Outdoor Recreation

Recreational Activities In And Around The National Lakeshore

Voted the Midwest's "Number One Nature Escape for Families" by the readers of Disney's Family Fun Magazine, the Sleeping Bear Dunes are an ideal family vacation destination. Clear blue waters, rolling woodlands, and 65 miles of pristine sand invite visitors to get outside and enjoy life...naturally.

Springtime welcomes the return of deep green to the hillsides, joined by dozens of species of native wildflowers. Summer's sun beckons children to the water by day and families to the lakeside each evening as it sets below a watery horizon. In the fall, nature's canvas is painted in a spectacular rainbow of hues, complimenting the sapphire shade of adjacent lakes. 

Hiking & Trails

As with any natural environment, the best way to truly experience the National Lakeshore is foot. So park the car and hike into the…

Biking

As with all national parks, the National Lakeshore does not allow mountain biking off designated roads or on its hiking trails. Given…

Golf

The topography, soils and weather conditions in the area are as ideal for golf as one can find in the United States.  As a…

Birding

Whether you've been working on your life list for years or are just discovering the thrill of birding, Leelanau County is the…

Hunting

Sports enthusiasts will find a variety of game in and around the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.  Whether you hunt for…

Winter Sports

Whether you prefer skiing or snowboarding, downhill or cross-country, snowshoes, ice skates, or a good old-fashioned toboggan…

Camping

Just can‘t get enough of the great outdoors? The Sleeping Bear Dunes boast some of the most spectacular camping spots in the…