The Sleeping Bear Dunes is a unique getaway destination for plenty of great reasons. But here’s one you may not have thought about: Where else can you take the entire family—even the grandparents—and find so much to do? Make some memories and check out these 10 activities the whole family can enjoy regardless of age or activity level.

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[source: nps.gov]

Enjoy the scenery on a nature walk.

There’s a reason they call Empire Bluffs Trail “the greatest one mile hike in Michigan.” Best. View. Ever.

At the midway point, the view of Lake Michigan is definitely one you’ll never forget. But what also makes Empire Bluffs so special is that it’s accommodating to hikers of all ages. The wooded and rolling trail is hard packed gravel the whole way—easy walking, even on the inclines thanks to a series of “steps” dug into the hills. With a carpet of trillium flowers in spring and stunning colors in the fall, the trail offers unforgettable natural beauty. Empire Bluffs is actually 1.5 miles, round trip. But anyone who can walk up and down a long flight of steps can do this trail.

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The fire pit where the Beach Bards perform every Friday from June until the beginning of August. [leelanau.org]

Take in a campfire story.

This year will mark the 29th year the Beach Bards have been singing, telling stories and reciting poems for the public every Friday night around a little community bonfire along the beach at The Leelanau School. The first performance this summer happens June 23rd. Visitors may park in any Leelanau School lot and walk down the scenic boardwalk, across the Crystal River, to the bonfire circle. More adventurous types can walk in from the beach near the Lanphier Observatory boardwalk. Admission is only one dollar.

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Spend a day at a resort.

From lounging on the beach to splashing in the pool, resorts offer diverse amenities and activities the whole family can enjoy. The Homestead is the only four-season resort located in the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore; in fact, it’s the only resort in the tri-county area located on Lake Michigan. Hiking, biking, golf or tennis. You can even plan a day at The Homestead’s luxurious Spa Amira. The kids will never forget the day grandpa got a pedicure. Guaranteed.

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[source: manitoutransit.com]

See the giant cedars on South Manitou Island

After a ferry ride across the seven-mile stretch of that separates the Manitou Islands from the mainland, day-tripping visitors to South Manitou can learn more about the island's rich history at the visitor center and museum in the village; climbing to the top of the lighthousehiking to unique sand dune formations and old growth cedar forests or along the beach around the island; poking around ghost towns and the old Coast Guard station outbuildings; or taking a wagon tour to view the giant cedar trees and the Francisco Morazan shipwreck or weaving through the once thriving farm homesteads.

Catch a big one.

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[source: wattabite.com]

Salmon. Steelhead. Lake trout. In local angling circles, these are “The Big Three” everyone talks about. Take a charter- fishing trip on Lake Michigan, and you’ll have your own story to share. A perfect family-sized adventure—the boats can take up to six people—charter fishing doesn’t require you to bring any elaborate gear. In fact, you really don’t need any fishing experience at all to have a good time. Watta Bite Charters—a partner of The Homestead resort—launches from Glen Arbor and is a good place to start.

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[source: sleepingbeartrail.org/facebook]

See Sleeping Bear by bike.

Biking is a great way to experience the dune country, farms, forests and small towns that dot the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Paved and biker-friendly, the Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail currently runs for roughly 13 miles—from Empire to well past Port Oneida Road, north of Glen Arbor. The stretch that runs from the Dune Climb to Glen Arbor is the most popular for a reason. (Click here for details). It’s not as hilly as the southern end of the trail—namely the stretch from Empire to the Dune Climb. Bikes can be rented from Crystal River Outfitters. Click here for rental prices.

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[source: glenarborart.org]

Listen to the sounds of summer.

If it’s a summer weekend, you can bet there’s a concert going on somewhere in the Sleeping Bear Dunes. The annual Dune Climb Concert (usually happening in July) and the all-day Leland Wine & Food Festival (happening in June) are two of the best known. Other venues, like The Homestead, host regular weekend concerts. The resort’s “Music on the Mountain” summer concert series features a regular rotation of local and regionally known musical acts that perform on a stage located at the top up of a vista overlooking Lake Michigan.

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[source: crystalriveroutfitters.com]

Float the Crystal River.

If you’ve never canoed or kayaked before, the idea of navigating one down a river can be a little intimidating…unless you’re talking about the Crystal River that flows through downtown Glen Arbor. The Crystal is super shallow and clear (hence, the name) and has a gentle current along its entire six-mile length that seems tailor-made for inexperienced paddlers. Rent canoes, kayaks, standup paddleboards and, even, float tubes from Glen Arbor’s Crystal River Outfitters, and they’ll take care of transporting your party and your gear to the put-in point.

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[source: manitoutransit.com]

See the sunset on a shoreline cruise.

Manitou Island Transit offers a unique way to experience the beauty of the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore—a shoreline cruise. Starting the last week of June and running until the third week of August, shoreline cruises happen every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday at 6:30 PM when you and your party depart from historic Leland harbor upon the large and comfortable Mishe-Mokwa. As the sun slowly sinks behind the Manitou Islands, you’ll cruise along the Manitou Passage through scenic Good Harbor Bay, passing near such landmarks as Pyramid Point and the North Manitou Shoal Light. There is a cash bar available aboard and though the cruise is open to the public, Manitou Island Transit can also arrange custom trips for groups. Click here for ticket prices and booking information.

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Have a bonfire on the beach.

A lot of visitors to the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore are surprised to learn it’s legal to build a bonfire on any of the Lakeshore beaches provided they are built in the “wash zone” of Lake Michigan (between the water’s edge and the first dune). For many locals, crackling beach fires are a cherished summer activity enjoyed by adults and children alike. It’s a time and place where stories are told, s’mores are meted, and cold beers are sipped under a starry summer sky. Click here for beach rules as well as a rundown on some of the Lakeshore’s most popular beaches.