The easy-breezy days of August are upon us, making it a great time to discover (or rediscover) why the Sleeping Bear Dunes region is such a peaceful place to vacation.
Who doesn’t love blue skies, turquoise waters, and sandy beaches flanked by stunning sand dunes? We didn’t earn the title of the “Most Beautiful Place in America” for nothing.
If you want to opt outside, Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore offers endless trails, historic sites, and guided bicycle tours and wagon rides through the Port Oneida Rural Historic District.
Don’t fret just yet! There’s still plenty of summer to enjoy, along with art and park events throughout August. It’s time to escape to the dunes for some Sleeping Bear therapy.
Plan your own adventure
From historic farming communities to miles of trails, you can easily spend a few days exploring Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.
It doesn’t matter if you’ve been here before or if you’re a first-time visitor looking for adventure. The National Lakeshore spans 35 miles and protects 72,000 acres of unspoiled beauty along Michigan's northwest shoreline.
Check out these popular points of interest:
- Dune Climb
- Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive
- Philip A. Hart Visitor Center
- Empire Bluff Trail
- Pyramid Point Trail
In addition, the park offers some great spots to experience truly dark skies, where you can search for constellations and admire the expanse of the Milky Way.
Upcoming park programs
Twilight Talks: Ranger-led Twilight Talks are scheduled 8-9 p.m. on most nights except on Monday and Tuesday at the D.H. Day and Platte River Campground Amphitheaters.
Program topics include Monsters of the Night, Ecosystems of North and South Manitou Island, and others to be announced. Check the park calendar for details. All members of the public are welcome with a valid entrance pass. Program continues through Sept. 1.
Anishinaabe Traditional Fishing Skills: Anishinaabe Historian Eric Hemenway gives a historical background on fishing methods of the Anishnaabek of Michigan. Hemenway’s program covers where they fished, how fish was instrumental in the trade of the tribe, and the progression of fishing methods through time, from nets to spearing. Programs offered at various times on Aug. 11, Aug 16, Aug. 30 and Sept. 1.
Port Oneida Fair, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Aug. 8-9: This annual fair highlights the traditional crafts and daily chores of pioneers. Experience life as it was in the late 1800s and early 1900s as you explore six of the historic farmsteads in Port Oneida.
Each farm offers a diverse range of artists, crafts, food, and activities for visitors. Learn about spinning, basket weaving, soap making, butter making, candle dipping, and fur trapping. Listen as park rangers and local history experts share the area's history.
A shuttle bus runs between the farms on a regular schedule during the fair, so you can park your car and ride the shuttle to the different venues. Learn more here: Port Oneida Fair (U.S. National Park Service) (nps.gov)
Heroes of the Storm, 3-4 p.m., Thursdays Aug. 14, 21, 28: Step into the boots of a U.S. Life Saving Service surfman and help “fire” a kid-powered Lyle Gun and rescue victims from a shipwreck. No experience necessary—just a sense of adventure! Perfect for families, kids, and anyone curious about Great Lakes Maritime history. Program is held in the green space between the Maritime Museum and the Boathouse.
The Gift of Food, 10-11:30 a.m. Aug. 16: Like many people and cultures, the role of food is very important in Anishnaabek culture and history. Join Anishinaabe historian Eric Hemenway to learn how food has played a role in historical decision-making as well as vital ceremonies.
Star Party and Candlelight Hike, 9-11 p.m. Aug. 23: Experience the magic of the dunes after dark on a one-mile, easy trail glowing with lanterns to light your way. Held at the Dune Climb with arrival anytime between 9-10:30 p.m. Come a little later for an easier parking spot, a quieter trail, and a dark sky to enjoy the stars!
All programs and events in the National Lakeshore are free with a valid park pass. Plan your visit to the park here and check out the calendar of upcoming programs.
Area art festivals, events
The 2025 Frankfort Art Fair showcases local and traveling artists in a relaxed atmosphere. Shop the unique booths from 1-7 p.m. Aug. 15 and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Aug. 16 at Market Square Park. The annual two-day fine arts fair is one of Michigan's most popular shows.
The 5th annual Clothesline Art Show & Sale features original work from the Old Art Building Plein Air Painters. These artists have met weekly since May to paint in various unique locations around Leelanau County. View the work and support local artists 2-5 p.m. Aug. 20 on the front lawn of the Old Art Building in Leland.
Kalamazoo-based writer Lynne Heasley will give her Artist in Residence Presentation at 10 a.m. Aug. 21 at the Glen Arbor Arts Center. Heasley’s summer residency is a springboard for writing about the natural world and how it intersects with the human world. Heasley will talk about the inspiration for her bat-centric essay, “I Remember the Bat Room.”
Horizons: Alternative Landscapes at Oliver Art Center takes a fresh look at the landscape genre, exploring it through the lens of several artists with a unique twist on the subject. The exhibit continues through Sept. 5, closing with an artist talk from 2-4 p.m. that day.
Sailing Life, on display in OAC’s Fisher Gallery until Aug. 22, captures the joy of sailing Michigan’s rivers and lakes, and celebrates the adventurous heart of Frankfort’s harbor community.
Learn about classes, concerts, and the full calendar of events at oldartbuilding.com, glenarborart.org, and oliverartcenterfrankfort.org.
You can even make your own pottery at Thoreson Farm or Oliver Art Center!
Other vacation must-dos
Glen Arbor is a great getaway from the grind, where you can watch the sunset over the lake, drink a beer with locals, and kayak on the Crystal River.
If you want to avoid traffic and crowds, The Homestead Resort is a haven in the heart of it all. The resort offers accommodations from hotel rooms to condos, so you can book a romantic retreat or bring the extended family. Enjoy swimming, golfing, tennis, trails or a drink around the fire at Whiskers.
What else should you make sure to fit in?
- Get lost in the sand dunes or pack a picnic and enjoy a beach (or boat) day.
- Take a leisurely bicycle ride on the Sleeping Bear Dunes Heritage Trail or area rail trails.
- Shop the weekly farmers markets in Glen Arbor (Tuesday), Elberta (Thursday), and Frankfort (Saturday) for fresh produce and local treats.
- Dance the night away at a variety free concerts throughout the summer or listen on the patio of an area eatery. View the local lineup at visitglenarbor.com
- Sip a cool cocktail at The Homestead’s Café Manitou or take a dip in the Beach Club’s pool (for members and registered guests) — the view of Sleeping Bear Bay can’t be beat.
- Schedule in some downtime for naps, books, bonfires, sunsets, and stargazing.
Make the most of these slower, sunny days before the back-to-school rush!
Marla R. Miller is a freelance travel writer, blogger, and content writer who enjoys exploring the Sleeping Bear area. Visit her website at marlarmiller.com.