Here are 5 little known details about Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore in northwestern Michigan.
1. The Park Is Named After An Old Native American Legend.
According to the story, a mother bear and her two cubs were swimming across Lake Michigan to escape a forest fire. The cubs couldn’t make it, and the mother bear waited on the shore for them, eventually forming what is now the Sleeping Bear Dune. The two cubs became the North and South Manitou Islands. What a sad legend. All three can be seen from various overlooks in the park.
2. The Dunes Are Moving!
Towering sand dunes are the park’s main attraction and make for a unique hiking experience. What you may not have thought about is the fact that the dunes are constantly shifting due to the winds blowing off of Lake Michigan. In fact, some larger dunes can move as much as a few feet per year!
We took a scenic bike ride to check out the dunes but given how busy it was, did not climb this set.
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3. The Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive Has An Interesting History.
The scenic drive was named after Pierce Stocking, a lumberman who fell in love with the beauty of the dunes and wanted to share it with the world. He designed and bult the road in the 1960s to give visitors the change to enjoy some of the best views of the park. We took this drive and it does have some of the prettiest landscapes in the park, plus there are overlooks offering breathtaking views of Lake Michigan and the Manitou Islands.
Be sure to stop at Lake Michigan Overlook to see Sleeping Bear Dune, Manitou Islands, and to walk the sand. Be warned though that while walking down may only take 15 minutes, its an incredibly steep and difficult climb back up. The park also charges a $3000 rescue fee for those who find they can’t make it. You’re better off, simply laughing at people from the top. LOL!
4. Several Shipwrecks Are In The Area.
The area near the Maintou Islands is knows as the “Manitou Passage” and it was historically a major shipping route on the Great Lakes. Several shipwrecks lie beneath the waters, many of which can still be seen by divers or kayakers exploring the region. We did not get out to this area on our visit, but if you’re up for an adventure, we’d love to hear from you on how it was.
5. The Area Is Known For Great Sunsets.
Lake Michigan, in general, has some legendary sunsets and people say that two spots in the park – Empire Bluff Trail and the Lake Michigan Overlook on the scenic drive – are the best places to view it. If you’re looking for something more relaxed, try the town of Frankfort, which is nearby.
Doug took a bike ride from our Boondocker’s Welcome host in the town of Benzonia, along the Betsy Valley Trail, to Frankfort and back. After the scenic drive in the park, we decided to end the day in Frankfort to take in the sunset for a second time. You can take a nice walk down the beach to a pier and lovely lighthouse before returning to your bench to watch the sun dip over the horizon.
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This area with its scenic drive, bike path, large dunes, and water activities offers an interesting blend of natural beauty, adventure, and history. It’s no wonder it was voted into the top 10 “Most Beautiful Place in America” by viewers of the show Good Morning America in 2011.
