Sleeping Bear Dunes Beach

Sleeping Bear Dunes, voted "Most Beautiful Place in America" by Good Morning America viewers, offers an otherworldly Lake Michigan beach experience where massive sand dunes rise 450 feet above crystal-blue waters. The legend of a mother bear waiting for her lost cubs, now represented by two islands offshore, gives this place its name and its mystique. The Dune Climb, the park's most popular hike, challenges visitors to scale a 260-foot dune with spectacular views of Glen Lake and Lake Michigan. Empire and Glen Haven beaches offer classic Lake Michigan swimming in waters rivaling Caribbean clarity. The Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive provides easier access to overlooks above the lakeshore. Backcountry camping on the dunes is permitted for those seeking a more immersive experience. The historic villages of Empire and Glen Arbor offer charming shops and restaurants.