General information about the National Lakeshore
The Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lake Shore protects around 38mi of coastline, with its sand dunes rising up to 460feet high, on the northwest shore of Lake Michigan. The protected area also includes the two offshore islands of North Manitou Island and South Manitou Island.
Number of visitors
Best time to visit: May to October
Our visits:
So far 1 visits: October 2024
Entrance fees and opening hours
- 25$/car and all passengers valid for 7 days
- Covered by the Anual Pass*
- Open all year round.
*The Anual Pass is so to speak the "flat rate" for all Parks managed by the National Park Service. The pass costs a one-time fee of $80 and can be purchased at the entrance to each National Park, National Monument, etc. The pass is valid for 13 months.
Glen Haven
Description: Glen Haven is the best-preserved historic settlement on the eastern shore of Lake Michigan, perhaps even on the entire Great Lakes. It was founded in 1857 when C.C. McCarty built a sawmill and an inn on the beach. Together with the dock built in 1865, the foundations were laid for a flourishing timber trade. If you are interested in the history of Glen Haven in more detail, you can find it here. .
Our rating: The settlement is very well preserved and you get a good impression of the life and people who lived here. We think it's worth a visit.
Coast Guard Station
Description: The station was built in 1901 and housed the crew and equipment used to rescue ships in distress in the Manitou Passage. Today the station serves as a museum. If you are interested in learning more about the history of the station, you can read about it here. .
Our rating: Not an absolute must-see, but a nice detour that is definitely worthwhile. The small museum is also designed nicely and is very informative.
Dune Climb
Description: At the Dune Climb, everyone can experience how strenuous it is to climb a dune. Those who want to make it to Lake Michigan have a 3.5mi hike through the dunes to enjoy.
Our rating: As hiking in the sand is not really our thing and we had more plans for the day, we only looked at this dune from below.
Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive
Description: The Scenic Drive is probably the biggest attraction in the park. You drive through a dense forest and in addition to a pretty covered bridge, there are also two viewpoints, the Dunes Overlook and the Glen Lake Overlook, which offer a beautiful overview of the dunes and the surrounding area. Probably the most spectacular viewpoint, however, is the Lake Michigan Overlook. Despite all the warnings, there are always adventurous people who walk down the steep 330 feet dune to Lake Michigan and then can't manage the steep path back up. The scenic drive is closed in winter, usually from early November to mid-May.
Our rating: Just to see the huge, steep dune at Lake Michigan Overlook and watch the people trying to get back up is worth the trip. Anyone coming to the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore should definitely not miss the Scenic Drive.
