The 7.4-mile Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive is a part of the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, located off of M-109. The road was built by Pierce Stocking, a local lumberman who spent his childhood exploring the area. Great for driving or biking, the scenic route’s first stop is the Covered Bridge, which was also constructed by Stocking, adding additional charm to the drive.
Along the route are designated numbers that coordinate with the guided tour.
Stop number two is the scenic overlook of Glen Lake. The lake, divided in half by the M-22 bridge, is known as Little Glen to the south and Big Glen Lake to the north. The ridge that runs along the north side of Little Glen is appropriately named Alligator Hill as the outline of the alligator’s long snout can be seen near the bridge, to the right. Can you see it?
The Dune Overlook is our next stop and we exited the car to enjoy the scenic view. Stepping onto the platform, we were surrounded by water and sand. The beautiful blue of Lake Michigan could be mistaken for a Caribbean shoreline endlessly disappearing out into the horizon.
The nearby Cottonwood Trail is a 1.5 mile loop through the sand.
Checkpoint five explains the ecological traits of the dunes including the flora and fauna, the effect of the weather and its soil.
Leaving the sand dunes, we entered the Beech-Maple Forest and an amazing panoramic view greeted us at marker number eight.
The landscape was created by glaciers carving their way through the land, leaving behind scenic inlets and incredible coves.
As our scenic drive was coming to an end, we approached our ninth stop and exited the car. Heading towards the platform, we learned that we were approximately 450 feet above Lake Michigan. Excellent visibility allowed us a gorgeous panoramic view of Sleeping Bear Dune.
Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive was a great way to spend our Sunday afternoon. In addition to exploring our surroundings, we learned so much about Sleeping Bear Dunes and its beautiful lakeshore.
Have you visited Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore? What activities did you enjoy? I would love to hear about your experience if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below. Many thanks for reading about my experience on the Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive and wishing you many Happy Travels!
What to See and What to Do:
Sleeping Bear Dunes
Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive
Empire, MI 49630
Telephone: 231 326 4700
Where to Eat:
Joe’s Friendly Tavern
11015 W. Front Street
Empire, MI 49630
Telephone: 231 326 5506
Michigan is known for its cherries, and this restaurant offered Empire wings sweetened with dark sweet cherries, so I had to try them!
Trailhead for the Cottonwood Trail
Nolan in the sand