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Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

9922 Front Street, Empire, MI 49630-9797
231-326-5134
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Ranked #1 of 10 attractions in Empire
Type: National Parks, Nature/ Wildlife Areas, Scenic/ Historic Walking Areas
Activities: Hiking, Swimming, Walking
Traveller Description: As a frequent traveler to national and state parks...and a father of young kids, the initial choice of western Michigan was primarily for proximity... more »
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305 reviews from our community

Visitor rating
    273
    26
    3
    2
    1
Date Rating
Senior Contributor
31 reviews 31 reviews
8 attraction reviews
Reviews in 8 cities Reviews in 8 cities
6 helpful votes 6 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 17 June 2013 NEW

We have been to the Bahamas, Costa Rica, Spain/Mediterranean, N. California, etc., and we think this is as scenic and beautiful as any of those places! The scenic drive is fun, easy and offers many great places to stop. We took advantage of one of the picnic areas to enjoy lunch and the stunning views. We ended the visit with... More

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Oxford, Ohio
Senior Contributor
34 reviews 34 reviews
4 attraction reviews
Reviews in 16 cities Reviews in 16 cities
19 helpful votes 19 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 15 June 2013 NEW

There is so much to see in this national park! The scenic loop is a must --some stops are positively breathtaking! We experienced some high winds at the overlook but that did not stop us from venturing out on the decks. Stay on the paths though.... There are picnic areas at overlooks and we were astonished by the dunes themselves!... More

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Woodstock, Illinois
Senior Contributor
21 reviews 21 reviews
6 attraction reviews
Reviews in 7 cities Reviews in 7 cities
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 14 June 2013 NEW

We were amazed at how beautiful the scenic loop was when we visited Sleeping Bear Dunes. There are 12 spots to visit where you can get out, look around and take some fabulous pictures. The quiet woods were just as gorgeous as the scenic views of the dunes and Lake Michigan. We wish we would've had more time to spend... More

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Detroit, Michigan
Top Contributor
115 reviews 115 reviews
43 attraction reviews
Reviews in 50 cities Reviews in 50 cities
59 helpful votes 59 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 14 June 2013 NEW

This is a really good place to visit either with families, couples or single as I did last week. There is a lot to see and do. The Dunes are great to visit, climb, view sunsets, have a picnic, etc .... The new bike trail they have through the park is excellent and can be used by the whole family... More

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See 3 more reviews by newadventure53 for Empire
Round Lake, Illinois
2 reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 13 June 2013 NEW

We visited Sleeping Bear Dunes for the past 5 days and camped at the Platte River Campground. For starters, the campground has very nice wooded sites and very clean bathrooms. There are a series of hiking trails, one of which leads to the Lake Michigan shoreline and it was a very quiet, scenic place to hang out. When we drove... More

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Zeeland, MI
Top Contributor
69 reviews 69 reviews
20 attraction reviews
Reviews in 25 cities Reviews in 25 cities
24 helpful votes 24 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 13 June 2013 NEW

My husband and I visited Sleeping Bear Dunes for the first time. A stop at the visitor center in Empire should be first. Maps and directions can be received and a $10.00 pass can be purchased. The Dunes overlook is fantastic. Many people were taking advantage of the Dunes climbing area.

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Farmington Hills, Michigan, United States
Contributor
15 reviews 15 reviews
5 attraction reviews
Reviews in 6 cities Reviews in 6 cities
4 helpful votes 4 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 11 June 2013

this is definitely worth the trip. we visited after leaving a conference at crystal mountain resort. you'll have plenty of time to explore glen arbor, empire and the dunes in an afternoon. be sure to wear closed shoes (i.e., sneakers or boots)...the sand is HOT!

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San Diego, California
Senior Contributor
24 reviews 24 reviews
8 attraction reviews
Reviews in 14 cities Reviews in 14 cities
8 helpful votes 8 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 8 June 2013

we had little time to spare, but very much enjoyed the sights; would have liked more time to explore the dune as well as the town of Glen Arbor.

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Cincinnati, Ohio
Contributor
18 reviews 18 reviews
6 attraction reviews
Reviews in 7 cities Reviews in 7 cities
3 helpful votes 3 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 31 May 2013

This place is most for families. There i so much to do and see. If you like to camp you have to check out Platte River Campground, it is awesome. Visit the beach and lighthouse at Empire, the Cherry Republic in Glen Arbor, and Pierce stocking drive are must sees. Be sure to go the overlook at Pierce stocking at... More

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Vernon, Connecticut
Senior Contributor
29 reviews 29 reviews
18 attraction reviews
Reviews in 17 cities Reviews in 17 cities
12 helpful votes 12 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 30 May 2013

I was intrigued by the proclamation that Good Morning America voted this the most beautiful place in America. Being a big fan of, and passbook stamp collector of the National Park Service, this was a must see. We went over Memorial Day weekend. Great weather. There are many trails, and a very good scenic drive. There is also a restored... More

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