No Northern Michigan trip is complete without a stop at Sleeping Bear Dunes. About 22 miles west of Traverse City, this National Lakeshore stretches along Lake Michigan and is home to some of the most dramatic dune formations in the country — towering, wind-carved hills that drop straight down to the water. Start at the Philip A. Hart Visitor Center in Empire for maps and trail advice, then tackle the Dune Climb if you’re up for it: it’s a workout, but the view from the top over Glen Lake and the big lake beyond is worth every step. The Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive is the easier option, a 7.4-mile loop with pull-offs and overlooks for anyone who’d rather take in the views from the car. Bring water, sunscreen, and good shoes if you’re climbing — the sand gets hot fast in summer. Late morning to early afternoon is best for climbing before the heat sets in, while sunset from one of the overlooks is hard to beat. However you spend your time here, it’s the kind of view that explains, better than we ever could, why our family calls this place home. It’s a short drive from our Traverse City-area properties, making it an easy add to any Up North itinerary.
