Sleeping Bear Dunes

 September 2019 - Terry and I visit Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

The Legend of Sleeping Bear Dunes involves a Momma Bear and her two cubs who were attempting to swim across Lake Michigan to escape a fire and seek to find a place with more food. Sadly, the cubs didn't make it to shore. Upon reaching the shore, Momma Bear lay down facing the waters where her two cubs perished. The Great Spirit Manitou created two islands (North and South Manitou Islands) to mark the spot where the cubs disappeared and then created a solitary dune to represent the faithful mother bear.

We were told the dark mound is where Momma Bar came to rest. 

The Dune Climb is on everyone's list of things to do when visiting Sleeping Bear.

Dune Climbers - (L to R) Greg, Karen, Mary, John and Terry

The Dune Trail from the parking lot to Lake Michigan is 3.5 miles round trip...however, you'll be walking in soft sand. Two steps up...on step back!

To get to the Dune Climb, we rented bicycles in Glen Haven and followed the Heritage Trail to the base of the Dunes. 

Lake Michigan shoreline.

Climbing the Dunes with Glen Lake in the background.

The trek down to the lake is very steep! Heed the warning on the sign before you attempt this hike. Like they say in the Grand Canyon...Going down is optional. Coming back up is mandatory! And at the Dunes, if you need help coming back up, be prepared to fork over 3000 scoots!