Climb Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore in Michigan

Having spent several summers visiting the Outer Banks of North Carolina, everyone in the family agreed to explore Sleeping Bear Dunes during our family vacation. Located along Michigan’s lakeshore, this historical state park was once home to the early Anishinaabek culture. It’s name was derived from their story of the Sleeping Bear.

The story begins with a mother bear (Mishe Mokwa) and her two cubs that lived in the land that is now Wisconsin. Covered in trees, this land caught fire and the bears continued south to escape. When they arrived at Lake Michigan, their only hope was to cross over, so the mother bear urged her cubs to swim. At some point in the night, Mishe Mokwa lost her cubs and in the morning when she woke on the shores of the lake. Looking back into the water, she noticed them slipping through the waves. Heartbroken, she lay depressed by the loss of her cubs and looked out into the lake where her babies had died.

The Great Spirit, Gitche Manitou, created two islands, North and South Manitou in honor of the cubs. With a heart that would never heal, the Spirit covered the mother with a blanket of sand and laid a spell of sleep upon her.

Before climbing the tall sandy dune, we stopped by the Philip A. Hart Visitor’s Center to pick up a map of the national lakeshore and surrounding area. We were also interested in driving the Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive during our stay, so we picked up a map of this popular tourist route with its scenic stops and ecological features.

The weather could not have been more perfect. The skies were a deep blue and not a cloud in sight while the temperature was moderate with a gentle breeze. From the bottom of the dunes, it seemed like it would take an eternity to reach the top but we each had our own game plan for tackling the hill.

Each of us finally made it to the crest and looking back towards our start, we could see Lake Glen sparkling under the afternoon sun. Our calves would be a little sore over the next couple of days, but it was well worth the effort.

We all agreed to continue on in hopes of seeing Lake Michigan on the other side. We learned that there are two hikes that originate from the Dune Climb. One is the 3.5 mile round trip Dunes Trail and the other a 2.8 mile Sleeping Bear Point loop hike.

We were surprised that once we made it to the top, the climb continued upward. We were certain that we would soon reach Lake Michigan but it would take a little more hiking to even come close.

We learned from a group of returning hikers that we were hardly close to the lake. If we continued on for about another quarter of a mile, there was a chance that we would see it in the distance. Pushing on, we found a small hill off of the path where we were able to catch a glimpse of Lake Michigan. With our legs burning and out of breath, we enjoyed the view and then decided to make the journey back.

Have you visited Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore in Michigan? I would love to hear about your experience, so if you leave a message in the comments below! Many thanks for reading about our climbing of the Dunes Trail in Sleeping Bear Dunes National Park! Wishing you many Happy Travels!

For more information about the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, contact them directly or check out their website by using the following information.

What to See and What to Do:

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
9922 Front Street
Empire, MI 49630
Telephone: 231 326 5134

Admission Fee: Park Entrance Pass is $25 per vehicle which is valid for seven days from the of issue. Alternatively, visitors can pay a $15 per person fee. Annual Park Entrance Pass is also available for purchase for $45, valid 12 months from the month of issue.
Hours: The Dune climb is open all year, 24 hours a day
Amenities: The park offers the following activities – biking, climbing the dunes, fishing, geology tour, hiking, hunting, kayak and canoe, scuba diving, skiing and snowshoe, swimming, tubing and winter activities. Visitors can also explore the Sleeping Bear Maritime Museum, the US Life-Saving Service station, the boathouse, Glen Haven General Store, Cannery Boathouse and Blacksmith shop.
Length of Visit: Full day of food, fun, activities and entertainment
Tips for Your Visit: You may want to climb the dune without shoes or decide to climb in socks if the sand is hot. There are also all-terrain footwear that you may want to research as well. Bring plenty of water and sunscreen.

Where to Stay:

Bayshore Resort
833 E. Front Street
Traverse City, MI 49686
Telephone: 231 935 4400

Where to Eat:

Blu
5705 South Lake
Glen Arbor, MI 49636
Telephone: 231 334 2530

I selected this restaurant because of the stunning views of Sleeping Bear Bay and the Manitou Islands as well as their use of local ingredients. I ordered the Loma Farm Greens as a starter with Feta cheese, apples, almonds and mustard vinaigrette and for my entree, I could not pass up the sea scallops served with butternut squash. I wanted to sample the local wines, so I ordered the Boathouse Vineyards Pinot Noir prior to eating my starter and then I ordered the Chateau Fontaine Chardonnay to pair with my meals. Both wines are from the Leelanau Peninsula.

What to Eat:

The Coney Dog from Detroit, Jackson or Flint.
Vernor’s Ginger Ale
Founded in the Upper Peninsula, the pasty is a pastry pocket with fruit filling
Mackinac Island Fudge
Apples
Cherries
Detroit Style Pizza shaped in a rectangle and baked until the edges are crispy.
Better Made Chips from Detroit
Germack Pistachios
Walleye Fish from the Great Lakes
Faygo beverages