Exploring the Great Lakes: Facts about Lake Superior, Michigan, Huron, Erie, Ontario
Dive into the fascinating world of Michigan’s Great Lakes. Learn intriguing facts about Lake Superior, Lake Michigan, Lake Huron, and Lake Erie.
- The Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is a popular tourist attraction on the coast of Lake Michigan in northwest Michigan.
- The national lakeshore features sand, beaches, forests, inland lakes, islands, historic villages and more.
- Visitors can buy entrance passes online or in person to check out the national lakeshore.
A trip to northwest Michigan this summer can land you at one of Michigan’s national lakeshores, a top attraction for those seeking sweeping views, trails to hike and beaches to relax on.
The popular tourist destination, Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, welcomes 1.5 million visitors each year with its expansive sand dunes and sandy beaches, former Life-Saving Service/Coast Guard stations, inland Manitou islands, a historic farm district and coastal village, inland lakes, 1871 lighthouse, forests and campgrounds, according to the National Park Service.
“The park was established primarily for its outstanding natural features, including forests, beaches, dune formations, and ancient glacial phenomena,” Pure Michigan says.
Michigan’s other national lakeshore is Pictured Rocks, which features the towering Grand Sable Dunes on Lake Superior.
Here’s what to know about Sleeping Bear National Lakeshore.
What is Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore?
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is a popular tourist destination and one of two national lakeshores in Michigan.
Where is Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore?
The lakeshore lies along 35 miles of Lake Michigan’s eastern shoreline in west Michigan northwest of Traverse City. Nearby are the villages of Glen Arbor and Empire. The lakeshore is about 39 miles from Traverse City. M-22 runs north and south along the lakeshore.
How can you visit this season?
To visit the lakeshore, you will need a national parks entrance pass, which you then display on your car. You can buy the pass ahead online or in person at the Philip A. Hart Visitor Center.
If you’re planning a camping trip, you’ll need to book a reservation at one of the lakeshore’s campgrounds; you can reserve up to six months in advance.
How much do lakeshore passes cost?
Entrance passes to the lakeshore include a $25 standard pass, with varying prices for larger vehicles; $45 annual pass and America the Beautiful pass at varying prices. There are also seven-day digital passes.
The America the Beautiful National Parks and Federal Recreation Lands pass is $80 for an annual pass, $80 for a senior lifetime pass, $20 for a senior annual pass and free for military annual pass, military lifetime pass, access pass, fourth grade pass, and volunteer pass.
The following will be national park free entrance days in 2025:
- Juneteenth National Independence Day: June 19
- Great American Outdoors Acts Anniversary: Aug. 4
- National Public Lands Day: Sept. 27
- Veterans Day: Nov. 11
Are there beaches, other activities at the lakeshore?
The national lakeshore offers sand dunes, beaches, trails, inland islands, camping, forests, rivers, inland lakes, a lighthouse and more. The tallest dune is 450 feet.
For those looking to relax near the water, the park offers seven beaches. Platte River Point Beach includes the gently-flowing river’s mouth at Lake Michigan, a popular place for canoers and tubers to pause before loading up for home.
While visiting, you can hike the lakeshore’s various trails, bike the paved heritage trail, swim at the beach, set up camp, navigate the dunes, kayak or tube or canoe the rivers, take a trip to the Manitou Islands, explore historic coastal villages and museums and and more, per the lakeshore website.
What islands are part of the lakeshore?
The lakeshore features two inland islands, the Manitou Islands. The North and South Manitou Islands form part of an island chain spanning north toward the Straits of Mackinac. The islands offer hiking and camping in vast nature and the nearby Manitou Passage State Underwater Preserve to explore shipwrecks.
North Manitou Island is closed for the 2025 season amid a multi-year project to move the islands’ docks.
On South Manitou Island, there are 10 miles of pebble beaches, a lighthouse, sand dunes, village, over 500-year-old white cedar trees, campgrounds, historic tours and more, per the NPS website.
How can you get to the islands?
The islands are accessible by Manitou Island Transit ferry service from Leland, Michigan or by private boat. The islands do not have food service, stores or medical centers, so come prepared and be aware emergency responders may take hours or days to arrive, depending on weather.
More: It’s the only Great Lake entirely within US. 10 things to know about Lake Michigan
To access the islands, you need an entrance pass to the lakeshore. Pets are not allowed on the islands.
How many lighthouses are at the lakeshore?
The lakeshore features one lighthouse, located on South Manitou Island. The 100-foot South Manitou Island Lighthouse was in operation from 1871-1958, per the lakeshore’s website.
Previously, North Manitou Island Lighthouse, built in the late 1890s stood, joined by a lightship in 1910, until 1927. The light was replaced by the current North Manitou Shoal Light, an offshore beacon, completed in 1935, according to the North Manitou Light Keepers.
Contact Jenna Prestininzi: jprestininzi@freepress.com.
