When I told a friend that I was quickly piecing together a Michigan trip last month, I asked for his recommendations. He quickly fired back that I needed to visit Sleeping Bear Dunes. He said I would love it there and that it’s beautiful.
He was not wrong.
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is located on the northeast shore of Lake Michigan. It covers about a 35 mile stretch of coastline and is a place of extraordinary beauty.
Lush forests, gorgeous lake views, towering sand dunes, a lighthouse and interesting things to see along the trail will someday lure me back for more exploration.
That’s because we had just part of a day to nose around since we got clobbered by rain on day two. Yet, our short hike and the scenic driving tour we took near sunset are burned into my memory among the very best of my favorite travel memories.
It’s funny, because I’ve seen gorgeous sunsets in my lifetime. We watched the sunset every night that we could on this trip and the ones we saw in Petoskey were the very best.
At least they were the very best until I got to Sleeping Bear Dunes.
I have never seen such a beautiful sky. Sadly, the magnificent colors that ranged from fiery reds and oranges to cotton candy pinks and blues did not translate well in my photos.
Not well at all.
I cannot stress enough how beautiful it was and how much it is worth the drive to visit this place. Even if all you do is spread out a blanket high atop a sand dune and wait for the sun to slip below the horizon, it will still be one of the most amazing experiences of the average person’s lifetime.
It was tranquil and serene, reverent and sacred. It almost felt like a religious experience, these last several minutes of daylight.
It was hard to believe this is the same sun that sets over the rural ridge I call home here in southern Ohio.
I hope to make it back again someday and hope you will go too. Trust me. This is something for the bucket list.
The photos of Sleeping Bear are absolutely fabulous! I could easily transport myself there, in my mind. Thank you for sharing your experience.
Chris
Thank you! It is so magnificent I think everyone should see it at least once.
The 2nd photo is very nice, and the other two are even better. Love the shadows in the sand in the 1st shot.
I haven’t seen one at Sleeping Bear, but several of my favorite sunsets have been over Lake Michigan in other spots.
They call them “million dollar sunsets” for a reason! So beautiful. I really liked that first picture too.
We always enjoy Michigan sunsets on our annual trip to Michigan. And my phone never captures the magnificence either! While I have two large paintings of Sleeping Bear sand dunes in my living room, it’s been 40 years since I was there! My husband has never visited. Visiting Sleeping Bear was already on my list, but now I will be sure, sure, sure that we see the sunsets there. Your photos of these sunsets are stunning!
Oh my. Betty, you two need to bump Sleeping Bear to the top of your list. You would have a fantastic time!
I agree!
Your pictures of the sunset are gorgeous. Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore looks like such a beautiful spot.
You would love it! Add this place to your wish list, my friend. You won’t be disappointed.
What a wonderful place for a little rest and relaxing!