Sleeping bear dunes kayaking

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is defined by the white, sandy bluffs that tower more than 450 feet above the aqua blue waters of Lake Michigan. This national park is known as a sightseeing attraction and recreational destination but has long played an important role in the history and development of the state.

Sleeping bear dunes kayaking. The night sky can be one of the most awe-inspiring views experienced along the Lake Michigan shoreline. Join us at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore as we discover the night sky through weekly and monthly programs. Learn more about the events, including times and locations. Photo credit: Tyler Nordgren.

Tubing on the Platte River. Cool off with a relaxing float on a tube or raft down the Platte River on a hot summer day. This is one of the most popular recreational activities to beat the heat of summer. The river is shallow and clear, and while it moves along at a good pace, there are no rapids to contend with.

Oct 24, 2023 · 2) Kayak the Crystal River: best place to Kayak in the Sleeping Bear Dunes. One of the best things to do in the Sleeping Bear Dunes is to kayak the Crystal River! This activity is beginner-friendly, and the Crystal River is absolutely beautiful. Rent a kayak and a shuttle up river through Crystal River Outfitters, and float back down the river ... 11am - 1pm - Kayaking along Sleeping Bear Dunes. 1pm - 1:30pm - Lunch in Empire. 1:30pm - 3:30pm Biking Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail. 4pm - 5:30pm - Paddle Boarding in Little Glen Lake. 5:30pm - 5:45pm - Load Time. 5:45pm - 6:30pm - Drive to Hop Lot Brewing Co. Share. Scuba Diving. What could be better than a day on one of Sleeping Bear Dunes’ beautiful beaches? How about a day under the water. Lake Michigan’s salt-free water makes shipwrecks an especially popular destination for experienced divers, while beginners can benefit from the many excellent instruction opportunities in the area. There are many launch sites for rafting, kayaking and canoeing nearby. The cabin is centrally located between Cadillac, Interlochen, Frankfort & Traverse ...If the Sleeping Bear Dunes region is on your travel list for this year, it never hurts to start planning early. CNN Travel named Northwest Michigan and Sleeping Bear Dunes one of the best places to visit in 2024, alongside places like Turkey’s Black Sea coast, Puerto Rico, Chile, and Greece. The article notes: “Refreshing, unsalty Lake ...Feb 8, 2024 ... Ken Haddad speaks with Christy McDonald about a Michigan man convicted on federal charges after dredging a river inside Sleeping Bear Dunes ...The Sleeping Bear Dunes boast some of the most spectacular camping spots in the National Park Service. Some spots have electrical hook-ups and modern plumbing. Others, such as those at the D.H. Day Campground, are more rustic. All are highly desirable and it‘s wise to reserve well in advanced. If all of the campgrounds are booked, be sure to ...

Riverside Canoes is the only private business operating inside the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. We offer canoe trips on the Upper and Lower Platte River. Go canoeing with Riverside Canoes on the beautiful Platte River, located on M22 in Honor, Michigan in the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.Despite the common misconception, a koala bear does not get a high from consuming eucalyptus leaves. People have speculated that koala bears sleep for so many hours because of into...2) Kayak the Crystal River: best place to Kayak in the Sleeping Bear Dunes. One of the best things to do in the Sleeping Bear Dunes is to kayak the Crystal River! This activity is beginner-friendly, and the Crystal River is absolutely beautiful. Rent a kayak and a shuttle up river through Crystal River Outfitters, and float back down the …Nov 10, 2022 ... Voted the "Most Beautiful Place in America" by Good Morning America, Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is a must-see destination.Popular Attractions. Frequently mentioned favorites include the Dune Climb, Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive, Glen Haven Maritime Museum and Life Saving Station, canoe trips on the Crystal and Platte Rivers, and the biking and hiking trails - especially those with scenic overlooks in areas such as at Pyramid Point. Many locals enjoy stopping off ...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. Currently the trail runs about 20 miles between Empire and Bohemian Road (CR-669), …

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is defined by the white, sandy bluffs that tower more than 450 feet above the aqua blue waters of Lake Michigan. This national park is known as a sightseeing attraction and recreational destination but has long played an important role in the history and development of the state.Shell Lake. Location: Drive M-22 north of Glen Arbor to Bohemian Road (CR-669). Turn north (left) and drive about a mile to Lake Michigan. Just before you enter the parking area for the beach, turn left on the gravel Lake Michigan Road. Drive about 2 miles to an intersection with Good Harbor Drive, which goes off to the right.Oct 21, 2020 · The yellow canoe is a 20th-century recreational double-ended canoe. The canoe is commercial made, constructed on a cedar frame covered with painted canvas. The interior is varnished. The lower boat is a flat-bottomed wood skiff meant to be rowed. This type of boat was probably locally made and often used for fishing.

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Recreational Activities In And Around The National Lakeshore. Voted the Midwest's "Number One Nature Escape for Families" by the readers of Disney's Family Fun Magazine, the Sleeping Bear Dunes are an ideal family vacation destination. Clear blue waters, rolling woodlands, and 65 miles of pristine sand invite visitors to get outside and enjoy ...The 6.3-mile-long Crystal River is located in Leelanau County in northern Michigan’s Lower Peninsula. It flows from Glen Lake through Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore and into Lake Michigan just north of Glen Arbor. Crystal River Outfitters Recreational District is the original outfitter along the Crystal River. Their offerings also ...A brick-paved plaza filled with the sounds of moving water and a carillon welcomes guests to these honeymoon suites. While the decor is unique in each suite, all have sitting areas with a fireplace and television, a mirrored alcove with a second television and a jetted tub, spa-style shower, and king bed. Salon and shops, fitness, skiing, and bars and restaurants are adjacent. The beach is a ...Feb 18, 2021 · 1) Empire Bluffs Trail: Most popular trail in the Sleeping Bear Dunes. Around two miles round trip, this trail takes you to the top of Empire Bluff overlooking Lake Michigan, with sweeping views of the coast and North Bar Lake. Located near the town of Empire, MI. This is my favorite hike in the park. Be sure to not hike down to the Lake ... Families have floated the Platte River for generations, and for good reason. It’s easy to maneuver a kayak, stand-up paddleboard, canoe, raft, or tube down the river. And… it ends at a lovely Lake Michigan beach – Platte Point Beach. Platte Point Beach, Sleeping Bear Dunes MI. Platte River waters are clear and the river bottom is ...

Sleeping Bear Dunes is a great place for winter activities. Our proximity to Lake Michigan and the topography of the area are conducive to lots and lots of lake effect snow. Within a 20 mile radius of Sleeping Bear Resort are four ski resorts, nine cross country ski & snowshoe trails, two snow tubing destinations and over 135 miles of groomed ...The $25 pass will gain you and everyone else in your car access to the Lakeshore for up to one week for a private vehicle. Motorcycles visiting will be required to pay a $20 fee, and those on foot or bicycle should pay the $15 pass fee. If you plan to visit for longer than one week, an annual pass just for Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore ...Riverside Canoes offers white water rafts for lazy river rafting. This is perfect for people who want to spend the whole day on the river. Join us for a 4, 6, or 8-person river rafting trip along the Lower Platte River in Honor, Michigan inside the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Our rafting trips take at least 4 hours traveling from ...Now, 104 acres and 6,300 feet of river frontage in total are forever under the wing of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Water Trail . The best way to see and appreciate the Crystal River is from a canoe or kayak. There are outfitters in the area who will drop you off at the put-in site.The Trip. Spend one active and adventurous week exploring Sleeping Bear Dunes, Michigan’s national lakeshore with 71,000 acres of parkland, over 100 miles of trails, 65 miles of shoreline, and the designation of “The Most Beautiful Place in America” (Good Morning America).Guests and members of The Homestead can rent stand-up paddle boards, kayaks, and other small craft at the mouth of the Crystal River. Crystal River Outfitters offers canoe and kayak rental, as well as guided tours for groups. All About Water offers kayak rentals and guided tours. Sleeping Bear Surf and Paddle offers kayak and surfboard rentals ...When visiting Sleeping Bear Dunes, guests have two great choices for river kayaking and canoeing: The Crystal River and the Platter River. From our research, the Crystal River is shallower and slower-moving than the Platte River. Because it’s a little faster, visitors often opt for enjoying the Platte River from an inner tube, which we ...Despite the common misconception, a koala bear does not get a high from consuming eucalyptus leaves. People have speculated that koala bears sleep for so many hours because of into...

Sailing the Sleeping Bear Dunes is one of the best and most peaceful ways to discover their beauty. Local marinas can help you with boat rental. ... Canoeing & Kayaking. Thoese who enjoy the sometimes quieter pursuits of canoeing and kayaking won't be disappointed. Paddling beneath the 400 foot face…

New for 2016 – We are excited to provide for the first time ever, guided kayak tours along Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, authorized by the National Park Service! No kayaking experience needed! We will feature a roundtrip tour to the base of the 450’ dune at Pierce Stocking Scenic Overlook, or to Pyramid Point. Everything you need is included …Less than a 20-minute drive from Sleeping Bear Dunes, this rustic state forest campground offers peaceful scenery away from some of the more crowded camping areas. Campers can fish, canoe, and kayak on Garey Lake, or explore the Shore-to-Shore Trail system, which runs through the state forest. This 420-mile trail is open to hikers and …Let's look at breadth on the S&P 500, the put/call ratio, the bonds, the overbought market, and more. Thursday had something for both the bulls and the bears. Let's sta...After seven years of planning, work recently wrapped up on the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore’s newest hiking and ski path. Be one of the first to check out the three-mile Kettles Trail. Here’s the scoop on the trail’s “glacial” significance and directions on how to find and explore thisCharter Fishing. Charter Fishing. Michigan Fishing at the Sleeping Bear Dunes. It’s memories of Saturday mornings with Dad, or Grandpa. It’s a ritual, a tradition, and an adventure, all in one. Whether you’re an experienced angler on the lookout for new secret spots, or you’re just building your tradition, these Michigan fishing guides ...18. There are bears in Sleeping Bear Dunes. Sleeping Bear Dunes was not named such because there are bears. It was named because of a sand dune that looked like a bear. That said, there are bears in Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore! Although bear sightings are said to be rare. It’s also said that a fed bear is a dead bear.Visitors Guide. Sleeping Bear Dunes Visitors Guide and Map. A free 10-panel map of the Sleeping Bear Dunes and Leelanau County including popular attractions in the national park, things to see and do, restaurants, shops, museums, and wineries. Includes five popular driving tours.Hang gliding, island deer hunting, catching salmon from a kayak and searching for buried treasure are a few outdoor recreation options at Sleeping Bear Dunes that you don’t hear about every day. But all are possible inside the boundaries of the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore for anyone withPopular Attractions. Include the Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive, Glen Haven Maritime Museum and Life Saving Station, the Dune Climb, canoe trips on the Crystal and Platte Rivers, and the biking and hiking trails - especially the new Heritage Trail for hiking and biking and the new Palmer Woods trail for mountain biking. Those trails with scenic ...

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About. When you love something, it’s good to share. That’s what we learned in kindergarten, and it’s still what we believe today. And we love the Sleeping Bear Dunes. That’s why a group of local business people banded together in 1997 to tell people about the place we call home. Today, the Visitor’s Bureau uses revenue from local ...Riverside Canoes is the only canoe and kayak livery located inside the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Find more to explore here. You’ll be amazed by the clear water and sandy bottom of the Crystal River located within Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Throughout our 2-3 hour trip, you’ll see Northern Michigan’s true residents: White Tail Deer, Blue Heron, Bald Eagles, otters, turtles, frogs and endless amounts of fish. The $25 pass will gain you and everyone else in your car access to the Lakeshore for up to one week for a private vehicle. Motorcycles visiting will be required to pay a $20 fee, and those on foot or bicycle should pay the $15 pass fee. If you plan to visit for longer than one week, an annual pass just for Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore ...There are 2 small rivers and 2 creeks that flow within the Lakeshore. The Platte and Crystal Rivers are favorite canoe, kayak, and inner tube rivers for families and groups. Shalda and Otter Creeks are small streams that are favorites for fishing and viewing beaver, otter, and muskrats. The waterways come from inland lakes and empty into Lake ...Our kayak and canoe trips offer a fun adventure the whole family can enjoy. You’ll be amazed by the clear water and sandy bottom of the Crystal River located within Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Throughout our 2-3 hour trip, you’ll see Northern Michigan’s true residents: White Tail Deer, Blue Heron, Bald Eagles, otters, turtles ...Time: 1 hour. Begin your day in Sleeping Bear Dunes with this hike on the Dune Climb for 3 reasons. It is located toward the northern end of the lakeshore, so it is the most time efficient. This area gets busy! There will be fewer visitors earlier in the day. On warm summer days, the sand on the dunes gets very warm.Empire, Michigan. Sleeping Bear DunesNational Lakeshore. Wave Camera! Wave Camera! Stay Connected! Enter your email and receive 10% off your next purchase! Sleeping Bear Surf. 10228 W Front Street, Empire, Michigan 49630. 231-326-WAVE.Being a “local” to Northern Michigan, I can tell you that this tour takes you to all the most iconic spots at Sleeping Bear Dunes. No other tours gives you this much in a single day. 5/5 ….

A brick-paved plaza filled with the sounds of moving water and a carillon welcomes guests to these honeymoon suites. While the decor is unique in each suite, all have sitting areas with a fireplace and television, a mirrored alcove with a second television and a jetted tub, spa-style shower, and king bed. Salon and shops, fitness, skiing, and bars and restaurants are adjacent. The beach is a ...Plan Your Visit. Sunny beaches and sky-high dunes. Cool forests and inland lakes. Picturesque farmsteads and a historic maritime village. Sleeping Bear Dunes offers countless opportunities for discovery. So, come make lifelong memories, have fun, and perhaps develop a deep connection to this special place. Whatever your interests Sleeping Bear ... Share. Scuba Diving. What could be better than a day on one of Sleeping Bear Dunes’ beautiful beaches? How about a day under the water. Lake Michigan’s salt-free water makes shipwrecks an especially popular destination for experienced divers, while beginners can benefit from the many excellent instruction opportunities in the area. Families have floated the Platte River for generations, and for good reason. It’s easy to maneuver a kayak, stand-up paddleboard, canoe, raft, or tube down the river. And… it ends at a lovely Lake Michigan beach – Platte Point Beach. Platte Point Beach, Sleeping Bear Dunes MI. Platte River waters are clear and the river bottom is ...Oct 24, 2023 · 2) Kayak the Crystal River: best place to Kayak in the Sleeping Bear Dunes. One of the best things to do in the Sleeping Bear Dunes is to kayak the Crystal River! This activity is beginner-friendly, and the Crystal River is absolutely beautiful. Rent a kayak and a shuttle up river through Crystal River Outfitters, and float back down the river ... 10 reviews of Sleeping Bear Surf & Kayak "Family owned business that has been my lifeline to surfing when away from California. I love that there is a local shop for surf, stand up paddle, and skateboarding in this neck of the woods. ... A great part of the Empire/Sleeping Bear Dunes community! Useful 4. Funny. Cool. Maggie C. Lakeland, …Like many visitors to Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, as your enjoy hiking through the woods or along a lakeshore, kayaking in rivers and lakes, and biking on back roads and trails, you come across a new flower of plant you do not usually see. As the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore works to bring the land back to the natural ...17. About. Sleeping Bear Surf is a family owned & operated community hub; specializing in retail, rental, lessons, classes, camps and retreats, providing education around water safety, advocating for Great Lakes protections, and hosting not-to-miss community events. Make it a day and choose from a large fleet of surfboards, wetsuits, stand-up ...When you want to go abroad, there's a lot you need to do well in advance of departing—from getting your travel documents in order to finding the best time to book tickets. Kayak h... Sleeping bear dunes kayaking, Stay in a two bedroom modern cozy cabin at Sleeping Bear Resort and enjoy the views of Herendeene Lake. The cabins feature modern rustic interiors, a fully-equipped kitchen, and a living area. Enjoy the amenities of the resort, like the private beach, watersport toys, and playground. Take advantage of the close proximity to the dunes, trails ..., Fishing. On Lakes, Streams, And Rivers Up North. Fly Fishing. They call them the holy waters. They tend to be quiet places, just you, the sound of the water, and the hiss of your line flying through the air. They bring big fish, but more than that, they bring peace. A sense of connection with something bigger., An inflatable won't be the best boat, but it's definitely more than a toy. When I was shopping for my first kayak and debating options from $250 on up, I happened across a $99 infl..., Charter Fishing. Charter Fishing. Michigan Fishing at the Sleeping Bear Dunes. It’s memories of Saturday mornings with Dad, or Grandpa. It’s a ritual, a tradition, and an adventure, all in one. Whether you’re an experienced angler on the lookout for new secret spots, or you’re just building your tradition, these Michigan fishing guides ... , Michigan185 contributions. Tough, but Worth It. Aug 2020. The dune climb is the ultimate experience at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore and a real bucket-list item. It's tough though, not for those with medical conditions. It's 110 feet up sand to the FIRST plateau, then 100+ feet MORE up to the very top., The majority of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is open to hunting. However, most high visitor use areas and facilities are closed and include a 450-foot safety zone. The safety zone is defined as the area beginning at the edge or exterior boundary of any road, site, or development and extending outward for 450 feet. Rules and Regulations, Jan 14, 2013 · Enjoy A Day On The Water floating down the Platte River With Riverside Canoe, Kayak & Tube Trips. Located at the southern end of the beautiful Sleeping Bear... , The Trip. The beauty of the Lake Michigan shoreline reaches its most dramatic point along the Leelanau Peninsula in Northern Michigan. This area is so special that a nearly continuous stretch of 35 miles of shoreline was protected as the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore in 1970. Still relatively unknown, the area was recently declared ..., In the Sleeping Bear Dunes, there are two rivers. Both the Platte and the Crystal River offer excellent fishing, tubing, and tubing, though their navigability depends heavily on the season and the rainfall. Shalda and Otter Creeks offer excellent fishing, as well as prime opportunities to see beaver, muskrats, and other wildlife., Aug 23, 2022 ... As you might guess from the name, Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore hugs the shore of Lake Michigan, encompassing the largest freshwater ..., New for 2016 – We are excited to provide for the first time ever, guided kayak tours along Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, authorized by the National Park Service! No kayaking experience needed! We will feature a roundtrip tour to the base of the 450’ dune at Pierce Stocking Scenic Overlook, or to Pyramid Point. Everything you need is included …, Loon Lake. Location: Drive on M-22 in the southern part of the park. Continue heading south after crossing the Platte River. There is a sign for the parking lot for Loon Lake. Parking Lot: Large paved parking lot. Restrooms: A modern, accessible restroom is located at the parking lot. Water: Drinking water is available at the restroom. , Standing against the wind at Sleeping Bear Dunes. Taking photos of the lighthouses on Lake Michigan. Posing in airplanes at the Air Zoo in Portage. ..., Kayaking on Lake Michigan. With over 35 miles of pristine sandy beaches and areas of bluffs up to 500 feet above Lake Michigan, Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is a perfect place to kayak on the “Big Lake.” Kayaking provides a unique view of the Dunes and glacial moraine bluffs that can’t be experienced from shore., Matador is a travel and lifestyle brand redefining travel media with cutting edge adventure stories, photojournalism, and social commentary. Saranac Lake, in Upstate New York, is k..., Tubing the Platte River has become a very popular way to enjoy a visit to the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Choose Riverside Canoes located conveniently on the beautiful Platte River, along M22 in Honor, …, There are many launch sites for rafting, kayaking and canoeing nearby. The cabin is centrally located between Cadillac, Interlochen, Frankfort & Traverse ..., Group Lessons ($60/student) **Most Popular Offering!**. Group Lessons operate on Wednesdays and Fridays from 9:00am to 10:30am (1.5 hours in length) Group Lessons are held at the north end of the Empire Public Beach near the lighthouse. Group Surf Lessons have an instructor to student ratio of 1:4. Semi-Private Lessons ($95/student) Semi ..., Michigan185 contributions. Tough, but Worth It. Aug 2020. The dune climb is the ultimate experience at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore and a real bucket-list item. It's tough though, not for those with medical conditions. It's 110 feet up sand to the FIRST plateau, then 100+ feet MORE up to the very top., Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. View All Rentals. Most Popular! Lower Platte River Rentals. From $14. Bring your friends and family to cruise down the Lower Platte River. The Honor Trading Post has canoes, kayaks, and tubes available for rent. Book Now. All ages. 1.5 hours. Upper Platte River Rentals. From $50., Jan 30, 2024 · If the Sleeping Bear Dunes region is on your travel list for this year, it never hurts to start planning early. CNN Travel named Northwest Michigan and Sleeping Bear Dunes one of the best places to visit in 2024, alongside places like Turkey’s Black Sea coast, Puerto Rico, Chile, and Greece. The article notes: “Refreshing, unsalty Lake ... , 1) Empire Bluffs Trail: Most popular trail in the Sleeping Bear Dunes. Around two miles round trip, this trail takes you to the top of Empire Bluff overlooking Lake Michigan, with sweeping views of the coast and North Bar Lake. Located near the town of Empire, MI. This is my favorite hike in the park. Be sure to not hike down to the Lake ..., Less than a 20-minute drive from Sleeping Bear Dunes, this rustic state forest campground offers peaceful scenery away from some of the more crowded camping areas. Campers can fish, canoe, and kayak on Garey Lake, or explore the Shore-to-Shore Trail system, which runs through the state forest. This 420-mile trail is open to hikers and …, That's where you'll be picked up for your Sleeping Bear Dunes kayak adventure. Don't Edit. Photo by Edward Pevos of MLive. The Homestead resort is located at 1 Woodridge Rd., Glen Arbor, MI., Sleeping Bear Dunes National Park. Riverside Canoes is located inside the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is a government-controlled park that requires a pass ( $25 weekly or $45 annual) for anywhere within its borders.This pass allows you access to all areas within the park including its parking lots …, ... kayak rentals, lessons, guided kayak tours of the magnificent Lake Michigan Sleeping Bear Sand Dunes Lakeshore. Trails & Attractions. The Leelanau Trail ..., The Dunes offer visitors sightseeing and recreational and educational opportunities in all seasons of the year. In spring, summer and fall, swim and picnic at sugar sand beaches; canoe, kayak or tube on crystal-clear streams; or, simply let the day slip away with a late summer sunset. Wintertime provides a much different view., The yellow canoe is a 20th-century recreational double-ended canoe. The canoe is commercial made, constructed on a cedar frame covered with painted canvas. The interior is varnished. The lower boat is a flat-bottomed wood skiff meant to be rowed. This type of boat was probably locally made and often used for fishing., Winter Sports. Winter Sports. Whether you prefer skiing or snowboarding, downhill or cross-country, snowshoes, ice skates, or a good old-fashioned toboggan, you'll find plenty of ways to enjoy the splendor of the Sleeping Bear Dunes during the winter months. Downhill skiers and snowboarders will find everything they need, from equipment rentals ..., Camp Registration opened March 1st at 7:00pm and sold out within 48 hours! If you’d like to join the waitlist, please email [email protected]: ). Back for it’s 12TH season in action, SBX (Sleeping Bear X-treme) Junior …, Feb 18, 2021 · 1) Empire Bluffs Trail: Most popular trail in the Sleeping Bear Dunes. Around two miles round trip, this trail takes you to the top of Empire Bluff overlooking Lake Michigan, with sweeping views of the coast and North Bar Lake. Located near the town of Empire, MI. This is my favorite hike in the park. Be sure to not hike down to the Lake ... , Wet or dry suits are recommended due to Lake Michigan’s cold water. Stay within 400 feet of shore so if you have problems, you have a good chance of reaching shore safely. Cutting across the bays (Sleeping Bear Bay and Good Harbor Bay) may cut the length of your paddle, but it also takes you farther away from the safety of shore., Canoeing, Kayaking & Boating in Benzie County ... Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. They also include uninhabited islands, picturesque fishing villages, and ...