The powerful forces of wind and water further transformed the landscape to create the prominent landmarks we can see today-like the spectacular perched dunes, created when glacial sand was blown to the top of the glacial moraines.įollowing the glacial retreat, the area was utilized by prehistoric people for hunting, gathering, fishing, and trapping. The towering headlands are glacial moraines that once protruded further into Lake Michigan. Long ago, continental ice sheets carved out the deep basins of the Great Lakes and created other features of Sleeping Bear Dunes. SLEEPING BEAR DUNES NATIONAL LAKESHORE HISTORY We document the best things to do, including details on hiking trails, where to stay, what to pack and other places to visit while you are in the area.

Whether you prefer exploring the park’s diverse natural habitats or learning about the area’s fascinating history, Sleeping Bear Dunes and the surrounding area will keep you busy for days! We hope this guide will help you plan an amazing trip to Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore!īefore you head to Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, make sure you pick up a copy of our downloadable Sleeping Bear Dunes Itinerary. Discover what led to the early settlement of the islands and mainland coastal communities. Learn about the early Anishinaabek cultures and the Anishinaabe legend of the ‘Sleeping Bear’, from which the name of the park is derived. Plus, the park has a variety of historic districts and properties-eight of which are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The park offers 105 miles of hiking trails, 12 miles of rivers and streams, 26 inland lakes, two islands, pristine beaches, and lush forests. Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore encompasses over 71,000 acres and 65 miles of Lake Michigan shoreline (35 miles on the mainland). The dunes are most definitely a sight to see, but there’s so much more to this national lakeshore than just sand!

Located on the northeastern shore of Lake Michigan, Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is best known for its magnificent dunes and towering headlands.

Sleeping bear dunes