SLEEPING BEAR DUNES NATIONAL LAKESHORE

The Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore covers an area of almost 300 km², including just over 100 km of shoreline. We recommend that you prepare well for your stay, as there are many activities and points of interest (see website for timetables of reception posts, services and points of interest). Once you're here, drop by the visitor center, where you'll find an exhibition on the park's geology and natural and human history, as well as the film Water, Sand, and Sky. You'll also find a souvenir store and bookstore at the foot of the dunes off Route 109 (Dune Center Bookstore). Please note that entrance fees are charged for the park (a flat rate per vehicle or per person if entering on foot or by bike).

In addition to swimming in the crystal-clear waters of Lake Michigan and climbing the dunes (the park's flagship activity), you can bike or stroll along the Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail (paved, 35 km), hike (over 160 km of trails, cross-country ski and snowshoe in winter), drive the Pierce Stocking Scenic Byway (just over 11 km loop), canoe or kayak on the Crystal and Platte rivers, scuba dive and discover the shipwrecks at the bottom of The Manitou Passage Underwater Preserve. Don't forget to visit the pretty historic village of Glen Haven (general store, antique boat museum, blacksmith shop and workshop, superb beaches) and the nearby Sleeping Bear Point Maritime Museum, learn more about early ^20th-century rural life and farming at Port Oneida (old-time fair held annually in August), discover the old Coast Guard stations, the ghost village or climb to the top of the lighthouse on South Manitou Island, and much more...

Two campgrounds are located on the mainland of the protected area. Platte River Campground is open from late April to late October, offering serviced sites for tents and RVs, as well as backcountry camping. The D.H. Day Campground is open from late April to late November, and offers rustic tent sites only. It's imperative to reserve your pitch in advance, especially during the summer season. Alternatively, there are several accommodation options in nearby communities, including Glen Arbor.