Sleeping Bear is a landscape shaped by glaciers. Sleeping Bear National Lakeshore was established October 21, 1970. In 2014, 32,500 acres (13,200 ha; 50.8 sq mi) of the park were formally designated as the Sleeping Bear Dunes Wilderness by the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore Conservation and Recreation Act Sleeping Bear is located on the scenic M22 highway that winds up the west coast of Northern Michigan. The Lakeshore is located near the towns of Empire and Glen Arbor. Camping is available in the national lakeshore and at other state and municipal campgrounds. We like to stay at the Empire Township Campground. The rustic campground offers large, wooded sites.
Below are our favorite things to do anytime we return to this special place.
1. Go swimming in Lake Michigan. The northwest coast of Michigan offers many great beaches. Some of our favorites are Glen Haven, Peterson Beach, and Empire Beach. The clear, crisp water of Lake Michigan is refreshing and healing.
2. Go for a bike ride. The Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail is a 27 mile trail that connects Empire to Good Harbor. The trail opened in 2012. We recommend riding the 20 miles from the Dune Climb to Good Harbor. This portion of the trail passes through a variety of landscapes from pine forest to the historic farms of Port Oneida. This portion of the trail also passes through Glen Haven & Glen Arbor giving you a good tour of the M22 area. If you are feeling ambitious and you’re an experienced cyclist, an early morning ride on Pierce Stocking Drive is breathtaking.
3. Watch the sunset from the Empire Bluffs. The hilly trail is 1.5 miles round trip. The bluffs provide a good view of Empire beach and the surrounding dunes.
4. Check out the Empire Farmers Market. The Empire Farmers Market is held of Saturdays from 9 AM – 1 PM, June – September. The maple syrup from Still Point farm is some of the best we’ve ever had. If you are visiting in July, pick up some fresh, local cherries. If you aren’t visiting on a weekend, Leelanau is blessed with lots of farmers markets or check out a local farm such as Wiesen Farms Applandia.
5. Paddle the Crystal River. The slow moving, crystal clear river offers a glimpse into the interior of the Leelanau peninsula including the many mossy forests that line the bank of the river. The trip is 2-3 hours. Get equipment and shuttle service from Crystal River Outfitters in Glen Arbor.
6. Grab some premium chocolate treats from the Grocer’s Daughter Chocolate. The Dianne Bar is exceptional.
7. Enjoy a sunset bonfire on Empire Beach. If you have a kayak or paddle board, you can watch the sunset while paddling Lake Michigan.
8. Ice cream! Grab a cone from Tiffany’s Cafe in Empire.
9. Drive the M-22 to the historic fishing village of Leland.
10. To celebrate a successful trip, grab a burger and beer on the patio at Art’s Tavern in Glen Arbor. If you’re in the mood for some local fare, grab the grilled whitefish sandwich.
