Sleeping Bear Dunes Overlook

Empire, Michigan

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Details

Distance

0.26 miles

Elevation Gain

72 ft

Route Type

Out-and-Back

Description

Added by Jon Mattrisch

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 here, you'll see the massive dune that leads down to the shoreline below, some 500ft down.

You can head down (carefully!) and climb back up, but do know that the climb is very strenuous and could take hours depending on physical condition and ability. Located to the north of the overlook is a wood platform overlook which provides views of the dunes to the north.

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Features

Photography

Hiking

Bathrooms

Beach

Easy Parking

Family Friendly

Groups

Lake

Scenic

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