Northern Michigan Adventures (More than Sleeping Bear Dunes!)
Arcadia Dunes, Northern Michigan.
The UP of Michigan (deservedly so) gets all the adventure hub in the state, but the Northern end of the Lower Peninsula will have you feeling like you are in the UP when you find the right spots! While Sleeping Bear Dunes is all the rage in this area there are several other stunning places to exploring in Michigan’s “Northern Lower Peninsula”. When we lived in the area we explored them extensively, join us for some Northern Michigan Adventures that aren’t Sleeping Bear Dunes!
The full rundown of what to do in Empire and Sleeping Bear Dunes is in a different article but in this one I wanted to share a few great spots that I have been exploring in the lower peninsula not named after a drowsy animal! Because there’s plenty of other options to enjoy the Northern End of the Lower Peninsula.
We are splitting our time between the towns of Grawn and Lake Leelanau in two different Airbnb long-term rentals, with 10 days of camping in the UP in between for vacation. It’s a special area and one that I feel super grateful to living in for over 90 days in the summer of 2022!
Michigan’s Northern Lower Peninsula Outdoor Adventure One: Interlochen State Park
Interlochen State Park has kayaking, camping, fishing, and boating. Right by it as part of the Michigan DNR trails system is a relatively flat six mile trail in the woods that winds its way around two lakes. It’s known as the Lost Lake Pathway and it’s my go to weekday trail running spot due its close proximity to Grawn and our place on the Duck Lake Peninsula!
It’s also great for hiking, is dog friendly, has camping spots available, AND for those full-time residents of the area a cross country ski haven in the winter!
Here’s the All Trails Map for you, check it out HERE!
This little section of the Lost Lake Pathway is an inlet between the lakes that I see kayakers on frequently!
Michigan’s Northern Lower Peninsula Outdoor Adventure Two: Arcadia Dunes.
The Arcadia Dunes and the C.S. Mott Nature Preserve get you all the epic shoreline views of Lake Michigan without the crowds at Sleeping Bear.
This special area has several different hiking trail options for you, once again as a dog dad something that I check, is that they are all dog-friendly. The first time I went on a Sunday morning it took me being on two miles of trails before I encountered another hiker. That’s impossible in the summer at Sleeping Bear. It’s also just about as stunning of views as you can find of Lake Michigan!
The Baldy Dune Hike (pictured above) combined with a trek through the nature preserve (primarily forest) will give you sand, trees, wildflowers, and of course…Lake Michigan!
The forest area would also be a good trail run, if that’s your thing!
The Arcadia Dunes are located south of the town of Frankfort. This area is managed and protected by the Grand Traverse Regional Conservancy. It’s definitely a better alternative, if crowds aren’t your thing, to Sleeping Bear on the weekends.
The sun shining bright in the Arcadia Bluffs.
Michigan’s Northern Lower Peninsula Adventure Three: Lake Ann and Ransom Lake Natural Area
Another nice spot driving wise for us is Lake Ann and the Ransom Lake Natural Area. Also managed by the GTRLC this is a spot I enjoy exploring on the weekends instead of going to SBD. Great lake views, well maintained trails, dog friendly options, and of course the chance to swing into Lake Ann Brewing Company if you time your visit with their open hours. (Which I do.)
I’m a volunteer this summer for Friends of Sleeping Bear Dunes and I adore the area. But it’s nice to have other adventure options for the weekends. Swimming in Duck Lake and a bicycle ride on the TART Trail near Traverse City or even just a walk along the Traverse Bay are all wonderful ways I am finding that you can experience “Pure Michigan” adventure without even heading to the iconic Upper Peninsula.
Thanks for reading and being a part of our crew! Comment below if you have another favorite adventure spot in the lower peninsula of Michigan, there are MANY MANY MORE!
Because Adventure Feeds the Soul,
Mike R
Pure Michigan!