Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore Empire, MI |
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Rating |
Very Good |
Age |
1 and up |
Lockers |
Not Available |
Restrooms |
Visitors Center and all parking areas |
Food |
Empire |
Closest Coffee |
Empire |
Recommendation |
The dune climb is fun, the scenery is great, but the legend of Sleeping Bear is sad. |
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Review: by Will
Before the time of man, a mother bear and her two cubs were swimming across Lake Michigan. The mother reached the shore first and laid down on the beach to wait for her cubs. The cubs never made it to shore. They became the Manitou Islands that you see from the dunes. The mother continued to wait until she fell asleep. Over time the sand collected over her, creating the Sleeping Bear Dunes.
This is the Native American Legend of the Sleeping Bear Dunes, which is the central feature of this National Lakeshore. The park includes a "Dune Climb" area. The dune you are allowed to climb is the actual Sleeping Bear Dune. (Man, those bears were huge!).
I went up and down the dune twice. Once I went half way up the first dune, then ran down. It is like running down a hill. I said the first dune because, there are actually three, one on top of the other. And the total makes for 200 feet of sand straight up. If you want to get all the way to the top, walk on all fours, pace yourself, and put your hands deep in the sand to get a good grip.
I also climbed up to the top of the second peak, and if you want to know what it is like on the moon, go to the second peak. On your way down, you will start out walking, then you will be running, then loping, then bounding, and finally you will be flying (at least as close as you can get without wings.)
If you like playing in the sand and almost flying, come to The Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.
Other Reviews:
Dad: This area also has some great trails and information on the unique ecosystem. The dunes of Lake Michigan are amazing, and the park takes you from beaches all the way to old growth forests. The small lakes are beautiful, and the view from the top of the dune drive is spectacular.