Things to Do in Sleeping Bear Dunes for Couples: The Ultimate Adventure Guide

ALL GUIDES / NORTH AMERICA / USA - MICHIGAN

Planning a romantic getaway to Michigan's most stunning natural wonder? As adventure-loving couples who've spent countless hours exploring and documenting things to do in Sleeping Bear Dunes, we're here to save you valuable planning time. We've tested every trail, sampled local eateries, and discovered the most scenic spots perfect for couples. In this comprehensive guide, you'll find our tried-and-true recommendations for the best hikes, viewpoints, and activities that'll make your trip unforgettable - all while keeping your budget in mind.

Table of Contents: Things To Do at Sleeping Bear Dunes Couples

Best Romantic Hikes for Couples
Romantic Activities Beyond Hiking
Where to Eat & Drink
Where to Stay on a Budget
Frequently Asked Questions

Best Romantic Hikes for Couples

1. Empire Bluff Trail - Perfect Sunset Spot

This 1.5-mile trail offers one of the most romantic settings in the park, with breathtaking Lake Michigan coastline views that are perfect for couples. The moderate difficulty means you can focus more on enjoying each other's company rather than catching your breath. We recommend timing this hike for sunset - bring a small picnic and make it extra special. The trail is well-maintained and suitable for all skill levels, making it an ideal choice for couples who want stunning views without an extremely challenging hike.

Mileage: 1.5 miles out & back

Difficulty: Moderate

Trail Map: Here

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2. Pyramid Point Trail

VIEWS VIEWS VIEWS. Amazing lake Michigan views, meadow views, and forest views. This trail has it all. A short hike, yet filled with lots of climbing that definitely make the EPIC views earned. Although the AllTrails route in the attached link has you continuing past the Pyramid Point lookout, we recommend staying on the NPS designated trails to avoid getting lost and/or disrupting any wildlife. Take the 0.4 mile in-and-out section to Pyramid Point and then double back to get to the remainder of the loop, per the NPS trail signage.

Mileage: 2.8 Mile Loop or 0.8 Miles in & out

Difficulty: Moderate

Trail Map: Here

3. Alligator Hill Trail

Not all of the amazing views are seen from the shoreline. Alligator Hill Trail loops through Sleeping Bear Dune park and offers spectacular vantage points highlighting miles of Lake Michigan coastline. Not only that, but later in the hike you will also be able to experience beautiful views of Glen Lake.

Mileage: 4.7 Mile Loop

Difficulty: Moderate

Trail Map: Here

Romantic Activities Beyond Hiking

4. Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive

This is one-way road typically driven, however, the AllTrails link above does reference how you can make this into a hike (some times of year the road is closed to cars and only hiking is allowed). The Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive is named after a man who had a love for the woods, dunes, and Michigan nature. He developed this road to allow visitors to drive close to the dune vistas and see the beauty within these woods. This loop is a very popular part of Sleeping Bear Dunes so be sure to stick to the 20 mph speed limit and yield to hikers and bikers.

The loop consists of covered bridges, lake overlooks, picnic spots, dune overlooks, and hiking trails. To educate yourself throughout the drive, be sure to pickup a free guide to the Scenic Drive at the Visitors Center in Empire. Click here for a virtual tour of all the stops.

Mileage: 7.2 mile loop (drivable)

Trail Map: Here

Virtual Tour: Here

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Sleeping Bear Dunes Overlook

Accessed along the Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive, the namesake Sleeping Bear Dune can be viewed here. Estimated to be roughly two thousand years old, Sleeping Bear Dune is perched high above the lake on top of a plateau. Once having stood 234 feet tall, the dune continues to erode as the waves wear away the base of the plateau and it is currently down to about 103 feet tall.

There are incredibly breathtaking views from the overlook and the park recommends that you enjoy the view from the top to avoid rescue fees or the two hours it may take to climb back up the dune. Despite the people you may see descending the dune to get to the crystal clear waters below, it is in your best interest to stay at the top.

🚨 Warning: Despite the people you may see descending the dune to get to the crystal clear waters below, it is in your best interest to stay at the top.

5. Sleeping Bear Heritage Biking Trail

If you like biking, you have to check out this amazing bike trail with incredible vistas! The bike path is 20-miles one-way and paved with 10 feet wide asphalt paths throughout 17 miles (3 miles through the Oneida Historical District has packed stone instead of paved asphalt trail).

A great place to start this bike trial is in the parking lot of the Dune Climb mentioned above. Heading north, this will give you 12.3 miles of gorgeous biking through Sleeping Bear National Lakeshore, Glen Haven, Glen Arbor, as well as, the scenic and famous M-22. It should take roughly an hour (without stopping at vistas) to get to the northern end of this trail at S Bohemian Rd. Plan for a 2-3 hour round trip bike ride from the Dune Climb parking lot if intending to complete the full 24.6 miles (highly recommended!).

If you do not have a bike of your own or do not have the space to bring it on your trip, rent one from Crystal River Outfitters in Glen Arbor for a very affordable price!

Mileage: 20 miles point to point

Terrain: 17 miles paved

Trail Map: Here

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6. Explore Historic Leland

Leland is a very picturesque little village on the western side of the Leelanau Peninsula sitting right between Lake Michigan and Lake Leelanau. We enjoyed walking around this town, admiring the quaint shops, eateries, and local crafts.

Our favorite part was taking a stroll through Fishtown, a beautifully preserved area of Leland with fishing shanties, smokehouses, overhang docks and charter boats along the Leland River. Fishtown leads out to the immaculate beaches and piers along Lake Michigan. Fishtown is also the location to catch a ferry to South or North Manitou Islands. Learn more about getting to these islands from Leland here. When heading up M22 and touring the breathtaking Leelanau Peninsula, be sure to add a Leland stop to your list!

Where to Eat & Drink

1. Moomers Ice Cream

Three words. Ice Cream Flights! If you are looking for some delicious, homemade, award winning ice cream, look no further! Moomers is a family owned small business that overlooks their family dairy farm. Try one of their 160 ice cream flavors while gazing out onto the farm and thanking the cows which supplied it. We loved the option to try multiple flavors with an ice cream flight! A truly one-of-a-kind experience that left us pondering if we could possibly pick a favorite.

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2. The Little Fleet

From Memorial Day to Labor day The Little Fleet hosts half a dozen food trucks with some of the area's most delicious noms! Whether you are traveling with a group of diverse taste pallets or in the mood to try a little bit of everything, you cannot go wrong with this food truck alley. Head inside to their bar for some local brews, handcrafted cocktails and wines by the glass or bottle. Enjoy out on their patio with some bites from a food truck and you have yourself the perfect afternoon.

3. Cherry Republic Brewing Company

Big Bad Apple is a semi-dry cider made with, of course, Michigan cherries. A one-of-a-kind Michigan cider perfectly paired with any outdoor activity. Cherry Republic is not just a microbrewery, but also a winery, bakery and overall Michigan cherry shop born from the cherry orchards of Leelanau County. A quaint little village in Glen Arbor, stop at the Great Hall to sample over 200 types of cherry products or the Public House for brews and cherry-inspired meals. Much more than a microbrewery, Cherry Republic is fun for the whole family!

Location: Glen Arbor

Recommended Brew: Big Bad Apple [Cider 6.9% ABV]

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4. Hop Lot Brewing Company

One of the coolest breweries in the area, located alongside the scenic M-22 with an awesome beer garden and patio. Located among the North Woods with firepits, igloos, and live music, Hop Lot is fun any time of year. We recommend trying The North Porter. With deep roasts and hits of chocolate, this porter will keep you feeling cozy next to the bonfire.

Location: Suttons Bay

Recommended Brew: The North Porter [Porter 7.0% ABV]

Where to Stay on a Budget

When in the outdoorsy state of Michigan, we would recommend camping. Our favorite Sleeping Bear Dunes campground is Platte River Campground (so popular, most weekends book up 6 months in advance). Platte River Campground is located on the southern side of Sleeping Bear Dunes, alongside the Platte River with close proximity to Lake Michigan shoreline. We had a trailhead right next to our campsite that led to a beautiful secluded beach after a short 1-mile hike. They also have Riverside Canoe Rentals located just outside the campground along the Platte River.

When staying at this campground, we would recommend driving down to the very end of Lake Michigan Rd [Platte River Beach Parking] for some AMAZING Lake Michigan sunsets (pictured below). Overall, this was a clean, beautiful campground with great proximity to all of the things we wanted to do within the park. We would book again in a heartbeat and recommend you do to!

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What's the best time to visit for couples?

A: We recommend late spring or early fall to avoid crowds while still enjoying comfortable weather. Average temperatures range from 67°F in May to 71°F in September.

Q: How much does it cost to enter the park?

A: Vehicle entry costs $25 for a 7-day pass. This gives you access to all areas of the park, making it an affordable option for couples.

Q: How long should couples plan to stay?

A: We recommend 3-4 days to fully experience the park and surrounding area.

Q: Is there cell service in the park?

A: Service is limited to none within the park. Download offline maps before your visit to navigate safely.

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Whether you're seeking romantic sunsets, adventurous hikes, or peaceful moments in nature, Sleeping Bear Dunes offers countless opportunities for couples to create lasting memories together. For more travel tips and inspiration, check out our travel resources page and follow our adventures on Instagram @Noms.Brews.Views.