Sleeping Bear Dunes

Winter Throughout Sleeping Bear

Not all are hibernating - adventure and tranquility await you.

Explore Michigan’s Serene Coast

The hills, dunes, valleys, shoreline, small lakes, and streams which you'll see throughout the area were formed by the…

Discover Things to Do

Clear blue waters, rolling woodlands, and 65 miles of pristine sand invite visitors to get outside and enjoy…

Sleeping Bear Stories Blog

A locally curated collection of writings with a perfect mix of topics to help you plan an upcoming trip or simply enjoy…

welcome to

Sleeping Bear Dunes

Named the “Most Beautiful Place in America” on ABC’s Good Morning America, its no wonder why so many people flock to Sleeping Bear Dunes every year! Come see why our location is so unique. Relax and give way to the uncommon pleasures of tranquil, naturally beautiful settings that many of our locations have to offer.

Many visitors enjoy stopping off for an ice cream cone, and then driving the smaller local roads to appreciate the wide range of flora and fauna in Leelanau County.

11 days ago

The Empire Bluff Trail Reroute in the Winter, at Daybreak (A MUST-DO!)

5 minute read

I’d been wanting to get out to see the new reroute of Empire Bluff Trail and one wonderful winter morning appeared where I had nowhere to be – and plenty to do – and went anyway. I packed up Maple, my dark red Golden Retriever, and set out. The morning was icy, frosty, and…

a month ago

Maple Sugaring Days Coming March 4-5

3 minute read

It’s time! Come March, you’ll start to see plastic buckets hanging from the maple trees in Leelanau County – and dreams of waffles and fresh maple syrup aren’t far behind. This year, for the first time ever, Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is hosting Maple Sugaring…

2 months ago

Hunt the Elusive Yeti in Suttons Bay

4 minute read

Or maybe just celebrate him with hot chili, games, live music, and a free movie. There’s an abominable rumor afoot: Kids these days are claiming that the Yeti—you know, that furry white ape-like snow-“man” who roams the winter wilderness?—eats spaghetti. Not…