Wander the Beaches in
Sleeping Bear Dunes
Explore the Beaches
The high quality sandy beaches in Michigan are one of the world’s best kept secrets, and Sleeping Bear Dunes has some gorgeous examples. Whether you’re looking for a place to play in the waves, splash in a spring-fed lake, picnic with family, or enjoy a sunset, these beaches offer a peaceful retreat in Michigan's great outdoors.
Lake Michigan Beaches
Bohemian Beach
North of Glen Arbor, off M-22 in Port Oneida, turn left on Bohemian Road. Drive to the end of the road, which ends at the beach.
DH Day Campground
Between Glen Haven and Glen Arbor, at the back of the campground, there are a few parking spots for the beach. On foot, follow the short trail from the wooded campground to the open beach.
Esch Beach
South of Empire, about 4 miles down M-22, follow Esch Road west until it ends at the paved parking lot.
Glen Haven Beach
Paved parking is right alongside the beach in Glen Haven, with the larger loop to the right of the red Cannery building, and handicap parking by the picnic area to the left of the Cannery.
Good Harbor
In the North end of the park, north of Bohemian Road and Little Traverse Lake, at the end of Good Harbor Trail is a paved parking area for Good Harbor Beach.
Maritime Museum
Down the road from Glen Haven is the paved parking area to the maritime museum, which you can check out on the way to Lake Michigan! Follow the trail on foot through some mowed lawn, past the old boat house down a narrow-planked boardwalk to the sandy beach of the big lake with views of North and South Manitou.
No Name
Aptly named, No Name beach is down a long, steep staircase at the end of an un-named, un-maintained gravel road near pyramid point, the first left off S Port Oneida Rd past S Baker Rd on the right. Also shows up as Port Oneida Beach on the map.
North Bar Lake
A small lake on the big lake, just outside of Empire! North Bar Lake often has a small, short channel that connects it to Lake Michigan. Paved parking is found at the end of Lahohr Rd, which is the paved left turn at the end of N Bar Lake Rd (if you miss the turn you end up on a seasonal gravel rd that is often washed out after a rain: Shauger Hill Rd). Access to the boat ramp and a gravel turn-around closer to the North Bar Lake can be arranged through the park visitor center. The big lake is a long walk around North Bar Lake.
Peterson Road
Down the end of Peterson road, an easy gravel road with a more back-country feel, is this secluded Lake Michigan beach with a beautiful view of Empire Bluffs and Platte Point. The trail from parking to the beach is over 100 meters of deep sand.
Platte River Point
At the end of Lake Michigan Road is lots of paved parking and a boat ramp. There’s a small NPS parking area to the right requiring a park pass, or $5 parking for Lake Township Park that butts right up to the river. Follow or float the Platte River as it runs parallel to Lake Michigan for a long stretch to the wide open beach of Lake Michigan.
Sunset Shores
Past Thoreson Farm on Thoreson Rd, which is a gravel road, is Sunset Trail. From Sunset Trail turn right on Sunset Drive to a dead end for parking to the long wooden staircase down to Sunset Shores Beach.
Tiesma Road
Down Lake Michigan Road toward Platte River Point, just past the turn to Platte River Campground, is Tiesma Road, now known as Isle View Road. Follow this gravel road to the parking lot with a short walk to the beach.
Inland Lakes
Bass Lake (Benzie)
South of Empire, down the seasonal, non-maintained Trails End Road is this hidden gem for fishing, hiking, and kayaking. Bass Lake is a wonderful lake in the woods!
Glen Lake
Glen Lake can be accessed by the picnic area across M-109 from the Dune Climb, about 100 meters further north.
Loon Lake
Platte River paddlers travel through Loon Lake along their route to Lake Michigan, but it’s also accessible by a large, paved parking lot directly off M-22, just South of Lake Michigan Road, right after the Platte River crosses under M-22.
North Bar Lake
A small lake on the big lake, just outside of Empire! North Bar Lake often has a small, short channel that connects it to Lake Michigan. Paved parking is found at the end of Lahohr Rd, which is the paved left turn at the end of N Bar Lake Rd (if you miss the turn you end up on a seasonal gravel rd that is often washed out after a rain: Shauger Hill Rd). Access to the boat ramp and a gravel turn-around closer to the North Bar Lake can be arranged through the park visitor center.