We recently took a much-needed vacation to Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore in northern Michigan. We saw a lot of beautiful scenery, learned a bit about the local history, and may have found yet another new obsession.

Sleeping Bear Dunes

Sleeping Bear Dunes is a National Lakeshore, rather than a National Park. Basically that means that the area is run by the National Parks Service just like any other park except that hunting is allowed, and the emphasis is more on water-borne or water-oriented activities.

The Lakeshore is located due west of Traverse City, Michigan. It lies on the shore (obviously) of Lake Michigan. It also includes North and South Manitou Islands, which lie a few miles offshore.

We camped at the Platte River campground. It was quite nice.

We didn’t plan a lot of activities. We both needed rest and relaxation most of all. But we did get out and explore a bit. First we visited the Maritime Museum and historic Glen Haven. The museum occupies the old Life Saving Service station (a precursor to the modern Coast Guard). Unfortunately the exhibits were closed but we could at least roam around and look at the plaques.

The Glen Haven Lifesaving Service post in Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

We took the Pierce Stocking Scenic drive too. We saw a lovely little covered bridge.

The drive was, indeed, scenic.

Dunes

There are plenty of sand dunes to see.

Scenic shot of Sleeping Bear Dunes

The waters of Lake Michigan are shockingly clear. Unfortunately, this is due to the work of an invasive species: zebra mussels. All along the shore we could see their shells washed up.

Each shell is about the size of my thumbnail, for perspective.

You can read more about these little buggers here.

The beach made for some dandy sunsets.

Salmon

A co-worker mentioned that the salmon would be running while we were up there. We had too many other things to deal with before we left, so we didn’t bring any fishing tackle or chase down licenses. But that won’t happen again!

We were surprised by how many salmon there were, and how big they were.

All the dark shapes in the middle of the river are salmon! As is the big fellow right near shore.

In retrospect, my fishing tackle wouldn’t hold up against these brutes. So it’s probably just as well that I didn’t bring it. Still, I have some research to do before next fall. That looks like fun!

All in all, we had a great vacation. I this this rock speaks for us both.