Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

We only had one day in Traverse City. I wish we had more time there, but we chose to go to Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore in Empire, Michigan after we checked into the Holiday Park Campground and got there just before closing time.  This one of the places the man in El Centro told us to see when we came to Traverse.  I always Google the 3D map of the area to see if we can bring RVs and this was no difference.  We didn't bring the RV but sometimes what the overview shows is a little different than what is actually there.  This place was on of those exceptions.  The place that they have the RV parking is in a tough place and I don't think we could have gotten our RV out easily without some careful maneuvering.

The Visitor Center had some pretty neat architecture in the roof line inside.  It contained a information area, small shopping area and a very nice display about all the flora and fauna that live in and around the dunes specifically by areas that was quite informative before we headed to the dunes.

After the visitor center, we followed the map around to see the dunes which encompasses islands of South Manitou Island and North Manitou Island as well as Good Harbor Bay, Sleep Bear Bay, Glen Lake, Little Traverse Lake, Platte Lake, Little Platte Lake, Long Lake, North and South Bar Lakes and the tip of Crystal Lake plus the sands of Lake Michigan.

We followed Hwy 22 through the dunes area and drove through Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive and could glimpse the water views as we drove.

These roots were amazing!

Soon, we came along the Dune Climb area.  From the parking lot, you walk through a lovely little forest and then come to a steep walk up to the dunes.  This is a HUGE dune that has a dramatic 1,024 foot drop off to the shores of Lake Michigan!  Warning signs tell you NOT to climb the dune because it will take you at least 2 hours to climb back up!  The scenery was spectacular and the story of how Sleeping Bear Dunes got it's name.

Scott was a Good Samaritan and took time to pick up trash at this site.

After these large dunes, we continued our drive over to Glen Haven Historic District where there the Sleeping Bear Point US Life-Saving Service Station Maritime Museum is located and so beautiful beach area.  There is also a good boat off the boardwalk.

Here's a little video of the beach.  It was so lovely and peaceful...hardly anyone was around.

And, the little town has a few fun buildings.  There isn't may building there but the little town is quaint.  It was about 7:30 p.m. by the time we headed back to the RV.  We had a really fun visit here.