Sleeping Bear Dunes National Park (Traverse City Area)

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Park

Ages- 5 and up

Cost- $10/vehicle (if there is a senior citizen in the car, they can purchase a lifetime pass for $10)

$20/year pass

Location-  6748 Dune Hwy (M-109), Glen Arbor, MI 49636—Directions to Different Locations

Phone- (231) 326-5134

Parking- Free on Site

Places to eat nearby- Joe’s Friendly Tavern (Empire), Boondocks (Glen Arbor), Good Harbor Grille and Botanicals (Glen Arbor), The Homestead (Glen Arbor)

Why to go there: It’s flat out going to be the prettiest water scene you’re going to see in the lower peninsula of Michigan.  The Dunes climb is a mix of adventure, exercise, and challenge (and a killer view once you get

to the top).  The scenic view tour sounded silly, but had some pretty cool spots for the kids to run around on the dunes (without physically taxing themselves beforehand).

The museums and the little village are subpar.  Dipping your feet in Lake Michigan is nice and convenient at the end of the park.  It’s hard not to marvel at all of the natural beauty in the Sleeping Bear area.

What to do before hand: Read and understand the legend of the dunes.  Research some of the plants and animals you’re going to see.  Talk to your kids about the prettiest place they’ve ever seen and why it is so pretty.

Be careful:  Pick a day 80 degrees or below if possible.  Bring water for the Dunes climb.  Do not use the bathrooms in the scenic drive.  They are gross.  Don’t go down the Dunes on the scenic drive.  We saw a few families do that.  Long way back up.

Summary:  Great deal..fun stuff for adults and kids.  Simple, beautiful, pure Michigan way to spend an afternoon around Traverse City.