The Great Lakes state has proven to be so much more than anticipated. In honesty it would never have occurred to me to hop on a ‘plane and explore the state, but at trailer speed it has been a genuine revelation. Warm hosts, gentle rolling scenery, turquoise blue lakes and the occasional ‘wow’ moment. Between Empire and the Mackinac Bridge to the upper peninsula, we found nothing but beautiful coastal villages, wineries, cherry orchards and azure lakes.
Sleeping Bear Dunes fall into the wow category. A giant sand deposit left behind by the last ice age, the dunes run 600 feet directly into Lake Michigan. The precipitous slope and contrasting mirror surface of the lake, provide an amazing landscape juxtaposition.
Start the day with the dune climb, before the slopes get too hot and crowds really arrive. If you are able to do the climb the day after some rain, you’ll have improved visibility but also a firmer sand surface. The view is worth the effort.
Then drop into Glen Haven for a quick visit to this well preserved logging/shipping village, before moving on to Glen Harbor and an ice cream at Cherry Republic. Finish off the day with the Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive and access right up to the water front dunes.