GLEN ARBOR, MICHIGAN - What do Ribadeo, Spain; Zamboanga, The Philippines; and Glen Arbor, Michigan have in common? According to a recent National Geographic article, they’re all home to some of the finest beaches in the world. The article, written by Kimberley Lovato, divides twenty-one international beaches into categories such as “shell seekers,” “soulful solitude,” and “dune walkers,” where Michigan’s own Sleeping Bear Dunes take top billing.

“We’re honored, but not surprised,” said Sleeping Dunes Visitor’s Bureau spokesperson Jamie Jewell. “We’ve had the chance to explore lots of other beaches in the course of our work sharing this natural gem with the public, and we’ve never seen anything more beautiful or more peaceful than what we have right outside our front door.”

The recognition comes as part of a string of awards and accolades for the National Lakeshore, which was voted “America’s Most Beautiful Place” by viewers of ABC’s Good Morning America in 2011. “The recognition has really helped. In the years since, one of our member properties has welcomed visitors from all 50 states, as well as a number of foreign countries.” Despite the popularity of the dunes, lots of isolated and undiscovered corners remain– most tourists focus on the Dune Climb, Jewell noted, while other parts of the lakefront are often nearly empty, even during peak season. Private beaches, such as the mile of lakefront at The Homestead, a local resort, also offer a great chance to have a stretch of beach to yourself, as well as other amenities.  

The Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is a unit of the National Park Service and encompasses a 60km (35 mile) stretch of Lake Michigan’s eastern coastline, as well as North and South Manitou Islands.  Established primarily for its outstanding natural resources, some 70,000 acres of park includes forests, beaches, dune formations and ancient glacial phenomena.

The Sleeping Bear Dunes Visitors Bureau was formed by the innkeepers of Glen Arbor Township, located at the heart of the National Lakeshore.  Member properties include a resort with four small hotels, a bed and breakfast, an inland lake resort and marina and motel in the town of Glen Abor.  As a small, non-profit entity that operates under Public Act 59, the bureau uses a majority of its revenue to promote tourism to this spectacular destination and for its innkeepers.

Media Contact:

 

Jamie Jewell, Sleeping Bear Dunes Visitor’s Bureau, 231.334.5150 or jamie@thehomesteadresort.com.