Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

The sunny beaches, soaring dunes, inland lakes, and lush forests that make up the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore provide the ideal setting for an exciting back-to-nature getaway. The Philip A. Hart Visitor Center, where you can pick up maps and see an orientation movie, is a wonderful spot to begin your trip.

You can go for a picturesque drive, engage in some dune climbing, hike or bike along the Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail, or go kayaking or paddling on the lovely Loon Lake, where you'll also get to see some animals. Spend some time exploring Glen Haven Village's historical district.

Sand dunes that rise more than 450 feet above Lake Michigan dominate Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, which is renowned for its beautiful splendor. Visitors can climb the sand dunes to the top to take in the view or picnic at the bottom. Nearly 100 miles of hiking, biking, skiing, and snowshoeing routes are also available in the protected region, including the Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail, which circles the shoreline past numerous dune formations and bodies of water.

Rankings:

• #7 in Best Places to Visit in Michigan

Location: Michigan