I decided to extend my stay in northern Michigan an extra day, so I could enjoy Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. It would be criminal to leave without staying at least a day there. I set up camping in the Platte River campground. I then set off to see as much of the park as possible because I wanted to post a Sleeping Bear Dunes Instagram photo essay.
Sleeping Bear Dunes Instagram photo essay begins with the Caribbean looking Lake Michigan
Although one could easily stay longer, the park is perfect for a one or two days stay. There are many beautiful lookouts easily accessible by short trails, so I took in a few of these and then caught the sunset at the campground.
Lake trout fish fry at Sleeping Bear Dunes campsite
Lake trout cooked over the fire
Earlier in the first day, I fished with Sports Fish Michigan and caught several lake trout on Lake Michigan. I bought some butter, lemon pepper garlic, some sides, and beer and had a wonderful cookout over the fire at the campground. I could not think of any better way to end a perfect day in the Traverse City, Michigan area.
Related: Traverse City lake trout fishing amazes
Sunset the first night at Platte River Campground
Sleeping Bear Dunes Instagram photo essay
I have been to Sleeping Bear Dunes before. On my last trip I hit most of the major trails. I decided to visit a few places that were so beautiful that they deserved a second look. Stops like the Empire Dunes, the scenic drive, and the Lake Michigan lookouts deserve revisits. I wanted to get as many good photos as possible for this Sleeping Bear Dunes Instagram photo essay before leaving town.
Sleeping Bear Dunes Instagram photo essay – View from Empire Dune
While I was at it, I also captured a bunch of GoPro footage including some time lapses, selfies, and video. The two days I was in Sleeping Bear Dunes were two of the most gorgeous days of the spring. The effect of the sun reflecting off the golden dunes and azure blue of Lake Michigan made for a memorable experience.
GoPro selfie from one of the scenic drive overlooks
In case you tire of Caribbean like Lake Michigan and golden dunes, here is an old barn
I ended my stay with a little fishing where the Platte River meets Lake Michigan. I planned to leave earlier in the day, but I could not leave. Sunset time loomed, so I decided to enjoy one more sunset before leaving home. I did not catch any fish, but I did catch some great sunset shots.
Sleeping Bear also has a few scenic inland lakes – Glen Lake
Sleeping Bear Dunes Instagram photo essay – Manitou Island sticking out in the distance
From the northern end of the park near Sleeping Bear point
Sleeping Bear Dunes Instagram photo essay
Scrub land between the woods and the dunes
A storm rolled through interrupting the perfect weather
Empire Dunes from a distance
Good thing I stayed for the second sunset
Adventure on!
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Ted this is a beautiful part of the world I’d love to explore. What a great set of Instagram shots – very inspiring.
Thank you Leigh,
I really enjoyed this part of the country. Great fishing, beautiful scenery along Lake Michigan, and tons of craft beer breweries.
Ted,
I am betting that trout was excellent. Freshly caught and grilled quickly. Had to be mouth watering amigo!
Mike
Hey Ted, now this is a little spooky cos only today I received a press trip invite to the region! I was struck by the name sleeping bear dunes and I started to google it. Of course it looks magical indeed and would obvs provide great hiking and outdoors exploration I’m sure, but I was wondering if you had any further inside track about the area / region that could help me with my pitches, anything really cool that would make a compelling story? I hope you don’t mind my asking – and no worries if nothing springs to mind of course!
Jools Stone recently posted..Dusseldorf 2016: Open Source Festival where Art & Music Collide
Hello Jools,
I am not sure what angle you might be looking for, but I am sure you could find it in the Traverse City area. Being a blogger, I don’t really worry about pitches much. I just go to cool places and relate my adventures. There is so much to do in the Traverse City area that I am sure you could find a lot worth writing about. The scenery and outdoor adventure is first rate, they have great wineries, beer pubs, and festivals. You could not go wrong here.