My family recently traveled north for our third #PureMichigan vacation in four years. Nothing beats Great Lakes #lakelife with beach views comparable to the Hawaiian islands! We love the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, a national park along the eastern shoreline of Lake Michigan in Leelanau and Benzie counties (near Empire). It's about a six-hour one tank trip* from Cleveland's west side.
We stayed at The Homestead resort in Glen Arbor twice and Great Wolf Lodge in Traverse City most recently. If we came every year, we'd never tire of the Sleeping Bear Dunes area. While my kiddos are too little to take part in all the lakeshore has to offer, like watercraft activities, dune buggy riding, serious hiking, bike riding and the like, there are plenty of options for all ages.
If you're considering a visit to Northern Michigan, here are Fourteen Family-Friendly Ideas for things to do and places to dine in and around Glen Arbor (near the dunes) and Traverse City (about 40 minutes from the dunes). For more ideas and lodging info, visit www.traversecity.com, www.visitglenarbor.com and www.michigan.org.
What to Do:
The Dune Climb - About 5 miles north of Empire on M-109, you can see the big dune from the road. Pay $25 per vehicle for the week to enter all of the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeside attractions. Here you can climb to the top of for first dune for a view of Glen Lake. If you have 3-4+ hours, energy, water and snacks to spare, hike on to Lake Michigan. It's not easy!
Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive and Lake Michigan Overlook - Plan ahead to pack a lunch from one of the sub shops or grocery stores in Traverse City, or you'll have to swing by Anderson's Market in Glen Arbor. There are plenty of picnic areas. Enjoy the 7.4 mile winding wooded drive, and pull over to park and take in the views, especially the 450 foot drop at Lake Michigan Overlook. Due to high lake levels, visitors are advised not to climb down the bluff or you'll risk paying thousands in rescue fees. Bring a nice camera to this one!
Glen Haven Cannery and Maritime Museum - Learn about Great Lakes nautical history, walk among historic vessels (the largest public collection of Great Lakes small craft), take in beautiful views and walk down to the beach. The red cannery building alone is Insta-worthy. Glen Haven Village also has a working blacksmith shop and general store.
Fishtown - Drive 25 minutes from Glen Arbor to Leland to walk the docks of this quaint commercial fishing village with historic shanties and eclectic shops. They offer fishing charters, kayak rentals and a ferry to the Manitou Islands.
Grand Traverse Light House and Mission Point Lighthouse - If you like lighthouses, travel M-22 North past Suttons Bay to the tip of the Leelanau Peninsula (about an hour from Glen Arbor or Traverse City) to the red-roofed lighthouse and museum, or drive M-37 North up the peninsula in Grand Traverse Bay to the end of Old Mission Point, and climb to the top of the pretty white lighthouse there. Get pictures on the steps leading up from the beach. And, if that's not far enough north for you, plan a secondary excursion to St. Ignace or Mackinaw City for a ferry ride to famous Mackinac Island. (Check out my post about how to check Mackinac Island off your travel bucket list in six steps!)
Smocks in Glen Arbor - If it's a rainy day, visit this drop-in arts and crafts studio for kids' crafts and walk to other cute shops nearby.
Downtown Traverse City and bayside beaches - There are lots of cool shops, restaurants and bars downtown, but it can get congested during certain times of the year, like the annual film or cherry festivals. To relax, go to the beach. The Homestead and some other resorts have private ones, but check out Traverse City's Bryant Park for its picnic area and playground or Good Harbor Bay with its 2.8 mile trail loop. Look for spotted Petoskey stones and other treasures!
Where to Dine:
Boathouse Restaurant, Traverse City - Make reservations at this window-lined cottage chic spot on west bay.
Apache Trout Grill, Traverse City - No reservations allowed? No problem. Enjoy the beautiful waterfront patio and bar of this dressed up casual restaurant. Parking in their lot is limited, but the fish is delish and worth a wait.
Cherry Republic, Glen Arbor - There are six locations, but nothing beats the original where you can stroll the gardens, taste wine, grab a bite (dine-in only) or ice cream treat. Be sure to bring home some cherry wine (the moscato is my fave) and salsa (I like the original flavor)! There is also a craft brewery, Republic Brewing Co., which opened 2018.
Art's Tavern, Glen Arbor - Search for your teams' pennants on the ceiling while scarfing down a burger and beer in this small tavern with a patio.
Third Coast Bakery - This was the first time I felt comfortable allowing my dairy, peanut and egg-allergic son to enter and order from a bakery! Enjoy gluten-free, dairy-free, soy-free, vegan and 100% delicious baked goods. (Amazing donuts!) If food allergies aren't a concern, try the cherry pie from Grand Traverse Pie Company.
Bubba's Burgers and Bar - Have one of the best burgers in the area in a fun casual atmosphere.
Sleder's Family Tavern - Kiss the moose at one of Michigan's oldest continuously-operated taverns.
Ever wonder why it's called "Sleeping Bear" dunes? According to LelandMI.com, legend has it a mama bear and her two cubs tried to cross Lake Michigan from Wisconsin, and, while the mother made it across, her twins did not. The great spirit covered them with sand to form the North and South Manitou Islands, and the mother bear lies there forever waiting for her cubs to reach shore. Sad but sweet, right? Just like Omaamaayan (pronounced “oh-maa-my-an”), my favorite cherry wine and the Ojibwe word for "mother."
Happy travels, Mama and Papa Bears!
*My "one tank trip" references are a nod to the great Cleveland, Ohio television reporter and travel writer Neil Zurcher.