Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail
More than twenty miles of nonmotorized trail connect Empire, the dune climb, Glen Haven, Glen Arbor, and Port Oneida through Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.
Artwork inspired by Gwen Frostic
This is not a flat beach promenade. Glacial terrain produces sustained hills, fast descents, blind curves, sand drift, roots, and busy crossings even though most of the route is paved; northern extensions include compacted aggregate.
Choose a segment around one national-lakeshore destination and reserve energy for the return. Use lights in shaded forest, control speed near pedestrians, and check construction because the route is being completed in phases rather than existing as one timeless alignment.
- Length
- More than 20 miles
- Surface
- Primarily paved
- Links
- Dunes, villages, historic farms
Quick guide
- Begin with
- Choose a route from Dune Climb connection
- Look closely at
- Glen Haven historic village
Select a completed segment before setting mileage
- Start with the map
- The paved route still includes gaps and connections on local roads
- Expect real hills
- Dune topography creates steeper grades than a typical rail trail
- Use Glen Haven
- Historic buildings, beach access, and services make a strong anchor
- Carry park admission
- The trail crosses national lakeshore property where entrance fees apply
Good to know
The Heritage Trail improves access between major sites but does not eliminate park entrance requirements, dune difficulty, or the need to secure bicycles at attractions.
Notice these
- Dune Climb connection
- Glen Haven historic village
- Port Oneida farms