Frankfort, Michigan

Elberta Dunes South is a loop trail that takes you through a nice forest located near Elberta, Michigan.

Located just south of Elberta along scenic M-22, the Green Point Dunes Nature Preserve offers a peaceful and uncrowded loop hike through a stunning mix of hardwood forest, towering sand dunes, and sweeping blufftop views of Lake Michigan. This hidden gem on the northwest Michigan coast is perfe...

If you find yourself cruising M22 between Crystal Lake and Lake Michigan, be sure to check out this beautiful lighthouse. Turn off of M22 on to Point Betsie Rd. and follow the curving road all the way to Lake Michigan. There isn't a designated parking lot for the lighthouse, but you can park anyw...

The Old Indian Trails, located near Empire, Michigan, offer a peaceful escape into the quieter southern end of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Made up of two interconnected loops — the Black Arrow Loop and the Green Arrow Loop — this trail system leads through maple-beech forests, low d...

Baldy Dune Trail is an out-and-back trail that takes you through a nice forest located near Arcadia, Michigan.

Starting at Riverside Canoe Rentals (located near the intersection of M-22 and Lake Michigan Rd), or the small park across the river, this trip will take you roughly 3 hours to float, but shorter if you are paddling.  But beware, starting here will require you to cross a small lake - not very dif...

Tucked away in Michigan’s scenic Keweenaw Peninsula, the Mount Minnie Nature Preserve is a quiet, off-the-beaten-path destination for hikers, nature lovers, and anyone seeking peaceful views over Lake Superior. Protected by the Keweenaw Land Trust, this rugged 120-acre preserve features a short...

This is one of the cheapest ways to stay near Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore overnight. You'll have access to the beach right near your campsite. It's remote enough to be quiet, and it's not a very long hike.There are only 6 campsites available, and they come on a first come, first serve ...

The Bass Lake Loop is an approximately 3.5‑mile loop nestled within the Platte Plains trail network of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. It winds gently through a lightly rolling terrain of pine-hardwood forest, passing Bass Lake, Deer Lake, and wetland areas—perfect spots to pause, rest on...

Tucked within the southern reaches of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, the Treat Farm Trail offers a scenic hike to a historic 19th-century farmstead, with an optional extension to a breathtaking bluff overlooking Lake Michigan. This lesser-known trail near the Platte River Campground prov...

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 ...

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...

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...

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 l...

Start at the Alligator Hill trail head and make your way up the hill for roughly .1 of a mile until you hit a marker. Turn left at the sign and keep on the trail for another 1.3 miles. You will hit a scenic lookout called Islands Lookout which you can stop and get pictures at. From there you will...