Sleeping Bear National Seashore on Lake Michigan

We knocked out 1 of our must see areas yesterday.  Friday, we took a drive over to the  Sleeping Bear Dunes National Seashore .  Since this is part of the National Parks system, we got in free thanks to Diane's America The Beautiful card.  If you aren't familiar with it, here is the info.  It's a great deal for those that qualify. America The Beautiful Card .

Before we went into the park, we had lunch at a busy place called Boondocks. This is a busy place for a reason.  I have been seeing lake perch on the menu in a lot of places and decided to give it a try.  It was a hit! This was their signature flaky, white, fish fillet breaded and deep fried and served on a toasted bun.  This was some of the best fish I've ever had.  Diane had their signature burger and she also gave it a big thumbs up.  Indoors and outside seating is available.  If you're in the area, give it a try.

Upon entering the park, we came to the Dune climb.  This area is covered with sand dunes that were left behind when the glaciers receded over 11,000 years ago.  Many of the dunes are open for walking and exploring and the Dune Climb area is a very popular and busy place.  The sand is soft.....and hot.....and steep!  It took me nearly an hour to climb just over a half mile to get a great view of Lake Michigan and the surrounding area.  Fortunately, the air temp was only in the upper 70's!

The start of The Dune Climb

Is this not about the bluest sky you've ever seen?
About half way up there is a somewhat level place.
And then it continues on up!  When you get there,
you still aren't done.  It is another 2.5 miles to Lake Michigan.

From the top - Glen Lake to the East

And Lake Michigan to the West

A farm nestled in the rolling hills.

Going back down was a LOT easier but the sand was still HOT.  I got back to the car pretty tired but glad that I made the climb.

There is another dune climb just off the Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive that is far more strenuous.  You start at the top  and go down the dune 450 feet to the shore of Lake Michigan. There are signs advising against this as the steep climb back up can take 2 hours and they advise that  YOU will pay for your own rescue if needed!  Even though, there were several people making the trek and many were using their hands to help crawl back up to the top of the dune.

A 450 foot descent and climb back up to jump in the blue waters of Lake
Michigan.  Notice the people bent over using their hands to help climb.
Yes, it is that steep!

This shot gives an idea of the slope of the dunes.

As does this one.

There are also several scenic overlooks along this route.  They are numbered and relate to a brochure that the park rangers will give you describing each area.  The entire 7 mile drive took about an hour and half including stopping for pictures.  Hope you enjoy.