Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore - Empire, Michigan

Address:9922 Front St.
Empire, Michigan
Tel: (231) 326-5134

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is a spectacular nature preserve on Lake Michigan's eastern coast. The park takes its name from an old Chipewwa legend that goes like this: a mother bear and her two cubs were chased off the island due to a furious forest fire. The bears swam for many hours but the cubs did not make it. The Great Spirit Manitou created two islands (the North and South Manitou Islands) to preserve the cubs' memory.
Several captivating natural features make the park glitter, such as pristine beaches, dunes towering 460 feet above the shimmering Lake Michigan, and ancient glacial phenomena. The whole family will enjoy scaling the Dune Climb in the summer and sledding down it in the winter! Other fun activities include boating, swimming, exploring the 1871 South Manitou Island Lighthouse, and traveling along the Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive.

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore encompasses a 35 mi. stretch of Lake Michigan's eastern coastline, as well as North and South Manitou Islands. The park was established primarily for its outstanding natural features, including forests, beaches, dune formations, and ancient glacial phenomena. The Lakeshore also contains many cultural features including an 1871 lighthouse, three former Life-Saving Service/Coast Guard Stations and an extensive rural historic farm district.