Home to beautiful white sand beaches, scenic hiking trails, and countryside biking paths, Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is the perfect midwest weekend getaway. This guide outlines the top things to do at Sleeping Bear Dunes, as well as, amazing nearby eateries and breweries.
Fun Fact
Legend of the Sleeping Bear Dune as told by the Chippewa Indians:
"Long ago, along the Wisconsin shoreline, a mother bear and her two cubs were driven into Lake Michigan by a raging forest fire. The bears swam for many hours, but eventually the cubs tired. Mother bear reached the shore and climbed to the top of a high bluff to watch and wait for her cubs. The cubs drowned within sight of the shore. The Great Spirit [Manitou] created two islands to mark the spot where the cubs disappeared and then created a solitary dune to represent the eternal vigil of mother bear." - NPS
Top Things To Do at Sleeping Bear Dunes
Views
[1.5 miles; 170 ft Elevation Gain; Out & Back; Difficulty: Moderate]
A nice easy stroll through the woods leading to AMAZING Lake Michigan coastline views. Although AllTrails rates this trail as "moderate" we would say this is the easiest trail in the area that leads to such incredible scenery. With that being said, it is also one of the most popular so make sure to arrive early for a more enjoyable hike. This hike is family-friendly, pet-friendly and can be completed by all skill levels.
J&L Recommended: Epic Views!
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