Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is one of the most beautiful things to see in Michigan! Let's get right into how it works...
Quick Tips: *This park does require a national park pass (run $25 for a day or $45 for the year). *You'll love the drive and there is something for every adventure level. There are vistas you drive up and walk a bit right out to. There are also beautiful hikes for different adventure levels. *Bathrooms here and there throughout the park
*Follow the rules and read signs, dunes can be so fun but also you can get easily fooled by the intensity they may be to climb :)
Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive: This is a 7.2-mile drive with many different scenic pull-offs. Just the drive is worth it but be sure and take some time to hit a few of the best trails and overlooks.
*Pyramid Point - a heavily traffic short .10 mile hike up to the overlook. This is rated one of the most beautiful overlooks in America! It'll take your breath away! - If you go down this Dune it takes at least 45/60 minutes to climb back up or a $3,000 helicopter ride :) This is not the "dune climb."(see below for this)
*Pyramid Point Hike- you can also hike this area, here is the info on this trial
*Sleeping Bear Point Trail - beautiful sandy hike - see all info here.
Once you make your way out of the loop drive head north on M-109 to to get to the Dune Climb. It's about 5 miles north of Empire, MI on your left.
Dune Climb Hike-
If you are local to MI you've probably found many places with beautiful sand dunes. These dunes are still able to blow anyone's mind! The kids will love trying this and challenge and enjoy running in the dunes! This hike is 3.6-mile hard hike but you can just do the climb and still get the benefit of the beautiful views (which is more like .50 up straight up).
Health Tip: Be sure you are hydrated and physically fit to do this. The reward is great but the climb is hard!
