Dunes, scenic drives, wine trails, and a river to paddle: five days out from the Leelanau Peninsula.
Northwest Michigan packs a national lakeshore, wine country, inland lakes, and Lake Michigan into a few miles. Each of these five trips fits comfortably between breakfast and dinner.
Hours and access vary by season, especially inside the park and on the water. A quick check before you drive saves a wasted trip.
Forests, clear lakes, towering dunes, and miles of trails make this a year-round favorite. Climb a dune, hike a bluff, or drive the 7.4-mile Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive, with 12 stops and the Lake Michigan Overlook.
Park pass: required
Pierce Stocking: seasonal; about two hours with every stop
Start: Philip A. Hart Visitor Center in Empire
A block from downtown Empire, this park has soft sand, a pavilion, outdoor grills, a playground, and a drive-in boat launch, plus the Robert H. Manning Memorial Lighthouse. It is a favorite for families and for sunsets.
Best for: sunsets, families, and picnics
Amenities: pavilion, grills, playground, boat launch
Landmark: Robert H. Manning Memorial Lighthouse
North and South Manitou Islands are part of the national lakeshore, known for hiking, camping, a lighthouse, and a shipwreck. The ferry from Leland’s Fishtown is paused during National Park Service dock construction in 2026, so for now enjoy the view from the mainland bluffs.
Ferry: Manitou Island Transit, paused during dock construction
Status: the NPS lists the islands closed through 2026
Plan ahead: check nps.gov/slbe for future access
More than 20 wineries stretch from the dunes of Sleeping Bear to the west arm of Grand Traverse Bay. Choose three or four rather than trying to taste them all, and hire a driver or shuttle if you plan to sip.
Wine Trail: more than 20 tasting rooms
Plan: pick one loop and keep it short
Hours: seasonal; confirm before you drive
Crystal River Outfitters runs trips on a 4.5-mile stretch of gentle current and winding river, with a chance to spot northern Michigan wildlife. Check the outfitter for this season’s dates.
Distance: about 4.5 miles
Season: seasonal; check Crystal River Outfitters
Good for: families and groups
A home in downtown Empire that sleeps 9, within reach of the visitor center, the beach, and the national lakeshore.
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is the headliner. Pair a dune climb or bluff hike with the Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive, then end the day at Empire Beach Village Park for sunset.
Plan on about two hours if you stop at all 12 numbered stops. The 7.4-mile loop is one-way with a 20 mph speed limit, and it is open seasonally, roughly May to late October.
Not in 2026. The National Park Service reports that the Manitou Island Transit ferry is not operating during dock construction. Check nps.gov/slbe for the latest information.
More than 20 wineries stretch from the Sleeping Bear dunes area to the west arm of Grand Traverse Bay. Check each tasting room’s seasonal hours before you go.
Yes. A park pass is required for Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, including the Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive. You can get one at the Philip A. Hart Visitor Center in Empire.
Left Coast Vacation Rentals manages homes in Empire, Glen Arbor, and across the peninsula. Browse our properties or check availability.
Details verified October 2026. Park roads, trails, and businesses keep seasonal hours, so confirm before you go.
