Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive - Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

Fortunately for us, in 1970 Congress authorized the preservation of this beautiful stretch of land in and around Lake Michigan known as Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.  Located in the northwest quadrant of Michigan’s Lower Peninsula, the “Dunes” are a special place. 

First, some preliminary information - Sleeping Bear Dunes NLS is a fee area.  If you don’t have a Park pass, one can be purchased at the Visitor Center in Empire, Michigan.  While you are at the Visitor Center ask for the self-guided informational brochure on the scenic drive.  It will explain the interpretive numbered signs you will see. From Empire, take M-22 north for 2 miles to M-109, then left on M-109 for 2 miles.  Just off M-109 is the Entrance Station.  You will be asked to show your park pass before you can enter the scenic drive. There are picnic areas, restrooms and lots of things to see and do along the way.  It is a seasonal drive (generally it is open from May to mid- November – weather permitting). 

Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive:

This “must see” scenic loop drive is 7.4 miles long and offers views of Lake Michigan and the Sleeping Bear Dunes landscape.  It can be particularly lovely to see during the fall color season.

After we begin the one-way loop road, we pass through a short covered bridge.  While Michigan is not well known for its covered bridges, this one is often recognized and photographed. 

Covered Bridge

Next, we stop at the Glen Lake Overlook.  To our left is the landmark known as “Alligator Hill” and to our right is the bridge along M-22 that separates Little Glen Lake from Big Glen Lake.

Do you see the green alligator head?

Glen Lake Overlook

The Overlook at Cottonwood Trail offers a spectacular view of Lake Michigan and the dunes.  Near the wooden observation deck is the beginning of the 1.5 mile Cottonwood Trail.  

Overlook at Cottonwood Trail

The Lake Michigan Overlook is a very popular spot – especially near sunset.  FYI … the drive gate is locked 30 minutes after sunset. We walk the paved trail to the boardwalk trail (usually covered in sand) to the wooden deck.  From here, the view is breathtaking.  The Lake Michigan Overlook is 450 feet above Lake Michigan (the fourth largest fresh-water lake in the world).   It is a real treat to see Lake Michigan this calm.  

Lake Michigan Overlook

Sandy Trail

Beach Reflection

Lake Michigan Sunset

The Pierce Stocking Drive curves through shady forests and loops back to the beginning.

Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive

There is so much more to see and do in Sleeping Bear Dunes NLS.  For some hiking ideas, please refer to my Blog Post on Exploring Sleeping Bear Dunes NLS by clicking on the following link:

Exploring & Hiking in Sleeping Bear Dunes NLS

If you are interested in history, please refer to my Blog Post on Historic Sites of Sleeping Bear Dunes NLS for more photos and information by clicking on the following link:   

Historic Sites in Sleeping Bear Dunes NLS

There is limited food (local restaurants and bars) and lodging (small hotels and B&B’s) in Empire and Glen Arbor.  The Traverse City area (about 30 minutes from the "Dunes") has the usual array of national- chain and locally-owned places to eat and stay the night.  Since opinions, budgets, and preferences vary, I recommend checking a trusted travel source for current reviews.

Family vacations created some of my favorite memories.  To help plan you visit to Sleeping Bear Dunes, click on the following link:

Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive - NPS