Traverse City Travel Blog

There is one bear where hibernation is not part of an annual hibernation ritual: the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Many people don’t realize that the National Lakeshore is open year-round. Word to the wise: if you miss a visit in winter, you are missing out on a remarkable experience. 

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! 

We are always a little sad to say goodbye to our gorgeous autumn foliage, but the fun doesn’t end with the falling of the leaves. In fact, November has an incredible line-up of events, activities, and special deals to make the most of the transition season. 

(All photos courtesy of Lake Michigan Whale Migration Station. No claims are made for their accuracy.)

The volunteers at the Traverse City Visitor Center can almost always come up with advice for baffled tourists who need directions. However, one question consistently leaves them speechless.

It’s the one about whale-watching tours.

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.

Snacks are packed and sunscreen is applied. Kids are strapped into car seats and seat belts. You’re ready to head out on a hike with your family. But, as is so often the case, your kids have another agenda in mind. Instead of completing that two-mile loop, you barely make it two hundred yards before things go off the rails on the trails.

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.

#empirebluffs, #empirebluff or #empireblufftrail, look up one or all of these and you will be pleasantly rewarded with an array of photos that show off this beautiful trail that is part of the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. 

There’s a saying up here in the dune country. The sand gives, and the sand takes away.

There’s nothing wrong with enjoying the fall color from below – looking up from the seat of your bike or your car as you pass a blazing hillside of red, gold and orange maples. Hard-core foliage fans, however, won’t be content until they’ve climbed the summits of a few hills to enjoy the autumn display from above.