Things to Do near Sleeping Bear Dunes
The North Manitou Island Lighthouse
The South Manitou Island Lighthouse is the most familiar landmark on the island and is clearly visible from the mainland. The 100-foot lighthouse tower, active from 1871 to 1958, marked the location of the only natural harbor between here and Chicago. Ships took refuge here during storms and steamers stopped at the island to refuel with wood for their boilers. A covered passage connects the keeper’s quarters is connected by a covered passage.
North Manitou Island Lighthouse
Bay West Antiques
Bay West Antiques has moved and merged with Wilson Antiques with 4 floors and 2 mezzanines full of antiques. Also known as Bay West Precious Metals Exchange, owners Pete, and Holly have over 30 years of experience buying and selling antiques, coins, gold, silver, and jewelry with honesty and integrity. In 2014, Grand Traverse Insiders voted us “Best of the Best Antique Stores in Grand Traverse County” for the seventh year.
BayWestAntiques
Empire Area Museum Complex
The Empire Area Museum was dedicated in June 1987 and is fashioned after the original Roen Saloon, a prominent fixture in Empire during the lumbering days. The Museum features the original bar in the Roen Saloon, a Victorian parlor, a turn-of-century kitchen, artifacts from Norway Town, a blacksmith shop, a barn display, a railroad exhibit, a covered wagon, and much more. Behind the museum is an original one-room schoolhouse, complete with a water pump and outhouse. this building also serves as our audio-visual center. The Billy Beeman Barn (full of horse-drawn equipment) was added in 1990.
EmpireAreaMuseum
Places to Eat in Sleeping Bear Dunes
Trattoria Funistrada
Nestled in ‘Burdickville’ on the east side of Big Glen Lake, our building is over 90 years old & has always enjoyed a history of being a popular neighborhood gathering place. We pride ourselves on consistency & use locally sourced ingredients when possible to create meals you will never forget
Good Harbor Grill
Ann Derrick and Brendan Burrows bought the place back in 1991 after years of cruising on their sailboat and remade it in the image of what they wanted in every good harbor: fresh bread, fresh vegetables, and salad, something interesting and just plain good to eat. In other words, the kind of place we all want to find when traveling. After 25 years at the helm, they decided to pass the business on to the next generation of ownership.
The neighboring Pine Cone ice cream shop is still going strong but will be gaining an adjoining bakery in place of the Glen Arbor Botanical gallery. The remaining antique botanical prints are still hanging and up for sale should you be looking to add to your collection of lithographs or woodblock.
Good Harbor Grill
The Red Door Coffee House
This cute little coffee shop is located in downtown Lake Ann. Coffee is always a good idea while traveling! So stop by for some amazing coffee and a great atmosphere.
Places to Stay in Sleeping Bear Dunes
Indigo Bluffs RV Park and Resort
Offering the accommodations you need for all the ways you camp; in a destination that delivers: Sleeping Bear Dunes, Lake Michigan beaches, miles of hiking/biking trails, Traverse City, and more. A place where food, art, and events are abundant in everyday life.
Whether you’re looking for an enjoyable weekend, a family vacation, or planning your entire season, this is the place. Families have spent a century vacationing and building memories here; we created a place that allows you to do the same with your family and friends. Accommodating all motorized and tow-able RVs, trailers, and pop-ups. Rustic cabins and large, peaceful tent sites are also available.
Indigo Bluffs RV Park and Resort
Frankfort Crystal Lake RV Resort
Frankfort Crystal Lake RV Resort is a year-round resort catering to all types of campers. We accommodate all sizes of vehicles. Our roads are wide, and the sites are spacious. Our convenient location gives an added advantage to nature lovers. We make sure that your experience with us is comfortable, and that everyone with you has a pleasant stay. The park is easily accessible by all travelers.
Frankfort Crystal Lake RV Resort
The Lake Leelanau RV Park
The Lake Leelanau RV Park is a camping resort on Lake Leelanau! We are located on 800 feet of frontage on the shores of Lake Leelanau. The lake provides 21 miles of crystal clear waters for boating, swimming, fishing, water sports, and endless fun in the sun. It is filled with many types of fish including walleye, bass, northern pike, and perch.
For boater’s enjoyment, we have a boat launch, gas pump, and 98 boat docks available for rent. Our beach has a large, shallow, and safe swimming area perfect for children and family fun in the water.
Lake Leelanau RV Park
Best time to Visit Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
Any time of year but spring and fall are the nicest times to visit the lake shore.