Traverse City Travel Blog

Alice Van Zoeren stands to watch on the sands of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. She has come to these shores for 17 years as a guardian. She searches to find, defend and protect the endangered bird known as the Piping Plover. 

Last year, Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore celebrated its 50th anniversary. This summer and fall, you’re invited to explore 50 amazing things to do in and around the national park.

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is the crown jewel of Michigan. Having received some recent high praise for the miles of scenic sand dunes, clear night skies, and vistas that span as far as the eye can see, we wanted to celebrate all the love one of our favorite regional landmarks is getting. If you love northern Michigan you may find yourself inspired to hike one of the beautiful trails or visit the beach this summer! 

The Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is one of the most beautiful and amazing places in the country. And it’s only a short drive from downtown Traverse City! Here are 10 ways to explore Sleeping Bear. 

It's no secret The Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is known for its year-round beauty. And when autumn arrives, the scenery is even further enhanced by nature's color palette. 

The Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is the most popular single attraction in the Traverse City area, and it’s a rare visitor who won’t trudge up the Dune Climb, motor along the Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive or frolic on the beach at Good Harbor sometime during their stay. 

Spring in northern Michigan may be slow to arrive this year, but that doesn't stop us from thinking about the colorful times ahead of us at the Sleeping Bear Dunes. The first signs of the season appear at the park when the snow melts and the dominant colors fall into an earthy palette. Think beige, taupe, brown and steely blue. The landscape itself hasn’t yet awoken, but Lake Michigan’s views sparkle regardless.

Summer in northern Michigan, that balmy, all-too-brief, barefoot season, inspires me to pick up my camera more often than any other season. On these sparkling days, I find endless beauty in the Traverse City region.

At this time of the year in northern Michigan, all eyes are focused on this beautiful season we call spring, when birds are singing, orchards are blooming and the air carries that earthy scent of newness.