Naturalist Adventures
Grab your camera and seek out fabulous flora and fauna!
13. Over 240 species of birds call the Dunes home. Follow the Sleeping Bear Birding Trail, and don’t stop until you identify them all.
14. Fancy yourself a budding botanist? Keep an eye out for the dune lily, the hoary puccoon and hundreds of other unique plant species.
15. From squirrels to bears, some 50 species of mammals live in the National Lakeshore. Admire them from a distance, but never approach or feed them.
16. Embark on a self-guided, driving Geology Tour and learn about the geologic origins of the area.
17. Help your kids learn how to preserve and protect nature by enrolling them in the National Lakeshore’s Junior Ranger Program.
18. Hone your photography skills on the Sleeping Bear Dunes’ spectacular scenery.
Nighttime at the Bear
Here at the Sleeping Bear Dunes, just because the day is done doesn’t mean the fun has to be.
19. Sign your littles up for the Junior Ranger Night Explorer program, and help them discover the magic of the night sky.
20. Look up. The dark night skies of the National Lakeshore are perfect for stargazing.
21. Enjoy guided astronomy explorations, such as the Star Party.
Trails
Looking for Michigan outdoor adventures? Look no further than the plethora of paths in the National Lakeshore.
22. Follow the crests of ancient dunes on Old Indian Trail’s two loops.
23. Wander through pine plantations, dunes and fields along 14.7 miles of the Platte Plains Trail.
24. Want maximum rewards with minimal effort? Hike the Empire Bluff Trail to a breathtaking viewpoint.
25. Slither through 1.5 miles of hilly terrain on the Windy Moraine Trail.
26. Climb through beautiful beech and maple forests on the Shauger Hill Trail.
27. Exercise mind and body on the interpretive Cottonwood Trail. Meander through perched dunes and consult your self-guided brochure to learn more about plant life and geology.
28. If dunes and views are what you seek, walk the 2.8 miles of the Sleeping Bear Point Trail. Then, do it again. It’s that pretty.
29. There may not be gators on the three loops of the Alligator Hill Trail, but you can ride your horse.
30. As you might expect, Bay View Trail’s seven hilly miles offer spectacular views of the bay.
31. Savor some of the best vistas of Lake Michigan from atop a steep escarpment on the Pyramid Point Trail.
32. Worn out from all the other hikes on this list? Enjoy an easy 2.8-mile stroll on the Good Harbor Bay Trail.
Races
Every athlete knows that the only thing better than a race is a race surrounded by sublime scenery. Enjoy views for days during these annual races.
33. Run 5K. Run 13.1 miles. Or, run a full 26.2. No matter your skill or ambition level, there’s a race for you at the Sleeping Bear Marathon, Half Marathon, and 5K, held every October.
34. Challenge your friends and fitness along Sleeping Bear hiking trails at the annual Dune Dash!
35. Test your triathlon skills at the yearly M22 Challenge, a unique run/bike/kayak event voted the best endurance event in Northern Michigan!
A Touch of History
The Sleeping Bear Dunes are full of anthropological history. Learn about everything from lifesaving cannons to pioneer culture at these historic installations.
38. Learn about those who risked their lives to save shipwreck victims at the Sleeping Bear Point Maritime Museum, a restored lifesaving station.
39. Each Thursday, view the Lyle Gun Demonstration, the firing of the only cannon designed to save lives, not take them.
40. Discover the cultural and trade history of pioneers past at Port Oneida Farms Heritage Center.
41. Step back in time and tour the Blacksmith Shop, a metalworks and carpentry center built in 1867.
42. Learn about both a 1900s cannery and a bevy of boats at the Glen Haven Cannery and Boat Museum.
43. Here, even the general store is historic. Head to Glen Haven General Store, in Glen Haven Village, for snacks, souvenirs and an exhibit about D.H. Day, a local 19th-century entrepreneur and Store founder.
44. Step into the brave boots of a US Life Saving Service member at Heroes of the Storm! During this weekly event, you and your kids can practice land-based lifesaving methods.
Manitou Islands
You can’t visit the National Lakeshore without heading to the Manitou Islands. Just six miles offshore, these uninhabited islands are the perfect respite from the mainland summer crowds.
48. Take the Manitou Island Transit ferry to North or South Manitou Island and explore over 20,000 combined acres of wilderness, perfect for hiking, camping and solitude.
49. Climb the 100-foot tower of the South Manitou Island Lighthouse and revel in sweeping views.
50. Visit the old village and sawmill of North Manitou Island. The village and dock are currently closed, but re-opening is expected soon.
