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Glen Arbor, Michigan

Top Spots in and near Glen Arbor

  • Empire, Michigan

    Hike to Big Glen Lookout

    5.0
    4.4 mi
    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...
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  • Glen Arbor, Michigan

    Hike the Ghost Forest Trail and the Dunes of Glen Haven

    3 mi
    Park your car at the Sleeping Bear Point Trailhead in Glen Haven, Michigan, once parked find your way to the sign for point of reference with the map. You'll find that the Ghost Forest Trail is a 2.8 mile loop. You can start the loop at the trailhead which is near the bathroom, or at the sign whe...
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  • Glen Arbor, Michigan

    Hike the Sleeping Bear Point Trail

    5.0
    2.8 mi
    The Sleeping Bear Point Trail is a 2.8 mile loop through the sand dunes with amazing views of Lake Michigan and South Manitou Island. There is a 0.5 mile spur hike from the trailhead to the Lake Michigan beach. It is less strenuous than the hike from the Dune Climb to Lake Michigan.   
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  • Glen Arbor, Michigan

    Hike Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

    4.4
    3.5 mi
    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...
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  • Maple City, Michigan

    Paddle Glen Lake

    A pristine lake thats just waiting to be explored by kayak, SUP, canoe or boat (keep in mind that power boats are allowed on this lake). The water is amazingly clear and a beautiful shade of aqua blue. During the summer months, the air temperature remains relatively cool and makes for perfect, lo...
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  • Empire, Michigan

    Drive the Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive

    5.0
    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...
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  • Empire, Michigan

    Sleeping Bear Dunes Overlook

    0.26 mi
    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...
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  • Maple City, Michigan

    Hike Pyramid Point Trail

    4.3
    2.8 mi / 570 ft gain
    Beginning at the trailhead, the 2.8 mile round trip takes you on a gravel/sand trail up 570 feet. The trail slowly winds uphill until you hit an opening at the top that looks out at the Sleeping Bear Dunes and down on Lake Michigan. 
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  • Maple City, Michigan

    Winter Hike Pyramid Point Trail

    2.8 mi / 570 ft gain
    The trail beings at the parking lot, it takes about 20 minutes to get to the famous overlook, about a 570 foot elevation gain. As you start the trail, after about .4 miles you will find a juncture off to your right, stay straight and it will lead you to the overlook. After you take in the sweepin...
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  • Honor, Michigan

    Hike Empire Bluff Trail

    5.0
    2 mi
    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.
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  • Honor, Michigan

    Winter Hike Empire Bluff Trail

    1.5 mi / 170 ft gain
    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 ...
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  • Honor, Michigan

    Camp at White Pine Campground

    4 mi / 200 ft gain
    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 ...
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  • Leland Township, Michigan

    Paddle Board Lake Michigan from Leland Harbor

    5.0
    For a day on the water, off the shores of Lake Michigan head to Leland. Park in the marina and load onto your paddle boards from the boat ramp. You'll quickly find your way out of the marina, in which you can head right, left or to open water. Either way you'll find accessible beaches and clear s...
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  • Leland, Michigan

    Camp on South Manitou Island

    5.0
    South Manitou Island is situated off of the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore in Lake Michigan. The island is only accessible by a two-hour ferry ride, which leaves once a day from Leeland.Upon arriving at the island boat dock, you'll soon realize this isn't an ordinary experience. South Man...
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  • Honor, Michigan

    Paddle the Platte River

    2.0
    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...
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  • Leland, Michigan

    North Manitou Island Loop

    4.5
    13.55 mi / 1010 ft gain
    North Manitou Island Loop is a loop trail that takes you by a lake located near Maple City, Michigan.
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Camping and Lodging in Glen Arbor

D.H. Day Campground
Empire, Michigan

D.H. Day Campground

D.H. Day Group
Glen Arbor, Michigan

D.H. Day Group

South Manitou Group
Leland, Michigan

South Manitou Group

Platte River Campground
Honor, Michigan

Platte River Campground

Gleasons Landing
Lake Township, Michigan

Gleasons Landing

Traverse City KOA
Buckley, Michigan

Traverse City KOA

Guides, Insights and Stories from Glen Arbor

72 Hours in the Winter Wonderland of Traverse City, Michigan

72 Hours in the Winter Wonderland of Traverse City, Michigan

Holly Mandarich

Everything You Need for a Winter Getaway in Traverse City, Michigan

Everything You Need for a Winter Getaway in Traverse City, Michigan

Holly Mandarich