Sleeping Bear Dunes travel guide

Sleeping Bear Dunes travel guide

National Airports

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is a national park located in northern Michigan, and it does not have its own airport. The closest major airport to Sleeping Bear Dunes is the Cherry Capital Airport (TVC) in Traverse City, which is approximately 28 miles away from the park’s main visitor center.

Other airports that are within driving distance of Sleeping Bear Dunes include the Gerald R. Ford International Airport (GRR) in Grand Rapids, Michigan, which is approximately 157 miles away, and the Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW) in Detroit, Michigan, which is approximately 247 miles away.

If you’re planning a trip to Sleeping Bear Dunes, you’ll need to fly into one of these airports and then rent a car or take a shuttle service to get to the park.

Trains in Sleeping Bear Dunes

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore does not have a train station or a train service that goes directly to the park. The closest Amtrak train station is located in Traverse City, which is about 28 miles away from the park’s main visitor center. The station is served by the Pere Marquette and the Blue Water trains, which run between Chicago and Grand Rapids.

From the Traverse City Amtrak station, visitors can rent a car or take a taxi or shuttle service to get to Sleeping Bear Dunes. While there is no train service that goes directly to the park, the scenic drive to Sleeping Bear Dunes from Traverse City is a popular route and offers beautiful views of the surrounding countryside.

Buses in Sleeping Bear Dunes

The park does offer a shuttle service during the summer months that operates along the Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive and the Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail. The shuttle service is designed to reduce congestion, protect natural resources, and provide visitors with access to popular destinations within the park.

Additionally, the park offers several trails and roads that are open to bicycles, and visitors are welcome to bring their own bikes or rent them from local businesses. It’s important to note that the park is quite large and that visitors may need to arrange their own transportation to access different areas of the park.

For the most up-to-date information on transportation options at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, including any bus services, I recommend checking the park’s official website or contacting their visitor center directly.

How to get to Sleeping Bear Dunes

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is located in the northwestern Lower Peninsula of Michigan, along the eastern shore of Lake Michigan. There are several ways to get to Sleeping Bear Dunes depending on your starting location.

By car: If you are driving to Sleeping Bear Dunes, the park is located about 30 minutes west of Traverse City, Michigan, and about four hours northwest of Detroit. The park is accessible via several major highways, including US-31, M-22, and M-109. There are several parking areas located throughout the park, and some of the popular trailheads and attractions may require a short walk from the parking area.

By air: The nearest major airport to Sleeping Bear Dunes is the Cherry Capital Airport in Traverse City, which is serviced by several major airlines. From the airport, visitors can rent a car or arrange for a shuttle service to the park.

By bus: There are several bus companies that provide service to Traverse City, including Greyhound and Indian Trails. From Traverse City, visitors can rent a car or arrange for a shuttle service to the park.

Once you arrive at the park, there are several ways to explore Sleeping Bear Dunes, including hiking, biking, and driving along the scenic routes. It’s important to note that the park can be quite busy during peak season, and visitors may want to plan ahead and make reservations for camping, lodging, and other activities.

What is the best time to travel to Sleeping Bear Dunes

The best time to visit Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore depends on your preferences and what activities you plan to do while there. Here’s a breakdown of the different seasons and what you can expect:

Spring: Spring is a quieter time to visit the park, with fewer crowds and cooler temperatures. The wildflowers begin to bloom, and the waterfalls are at their peak flow. However, some facilities may be closed or operating on limited hours.

Summer: Summer is the most popular time to visit Sleeping Bear Dunes, with warm temperatures and long days. The park is bustling with activity, and all facilities and activities are typically open. However, this also means that the park can be crowded, and visitors may need to plan ahead and make reservations for camping, lodging, and other activities.

Fall: Fall is a beautiful time to visit Sleeping Bear Dunes, with cooler temperatures, fewer crowds, and the fall colors in full display. This is also a great time to hike and bike, with fewer bugs and comfortable temperatures. However, some facilities may begin to close for the season.

Winter: Winter can be a quiet and serene time to visit Sleeping Bear Dunes, with snowshoeing and cross-country skiing opportunities in the park. However, some roads and facilities may be closed or operating on limited hours.

Overall, the best time to visit Sleeping Bear Dunes depends on what you want to do and see while there. Summer is the most popular time, but if you prefer quieter and cooler temperatures, spring and fall can be great options as well.

How to get around Sleeping Bear Dunes

There are several ways to get around Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore:

By car: The park has several scenic drives that are perfect for exploring by car. These include Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive and the Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail. There are several parking areas located throughout the park, and some of the popular trailheads and attractions may require a short walk from the parking area.

By bike: Sleeping Bear Dunes is also a popular destination for cyclists, with several miles of paved and unpaved trails. Visitors can bring their own bikes or rent them from local businesses.

By foot: Hiking is a great way to explore the park, with over 100 miles of hiking trails that range from easy to strenuous. Visitors should wear sturdy shoes, bring plenty of water and snacks, and be prepared for changing weather conditions.

By shuttle: During the summer months, the park operates a shuttle service that runs along the Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive and the Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail. The shuttle service is designed to reduce congestion, protect natural resources, and provide visitors with access to popular destinations within the park.

It’s important to note that the park is quite large, and visitors may need to arrange their own transportation to access different areas of the park. Additionally, some of the roads in the park can be narrow and winding, so visitors should exercise caution and follow posted speed limits.

Accommodations in Sleeping Bear Dunes

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore offers a variety of accommodation options, including camping, lodges, cabins, and vacation rentals. Here’s a breakdown of each option:

Camping: The park has several campgrounds that offer a range of camping experiences, from rustic tent sites to modern RV sites. Camping is available from late April to early November, and reservations can be made online or by phone.

Lodges: The park has two lodges, the D. H. Day Campground and the Platte River Campground, which offer cabins, cottages, and yurts for rent. Reservations can be made online or by phone.

Vacation Rentals: There are several vacation rental properties located near Sleeping Bear Dunes, including cottages, cabins, and homes. These properties can be rented through various vacation rental websites.

Nearby Accommodations: There are also several hotels, motels, and bed and breakfasts located near Sleeping Bear Dunes, particularly in the nearby towns of Glen Arbor, Empire, and Traverse City.

It’s important to note that accommodations can book up quickly during peak season, and visitors are encouraged to make reservations well in advance.