Sleeping Bear Dunes

     Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is a 35-mile stretch of shore along Lake Michigan.  Authorized in 1970, the park had a controversial start as local property-owners worried about the arrival of large numbers of tourists.  Although there were a good number of visitors, local homes did not seem greatly disturbed and the local small towns were thriving.
     The park is named for a Chippewa legend, in which a massive forest fire forced a mother bear and two cubs to flee.  They swam into the water to avoid the fire.  The mother reached the opposite shore, but the cubs became tired and were unable to complete the journey.  They drowned in the lake.  The legend says the Great Spirit was awed by the act, especially the mother bear who stood on a high dune and kept watch long after, hoping desperately for her cubs.  Great Spirit formed two islands for the cubs--North and South Manitou Island.  Great Spirit then buried the mother deep inside the dunes to commemorate her spirit and where she could wait for the cubs.
     The park is absolutely gorgeous, and certainly worth a visit.  Unfortunately, I did not have a camera--the pictures here are courtesy of the National Park Service.  The park is divided into five main parts: North and South Manitou Islands; Platte River; D. H. Day; and Good Harbor.  The park has ample hiking and swimming, along with many other activities.  Because of its location, however, there are a large number of other visitors and it can be harder to find empty spaces for prayer or quiet.

Photo Courtesy of NPS

Rating: 4.5 out of 5
Pros: hiking; camping; scenery; other activities
Cons: number of visitors; park is not contiguous
Activities: hiking; swimming; bird-watching; boating/fishing; winter includes skiing, etc.
Bring: lots of sunscreen; swimwear; lots of water; good hiking shoes; camera

Recommendations:
    This is a year-round park with activities to match.  Unlike many places, no matter what time of year you come, you will certainly find activities to meet your needs.  There is ample lodging nearby as well.  The park has site and backpack camping, as well as many nearby bed and breakfast locations.  I highly recommend the Sleeping Bear Point trail.  It is 2.8-mile loop trail with some difficulty.  Start at near end of the parking lot.  Toward the end, there is a quarter-mile spur that leads to Lake Michigan and probably the best water I have ever been in.  Keith said the scenic driving tour was excellent.  There are 12 pull-offs where you can get out, walk, and read about the history and importance of the park.
     Get to the park in early or mid-morning to avoid the big crowds.  Stay until afternoon for when the beach warms up a bit and it is warm enough to swim.  While in the area, visit the ample cheery orchards and local farms.  Fudge is also a local phenom and worth finding.
     Sleeping Bear makes it easy to find God in all things.  The natural beauty is simply astounding with a fantastic mix of cultural and historical importance.  From indigenous to farming to shipping industry history, the area is ripe with stories worth hearing.

Photo Courtesy of NPS