A great way to get to many of the places within the Lakeshore, the Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail is a hard-surfaced, non-motorized, multi-use trail planned to span 27 miles from the northern end of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore at County Road 651 to the Leelanau/Benzie County line at Manning Road south of Empire.
Miles of sand beach, bluffs that tower 450’ above Lake Michigan, lush forests, clear inland lakes, unique flora and fauna make up the natural world of Sleeping Bear Dunes. High dunes afford spectacular views across the lake. An island lighthouse, US Life-Saving Service stations, coastal villages, and picturesque farmsteads reflect the park’s rich maritime, agricultural, and recreational history.
No visit to Sleeping Bear Dunes is complete without spending time on the Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive. Enjoy spectacular views of Glen Lake, undulating sand dunes, and breathtaking views of the grandest of all dunes, with shimmering Lake Michigan as the backdrop. Wind through cool forests of sugar maple and beech trees. Take a moment along the way to enjoy a picnic, take a walk, or just linger in the sunshine.
Outdoor beer garden with an “Up North” twist, complete with campfires, assorted picnic tables, outdoor games, s’more roasting and more. Sit under the Northern Michigan sky in the beer garden surrounded by maple and pine trees.
When you step aboard the Nauti-Cat, you'll be cruising on the largest commercial sailing catamaran on the Great Lakes. The staff offers a variety of sailing options, from day sails where you catch the breeze and sway to some beachy music, to happy hour and sunset cruises that can cap a great day.
Leland is a picturesque, coastal small town located on a sliver of land between Lake Michigan and Lake Leelanau, on Michigan's Leelanau Peninsula. Leland is a historic fishing village showcasing a charming downtown filled with local art galleries, many specialty shops including the Fishtown shanties, and the backdrop of the delightful crystal blue waterfall.
A must visit when in downtown Traverse City! Michigan's Northwest Lower Peninsula is the largest producer of tart cherries in the United States. The area grows 75% of the country's variety of mighty Montmorency cherries. Stop in for all the cherry treats from chocolate covered cherries to cherry salsa and cherry wine. You can also visit Cherry Republic in downtown Glen Arbor.