way to the lake since hiking on sand is certainly not the easiest! Most people seemed to turn around within the first half mile or so, so it ends up being some nice quiet hiking if you keep going (recommend packing some fluids and a snack or two - that sand made me work for it!). FYI I'd also recommend the Pierce Stocking scenic drive within the dunes - good overlooks of the dunes and a fun windy road for driving.

This is a must when in Traverse City. We have been coming to this area since we were kids. The views are spectacular. Take the kids and climb to the top and roll back down lol . There is a $25 per vehicle charge.

Omg, what a beauty we have as a country and in the Midwest. The National lakeshore is beautiful beyond belief and we were so lucky to have a clear day!
This is a national park so there is an entry fee. Upon entering there is a guide of 12 points along the scenic tour that are interesting, but honestly what is the best part of the scenic drive was the view of Lake Michigan., wow.
Also there is a climb within the park. I think it fair to tell you it is tough if you are only moderately fit. The pitch of the dunes are a beast !!

Incredibly tall sand dunes. Scenic (but sometimes challenging) hiking. Historical village. Sleeping Bear Dunes is a "bucket list" destination.

The "dune climb" is a 100+ foot tall sand dune with a view of inland lakes. The Empire Bluff and Pyramid Point trails end in breathtaking views. Glen Haven is a historical village with a coast guard lifesaving station, blacksmith shop, and other museums.
Even in a COVID-limited time the natural wonder of it all is an amazing experience.

The view was breathtaking. I could stay there all day!! Do not go all the way down unless you are posstivly sure you want to walk back up the huge sand mountain. Also a great place to take pictures and play with family and friends.

The overlook deck is great to view without obstruction. Use the Pierce Stock scenic parkway. It is $25 per car or $45/year but worth every penny!

Definitely worth the stop. This is a fairly strenuous trip but so well worth the hike if you are in reasonable condition. I simply took my time had many breaks and managed to make the trip. We did stop about 30 minutes from the lake shore but did get some beautiful scenery on our hike.

If you’re visiting up north and haven’t been to the Sleeping Bear Dunes, you’re missing out on the essential beauty of northern Michigan. Seriously. Go support our amazing parks and see what you’re missing!

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.

The Sand Dunes are a great place to take visitors...they could never imagine finding a place like it in Michigan. Lots of fun to run up and down them and take pictures! Also several museums there that you can walk through for historical references.

Great 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.

My wife and I were just here in September -- good timing as the weather was still nice but the hordes of tourists were gone. We have a national parks senior pass, so we enjoy free admission, a great start. We did the drive along and stopped at the various numbered stopping points. We easily found parking at each stop. The dunes themselves are quite awesome. There are plenty of warning signs about not trying to walk or slide down the steep incline to the almost non-existent beaches below, as you literally cannot get back up due to sliding backwards. We then went on to the climbing dune entrance, where you can attempt to walk/ climb up. I made it about halfway, enough for a 70+ year odl! We did know from reading in advance there is no food service in the park so we bought sandwiches and drinks in Traverse City for our cooler, and had a nice picnic at one of the mahy sites.

Incredible views. Tons of hiking. Did I mention the views? You can drive and walk to different view points, you can hike, you can bike. All levels of skill and ability.

We have visited SBD many times over the years. This was our first time going after the overlook was taken out. There are plenty of amazing stops at this park. The main section of the park, the Pierce Stocking Drive, is a great section of the park for everybody. It is a fantastic stop for those who are not able to ambulate much further than their car, to the most avid hiker. The Cottonwood Trail offers a unique hiking experience along the Pierce Stocking Drive. There are a handful of gorgeous views as well that showcase Lake Michigan, North Bar Lake, and Glen Lake, among others. The Covered Bridge at the beginning of the Scenic Drive is one of Michigan's most iconic structures. Some notable non-Scenic Drive stops include Alligator Hill, Glen Haven, North Bar Lake, the Dune Climb and Pyramid Point. Glen Haven Beach is my favorite beach in the state. The Sleeping Bear Dunes Heritage Trail is a popular biking trail that connects the town of Empire with Little Traverse Lake, with the trail meandering through the park. The winter time is a beautiful time to explore the park, with incredible cross country skiing and snowshoe trail available. Park staff are very friendly. Admission fee varies depending on the length of your visit. We always opt for the season pass! Crowds are a hit or miss depending on the time of year, with most days in the summer being packed, even on weekdays. Best part of NW Michigan is this park!

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is a beautiful area for anyone who enjoys hikes and beautiful scenery.

One of a kind experience with beautiful views and fun experience on the dunes. We were on the Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive and got out on Lake Michigan look out point #9 and 10. The most of the dune there is so steep, most people would stop going down further only after few yards but the view is awesome from the top of the dune and from the look out platform. Definitely recommend as a top thing to do not just in the region but ever.

We visited numerous parts of the park over our week long visit to the area. We started with the visitors center in Empire and completed the Empire Bluffs hike. Highly recommended for amazing views! We went on the Pierce Stocking scenic drive and had a picnic lunch. There are numerous amazing overlooks of the dunes. We also completed the interesting Cottonwood hike through the dunes. Great opportunity to see unique vegetation in a dune setting! Also did the Dune Climb and took in great views of the lakes and drove and hiked up near Oneida at pyramid point. The views from the steep dunes of Lake Michigan are incredible. It’s easy to spend a week at the Lakeshore. This is an incredible place to visit!

I went here with one of my best friends and her mom, my legs were so tired when I got to the top! So worth it! I definitely don’t regret anything about climbing those dunes for some reason. I got an awesome view of one of the lakes; pretty cool. But overall, it was a cool experience.

After the Indiana Dunes we headed north and came to Sleeping Bear Dunes. Even in the rain they are beautiful. We will be back when the weather is better. Bring your kids and do the climbing hill. Great family activity area. A must do! Thanks to the National Park Service for keeping this area beautiful.

We walked many of the trails even some with our dogs. The material for the Park very accurately describes each trail, distance and terrain. Great info. The views are beautiful so be sure to get pictures. We had a great time on each trail over a three day period.

Sleeping Bear Dunes is simply one of those Michigan sites you should not miss. The drive through the park is nice with several pullover scenic overlooks. You must not miss sites 9 and 10 (you could probably skip the others if your time is limited). The scenery is breathtaking! Definitely worth a trip!

I recommend taking Michigan State Hwy 22 from Traverse City until it ends, except in the north part of the Sleeping Bear Lakeshore area between Glen Arbor and Empire take Hwy 109 instead of 22.

Especially take the Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive. It's amazing.

This place is a real gem. But for it's small size, it's National Park quality.

There are lots of hikes, bike rides, and drives, so you can choose your level of physical exertion.

This was the second time to the dunes and both times I'm, just awe struct by the view if the lake and the dunes going down to the shore. makes for great family pictures and memories.

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.

There are few National Parks in the eastern US. But there are lots of National Monuments and other National Park areas. One of these is Sleeping Bear Sand Dunes. These are sandy areas left over from the last Ice Age. Since we needed to get a Park stamp, we went to the Dunes.

Visitor Center – as usual, our first start was at the Visitor Center. They had a video. It was a bit artsy, not as historical or descriptive as some. Inside the Center was a map of the dunes area. A nice volunteer gave an overview of the area and suggestions of things to see. Glad he chatted with us.

Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive – rather unrelated to the Sleeping Bear Dunes is the Scenic Drive. It is a nice little drive through the area, going up and down and around the hills near the Lake. There are a number of pull-outs to view the Dunes and even the Lake.

Sand Dunes Overlook – after the Scenic Drive, we drove to an area on the Lake with access to the Dunes. From the parking lot, it is a short walk to get to the Dunes overlooking the Lake. The Dunes descend down to the water. They are surprisingly steep. There were people walking down to the Lake edge from the top of the Dunes. A long way down. But an even longer way up. Really enjoyed seeing the Dunes.

Glen Haven – within the Park there’s a town that the Park Service has decided to keep. The town has several buildings remaining. We parked and walked among several. At the end of the town was a blacksmith shop. There was a fellow who was providing a demonstration of blacksmithing activities. He was making a nice wall hanging from a piece of iron. His presentation was very interesting. In addition to the blacksmith shop were several houses, a lifesaving building/cannery, and an Inn that they were repairing. Fun area.

We had quite a nice time at Sleeping Bear, particularly watching the people slide all the way to the Lake and trudge back up again.

Another check off on the bucket list. My wife and I have wanted to see Sleeping Bear Dunes for years and finally made it happen. While there were lots of folks in the area - traffic move smoothly. Were able to visit the various marked areas, climb some dunes, and get some great views (and pictures). I would highly recommend taking Pierce Stocking Drive - very scenic and picturesque.

One of the most beautiful places in America. The “unsalted shore” of Lake Michigan and the national park is exceptional. For those of you that have not been before, the dune climb is a must, but remember water and sun screen... the higher water level has impacted the size of the beeches. North Bar beach 🏝 is still a locals favorite. Empire’s local village has a beautiful lighthouse and park great for young kids.

The views are spectacular. Climbing the dunes, while outside the park, is worth the little bit of extra time. Such fun. Be sure to do the full tour first before you want to spend time at a particular spot.

Our day to visit these incredible sand dunes proved to be a great day. Slight cloud cover made it so that is wasn’t too hot, nor the sand too hot to walk on as well. We made our climb/trek to the top with bare feet. What an Incredible Workout! I feel like I am in pretty good shape, but I had to stop several times before reaching the top due to my butt and thighs burning from all the work they were doing. Enjoy the hike up the dunes. Drink plenty of water. Bring water with you. It was a lot easier walking down, however, I did see kids running full speed down the sand dunes. Impressive! They were so fast as I’m sure gravity was helping! What a great experience! We would highly recommend that you check this place out. Great view from the top too! Plenty of parking available if you arrive earlier or towards the day’s end. Time Well Spent!

We really enjoyed the Dune climb and trail to Lake Michigan! Glad we brought water, snacks and sunglasses, along with gym shoes. Beautiful views and great workout.

The teal waters are beautiful on a sunny day. The kids loved playing on the dunes. The small town complete with blacksmith shop was very educational. The beach was enjoyable too but go on a hot day as the water is cold!

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!

Park is beautiful. We drove from Traverse city, and drove on Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive (It was nice and green in summer and it's probably breathtaking during the foliage season). There were stopover points with signs and explanations. Views are amazing. We took the trail to dunes and climbed Glen Haven dune. It was enough for us, we didn't try lake Michigan climb that is steeper. Weather was cooperating, it was cloudy summer day with moderate 20C temperature. I wouldn't recommend the visit during hot day, there is no shade to cover up.

Generally, it was very enjoying outdoor experience with beautiful views, challenging climbs, totally worth the entry fee.

We have been to the dunes several times. The hike was fun but tiring if you want to hike all the way to see the lake. The dunes are amazing. This is one of the must see places in Michigan!