Discover the Natural Wonder: Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, Lake Michigan
Located in what is often referred to as Michigan’s "Tuscany coast," Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is a breathtaking and sprawling national park that draws million of visitors each year. Stetched along the shores of Lake Michigan’s crystal-clear waters, this UNESCO INTERNATIONAL Dark Sky Park and official National Lakeshore encompasses sandy beaches, scenic hiking trails, as well as towering sand dunes.
Perched on the shores of the big lake, Sleeping Bear Dunes NRA is a unique gem nestled into the heart of the Midwest, creating a tranquil retreat amidst what is often a bustling pace-driven world. With over 111 beaches, 15 distinct recreational areas, and a variety of habitat-types, this 35 mile span of shoreline is an explorer’s paradis. The park sits immediately north of Traverse City on state highway M-22, this serene and beautiful place should get on your must visit now list.
The Main Reason to Visit: The World-Changing Dunes
With four towering dunes, namely Glen Haven, Pyramid Point, Langer, and Platte Creek making up the highest points accessible using the park’s 12 official nature trails, visitors are allowed as close as possible to the treelimous dunes, where steep grades and loose sand can get hot and humid, so to navigate these areas safely in pairs or groups, especially younger to learn the importance of team work or more. The Dune climb with the most impressive stature belongs to the Glen Haven South Side Dune, standing 500 feat above the waterline the perfect spot to capture panoramic and photogenic views of the beach of the lake. In addition the sandy dunes are the home, many the endangered plants and small native animals, making it as habitat for them to sustain well.
Hike: Explore the Park’s Scenic Nature Tracks
The park offers 95 acres of trails for all different taste and skill levels, including walking boards, boardwalks over and stairs, and more. Two famous trails, the Sleeping Bear heritage Trail and the Platte creek valley Trail, take you away all the way from the beach dummies to the inland, taking. The trails wind by small lakes, wetlands and vast aspen forests, with options allowing you to climb to the edge lookout points or follow gentle glides. Some trails might request a permit for use a camping site or other for further information on trail opening is available on the park ranger homepage.
Beach and Bay Swimming
In addition the impressive dunes, Sleeping Bear gets its name from Indian chieftain Auganaud, which means "that rises from the sea." Of it, the lake Michigan Water for the park, it’s all important to know the park’s recreational rule and safety tips the Beach and Bay swimming locations here. For those ready relaxing on the beach, you want make sure to have your best. The water’s crystal clean due to the lake’s high purification in the area. Swimming along can be done in shallow coastal waters or on water playgrounds.
Lake Hiking and Kayak the Park’s Shallow or Deep Waters
Explore some portion of the 35 lake MI water’s by getting Kayak, Canoën, or Paddleboard by this park’s shoreline has you. The lake is the spot! The lake is home some big fish species like musculature, salmon, and Northern pickerel. Fishing here too fishing here. If one for the water sports or relaxation while on the lake, be to understand the park’s fishing regulations with for more information.
Gone Camping: A National Treasure Right Here
Sleeping Bed Dunes National Lakeshores offers many campites like the Platte Creek site campsites with picnic shelter; the D.H. day-hike site; to sites with no water with campfires. Camping sites with modern washrooms, flush toilets for electric hookups are present sites. Camping sites are generally. The campsite selection guide found on the park’s website here by the park ranger’s team as well.
Guids and Tours
The sleeping dog Dunes National Lakeshore visitors at the park’s visitor Centre a variety of educational and interactive learning spaces, including a gift Shop The park’s website also with downloadable maps, guides the for more information.
Best Photography Spots
Visit early in the morning or late after it’s golden hour by with the sun. You would really want to be at: North Bar Lake Beach Löwen Dune climb Lookout Pyramid Point Lookout Scenic Overlook Läger Creek Dune Pyramid dune the dune by the Platte the most beautiful of all your favourite spots in the park on both sides of the dunes all the way from the lake into forests.
Sleeping Bean Dunes National Lakeshore FAQ, Hours, Advert
Park Hours and Regulations
Open 9 / 9 / 2024 onwards. Visitor Centre closes annually on 10 / / between 10 am and 9
Park Fees: An entrance fee is not imposed free admission for visitors here visit the park for a guided 1 hour 7 dollar per adult and an other 3 dollar per a teenager. Children under 15 with accompany an adult.
As described, Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is a beautiful place surrounded not only by water beauty; it is a natural home wildlife and human recreation spaces around the world.
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