Shopping and dining: Mackinaw Island has a charming downtown area together with plenty of shops and restaurants to explore. If you havent been out there in the winter, please do. There are a few expenses you should prepare for as you plan your trip. The trail from Empire to Glen Haven was groomed yesterday with 2 classic tracks. Official news and information source for Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Frankenmuth is a charming Bavarian-themed town in Michigan that offers plenty of activities for couples during the winter months. The park was established primarily for its outstanding natural features, including forests, beaches, dune formations, and ancient glacial phenomena. Today, though, I was delighted to find the new bench trail that had been cut into the hillside last fall. But it wasnt much past 8 a.m. and 19 degrees, and we had the place to ourselves in February. This service was created with the goal of simplifying trip planning. Coming to the Lakeshore? All rights reserved (About Us). Here you can find all info on domestic travel insurance for your trip. . Everyone, our houseguests, in particular, was making it out to be an adventure. Northern Michigan is a site to see any time of year, but the dunes are a must-do activity for the whole family in the wintertime. Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore | Empire MI more information on current conditions Visit our keyboard shortcuts docs for details. Lake effect squalls blew through yesterday (and all day today), so I waited for the snow to stack up and then left for some photo opportunities. 41 Wineries, 30 Breweries and Taprooms and 18 Cider Houses and Distilleries. A rare treat, one I might never have again. I was hopeful that the @sleepingbearnps had closer the scenic drive, because its such a nice snowy hike, so I was delighted to see the blaze pink ROAD CLOSED sign upon my arrival. Within a 20 mile radius of Sleeping Bear Resort are four ski resorts, nine cross country ski & snowshoe trails, two snow tubing destinations and over 135 miles of groomed snowmobile trails. For more info on the trail visit here. Zehnders Snowfest: Every January, Frankenmuth hosts the Zehnders Snowfest, a winter festival that includes snow and ice sculpting competitions, live music, food, and more. Winter activities at Sleeping Bear Dunes include hiking, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, winter camping, and even sledding down what might just be Michigan's ultimate sledding hill: the front . It is one of America's most profoundly beautiful landscapes with sweeping vistas, freshwater beaches, forested wilderness islands, and miles of hiking trails. The trail is generally asphalt, but . Directions Find your way to the Lakeshore by car, plane, or bus. These huge, stark-white birds are the largest breed of owls on the continent and are a truly rare sighting to experience since they only occasionally migrate the thousands of miles to Sleeping Bear Dunes from their home in the Arctic. And now, thanks to the new trail, not death-defying. This mile-and-a-half out-and-back trail has amazing views of snowy trees, open fields, and of course plenty of cliff-side water views. From a Sleeping Bear Dunes Winter camping adventure to small towns and cozy cottages, the right accommodation will heighten your trip to Northern Michigan. Hike 100 miles of designated trails in the Lakeshore. An island lighthouse, US Life-Saving Service stations, coastal villages, and picturesque farmsteads reflect the parks rich maritime, agricultural, and recreational history. Michigan's Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore encompasses a 60 km (35 mi.) Most of the trail is groomed in the winter with a corduroy base for skate skiing, snowshoeing, and classic tracks on the outside for classic cross-country skiing. Most of the trail is groomed during the winter with a corduroy base for skate skiing, snowshoeing with classic tracks on the outside for cross-country skiing. Empire, Only to treat them to a hike so icy that even our spikes and yaktrax and cleats could not stop our slide on the hilly trail. Arrive anytime between 6-7:30 p.m. to enjoy the full experience. This trail is a hard-surface, multi-use trail, which runs about 22 miles from Empire through Glen Haven and Glen Arbor to Bohemian Road. Fat Tire Bikes are ONLY allowed on the Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail. If you have younger children, they are welcome to join their adult drivers in either 2 person or 4 person dune buggy rentals. Couples can enjoy a winter hike through the snowy forests and take in the stunning views of Lake Michigan. By the time Maple and I reached the end of the trail, some 400 feet above Lake Michigan, the sun still hadnt topped the bluff. Visit Frankfort's beach and discover the beauty of Point Betsie Lighthouse! Empire Bluff Trail #empireblufftrail #empiremichigan #sleepingbeardunes #puremichigan #ilovetohike, A post shared by David Marks (@dmarksupnorth) on Dec 20, 2019 at 1:09pm PST. Since Dune Climb is the only area that permits sledding, it is important to stay up to date on the Parks policies. The trails, scenic views and popular destinations are all still herejust embellished with a new look. There are several rental companies in the area, and couples can explore the snowy trails and forests together. Glen Arbor to Port Oneida Road (although there are a few hills in this section, they arent too long or steep. This section will be groomed again this year. Hiking shoes,hiking poles,andice cleatsif you visit in winter. Renting a car:Check outRentalscars.comandDiscover cars. Explore Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore at night on a candlelit winter hike on Saturday, Feb. 18, from 6-8 p.m. at the Dune Climb. Joshua Tree National Park. The trail section from Empire to Glen Arbor is groomed for skiing in the winter. Sleds, skis, snowboards, toboggans, saucer sleds, inflatable tubes or similar equipment are restricted to use within the designated snow covered area of the Dune Climb. Your browser is not supported for this experience.We recommend using Chrome, Firefox, Edge, or Safari. Traverse City is a beautiful destination for couples looking to escape to Michigans northern region. For the rugged adventure types who dont mind camping in the winter, Platte River Campground is open year-round. Trailhead parking is available on Forest Haven Road in Glen Arbor, Glen Haven, the Dune Climb, Pierce Stocking Drive, and the corner of Voice Rd and Bar Lake Rd on the north end of Empire. Miles of sand beach, bluffs that tower 450 above Lake Michigan, lush forests, clear inland lakes, unique flora and fauna make up the natural world of Sleeping Bear Dunes. That could be one of these Garmin hiking watches, for example. Then the North Trail from Crystal View Trailhead to the Lawr Farm (M-22 and Wheeler Road). From here, the human eye can see about 25 miles before losing sight over the curvature of the earth. Nature transforms Sleeping Bear Dunes from season to season, and winter provides the opportunity to experience this wonderful landscape with fresh eyes. Sleeping Bear Dunes Seeking Winter Internship Applications. Many travelers choose to stay in Empire or Glen Arbor because of the proximity to the park and the greater range of hotels, bed and breakfasts, motels, cabin rentals, and resorts. Led by rangers and offered for free, the hikes are open to all . A place in which to play, dream, refresh, create. best restaurants in Sleeping Bear Dunes, click here. The dunes and open fields all around the park are prime snowshoeing opportunities. ), Kettles Trail (except one short section of the north loop is Black Very Difficult. But I need to stop right here and tell you how rare this moment was. She shrugged. The atmosphere in the areas many fine restaurants and shops is also more relaxed and intimate in the winter months though hours may be limited, so be sure to plan your trip in advance. See the wonderful captioned multimedia presentation and exhibits. This precious little B&B has unique rooms, cozy beds, and idyllic views all winter long. SunBuggy has 1 seat dune buggies available for kids that are a minimum of 60 inches tall. Need domestic travel insurance for your Sleeping Bear Dunes trip? Youll also discover that youll have many of our most popular trails to yourself. Before embarking on the dune climb, grab a tube or sled and enjoy the ride down. Come winter, the landmark thats arguably the most well-known spot in the park -- a giant and seemingly endless mountain of sand that kids love to climb and tumble down -- becomes the ultimate sledding hill. Snowshoeing and cross-country skiing: Sleeping Bear Dunes has several trails that are perfect for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. (Wisconsin is out there but 60 miles and around the bend.) IMG_1585 by Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore This site uses cookies to improve your experience and to help show content that is more relevant to your interests. #shareslbe #trailconditions #LakeMichigan, A post shared by SleepingBearNPS (@sleepingbearnps) on Dec 2, 2019 at 9:45am PST. The Dune Climb looks great for sledding this weekend. It is accessible by car, plane, or bus and you can find maps and more detailed directions on the Directions page of the National Parks Service website. If you are leaving a rut deeper than an inch, having a hard time riding in a straight line, or pushing your bike, the snow is too soft and you should not ride your bikeon the trail. Couples can enjoy a romantic meal or browse the local shops. As we climbed the last little stretch to the boardwalk over Lake Michigan, I saw a deer skitter across the forest. Once the temperatures drop, cozy little ice fishing shelters pop up all over the frozen lakes. Empire, Although the house itself is gorgeous and the rooms are very cozy, their delicious breakfast steals the show. Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore also contains many cultural features . Bench trails are so-called because they are L-shaped like a bench that has been cut into the side of a hill to make a level walking trail. Theyve got fat-tire bikes and helmets, cross country skis (plus poles and boots), and snowshoes. No Northern Michigan is a site to see any time of . The Empire Lakeshore Inn is an amazing place to stay that just happens to be next to one of the best sandwich shops in Michigan, the Shipwreck Caf. Two of the flattest trails in the Lakeshore are the Good Harbor Bay Trail, only 2.8 miles, and the Platte Plains Trail which is a lot longer at over 14 miles. Ice fishing: Glen Lake, located near Sleeping Bear Dunes, is a popular spot for ice fishing during the winter months. The trail is 1.5 miles roundtrip and has interpretive numbered posts along the way that correspond with info on the website. Registration details will be included in the calendar listing. Be sure to stop by the visitor center to grab any trail maps you need. Beaches include Platte River Point, where the river flows into the lake. Here we share some of the best winter hikes in Sleeping Bear Dunes. There youll also find information on trail etiquette from rangers that ask visitors to walk on the side of the freshly groomed trails and to not allow dogs on the paths. Id been wanting to get out to see the new reroute of Empire Bluff Trail and one wonderful winter morning appeared where I had nowhere to be and plenty to do and went anyway. Sleeping Bear Dunes Michigan winter season is the best time of year to spot the regions quiet wildlife. Sledding at the Dune Climb is not your typical 5-second race down your neighborhood hill. Couples can enjoy a romantic dinner at one of the many upscale restaurants in town, or opt for a cozy cafe or pub. Do make sure you are up to date on the latest fishing regulations in Michigan before giving it a try. Please exercise caution! Winter on the Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail is special. As we set out, I started to brace myself for the hike. We're a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates program. Arrive anytime between 6pm and 7:30pm to enjoy . This popular Midwest pastime is a really fun experience you wont want to miss out on. Once youve discovered winter activities in Leelanau County, you might just see why some of us love the Dunes best under the austere winter skies. Couples can enjoy browsing the shops and finding one-of-a-kind treasures. 101 West Grandview Parkway, Traverse City, MI 49684; T: 231-947-1120 or 1-800-872-8377 info@TraverseCity.com Its wild.. A part of that history deals with the shoals, lighthouses, storms, heroic efforts of the U.S. Coast Guard and U.S. Life-Saving Service, and, of course, shipwrecks. When we got to the trailhead on Wilco Road, just outside of Empire, I hung my trail pass off my rearview mirror and pointed out the absolutely empty parking lot to Maple. Here are some of the best vacation spots in Michigan for couples in winter: Located in northern Michigan, Traverse City is a picturesque destination known for its wineries, breweries, and also distilleries. You can read our complete privacy policy here. Perched along the edge of the large dune that towers about Lake Michigan, this dune, at one time, resembled a sleeping bear. Id arrived just in the nick of time to have it all to myself. Fat tire bikes are the perfect solution for cruising through snow and sand thanks to the sturdy large tires and balanced frame of the bike. PRO-TIP: The Platte PlainsTrail is located just south of Empire has almost 15 miles of hiking and skiing trails for winter sportingenthusiasts. Some posts on this site contain affiliate links, meaning if you book or buy something through one of these links, I may earn a small commission. But then,somewhere - maybe on the pile () of sand called Dune Run -the kids stop, realize this isMichigan, a landlocked state in the US, and ask, "How did the sea . However, youre still going to need to traverse up and down the steep, rugged dunes in your snow gear, making for a long and challenging, but worthwhile hike. Wine tasting: The Saugatuck area is home to several wineries that offer wine tastings and tours. Make sure to check the National Park Service or local weather providers to make sure there is enough snow on the dune as well as to look for any changes to sledding rules. Couples can bring blankets and hot drinks and spend an evening admiring the night sky. Her favorite places are typically the hidden beaches and secret scenic overlooks throughout Michigan that most people dont know about. Read the full disclosure policy here. There is a really good chance that this post contains affiliate links. What follows are her suggestions for seizing the season at this Michigan destination: RELATED:Sleeping Bear Dunes is just as stunning in the winter, A post shared by Claudia (@mexicaninscotland) on Nov 16, 2019 at 2:52pm PST. YouTubes privacy policy is available here and YouTubes terms of service is available here. If you are having a hard time riding a straight line or having to push your bike, the conditions are too soft and you need to stay off the trail. stretch of Lake Michigan's eastern coastline, as well as North and South Manitou Islands. If you click one of them, we may receive a small commission (for which we are deeply grateful) at no extra cost to you. The days are shorter, the pace is slower and crowds are never an issue during the winter months. Believe it or not, for a select few of the most loyal fans of the Sleeping Bear Dunes, the answer just might be winter. Most roads and parking lots are snow-covered but the sun is out and the streets are quickly clearing. Ice fishing: Glen Lake, located near Sleeping Bear Dunes, is a popular spot for ice fishing during the winter months. Sleeping Bear Dunes Visitor Center in Empire9922 Front Street, Empire, MI 49630. Avalanche is a possibility on steep, snow-covered dunes. In the lakeshores meadows and along streams and low shrub cover, you may find red and gray foxes, weasels, and squirrels. However, skiers are asked to share some paths, like Sleeping Bear Heritage Trails, with snowshoers and fat-tire bikers. We are an all-volunteer organization that partners with the National Park to help maintain and heighten visitor experiences to the Sleeping Bear National Lakeshore. But that. New 2023 Easter Egg Hunts & Events in Metro Detroit by Date, 20+ Michigan Indoor Waterparks, Metro Detroit Waterparks & Beyond, 7 Unique Things to Do in Detroit this Weekend, Easter Egg Hunts & Events in Metro Detroit New by City, Leaving your Kids Home Alone Includes Michigan Law, How To: Install a Car Seat in an Extended Cab Truck, Biggest Guide to Birthday Party Ideas in Metro Detroit. Hike one mile on flat terrain along a candlelit trail. 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