Tour Information
Start Time 10am Lunch and Snacks Included
End Time 4pm-5pm Depart and Return From Traverse City
Adults $159 Kids 12 and Under $89
View from Empire Bluffs
Itinerary For Sleeping Bear Dunes
Hike to Empire Bluffs
A 1.5 mile round trip walk out to one of the best views in the park.
Lunch at Beach in Empire
Enjoy a delicious catered lunch from Shipwreck cafe.
Pierce Stocking Drive
A scenic 7 mile drive through the dune complex. Glen Lake over look, Sleeping Bear overlook and Lake Michigan overlook.
World Famous Dune Climb
A Michigan Tradition! Take on as much as you like!
Glen Haven
An Historic example of an 1800’s lumber town.
Glen Arbor
An optional stop if guest would like to visit the Cherry Republic or M-22 store for shopping, ice cream and/or wine tasting.
Beautifully Conducted Tour
“We have been to Sleeping Bear Dunes several times but having a tour guide that can tell you what you are seeing and the history behind it makes it so much more interesting.”
Sleeping Bear Tours from Traverse City
Voted “Most Beautiful Place in America” by viewers of Good Morning America! Come experience one of the most spectacular attractions in Northern Michigan.
With convenient meeting locations throughout Traverse City, one of our friendly, knowledgeable guides picks you up in a clean, comfortable van to begin your tour. Choose your lunch option from the menu of the Shipwreck cafe, then relax and enjoy the scenery as you make your way out to the Lake Michigan coastline. Along the way, enjoy the wealth of knowledge about the area geology, history and flora and fauna. Once in the park, your guide will make sure you don’t miss a thing. From the world famous Dune Climb, to the scenic Pierce Stocking Drive and the historic villages of Empire and Glen Haven, you’ll not miss a thing that Sleeping Bear has to offer. Let Up North Tours handle all of the driving and logistics while you relax and take in the incredible surroundings
Book your Sleeping Bear Tour Today!
Tour Overview
Tour Itinerary
Pick up in Traverse City.
35-45 minute drive to Sleeping Bear Dunes.
A visit to the historic village of Empire.
A one hour stop at the famous Dune Climb.
The 7.4 mile scenic Pierce Stocking Drive.
Picnic Lunch at the North Barr Lake Overlook.
Vist to the historic village of Glen Haven.
Watch an authentic Blacksmith Presentation.
Visit the Maritime Museum and US Life Saving Station.
Optional stop in Glen Arbor; Original Cherry Republic, shopping.
Enjoy Scenic M-22 on the way home.
Departure Info
We pick up from most Traverse City Hotels.
Pick up Times of 9:45am, 10 am or 10:15 depending on your location.
For guest coming from outside of Traverse City we have pick up locations at the Meijer parking lot on M-72 and at downtown Traverse City.
Return to Traverse City between approximately 4pm.
What to Bring
Comfortable shoes for for the walk out to Empire Bluffs.
We provide refreshments, but you are always welcome to bring your personal water bottle.
Camera or phone for pictures
Backpack for personal items
In cooler weather, an extra layer as it can be cooler along the coast.
Gratuity for guide (10-20% is industry standard)
FAQ’s
Is there a Minimum age?
All kids not requiring child seats are welcome.
Is Lunch Provided?
Yes. Lunch is catered by the Shipwreck Cafe in Empire. You will choose your Lunch option upon meeting your guide in the morning.
What if it seems like it might rain or be cold?
Welcome to Northern Michigan! Our weather can turn on a dime. Unless it looks dangerous or the whole day seems to a complete washout, we still run our tours.
When and How should I book my tour?
You can book online or over the phone. We recommend booking as early as possible to ensure availability.
What is the refund Policy?
All tours are fully refundable up to 7 days before the trip date. If inclement weather forces a tour cancellation, guest have the choice of rescheduling or receiving a full refund.
Testimonials
What Our Customers Have To Say
Great Sleeping Bear Park Tour
This is a great tour! We’ve been to Sleeping Bear before and really appreciated the information about the history and geology of the northwest Michigan region. Our guide was flexible and affable and provided plenty of time for pictures and questions, even providing binoculars and a tripod for great viewing of shipwrecks, lighthouses, etc.
NO BOOKING FEES!
Here at Up North Tours, we believe that the price you see, should be the price you pay. You will never pay extra for booking online.
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Up North Tours is based out of Traverse City Michigan. We are the premiere intepretive based guided tour operator in Northern Michigan. We run tours to Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.
CONTACT US
Have a question? We would love to hear from you!
Phone: 231-624-3485
Email: [email protected]
BUSINESS HOURS
Open Daily from 7 a.m. – 7 p.m.
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