Home to 35 miles of pristine lakeshore, dozens of hiking trails, sandy beaches perfect for picnics and much more, Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is the crown jewel of Leelanau and Benzie counties. It was even voted the “Most Beautiful Place in America” by Good Morning America viewers. But planning a vacation to the most beautiful place in American can be daunting, especially with kids in tow. Here’s the guide to family-friendly travel ideas at Sleeping Bear.
Paddle the Crystal River
Rarely deeper than two feet, the Crystal River is a family favorite for leisurely float trips and chances to spot wildlife such as blue heron and white tail deer on the cedar-lined shore. Incredibly safe for children taking a ride on their first kayak, the Crystal River provides a relaxed environment for children—and adults.
Ride the Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail
The non-motorized paved path is perfect for an active family who wants to view the beauty of Northern Michigan via bike. When completed, the trail will run 27 miles from the northern end of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore (Good Harbor Beach at County Road 651) to Manning Road, just south of Empire. As of 2024, the trail currently spans 20 miles. Check out the interactive map to plan your route. You can also explore Sleeping Bear Dune’s many hiking trails (Pyramid Point is a short hike with an amazing view—great for young kids!).
Summit the Sleeping Bear Dune Climb
A mountain of sand aptly called the Dune Climb can look a bit frightening at first. But, seeing the joy of toddlers and grownups alike sprinting down the sandy mountain makes the huffing and puffing of the ascent worthwhile. If you want to know how this ginormous sand pile came to be, you’ll want to attend Dune Talks—a brief, lively, park ranger presentation on how the dune was formed, how it has morphed over the eons and what the heck sand is made of anyway! Find the Dune Talks schedule at the Dune Box located at the base of the Climb.
Party with the Stars
Explore the park after dark with a ranger and members of the Grand Traverse Astronomical Society. Stargazing, meteor showers, sun viewing, storytelling and Junior Ranger activities make for an unforgettable evening.
Spend a Day on the Water
Empire Outdoors is all about getting people outside enjoying Northern Michigan. Your one-stop shop for all the fishing gear you will need, Empire Outdoors also offers beach toys, bike rentals, inflatable rafts and more.
Read Next: Rangers’ 10 Favorite Places at Sleeping Bear Dunes
Photo by Taylor Brown
Hang Ten on the Big Lake
Your kids will have the coolest “What I Did This Summer” story when they tell their classmates that they surfed Lake Michigan. Lessons begin with chilling in the sand while learning about freshwater surfing and end with riding the edge of a Lake Michigan wave. A lesson with the pros at Sleeping Bear Surf & Kayak runs an hour-and-a-half; private and group lessons available.
Enjoy Old-Fashioned Treats
Glen Haven, near Glen Arbor, was once a bustling port town. Now, it is part of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore and operated as a time capsule. For children who love history, Glen Haven offers a village blacksmith shop, a wooden boat museum housed in a defunct cherry cannery and a general store full of old-fashioned treats and toys.
Catch a Shipwreck Rescue
Want to see how shipwreck victims were rescued in the days before helicopters and motorized boats? Stop into the Sleeping Bear Maritime Museum (just up the road from the sweet hamlet of Glen Haven) to see the firings of the Lyle Gun—the only cannon ever designed to save lives!
Hit the Port Oneida Fair
A bygone way of life comes alive at the Port Oneida fair in the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Check out farm animals, children’s activities, folk music and more. The fair also includes demonstrations of native crafts, butter making, candle dipping, basket weaving and more.
Book a Charter
Take your little fishers out onto the scenic waters of Lake Michigan and attempt to catch lake trout, salmon, steelhead or brown trout. Reel Tales’ charter fishing excursions leave from Glen Arbor with Captain Scott McDaid. All you need is sunblock, comfortable shoes and jacket, and food or drink of your choice.