Beginning of the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore scenic drive through the dark forest
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore scenic drive is a must for first time visitors
When checking in at the Platte River Campground in Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, the ranger asked if it was my first time in the park. I mentioned that it was, and she gave me the national park map and mentioned the scenic drive was a must for first time visitors.
After a morning hike to Empire Dunes overlook, it was on to the scenic drive. A ranger kiosk was set up as you enter. For those coming to Sleeping Bear Dunes, it is $10.00 to enter the park, and the fee is good for 7 days. They do not have places to collect money at the park entrance. Instead, they collect either when you are camping or when you enter popular entrance points like the scenic drive and the dunes climb.
I had already paid my $10.00 at the campground, so the ranger checked my receipt and asked if I needed a brochure to accompany the tour. I took the guide and proceeded through the loop.
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore scenic drive – The first attraction on the scenic drive is a covered bridge
Scenic drive traverses through multiple ecosystems
The first part of the drive is through an incredibly lush forest. I am sure this part of the Dunes always surprises first time visitors because there is much more scenic beauty to this park than the dunes and Lake Michigan. The dunes and Lake Michigan are spectacular, but the forest and inland lakes are superb as well.
Speaking of inland lakes, the first overlook featured beautiful Glen Lake and the surrounding forest. This lake is barely inland as only a narrow spit of land divides it between Lake Michigan.
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore scenic drive – Beautiful Glen Lake and the surrounding lush green forest
The first stop was at a covered bridge. I snapped a photo and then the loop proceeded out of the forest into the dunes area. There was an amazing lookout onto the dunes, Lake Michigan, and the Manitou Islands. I was itching to do some walking, but the signs said not to invade the dunes here. The sign also promised the next stop would have a trail for those ready to hike.
This photo captures the essence of Sleeping Bear: Dunes, Lake Michigan, Manitou Islands, inland lakes, and inland forest
Explore by car, but get out and hike
I bolted to the next stop and as promised, there was the Cottonwood Trail. This 1.5 mile trail is an awesome loop which skirts the dunes with views galore of Lake Michigan. It was a beautiful clear blue day with wisps of clouds – perfect for dune viewing and taking photographs.
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore scenic drive – The trail starts out on planking and then heads out on the sandy dunes
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore scenic drive – Beautiful dunes, sky, and clouds along the Cottonwood Trail
I was amazed at how many people did not get out of their cars and enjoy the hike. There were several cars that stopped, took a picture, and kept going. I think any trail over a mile scares off a lot of people off. I had the trail virtually to myself only passing a couple with a dog and at the end a field trip of young students.
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore scenic drive – The dunes and Lake Michigan
The Cottonwood Trail is the only hiking trail on the scenic drive. The rest of the stops are scenic overlooks. The most sensational was the Lake Michigan and Sleeping Bear Dune overlook.
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore scenic drive = The number one attraction at Sleeping Bears is the absolutely gorgeous Lake Michigan
The wind coming off the lake is what made these dunes, and the wind is playing havoc with my hat. Good thing it is a Tilley
Sleeping Bear Dune legend
The park got its name from a Chippewa legend. In the story, a bear and two cubs escaped a forest fire by swimming into Lake Michigan. The mother bear out swam her cubs and made it to shore and waited for her cubs. The cubs drowned, and the sad momma bear waited. The Manitou Islands represent where the two cubs drowned.
Pictures like this tell why Good Morning America dubbed Sleeping Bear Dunes the most beautiful place in America
Sleeping Bear Dune is a dune topped with vegetation and it used to look like a sleeping bear, and this dune is where the mother bear waited for her cubs. The dunes constantly evolve and the sleeping bear dune is in the process of blowing out, meaning the wind is hollowing out the dune. It no longer looks like a sleeping bear.
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore scenic drive
Since the namesake of the park is disappearing, I propose a new name for the park inspired by this scenic drive. The new name of the park should be “One ridiculously beautiful scenic overlook after another National Park.”
One ridiculously beautiful scenic overlook after another National Park – I like the ring of it
Adventure on!
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Great overview of the park. Interesting story about how it got its name and very sad too. I would definitely get out and hike this trail. Lake Michigan is incredibly blue. I didn’t think the lake would look like that.
Jeremy Branham recently posted..Airline complaints: an open letter to US airlines
There’s a new iPhone app showing the trails at Sleeping Bear. Each trail is rated and described by Aunt Jane and Aunt Joy, two locals who work at the park. The app also includes “Area Recommendations” links.
Search in the App Store for “Sleeping Bear Trails” or use the following link:
http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/sleeping-bear-trails-aunt/id530045054?ls=1&mt=8
Jon Reid recently posted..Dot Notation in Objective-C: 100% Pure Evil
What beautiful views and pictures! A trip like this could make for a great weekend getaway, maybe I should try it. After all, I’m not that far… 🙂
Pola recently posted..Photo of the Week: View from the Giralda Tower in Seville
Definitely Pola,
I would recommend going later in the summer when Lake Michigan warms up a bit. The water was freaking freezing still in late May.
Wow, I had no idea there were sand dunes by Lake Michigan though I have always felt I wanted to visit the coastline. It is now most definitely on my bucket list. Thanks for the post and the great pix, Ted. I have a feeling the more I read your blog, the more I will be adding to my bucket list!!
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Thanks Raul,
It is amazing these formations are just across the lake from where we took an urban boat cruise. Seems like a completely different world.
What an awesome day…this is not the stuff I usually associate with Lake Michigan…gorgeous!
I hear you D.J. Living in Chicago we love and think Lake Michigan is beautiful, but the water is not this blue and the air is not this clear in Chicago.
Ted, you really are opening my eyes to parts of this country I didn’t know existed. I really need to explore more of the Midwest, with you as my guide, of course.
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Come on up Leah!
“One ridiculously beautiful scenic overlook after another National Park” – ha, I love it! Very fitting name, though. I haven’t been to Sleeping Bear in years; I think it’s time for a return trip. Awesome pictures, Ted!
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Yep Francesca,
I hope this post inspires a new trip. It may not be a 40 year old birthday trip, but perhaps a long weekend.
the color of the water doesn’t even look real!
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Thanks, it was amazing how blue the water was.
These pictures are absolutely beautiful. I never even knew such a place existed. I am adding Sleeping Bear Dune to my list of places to see.
I think you should. It has been on my list for years. I finally made it.
Wow Ted, this was something else! The photos of Lake Michigan are amazing and I am just going to have to find a way to go there. I am very serious! Thank you for sharing this!
@mrsoaroundworld recently posted..My favourite places in Palm Desert, Palm Springs and other California desert cities
Thanks Mrs. O. Find some time outside California to visit us Midwesterners.
One of my favorite places in the world… Your great photos are reminding me it’s time for another visit! Thank you.
I agree. I am ready to go back. I missed out on the Manitou Islands as they were not running the ferries. That is for my next trip.