Looking for the best things to do in the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore near Traverse City, Michigan? Read on for the best hiking trails, swimming spots, where to eat and camp and more in the Sleeping Bear Dunes!

Best Things to do in the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore:

The Sleeping Bear Dunes are on land stolen from the Odawa Nation. When recreating remember that all of the trails and beaches may have not only historic but cultural significance, and remember to pack out all trash, leave the trails as you found it, avoid making trail improvements and follow dog restrictions in the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.

A note on unofficial trails in Sleeping Bear Dunes: There are several unofficial and unmarked trails in the park! Stay on the main trails only when hiking in Sleeping Bear Dunes. Many areas are closed for dune restoration or dangerous to hike. Coastal dunes like those in Sleeping bear are extremely fragile environments subject to very easy erosion from foot traffic and home to several endangered species including the Piping Plover.

why me? Hi there! My name is Maddy, and this article was written by me, the person. I grew up visiting the Sleeping Bear area every summer, and spent most of the summers with my Grandma in Northern Michigan. In college, I started visiting the Lakeshore every weekend, and I’m happy to show you around one of my favorite places in Michigan!

Looking for the best hidden waterfalls, swimming holes, free camping, overlooks and more in the Midwest? Check out the Midwest Adventure eBook bundle for incredible hiking, paddling, and more in the Great Lakes Region.

Hi! This post contains affiliate links. That means if you choose to make a purchase based on my recommendation I make a small kickback at no additional cost to you.

What to pack for a visit to Sleeping Bear Dunes:

Summers on Lake Michigan can be somewhat cooler than you might expect! Here’s what I recommend packing:

• 2 lightweight, long hiking pants. I wear a size 8 and am short, and find the REI trailmade to be super flattering as well as the Kuhl freeflex.
• A pair of shorts, and yoga pants with pockets 
• A fleece. Any fleece will do, but I really love my Patagonia Synchilla
• Wool baselayers. Five years of heavy paddling and my Smartwool baselayers are the only wool baselayers I’ve had that have really stood the test of time. For seven days, pack four baselayer tops. 
• Study hiking boots. I like my Briger Mids. Working in outdoor retail I literally never had anyone try on these shoes and not buy them. Pair with Darn Tough hiking socks and pack at least five pairs. In the alpine areas, trekking poles are also a great choice!
• hiking sandals and quick dry shots: I like Patagonia Baggies
• A puffy jacket. It can be cool even in the summer near the lakeshore, especially evenings. My partner Andy (also a wilderness guide) swears by the Patagonia Nano Puff. I like my Helly Hansen Liftloft. 
• If camping, a tent, packable sleeping bag (Nemo Disco) and pad (comfortable sleeping pad): Read my budget tent recommendations here!
• A day hiking pack: I love my Perimeter 35L. I was gifted this pack a few years back and it’s still my go-to day pack; a savvy packer can easily pack for a seven day hiking trip in this bag. 
• A raincoat. I love the Moss Raincoat from Helly Hansen; It’s affordable, cute, and super durable.

1) Empire Bluffs Trail: Most Popular Hike in Sleeping Bear Dunes

Looking for the most beautiful hiking trail in the Sleeping Bear Dunes? Empire Bluffs Hiking Trail is just 1.5 miles round trip leading to one of the most beautiful overlooks in Michigan. From here, Lake Michigan stretches westward below you and North Bar Lake as well as the Manitou Islands are visible to the North.

Note: This trail is NOT accessible in the winter months. Your car will get stuck.

This is one of the best hiking trails in the Sleeping Bear Dunes, but also one of the most popular. Arrive before 10am or after 3pm to avoid the crowds!

To visit the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, you’ll need an America the Beautiful Pass or alternately, purchase a day use pass at one of the Visitors Centers in the Sleeping Bear Dunes.

2) Kayak the Crystal River: best place to Kayak in the Sleeping Bear Dunes

One of the best things to do in the Sleeping Bear Dunes is to kayak the Crystal River! This activity is beginner-friendly, and the Crystal River is absolutely beautiful. Rent a kayak and a shuttle up river through Crystal River Outfitters, and float back down the river right back into Glen Arbor!

Kayak over blue waters, past wildflowers, and over fish! There are a few points at which you’ll have to do a short portage (carry your boat over the road), and children should always be closely watched on rivers.

Andy & kayaked the Crystal River in summer 2022, right after we finished our 70-day British Columbia sea kayak expedition. While it was beautiful, there were so many families and really slow kayakers on the river that it sort of just became dodging other groups and felt a little theme-park-y. Kayaking the Crystal River is an awesome experience for families, or large groups, or couples with less paddling experience looking for a pretty, easy trip but I would not recommend it for experienced kayakers or canoeists. Hop on the Manistee or Boardman River instead.

For 54-pages of hiking trails, swimming holes, backpacking and canoe routes, hidden campsites, and more, check out the Exploring Michigan eBook.

3) Grab Lunch at Joe’s Friendly Tavern

Looking for a delicious and hearty meal after a long day in the sun? Swing by Joe’s Friendly Tavern in Empire, Michigan!

4) Explore Downtown Glen Arbor

Glen Arbor, Michigan is located just outside of the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is the perfect downtown area to explore when you need a break from hiking, swimming, and paddling. Swing by the Cherry Public House for a creative lunch, and check out the Bay Lavender Trading Company for a unique souvenir.

5) Hike Pyramid Point

For beautiful views of the Manitou Islands, check out the Pyramid Point hiking trail. Here, a very short hike takes you to a beautiful overlook of Lake Michigan. Similarly to the Empire Bluffs Trail, Pyramid Point can be very crowded. If you have to choose between the two, Empire Bluffs is longer but leads to arguably a better view, and Pyramid Point is shorter and may have quicker parking lot turnover.

Manitou Islands as viewed from Pyramid Point.

6) Visit Leelanau Coffee Roasting

Looking for caffeine fix between hikes? Head to Leelanau Coffee Roasters for a latte and some of the best coffee in Northern Michigan!

7) Hike the Dune Climb: Hardest Hike in the Sleeping Bear Dunes

Sleeping Bear Dunes’ most difficult and perhaps most famous hike is the Dune Climb. Despite this hike’s popularity, it is one of the most difficult hikes in Michigan. The Dune Climb begins at a massive sand dune!

To begin your hike, you’ll have to summit the first dune. From here, you’ll begin the the trek to Lake Michigan. While you’re likely to begin with many hikers, the herd will quickly thin as the hike becomes more difficult. When you see Lake Michigan, you’re still only about halfway.

On this difficult hike it’s important to remember to bring plenty of water! Hiking over sand makes for increased difficulty, and it can be very hot on the dunes. While you may be tempted to hike barefoot in the beginning, about halfway the trail transitions to a rocky mix. This is a great hike for hiking sandals like Tevas. While the hike is difficult, the reward is the best swim of your life in Lake Michigan.

The best way to do Sleeping Bear’s Dune Climb: Snowshoe it in the Winter!

Instead of visiting Sleeping Bear in the summer, head to the Dune Climb in the winter! Winter is one of the most beautiful times to visit the Sleeping Bear Dunes, snowshoeing the Dune Climb is surprisingly much, much easier than hiking it in the summer. Experienced skiers can also cross country ski the dunes.

While Snowshoeing the Sleeping Bear Dunes is absolutely a bucket-list worthy experience, take care not to venture out onto the Lake Michigan ice shelf. Ice on the Great Lakes can be very unstable, and every year fisherman are rescued from the broken ice shelves in the Great Lakes.

Grab a good pair of snowshoes before visiting the Sleeping Bear Dunes in the Winter.

Looking to plan your winter adventures in Michigan? Check out these awesome winter activities in the mitten state!

8) Visit Downtown Historic Fishtown

For one of the most unique places to visit near the Sleeping Bear Dunes, check out Historic Fishtown! Here, you can grab some of the best smoked fish in the state, learn the history of the area, and grab a drink by the beautiful falling waters.

9) Tube the Platte River

Looking for a great way to spend an afternoon without hiking? Rent a tube and tube down the sandy-bottomed and warm Platte River!

10) Take a Surf Lesson with Sleeping Bear Surf & Kayak: best adventure in the Sleeping Bear Dunes

Did you know you can surf on Lake Michigan? If you love the sights and sounds of the ocean and are looking for adventure, book a surf lesson with Sleeping Bear Surf and Kayak!

11) Camping in the Sleeping Bear Dunes

Camping in Northern Michigan is an incredible experience! Within the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, you can find camping at the DH Day Campground, or the Platte River Campground.

For a full list of campsites in the area and off-the-beaten-path adventures check out the Exploring Michigan eBook.

12) Visit Frankfort Beach and Lighthouse

Looking for a unique beach-side town with plenty to do just outside the Sleeping Bear Dunes? Check out Frankfort, Michigan. The beach and lighthouse are worth a trip in themselves!

13) Check out Storm Cloud Brewing

Grab a burger and a beer from Storm Cloud Brewing in Frankfort for delicious food and drink and a cozy environment.

14) Backpack the Manitou Islands

Head out to one of the most unique backpacking destinations in Michigan, Sleeping Bear Dunes’ Manitou Islands. While the Manitou Islands are are to reach (you’ll need to take a ferry!), the rewards are solitude on sandy beaches, historic lighthouses, shipwrecks and more.

15) Drive the Pierce-Stocking Scenic Drive

Looking for an easy, family-friendly activity in the Sleeping Bear Dunes? Instead of hitting the trails, hop on the Pierce-Stocking Scenic Drive. The Pierce-Stocking Scenic Drive is one of the best things to do in the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.

Because this is one of the most beautiful places in the park, it is also one of the most crowded. In order to avoid crowds, arrive early in the day or later in the evening.

16) Watch the Sunset at Overlook Nine: best sunset spot in the Sleeping Bear Dunes

Looking for the best sunset spot in the Sleeping Bear Dunes? While there are plenty of great west-facing beaches to catch the sunset over Lake Michigan, the best place to watch the sunset in the Sleeping Bear Dunes is overlook nine on the Pierce-Stocking Scenic Drive.

Overlook nine is easily the best and most popular place to catch a sunset in the Sleeping Bear Dunes!

A quick note about the sand dunes: At Overlook 9 and Pyramid Point specifically, people like to run down the dune towards the water. The trip down takes just a few minutes, but the trip back up takes hours and you’ll likely find yourself sliding backward with every step forward (hiking on sand, especially steep sand is hard). The National Park requests that visitors not do this due to both dune erosion risk and for your own health and safety.

17) Swim at North Bar Lake

Instead a hard hike, pop by the beautiful North Bar Lake for a swim! While the waters of Lake Michigan can be chilly year round, North Bar lake warms quickly compared to the open water. Conveniently, North Bar Lake is located right next to Lake Michigan so swimmers looking for warm water can stay in the smaller lake, while swimmers looking forward to cooler waters and bigger ways can hop into Lake Michigan!

planning a Michigan road trip? check out these 9 Michigan Road Trip Ideas

18) Kayak the Lake Michigan Shoreline

Are you an experienced kayaker looking for a beautiful place to paddle? Kayak the beautiful Lake Michigan Shoreline in the Sleeping Bear Dunes. Note that all coastal kayaking trips are best tackled in sea kayaks and with deep water self-rescue skills: if that doesn’t sound like you, consider staying off the water. While the water may appear calm on Lake Michigan, that doesn’t mean it is always calm around the corner. Surprisingly, Lake Michigan is the most deadly Great Lake, claiming more lives than all the other Great Lakes combined in most years.

Alternately, rent a paddleboard from Sleeping Bear Surf & Kayak. Be sure to check Lake Conditions before you head out, and always leave a float plan with someone you trust.

19) Bike the Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail

One of the best ways to experience the Sleeping Bear Dunes is to bike the Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail. This trail takes you past historic monuments and through the park featuring beautiful views of the dunes and Lake Michigan.

20) Stargaze from the Dunes

Did you know the Sleeping Bear Dunes is one of the best places to see the Northern Lights in Lower Michigan? Head up to the Dune Climb area on a dark night (wait for a new moon!) and enjoy incredible views of the Milky Way. If you’re lucky and it’s very dark, keep your eyes peeled for the Northern Lights in the distance.

21) Visit Sleeping Bear Point Maritime Museum

While hiking is one of the best ways to experience the Sleeping Bear Dunes, you can’t miss the Sleeping Bear Point Maritime Museum! Here you can learn about the history of the park including the Coast Guard, shipping, and more in Manitou Passage.

22) Check out the Point Betsie Lighthouse

Looking for a classic Lighthouse on Lake Michigan? Tucked away in the south end of the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is the iconic Point Betsie Lighthouse. While this is a great spot to visit in the summer, Point Betsie really shines in the winter when coated in ice from Lake Michigan!

23) Grab a drink at Glen Arbor Wines

If you love wine country, you’ll love Glen Arbor Wines tucked away near the Sleeping Bear Dunes! Here, you can order glass by the glass, bottle, or as a flight and enjoy wine around the fire pits outside. At this fun location you can either bring in your own wines, or order charcuterie!

24) Hike Leelanau Clay Cliffs

While there is tons of great hiking inside the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, you can also find great hikes just outside the park! Check out Clay Cliffs Natural Area for an easy, 1.5 mile loop with wildflowers and an overlook of Lake Michigan.

25) Hike Alligator Hill Trail

If you’re looking for a longer hike with lots of views in the Sleeping Bear Dunes, check out the Alligator Hill Trail! Here, you’ll find views of Sleeping Bear Point and Glen Lake wildflowers and more. This trail system is home to over nine miles of trails and makes for great cross country skiing in the winter as well!

When is the best time of year to visit the Sleeping Bear Dunes?

The Sleeping Bear Dunes are beautiful in any month of the year, and each time of the year has its own activities to offer! Summer is the most popular time of the year and the best time to visit Sleeping Bear for beaches and swimming, but it’s also the most crowded. In late winter or spring, snowmelt makes the water in the Lakeshore gatorade- blue.

Because winter brings snowfall, skiing, and less crowds, it is my favorite time of year to visit the Lakeshore. If you’re looking for the best swimming, hiking and the least crowds, consider visiting in September. Lastly, the fall colors turn in Sleeping Bear around late October every year, usually slightly later than the surrounding area due to the warming effect of Lake Michigan.

Should I visit the Sleeping Bear Dunes with Kids?

The Sleeping Bear Dunes are one of the most family-friendly National Parks in the Midwest! In the Sleeping Bear Dunes, you’ll find plenty of gentle hikes like Pyramid Point and great swimming for families. Kids will especially love playin on the massive sand dune at the Dune Climb!

Where to stay near the Sleeping Bear Dunes:

Personally, I think the campsites around the Sleeping Bear Dunes are so beautiful that I would choose to camp every time! However if you’re looking to keep the sand out of your sleeping bag and shower at the end of the day, here are some other options.

• Empire Lakeshore Inn, Empire, MI. Access to heart of the Sleeping Bear Dunes, $250-350 a night
• Baymont in Beulah. Southern Section of Sleeping Bear Region. $250-300 a night
• Sylvan Inn Bed & Breakfast, Glen Arbor, $250-$250 a night, best location

Love reading about the best things to do in the Sleeping Bear Dunes? Head here next:

• Check out the best things to do in the Pictured Rocks
• Find the best places to kayak near Traverse City
• Hike the best hiking trails in the Sleeping Bear Dunes

Where can I learn more about exploring the Midwest?

For 300+ pages on hiking, places to eat, waterfalls, beaches, and more hidden gems throughout the midwest, check out the Exploring the Midwest eBook Bundle!

free resources like this one are made possible by paying subscribers of the Hello Stranger Newsletter. Join the newsletter today to connect with thousands of like-minded adventurers and get gritty and honest adventure stories delivered right to your inbox (aka read my diary).

share this article on social media: