Trip Planner:   USA  /  Michigan  /  Leelanau County  /  Empire  /  Historic Sites  /  Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, Empire

(1,300+ reviews on the web)
Historic Walking Area
Home to forests, dunes, beaches, and even some glacial formations, Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is a stretch of Lake Michigan’s pristine eastern coastline ideal for nature lovers and outdoor adventurers. Backpack through the area that was awarded the title of the “Most Beautiful Place in America” by Good Morning America in 2012. You can stay overnight in one of the many campsites scattered within the 60 km (35 mi) park. Campsite amenities range from modern with electrical hookups, to extremely rural. Be sure to reserve your campsite well in advance as most are booked on a first-come, first-served basis, and fill up fast. Our Empire itinerary maker makes visiting Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore and other Empire attractions simple, and helps you make a travel plan personal to you.
map
Create a full Empire itinerary

Plan your trip to Empire

  • Get a personalized plan

    A complete day-by-day itinerary
    based on your preferences

  • Customize it

    Refine your plan. We'll find the
    best routes and schedules

  • Book it

    Choose from the best hotels
    and activities. Up to 50% off

  • Manage it

    Everything in one place.
    Everyone on the same page.
Related Tours to Book
Trekking the Sleeping Bear National Lakeshore in Michigan BOOK WITH VIATOR FROM US$ 79
Traverse Bay Jet Ski Rental BOOK WITH VIATOR FROM US$ 321
Private Frankfort Michigan Outdoor Tour BOOK WITH VIATOR FROM US$ 80

Plans in Empire by other users

5 days in Michigan BY A USER FROM UNITED STATES July, culture, beaches, historic sites, museums, popular PREFERENCES: July, culture, beaches, historic sites, museums ATTRACTION STYLE: Popular PACE: Medium 5 days in Michigan BY A USER FROM UNITED STATES July, culture, historic sites, popular PREFERENCES: July, culture, historic sites ATTRACTION STYLE: Popular PACE: Medium 3 days in Empire BY A USER FROM UNITED STATES July, culture, outdoors, relaxing, beaches, historic sites, shopping, popular & hidden gems PREFERENCES: July, culture, outdoors, relaxing, beaches, historic sites, shopping ATTRACTION STYLE: Popular & hidden gems PACE: Medium 4 days in Leelanau County BY A USER FROM UNITED STATES July, outdoors, relaxing, beaches, shopping, hidden gems PREFERENCES: July, outdoors, relaxing, beaches, shopping ATTRACTION STYLE: Hidden gems PACE: Medium 5 days in Michigan BY A USER FROM UNITED STATES July, kids, beaches, historic sites, museums, popular PREFERENCES: July, kids, beaches, historic sites, museums ATTRACTION STYLE: Popular PACE: Medium 5 days in Michigan BY A USER FROM UNITED STATES July, teens, outdoors, beaches, historic sites, popular & hidden gems PREFERENCES: July, teens, outdoors, beaches, historic sites ATTRACTION STYLE: Popular & hidden gems PACE: Medium 9 days in Michigan BY A USER FROM UNITED STATES August, teens, kids, beaches, popular PREFERENCES: August, teens, kids, beaches ATTRACTION STYLE: Popular PACE: Medium 22 days in Michigan BY A USER FROM UNITED STATES June, teens, kids, culture, outdoors, relaxing, beaches, historic sites, popular PREFERENCES: June, teens, kids, culture, outdoors, relaxing, beaches, historic sites ATTRACTION STYLE: Popular PACE: Medium 11 days in Chicago & Michigan BY A USER FROM UNITED STATES August, teens, kids, outdoors, beaches, popular PREFERENCES: August, teens, kids, outdoors, beaches ATTRACTION STYLE: Popular PACE: Medium 8 days in United States BY A USER FROM UNITED STATES July, popular PREFERENCES: July ATTRACTION STYLE: Popular PACE: Medium 5 days in Wisconsin & Michigan BY A USER FROM UNITED STATES June, historic sites, museums, popular PREFERENCES: June, historic sites, museums ATTRACTION STYLE: Popular PACE: Medium 5 days in Michigan BY A USER FROM UNITED STATES June, romantic, historic sites, museums, popular PREFERENCES: June, romantic, historic sites, museums ATTRACTION STYLE: Popular PACE: Medium
View more plans
Reviews
TripAdvisor
  • We did not climb down to the water, but did enjoy the park from the lookout points. Beautiful views across the lake and down the dunes. Well paved roads and sufficient parking. Plentiful picnic tables...  more »
  • Simply stunning scenery. This place will amaze you. It is so high and the lakeshore is gorgeous especially at sunset.  more »
  • Got it! Know why this is the number one rated thing to do. The area is easy to navigate with lots of interesting this to see and do. Would be an excellent place to have a Bicycle- we did not. Stop at ...  more »
View more on Trip Advisor »

Best things to do in Empire

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
Empire
Visit for: 3​h
©
Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive
Empire
Visit for: 2​h 30​min
Empire Bluff Trail
Empire
Visit for: 3​h
Lake Michigan Beach Park
Empire
Visit for: 3​h
Pyramid Point Trail
Empire
Visit for: 3​h
Dunes Trail
Empire
Visit for: 3​h

Side trips from Empire

©
Peninsula State Park
Fish Creek
Visit for: 3​h
Kayaking & Canoeing
Grayling
Visit for: 3​h
Cana Island Lighthouse
Baileys Harbor
Visit for: 1​h 30​min
©
Wine Tours & Tastings
Egg Harbor
Visit for: 3​h
Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail
Glen Arbor
Visit for: 3​h
Point Betsie Lighthouse
Frankfort
Visit for: 1​h 30​min
Don't Miss a Thing. See & Do More.