50 things to do at Sleeping Bear Dunes

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.

Top Attractions

1. Climb the Dune Climb

2. Drive the Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive

3. Bike the Sleeping Bear Dunes Heritage Trail

4. Visit the Pyramid Point Overlook

On The Water

5. Kayak on Lake Michigan

6. Canoe Along the Platte River

7. Go Inner Tubing

8. Watch the Sunset at Esch Beach

In The Water

9. Swim in North Bar Lake

10. Splash in Good Harbor Bay

11. Discover a Shipwreck

12. View the Manitou Passage Underwater Preserve

Naturalist Adventures

13. Bird Identification

14. Plant Identification

15. Animal Identification

16. Geology Tour

17. Become a Junior Ranger (kids)

18. Amateur Photography

Nighttime at the Bear

19. Junior Ranger Night Explorer

20. Starry Starry Night Program

21. Star Party Astronomy Event

Trails

22. Old Indian Trail

23. Platte Plains Trail

24. Empire Bluff Trail

25. Windy Moraine Trail

26. Shauger Hill Trail

27. Cottonwood Trail

28. Sleeping Bear Point Trail

29. Alligator Hill Trail

30. Bay View Trail

31. Pyramid Point Trail

32. Good Harbor Bay Trail

Races

33. Sleeping Bear Marathon, Half Marathon, 5K

34. Dune Dash 4 Mile Race

35. M22 Challenge

Fun Indoors

36. Dune Center Bookstore

37. Philip A. Hart Visitor Center

A Touch Of History

38. Sleeping Bear Point Maritime Museum

39. Lyle Gun Demonstration

40. Port Oneida

41. Blacksmith House

42. Cannery Boathouse

43. Glen Haven General Store

44. Heroes of the Storm (with the kids)

Armchair Travel

45. Read The Legend of the Sleeping Bear

46. Take a Distance Learning Class

47. Enter the Park Pass Artwork Contest

Manitou Islands 

48. Take the ferry to North or South Manitou Island

49. Climb the South Manitou Island lighthouse

50. Explore the old village and sawmill of North Manitou Island