Manistee National Airport offers service to and from Chicago, and has a number of charter flight options available for groups. It's this unique phenomenon that garnered the park National Lakeshore status in 1970. The drive, depending on the time of year and weather, will take 45 minutes to an hour with these directions: For more information, visitPhilip Hart Visitor Center. In the Park Cookies are used for measurement, ads and optimization. Weddings +- . Book direct at the Sleep Inn & Suites Acme - Traverse City hotel in Acme, MI near Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. 141 reviews #5 of 20 things to do in Empire Hiking Trails Visit website Call Write a review About This 4.5-mile challenging hiking trail is the most popular in Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. 2. Use these top ten tips to plan like a park ranger. Our tour guide was named Matt and he was fantastic. If you are lucky enough to be out of the city lights, step out into your backyard and enjoy the scene above. This experience requires good weather. The Sleeping Bear Dunes region provides a number of options for campers. My husband and our twelve year old son are flying into Traverse City for a week in late August. For your convenience, we have compiled driving directions to the Phillip A. Hart Visitor's Center in Empire from Traverse City. Eat, Stay & Play in Traverse City 3. Matt was our guide and he does a fantastic job and answers questions with a smile. 49630, Download the official NPS app before your next visit. For more information, visit the national lakeshore's website. The bus can fit up to 11 bikes and trailers of any type. Flights are available to Traverse City's Cherry Capital Airport (TVC), as well as to Manistee National Airport (MBL). Explore the Sleeping Bear Dunes. Sleeping Bear Dunes Are there mountains in northern Michigan? It has a museum, brochures, maps, and lots of information about the park. Follow CR 706 4.4 miles to M-22. https://e3camping.com. This huge sand dune is just waiting to be climbed and then runor rolled!down toward Lake Michigan. It was a great experience. Romantic Getaway. I was in town for work and glad I took this tour instead of trying to navigate this on my own. . 2. 50 things to do at Sleeping Bear Dunes - Traverse City Hailed as one of the most beautiful places in America, it is no surprise that Sleeping Bear Dunes is an area of stunning landscapes and amazing views. This huge sand dune is just waiting to be climbed and then runor rolled!down toward Lake Michigan. Theres a general store, a working blacksmith shop and a former cannery that now houses a large exhibit of Great Lakes boats. #2 inBest Small Towns to Visit in the USA in 2023-2024, #1 inBest Mountain Towns to Visit in the USA, #1 inBest Small Towns to Visit in the USA in 2023-2024, Mackenzie Roche|Amanda NorcrossJune 30, 2023, Katie Hearsum|Timothy J. ForsterJune 28, 2023. If you need suggestions on planning your visit, browse ouritinerary, check outthe Benzie county section of the park and take a look at tour options with Up North Tours. Cookies are used for measurement, ads and optimization. 5685 Lake Michigan Road, Honor, MI 49640, D. H. Day Campground The city and the surrounding Northwest Lower Peninsula region of Michigan offer spectacular scenery and many ways to get out and enjoy it. Printable Maps. The lunch, snacks and beverages provided were delicious. Girls' Weekend Getaway: Traverse City, Michigan - Thyme & Love Our tour guide had a wealth of knowledge about the area. Our tour guide Matt was very knowledgeable and made us feel very comfortable. RV Camping Near Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore There are lots of shipwrecks to be found around Sleeping Bear Dunes. . Stand under a blanket of stars and be filled with awe and wonder. Expect to walk 1.5 miles over a dirt and sand Trail. Michigan is one of the few places in the world where you can enjoy ice wine. Cherry Capital Airport has year-round service to and from Chicago and Detroit, as well as seasonal service from some destinations on the East Coast. Free WiFi, free breakfast, free parking. There are ranger-led programslike fun snowshoe hikes up into the dune forestsand its a great time to look for wildlife tracks! If you are lucky enough to be out of the city lights, step out into your backyard and enjoy the scene above. The Philip A. Hart Visitors Center located about 22 miles west of Traverse City on the edge of the Village of Empire, is an interesting and informative stop for new visitors to the park. Drive to Traverse City. Here are a handful . It sails between Manitowoc and Ludington in 4 hours. 9922 Front Street Another 10 miles north will bring you to Empire where the Visitor Center is located. Drive the Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive, 3. Turn right and drive 1 mile to the Platte River Campground. NHL Prospect Tournament | Traverse City, MI 49696 Following the Red and White game, the team will remain in . Visitor Center. 8799 Sleeping Bear Road, Glen Arbor, MI 49636, Platte River Campground If you follow M-22, stay on it through Frankfort, and in about 10 miles, you will come to the Platte River Campground. Both are located about an hour from the Dunes. Here are some helpful hints for stargazing in your own backyard: Download the official NPS app before your next visit. 2. SLEEPING BEAR HERITAGE TRAIL | News | record-eagle.com Here are 10 ways to explore Sleeping Bear. Head to the beach for an unforgettable time with your four-legged friend. A guided tour of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. The Pyramid Point trail is a more moderate, hilly option, while the 9-mile Alligator Hill trail takes hikers away from the dunes and higher up to provide sweeping views of the lake and the forests that flank it. We would recommend this tour to everyone! He was also very personable and professional. You bet! (M-109), Glen Arbor, MI 49636, 9922 Front Street We never get tired of the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, a breathtaking 64-mile curve of beaches, coves, islands and dunes - some perched as high as 400 feet above the water. The U.S. Coast Guard hoisted a kiteboarder out of Platte Bay in Lake Michigan on Saturday, Aug . Overlooking Lake Michigan and featuring forests, dune formations, and beaches, Sleeping Bear Dunes is an amazing choice for a relaxing holiday. Perfect way to explore the Sleeping Bear Dunes area. Forget not to look up. Traverse City is the gateway to Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore and the deep blue serenity of Lake Michigan. Getting Here & Getting Around | Maps Share Maps Traveling to Sleeping Bear Dunes If you are driving, drive to the intersection of M-72 and M-22 on the western side of Traverse City and then: Turn left on M-72 toward Empire and travel about 14 miles to a blinking light and turn left to continue on M-72. Read reviews, discover additonal experiences or contact, If you have questions about this tour or need help making your booking, wed be happy to help. Confirmation will be received at time of booking, No heart problems or other serious medical conditions. The closest city is Traverse City, 25 miles to the east. We have been to Sleeping Bear Dunes several times but having a tour guide that can tell you what you are seeing and the history behind it makes it so much more interesting. Aug 15, 2023, 8:09 PM. The reason wine production is successful here has to do with its close proximity to the lake. One favorite is the half-mile hike out to Sleeping Bear Point and back, which takes less than an hour and includes great views of the shoreline, dunes, and islands. The frozen grapes are then used to create a unique wine that resembles a honey-like nectar. 9922 Front Street, Empire, MI 49630, Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive If its canceled due to poor weather, youll be offered a different date or a full refund, This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. Allow your eyes time to adjust; it takes about twenty minutes for your eyes to become accustomed to the nighttime darkness. We learned so much and got to see beautiful northern Michigan from his awesome van that was clean and full of snacks!! Did you know there are two islands just off the coast of Sleeping Bear Dunes? If youre in the area and want a relaxing and informative day definitely book this tour. Bob Moler, of the Grand Traverse Astronomical Society calls Sleeping Bear the "perfect place to observe the heavens and contemplate the universe." Sleeping Bear Dunes is home to many prime stargazing locations. Coming to the Lakeshore? For more information, visit Lake Express. It's a steep climb up the sand dunes at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, but there's an even steeper price to pay for those who get stuck. Stops include an easy walk out to Empire Bluffs, Scenic Pierce Stocking Drive, Lake Michigan overlook, Glen Lke overlook . Thanks to Matt for an enjoyable day! As such, it's important to assess your fitness level before taking on trails that are steep or feature several elevation gains. The best place to be to start a day trip to the dunes is Traverse City. The Philip A. Hart Visitor Center is located in the picturesque village of Empire. The trees were just starting to change to fall colors and the scenery was beautiful. Explore festivities ideal for maximizing the sweater weather season. BATA also offers a summer service that goes from Traverse City to downtown Glen Arbor, DH Day Campground, the Dune Climb, Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive parking lot, and downtown Empire. Our guide Matt was flexible and affable and provided plenty of time for pictures and questions, even providing binoculars and a tripod for great viewing of shipwrecks, lighthouses, etc. The National Park Service needs to do better about updating their app. Climb the Dune Climb 2. While the sun and the sand make for a magical summer trip, Sleeping Bear is equally beautiful in the winter. Where should I stay when visiting Sleeping Bear Dunes? To get to the Visitor Center, turn right at M-72 and drive about 100 yards and you will see the Visitor Center on your left. There are easier paths to take so dont worry about that? I enjoyed the history and geology that Matt talked about throughout the tour. RED WINGS TRAINING CAMP | Traverse City, MI 49696 We had an amazing time on our tour! A american flag next to a tall blue buidling Special Programs: A free film, Water, Sand, and Sky explores the stunning landscapes, rich biodiversity, and captivating history of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Read our. It was a Ford Transit van. The van was modern and very clean. By continuing to use our site you agree to ourprivacy policy. Getting Here | Sleeping Bear Dunes For more information, visitSS Badger. Admission is $25 per vehicle though if you walk or bike in you'll pay $15. Are there mountains in northern Michigan? 615 E Front St, Traverse City, MI 49686 - The West Bay Beach Resort parking lot. Transportation +-Airport Info. Pro Tip: If you are driving, you could easily add Indiana Sand Dunes National Park to your itinerary. Romantic Getaway. One, the Lake Express, isa newer, high-speed, catamaran style ship which sails between Milwaukee and Muskegon in 2 hours. Be sure to dress in layers, as summer nights are often cool in northern Michigan. A larger selection of such items along with shirts, hats, postcards, books, videos and nature games are available at the Dune Center Book Store , which is located at the base of the Dune Climb, at the Glen Haven General Store and at a number of the privately owned shops in the area. Climb the Dunes 4. 1. For an easy trek, check out the Empire Bluff trail, a 1 1/2-mile round-trip hike that takes visitors directly to the edge of the dunes. The Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is located in the northwest corner of Michigan's Lower Peninsula, about 25 miles west of Traverse City. Our whole group enjoyed the day and the delicious lunch from the local mom n pop restaurant. It was a bit windy but the views are beautiful- Make sure your bring shoes that are good for hiking sand dunes. Thanks UNT, we had a blast! We had a great time on our tour to the dunes. He was on time to pick us up, kept us on schedule and we saw more of the area than we expected. What time? Another 10 miles north on M-22 will bring you to Empire. 2. My husband is 41 and has a heart condition. There is 1 way to get from Traverse City to Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore by car or ferry Select an option below to see step-by-step directions and to compare ticket prices and travel times in Rome2Rio's travel planner. Your directions start from Traverse City, MI, USA and end at Sleeping Bear Dunes Rd, Glen Arbor, MI 49636, USA. 49630. Matt was so informative which was a pleasant part of the tour and he even involved our 4 year old who also had a great time. The Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is the most popular single attraction in the Traverse City area, and its only a short drive from downtown Traverse City and the surrounding counties. KYD *ANNOUNCEMENT* & Sleeping Bear Dunes Traverse City He went a step further to accomodate us for nxt day when weather was clear. Empire, If not journey here to Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, or to your nearest National Park site to take in the breathtaking views of a star-filled night sky. Red Wings players, prospects and tryouts will be divided into teams that will practice and scrimmage throughout camp, including the annual Red and White Game on Sunday, Sept. 24. Sleeping Bear Dunes tours, 2023 Sleeping Bear Dunes Visitors Bureau. Please recreate responsibly so you can protect yourself, us, and our resources. The former port of Glen Haven was a steamship stop on Sleeping Bear Bay that has been restored to the way it looked in the 1920s. Angie's mom also joined us for our weekend getaway. He was also very entertaining. Manistee National Airport offers service to and from Chicago, and has a number of charter flight options available for groups. Traverse City and Sleeping Bear Dunes - Traveling with jj If you are lucky enough, your backyard may be a place to go out, look up, and see whats above. It was obvious he does this for a living year-round and for decades now. Highly recommended! Discover nearby lodging options in Traverse City and Benzie County. We loved all the history of native Americans, especially the legends and beliefs around Manitou. Could maybe hold 8 or 9. You will certainly get your heart pumping! ! Bring a blanket or a set of chairs to sit on. more information on current conditions Any of the beaches that stretch along the Lake Michigan shoreline, Along the Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive, specifically at the number three stop, Thoreson Farm in the Port Oneida Rural Historic District. Address: 9922 W Front St, Empire, MI 49630, Frequently mentioned favorites include the Dune Climb, Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive, Glen Haven Maritime Museum and Life Saving. Tour includes round trip transportation from Traverse City with snacks and drinks provided. The process of making ice wine is incredibly precise: Producers have to pick grapes when temperatures are between 17 and 19 degrees Fahrenheit, meaning that production often happens in the middle of the night in the dead of winter. He is in pretty good shape. Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive. We wasted time going to a visitor center that was supposed to be open until 3, but, in fact, wasn't open at all. But they would have picked us up at our hotel we found out afterwards. For an interesting article on the history of car ferries on Lake Michigan, visitwww.carferries.com. "Sleeping Bear Dunes is a perfect blend of dunes, beaches, and forestsPopular activities include exploring the stops along the 7.4 mile Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive, climbing the Dune Climb, hiking or biking through the woods, and swimming in the clear waters." - National Park Service Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive Glen Lake and the Dunes The other, the Badger, is an older and larger ship. The 7.4 mile drive loops through the Beech-Maple forest and sand dunes and provides insight to the history of the area, a sampling of the vegetative communities found within the park and, best of all, spectacular overlooks of the Glen Lakes, the Sleeping Bear Dunes, and Lake Michigan. Kiteboarder airlifted from Lake Michigan off Sleeping Bear Dunes Thank you, Matt! Traverse City State Park and Duck Lake Campground, part of Interlochen State Park, are two public options if you can't get into the National Lakeshore campgrounds or just want to be a little farther east. Traverse City Michigan: A Favorite Getaway - GoNOMAD Travel By continuing to use our site you agree to ourprivacy policy. The closest city is Traverse City, 25 miles to the east. He took us to the best spots in a great order and we lucked out on perfect weather and visibility. Know your airline's carry-on luggage size restrictions before you fly. Lighthouse Tour. We appreciate your efforts and expertisethank you! Hotel pickup is offered. If you follow US-31 north of Manistee, you can either take M-115 to Frankfort where you can take M-22 to Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore as described above, or you can continue north on US-31 to Beulah. I really appreciated the small touches like having extra beverages and snacks in the van. American Eagle/American Airlines 800.433.7300, Enterprise in Traverse City 231.933.7000, National in Traverse City 231.947.1560. High dunes afford spectacular views across the lake. Its grandeur can be viewed from overlooks along the Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive. Printable Maps. Although we have been coming to this area for many years, and thought we knew it, we learned so much that we hadn't known before!. Lunch was good too. Explore the old village and sawmill of North Manitou Island. Family Time. Daily Tours to Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher, Entry/Admission - Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Visitor Center | Sleeping Bear Dunes 2023 Daily Tours to Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore - Tripadvisor Last year, Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore celebrated its 50th anniversary. View the hotel list on our checkout page to see if yours is included among the pickup points. Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore to Traverse City This summer and fall, youre invited to explore 50amazing things to do in and around the national park. The Red Wings will host the Columbus Blue Jackets, Dallas Stars and Toronto Maple Leafs for four straight days of round-robin action, with each team playing three games. The Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is one of the most beautiful and amazing places in the country. For more information, including schedules, visitTraverse City Airportand Allegiant Airways. There are other places in the park besides the dune climb to see the lake and there were some beautiful views. Traverse City and Area for 1 week - Traverse City Forum Take a short hike, then enjoy lunch on the soft sand beach of Lake Michigan, then head along scenic Pierce Stocking Drive. You can follow either US-31 or M-22 from north of Manistee. Educate yourself on the constellations overhead with the use of a free star finding app downloadable for your smartphone or tablet.
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