Day Getaway to Sleeping Bear Dunes and Traverse City, Michigan
Some days I wake up and want to see something extraordinary. I’d heard that Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore was beautiful, so I decided to make the five‑hour drive from Chicago to Traverse City to see it for myself. I grabbed my national park passport book and pass, hopped in the car, and hit the road just after 5:30 a.m.
The drive was smooth and scenic—Michigan really is a lovely state. I arrived at the Philip A. Hart Visitor Centeraround 1:00 p.m. (Address: 9922 Front Street, Empire, MI 49630). It was far busier than I expected for a Wednesday, but hey. I stepped inside, did a quick walk‑through of the small exhibit, spoke to a ranger to get my map and recommendations, and—of course—got my passport stamps. Priorities.
Park Fees:
All private vehicles entering the Lakeshore—including the Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive—require a $25 vehicle pass (valid 1–7 days). Motorcycles are $20, and individuals on foot, bike, or non-commercial tours pay $15. If you have an Annual Park Pass ($45) or a federal Interagency Pass, you’re covered . Fees can be paid in cash or credit at the visitor center or at drive entrances.
Sleeping Bear Dunes is known for its dramatic landscape—towering sand dunes up to 450 ft above Lake Michigan, forested trails, inland lakes, and sweeping shoreline views. The park protects over 35 miles of coastline and includes historic villages and scenic drives .
Since time was ticking, the ranger recommended the Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive, a 7.4‑mile loop with 12 interpretive stops.
Stops 9 & 10—Lake Michigan Overlook & Dune Overlook
At Stop 9, you’ll be standing on top of a 450‑ft dune, gazing over Lake Michigan in all its turquoise glory. A few adventurous souls hiked down—but the slog back up looked brutal. I hung back, soaking in the views, lounging for about 30 minutes. A small parking lot can fill fast, so roadside spots are common. Restrooms are onsite.
Next stop: Moomers Homemade Ice Cream.
This beloved local gem had a line snaking around the building—always a good sign. It’s a family‑run dairy farm and creamery with over 160 rotating flavors (not all offered daily), using milk from cows grazing right behind the shop.
Once I got to the counter, I did a quick scan of the flavors and decided on two single scoops—SuperMoo, their take on a rainbow cone, and cookie dough. To say they’re generous with their scoops would be an understatement. Each one was easily pushing half a pint. Ice cream in hand, I headed out to the deck and dug in. Somehow, I managed to finish both though I was very full by the end.
High on sugar, I left Moomers and began the ride home. On the way out of town I passed roadside cherry stands and saw lakefront homes straight out of a summer film. A perfect end to a great day.
If You Have More Time in Traverse City
If you’re staying longer, here are some highlights:
Downtown Traverse City – Quaint shops, bookstores, and cafés along Front Street.
Traverse City State Park Beach – Public beach on the bay—perfect for swimming and sunbathing.
The Village at Grand Traverse Commons – A former asylum turned into shops, history tours, and trails.
Wine Country – Old Mission and Leelanau Peninsulas are dotted with beautiful wineries and tasting rooms.
Cherry Republic – Everything cherry: salsa, soda, chocolate, jam, you name it.
Kayaking on the Boardman River – A serene way to explore the area.
Interlochen Center for the Arts – Check out a summer concert if you’re into live music.
Sleeping Bear Dune Climb – The iconic climb near Glen Arbor offers a different, more hands‑on dune experience.
