14 Sep The Ultimate Guide to Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
Sleeping Bear Dunes is a favorite vacation spot among Michiganders and tourists alike, and for good reason. The dramatic sloped dunes drop into Lake Michigan at impossible angles, and the views are unparalleled. There is no shortage of activities and photo-ops on this stretch of Up North lakeshore, and it often surprises visitors that such a landscape exists in the Mitten. Plus, this area of Michigan will always hold a special place in the hearts of the Camp Gals: it’s the site of the camping trip that started it all!
Where to Stay
Platte River Campground – This campground is a Camp Gal favorite. A short walk brings you to a quiet beach for sunset, spacious sites provide plenty of room for your gals and gear, and most importantly: this campsite has a firewood vending machine. Yes, it’s as brilliant as it sounds. Just $5 cash gets you a bundle of firewood that’s right inside the campground and guaranteed to be dry. What could be better?
Reserve your site here → recreation.gov
Check out more campground details, reviews, and photos here → Hipcamp & The Dyrt
Fees
Park Entrance Pass – $25.00 per private vehicle (valid for 1-7 days from date of purchase)
Annual Park Entrance Pass – $45.00: Valid for 12 months from month of issue.
Where to purchase → Fee Collection Locations
(Entrance passes will grant you access to the campground, the Dune Climb, and the Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive.)
When to Visit
Late summer/early fall are the Camp Gals’ favorite times to visit the Sleeping Bear Dunes area. Scenic stretches of M22 are stunning in the fall, and most of the out-of-state tourist crowds clear out by the end of August!
What to Do
Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive
This scenic loop is well-marked and takes you past all the best views. Depending on how long you stay at each spot, the whole loop takes approximately 45 minutes to an hour, and the views are well worth the drive. The most popular stop includes the opportunity to run down one of the park’s steepest dunes all the way to Lake Michigan. Disclaimer: while running down feels like flying, the hike back up the dune is not for the faint of heart. The park even puts warning signs at the top to remind visitors it won’t be a short trip back to the parking lot. You’ve been warned.
Dune Climb
Accessed through a different park entrance (off of M22, about a mile north of the Scenic Drive), the official dune climb allows you to park in the designated lot and tackle a lengthier dune hike. There are several trails throughout the dunes of varying length that begin here, and if you’re feeling ambitious, you can hike from the parking lot all the way to Lake Michigan (round trip, this hike is 3.5 miles).
Pro tip: Wear tennis shoes. This seems counterintuitive for walking in the sand, but on a hot day, you will be thankful for the extra barrier between your feet and the hot sand.
Grocer’s Daughter Chocolate
Gourmet chocolate might not seem like the typical camping cuisine, but this indulgent local eatery is a must. With its bright green exterior, the storefront is impossible to miss on the main street in Empire. Grocer’s Daughter now also has a coffee menu, in case you are in need of alternate sustenance on your trip. The Camp Gals once purchased some fancy chocolate to complement our campfire desserts, and let’s just say, it was life-changing.
Empire Beach
Just down the street from Grocer’s Daughter, this beach access is a great spot to hop in Lake Michigan before or after you pick up your chocolate treats!
North & South Manitou Islands
Hop on a ferry to South Manitou Island for scenic hikes, lighthouse views, and an up close look at a historic shipwreck. Or, for a more backcountry experience, travel to North Manitou Island for a backpacking and camping adventure.
Hike
There are several scenic hikes in the area, and they all offer panoramic views of Lake Michigan. A few of our favorites:
> Pyramid Point
> Empire Bluffs
> Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive Dune Climb
> Dunes Trail at Sleeping Bear Dunes
Kayak or Float the Platte River
For a leisurely day on the water, rent a tube or a kayak and float down the Platte River. River access & tube/boat rental: located right along the river in the park.
Visit Frankfort
Frankfort’s tagline is “Always in Season,” and we can confirm that even in the winter, this is true. This adorable town is right on the water, and its local shops make it the perfect spot to visit, rain or shine.
> Petals and Perks — Frankfort’s main street coffee shop is complete with excellent lattes, local art and trinkets for sale, and a piano for guests to fill the room with music.
> Crescent Bakery — This local bakery offers delicious donuts and other baked goods. The line is often out the door on summer weekend mornings!
> L’Chayim Delicatessen — Also on Main Street, this shop is a great spot for lunch. Their menu consists of bagels and bagel sandwiches, and they are easy to grab and go for a meal on the beach!
> Walk to the Frankfort lighthouse — This lighthouse is one of our favorites. In the winter, there will be surfers braving the choppier waves, and the summer & fall are perfect times to walk the pier with a latte or for sunset.
> The Betsie Valley Trail starts in Frankfort and goes all the way to Thompsonville. The Camp Gals’ favorite section of trail is from Frankfort to Beulah. The trail rides along Crystal Lake, where both the lake views and the lake houses make for excellent views, and the Ursa Major coffee shop is the perfect spot for a mid-ride lemonade treat.
> Frankfort’s Country Market – This farmer’s market brings local necessities to the park by the Frankfort’s harbor Sundays during the summer and fall.
Glen Arbor & Glen Haven
> Cherry Republic – This store is a Michigan classic. Their cherry products range from Michigan wines to sour candies to salsa to barbecue sauce. This store is a great stop to pick up souvenirs for friends and family, or to snap some trip snacks for yourself!
> M22 Store – Another perfect spot for souvenirs, or if you just want to represent the Up North lifestyle.
> Historic Glen Haven – Located within Sleeping Bear National Lakeshore, the town of Glen Haven will take you back in time. Its restored general store, blacksmith shop, and the Cannery Boathouse are must-sees.
Fishtown, Leland
Leland is another iconic nearby town, and historic Fishtown is the main attraction. Shops and restaurants along the docks allow you to experience life in a still-functioning fishing village, and snap some prime Instagram shots, of course.
Most Instagrammable Spots
> Fishtown, Leland
> Frankfort Lighthouse
> Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive
> Dune Climb – Sleeping Bear National Lakeshore
♡ Rach & Olivia
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Megan Feyer
Posted at 17:47h, 15 SeptemberLove this area!
Village cheese shanty in Fishtown is a must. Has the BEST sandwiches!