Traverse City, 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 l...

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...

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...

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.   

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 ...

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...

Just about an hour north of Traverse City in the village of Bellaire lies Schuss Mountain at Shanty Creek Resorts! The mountain offers 53 runs with several base areas. The terrain is applicable for any type of skier, whether you are a beginner or a more advanced rider. We spent the majority of ou...

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...

Starting at the Red Bridge River Access Area just off North Coates Hwy (about 8 miles east of Brethren, Michigan) there is a small parking lot opposite of the trailhead where you can leave your car. The trail is part of the North Country Trail (NCT) so it is well marked with signs leading the way...

Day 1:  Arrive at Seaton Creek Campground and pay for parking for the number of nights you plan on hiking the loop. For this particular trip, I hiked the loop in 2.5 days and 2 nights.  Hike 1.4 miles from Seaton Creak Campground to a suspension footbridge on the banks of the Manistee River. At...

North Manitou Island Loop is a loop trail that takes you by a lake located near Maple City, 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...

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

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