Latitudinally Speaking: Someday Sunday: Sleeping Bear Dunes

So, for my inaugural Someday Sunday post I'm actually writing about a place I've been...twice.

The Destination:

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

What to Do:

Climb the Dunes!

There are two options here, you can just climb the large dune you see when you first arrive OR you can climb that and then keep climbing dunes until you get out to Lake Michigan...and then climb back. I've done both and, either way, wear good shoes, bring water, and expect a workout. And, if you're anything like me, plan on looking pretty ridiculous huffing and puffing and sliding around in the sand!

The first time I went, my travel partner and I chose to climb out to Lake Michigan. It was one of the most fun things I've ever done but the dunes are incredibly deceiving. When you're at the top you can only see the dune ahead of you and the water beyond it so you think you're almost done. Then you get to the top of the next hill and there's another one...and another. All you can do is sigh and laugh and keep on trucking.

But then you get to Lake Michigan and it's, no joke, the best water you've ever seen...especially if you were air brained like we were and forgot the water bottles in the car.

If you're not feeling up to a several mile long hike (my family, pictured above, wasn't) you'll still have a great experience. The views from the top of the main dune (shown at the top of the page) are amazing and there are other ways to enjoy the park as well. For instance, the scenic drive!

The road is very wooded and winding and there are plenty of places to stop and take photos, the most memorable of which is a 450 foot overlook of Lake Michigan.

It's absolutely UNREAL how steep the incline is. Some people run all the way to the bottom...

...but it can take up to forty-five minutes to get back up.

Even just standing at the top of the slope is slightly dizzying so I would recommend going with someone who will hold you...or your parents who will stand several yards above you and try to coax you from inching farther down the slope. Either is good!