Heading “up north” is the Michigan thing to do and if you and your family are from these parts than you’ve heard of the Sleeping Bear Dunes. You may remember Sleeping Bear Dunes Lakeshore was mentioned in our recent post; 10 Kid Friendly Michigan Places to Visit this Summer. The Dunes are an up north destination to everyone in the Metro-Detroit area and it’s a fun destination too!
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is located along the northwest coast of the Lower Peninsula of Michigan in Leelanau and Benzie counties near Empire, Michigan. Bear Dunes doesn’t just offer sand hills. It’s way more beautiful and exciting than that. Long sunny beaches, beautiful nature, skylines and sky-high dunes is really what Sleeping Bear Dunes is all about. If you’re an adventurer, than you’ll also find cool forests to hike through and inland lakes to reflect on. Sleeping Bear Dunes is great for families and kids of all ages because it offers countless opportunities for discovery and we know you’re kids are at the age of discovery. Aren’t they always?
Start your visit to Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore at the Phillip A. Hart Visitor Center in Empire, to get oriented, pick up your maps, and to view the slide show. Rangers are on hand here to give advice and to answer your questions so be sure to utilize them to experience the best trip possible.
Here’s a list of fun family friendly things you can add to your trip to make a memorable visit for all.
- Take a scenic drive on the 7-mile drive Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive
- Visit tranquil Loon Lake
- Trek up the Dune Climb-or watch the kids enjoy the sand.
- Attend a ranger-led program
- Go Camping
- Walk or bike the Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail
- Kayak or Canoe a river
- Explore Glen Haven and the Maritime Museum
- Explore Port Oneida
