Empire

This moderately hilly boardwalk hike takes you to scenic viewpoints above Lake Michigan. The Sleeping Bear Dunes do not fail to impress, particularly at sunset.

Just outside the village of Empire is where this venture starts. This hike may be the most famous hike in the area. The Empire Bluff Trail provides incredible views of the Sleeping Bear Sand Dunes, South Bar Lake and Lake Michigan! The hike is slightly hilly, and stays primarily in the trees. At .5 miles you will peer out from the trees on your right and grab your first scenic view in the area....

Empire Bluff Trail is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a lake located near Empire, Michigan.

A seven mile drive that offers views that are unbelievable. There are twelve stops along the way that correspond with an interpretive guide that is found at the beginning of the drive. The drive takes you through multiple landscapes.  The points of interest are as follows:1. Covered Bridge2. Glen Lake Overlook3. Dune Overlook4.  Cottonwood Trail5. Dune Ecology (Educational Station)6. Leaving th...

Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive is a loop trail that takes you past scenic surroundings located near Empire, Michigan.

Located along the Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive within Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, this lookout towers over Lake Michigan and provides sweeping vistas of the lake and the surrounding lakeshore and peninsula. After parking in the lot, head along the paved path to the overlook. Once the path ends, the sand of the dunes takes over and leads you up a slight incline to the overlook. From...

Windy Moraine Loop is a loop trail that is good for all skill levels located near Empire, Michigan.

Cottonwood Trail is a loop trail where you may see beautiful wildflowers located near Empire, Michigan.

There are two approaches to conquering the Dune Climb at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. You can run to the top (the preferred method for those under the age of 10). Or, you can slowly trek up the side of this seemingly vertical wall of sand, breathing and sweating heavily, cursing each loose patch that knocks you back three feet for every one advanced. Once you reach the top, stop for...