Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

Sand dunes under a clear blue sky with sparse grass and distant water.

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, located along the shores of Lake Michigan in northern Michigan's Benzie and Leelanau counties, is just a short drive from Crystal Mountain. This 70,000-acre national park includes 35 miles of Lake Michigan shoreline and the North and South Manitou Islands.

Family walking on a boardwalk by the sea under a clear blue sky.

At Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, you will discover sand dunes that tower 460 feet above Lake Michigan. Hills and forests blanketed in trillium flowers and birch, pine, beech and maple trees. Petite lakes and meandering rivers. Castaway islands. And sunsets—unforgettable, awe-inspiring sunsets!

Every year more than a million visitors experience northern Michigan's Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. From the popular Dune Climb to secluded beaches, you are sure to have a memorable time at this year-round national park. Make Crystal Mountain your base camp for a day trip to the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.

Crystal Mountain to Sleeping Bear Dunes Visitor Center in Empire

To visit Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, you can drive from Crystal Mountain to the Philip A. Hart Visitor Center in Empire, Michigan. The drive takes approximately 30 minutes.

The Philip A. Hart Visitor Center is an excellent first stop, where you can grab brochures, check out books, snag your park pass, and get all the best tips for exploring this awesome spot. The Sleeping Bear Dunes website provides a Plan Your Visit section, which includes additional helpful resources.

Directions from Crystal Mountain to Visitor Center

Southern Park Entrance

18 miles away

The southern park entrance on scenic highway M-22 in Benzie County is the closest park entrance to Crystal Mountain. Make a quick stop to get a photo with the national park sign! 

Directions from Crystal Mountain to Southern Entrance

Two people stand on a sandy hill overlooking the sea under a blue sky.
Traverse City Tourism
Man paddleboarding next to woman sitting on dock, both smiling under clear sky.
People walking down a sandy dune toward a vast blue lake.
National Park Service
Two children building a sandcastle by the lake.
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Related Activities

Two people biking on a tree-lined road with vibrant autumn foliage.

Nearby Biking

Hop on your bike and explore northern Michigan’s scenic trails, from gentle rides through the countryside to rugged routes in the forest.

Wooden walkway through green forest with several people walking.

Local Hiking Trails

Lace up your boots and experience the incredible hiking near Crystal Mountain in Thompsonville, Michigan.

Sandy beach with people and umbrellas next to green water, aerial view.
Traverse City Tourism

Family Friendly Beaches

Discover Northern Michigan's beautiful beaches, just a quick trip from Crystal Mountain. Because when it's summertime on the stunning Lake Michigan shoreline, life truly can't be beat!