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{{short description|Protected area}} |
{{short description|Protected area}} |
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{{Use mdy dates|date= |
{{Use mdy dates|date=August 2023}} |
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{{Infobox protected area |
{{Infobox protected area |
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| name = Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore |
| name = Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore |
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| iucn_category = III |
| iucn_category = III |
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| photo = Sleeping Bear |
| photo = Sleeping Bear Dunes Nat Park 2024.jpg |
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| photo_caption = Various smaller dunes located within the Sleeping Bear Lakeshore |
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| photo_caption = Aerial view of Sleeping Bear Dunes, with [[North Manitou Island]] (right) and [[South Manitou Island]] (left) in the background |
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| map_image = {{infobox mapframe|id=Q1585822|frame-width=270|frame-height=290|stroke-width=1|stroke-color=#545454|zoom=9}} |
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| map = Michigan#USA |
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| map_caption = Location of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore |
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| relief = 1 |
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| nearest_city = [[Empire, Michigan]]<br/>[[Glen Arbor, Michigan]] |
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| map_caption = |
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| location = [[Leelanau County, Michigan|Leelanau]] and [[Benzie County, Michigan|Benzie]] counties, [[Michigan]], U.S. |
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| nearest_city = [[Empire, Michigan]] |
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| coordinates = {{coord|44|51|N|86|03|W|region:US-MI_dim:100000|display=inline,title}} |
| coordinates = {{coord|44|51|N|86|03|W|region:US-MI_dim:100000|display=inline,title}} |
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| coords_ref = |
| coords_ref = |
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| area_acre = 71199 |
| area_acre = 71199 |
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| area_ref = <ref name=NPSStastics2015>{{cite web |url= https://www.nps.gov/slbe/learn/management/statistics.htm |title=Sleeping Bear Dune National Lakeshore, Michigan, Park Statistics | |
| area_ref = <ref name=NPSStastics2015>{{cite web |url = https://www.nps.gov/slbe/learn/management/statistics.htm |title = Sleeping Bear Dune National Lakeshore, Michigan, Park Statistics |publisher = National Park Service |date = April 10, 2015 |access-date = February 12, 2021 }}</ref> |
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| established = {{start date|1970|10|21}} |
| established = {{start date|1970|10|21}} |
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| visitation_num = 1,501,117 |
| visitation_num = 1,501,117 |
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| visitation_year = 2022 |
| visitation_year = 2022 |
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| website = [https://www.nps.gov/slbe Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore] |
| website = [https://www.nps.gov/slbe Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore] |
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|visitation_ref=<ref>{{cite web |title=Annual Park Ranking Report for Recreation Visits in: 2022 |url=https://irma.nps.gov/Stats/SSRSReports/National%20Reports/Annual%20Park%20Ranking%20Report%20(1979%20-%20Last%20Calendar%20Year) |
| visitation_ref = <ref>{{cite web |title = Annual Park Ranking Report for Recreation Visits in: 2022 |url = https://irma.nps.gov/Stats/SSRSReports/National%20Reports/Annual%20Park%20Ranking%20Report%20(1979%20-%20Last%20Calendar%20Year) |publisher = National Park Service |access-date = July 23, 2023 }}</ref> |
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| location = [[Benzie County, Michigan|Benzie]] & [[Leelanau County, Michigan|Leelanau]] counties, [[Michigan]], United States |
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[[File:Empire Bluffs Overlook (25661cf4-4019-469d-b09f-4bf04adca7b1).jpg|thumb|Empire Bluffs Overlook, near [[Empire, Michigan|Empire]]]] |
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| governing_body = [[National Park Service]] |
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'''Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore''' is a [[United States National Lakeshore]] located along the northwest coast of the [[Lower Peninsula of Michigan]] in [[Leelanau County, Michigan|Leelanau]] and [[Benzie County, Michigan|Benzie]] counties near [[Empire, Michigan]]. The park covers a {{convert|35|mi|km|adj=mid|-long}} stretch of [[Lake Michigan]]'s eastern coastline, as well as [[North Manitou Island|North]] and [[South Manitou Island|South Manitou]] islands. This [[Northern Michigan]] park was established primarily because of its outstanding natural features, including forests, beaches, dune formations, and ancient glacial phenomena. The lakeshore also contains many cultural features including the 1871 [[South Manitou Island Lighthouse]], three former [[List of United States Coast Guard stations|stations]] of the [[United States Coast Guard|Coast Guard]] (formerly the [[United States Life-Saving Service|Life-Saving Service]]) and an extensive rural historic farm district. In 2011, the area won the title of "The Most Beautiful Place in America" from [[Good Morning America]].<ref name="GMA">{{cite news |first1= Alberto |last1= Orso |first2= Sabrina |last2= Parise |name-list-style= amp |date= August 17, 2011 |title= Sleeping Bear Dunes Voted 'Most Beautiful Place in America' |url= https://abcnews.go.com/Travel/best_places_USA/sleeping-bear-dunes-michigan-voted-good-morning-americas/story?id=14319616 |work= Good Morning America |publisher= [[ABC News]] |access-date= September 21, 2014}}</ref> In 2014, a section of the park was named the '''Sleeping Bear Dunes Wilderness''' by the [[United States Congress]]. |
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}} |
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'''Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore''' is a [[United States|U.S.]] [[List of national lakeshores and seashores of the United States|national lakeshore]] in the northwestern [[Lower Peninsula of Michigan|Lower Peninsula]] of [[Michigan]]. Located within [[Benzie County, Michigan|Benzie]] and [[Leelanau County, Michigan|Leelanau]] counties, the park extends along a {{Convert|35|mi|km|adj=on}} stretch of [[Lake Michigan]]'s eastern coastline, as well as [[North Manitou Island|North]] and [[South Manitou Island|South Manitou]] islands, preserving a total of {{convert|71199|acre|sqmi km2|0}}. The park is known for its outstanding natural features, including [[Dune|dune formations]], forests, beaches, and ancient glacial phenomena. The lakeshore also contains many cultural features, including the 1871 [[South Manitou Island Lighthouse]], three former [[List of United States Coast Guard stations|stations]] of the [[United States Coast Guard|Coast Guard]] (formerly the [[United States Life-Saving Service|Life-Saving Service]]), and an extensive rural historic farm district. |
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The park is administered by the [[National Park Service]], and was established on October 21, 1970.<ref>{{Cite web |title=A Nationalized Lakeshore: The Creation and Administration of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore: by Theodore J. Karamanski |url=https://www.nps.gov/parkhistory/online_books/slbe/adhi_intro.htm#:~:text=The%20senator's%20persistence%20and%20patience,acquired%20to%20create%20the%20lakeshore. |access-date=2023-12-04 |website=www.nps.gov}}</ref> In 2011, the area won the title of "The Most Beautiful Place in America" from [[Good Morning America]].<ref name="GMA">{{cite news |first1 = Alberto |last1 = Orso |first2 = Sabrina |last2 = Parise |name-list-style = amp |date = August 17, 2011 |title = Sleeping Bear Dunes Voted 'Most Beautiful Place in America' |url = https://abcnews.go.com/Travel/best_places_USA/sleeping-bear-dunes-michigan-voted-good-morning-americas/story?id=14319616 |work = Good Morning America |publisher = [[ABC News (United States)|ABC News]] |access-date = September 21, 2014 }}</ref> In 2014, a section of the park was named the '''[[Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore Conservation and Recreation Act|Sleeping Bear Dunes Wilderness]]''' by the [[United States Congress]]. |
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==Federal decision to preserve lakeshore== |
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In 1962, Senator [[Philip Hart]] first introduced a bill to create Sleeping Bear Dunes National Park.<ref>https://glenarborsun.com/reflections-on-50-years-of-sleeping-bear/</ref> The park finally was authorized on October 21, 1970. The park's creation was controversial because it involved the transfer of private property to public ownership. The federal government's stance at the time was that the Great Lakes were the [[Third Coast|"third coast"]] and had to be preserved much like [[Cape Hatteras National Seashore]] or [[Point Reyes National Seashore]]. The residents living in what is now Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore believed themselves stewards of the land and did not want it to be overrun by tourists. The government eventually won out, in part by supporting the local schools to offset the lost property tax revenue and by including [[North Manitou Island]] in the national lakeshore area.<ref>{{cite book |first=Brian |last= Kalt |title= Sixties Sandstorm: The Fight Over Establishment of a Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, 1961–1970 |location= East Lansing |publisher= Michigan State University Press |year= 2001 |isbn= 9780870135590 }}{{page needed|date=September 2014}}</ref> |
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== Geography == |
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In 2014, {{convert|32500|acre|ha sqmi}} of the park were formally designated as the Sleeping Bear Dunes Wilderness by the [[Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore Conservation and Recreation Act]]. This was the first wilderness protection bill to be passed by the [[United States Congress]] in five years.<ref>{{cite press release |author=Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore |date=May 23, 2014 |url=http://www.nps.gov/slbe/parknews/dedicating-sleeping-bear-dunes-wilderness.htm |title=Dedicating Sleeping Bear Dunes Wilderness |work=National Park Service |access-date=September 18, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140607164608/http://www.nps.gov/slbe/parknews/dedicating-sleeping-bear-dunes-wilderness.htm |archive-date= June 7, 2014 |url-status=live |df=mdy-all }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |first=Garret |last=Ellison |date=June 1, 2014 |url=https://www.mlive.com/news/2014/06/sleeping_bear_dunes_dedicated.html |title= Sleeping Bear Dunes Dedicated as Federally Protected Wilderness |newspaper=M Live, [[Booth Newspapers]] |access-date=September 18, 2014 }}</ref> |
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[[File:Sleeping Bear Dunes.jpg|thumb|Looking south from Sleeping Bear Bluff toward Empire Bluff]] |
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The Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore protects {{convert|71199|acre|sqmi km2|0}} of the shoreline of [[Lake Michigan]]. Much of this area is located on the [[Leelanau Peninsula]], a large peninsula in the northwest of Michigan's [[Lower Peninsula of Michigan|Lower Peninsula]]. The park is located about {{Convert|20|mi|km}} west of [[Traverse City, Michigan|Traverse City]], the largest city in [[Northern Michigan]]. |
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The southern end of the park is located within northwestern [[Benzie County, Michigan|Benzie County]], and includes the shoreline of [[Platte Bay]] and the mouth of the [[Platte River (Michigan)|Platte River]]. This area of the park is much flatter than the northern sections, within southwestern [[Leelanau County, Michigan|Leelanau County]]. The Leelanau County sections of the park include the dune climb, Empire Bluff, Pyramid Point, and [[Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive]]. Much of the park within Leelanau County is located adjacent to [[Glen Lake]], Michigan's 18th largest lake. |
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==History of the name== |
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The park is named after an [[Ojibwe]] legend of the sleeping bear. According to the legend, an enormous forest fire on the western shore of [[Lake Michigan]] drove a mother bear and her two cubs into the lake for shelter, determined to reach the opposite shore. After many miles of swimming, the two cubs lagged. When the mother bear reached the shore, she waited on the top of a high bluff. The exhausted cubs drowned in the lake, but the mother bear stayed and waited, hoping that her cubs would finally appear. Impressed by the mother bear's determination and faith, the [[Chippewa mythology|Great Spirit]] created two islands (North and South Manitou islands) to commemorate the cubs, and the winds buried the sleeping bear under the sands of the dunes where she waits to this day.<ref name="readersnatural">{{Cite book |editor-last1=Scheffel |editor-first1=Richard L. |editor-last2=Wernet |editor-first2=Susan J. |title=Natural Wonders of the World |location=Pleasantville, New York |publisher=Reader's Digest Association |year=1980 |page=347 |isbn=0-89577-087-3 }}</ref> The "bear" was a small tree-covered knoll at the top edge of the bluff that appeared like a sleeping bear from the water. Wind and erosion have caused the "bear" to be greatly reduced in size over the years. |
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Administered by the park are [[North Manitou Island]] and [[South Manitou Island]]. These islands are accessible by [[ferry]] access from [[Leland, Michigan|Leland]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Manitou Island Transit Ferry (U.S. National Park Service) |url=https://www.nps.gov/places/000/manitou-island-transit-ferry.htm |access-date=2023-12-04 |website=www.nps.gov |language=en}}</ref> |
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==Historic sites== |
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Within the park run scenic highways [[M-22 (Michigan highway)|M-22]] and [[M-109 (Michigan highway)|M-109]]. The M-22 [[Highway shield|shield]] has become such a popular cultural symbol to visitors of the area that a company based out of Traverse City began selling merchandise with the symbol in 2004.<ref>{{Cite web |title=About Us |url=https://m22.com/pages/about |access-date=2023-12-04 |website=M22 |language=en}}</ref> |
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===Glen Haven Village=== |
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=== Local communities === |
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The nearest communities to the national lakeshore are [[Empire, Michigan|Empire]] and [[Glen Arbor, Michigan|Glen Arbor]]. Empire is home to the Philip A. Hart Visitor Center, which serves as the park's headquarters.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Visitor Centers - Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore (U.S. National Park Service) |url=https://www.nps.gov/slbe/planyourvisit/visitorcenters.htm |access-date=2023-12-04 |website=www.nps.gov |language=en}}</ref> |
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=== Municipalities within protected area === |
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The following municipalities contained land administered by the National Park Service: |
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'''Benzie County''' |
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* [[Benzonia Township, Michigan|Benzonia Township]] |
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* [[Lake Township, Benzie County, Michigan|Lake Township]] |
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* [[Platte Township, Michigan|Platte Township]] |
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'''Leelanau County''' |
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* [[Centerville Township, Michigan|Centerville Township]] |
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* [[Cleveland Township, Michigan|Cleveland Township]] |
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* [[Empire Township, Michigan|Empire Township]] |
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* [[Glen Arbor Township, Michigan|Glen Arbor Township]] |
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* [[Kasson Township, Michigan|Kasson Township]] |
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* [[Leland Township, Michigan|Leland Township]] |
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==History== |
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=== Prehistory === |
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[[File:Sleeping Bear Dunes Overlook.jpg|thumb|View of the dunes with people for scale, showing the sheer size of the dunes]] |
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The landscape within the park was formed during the [[Wisconsin glaciation]] during the [[Last Glacial Period]], approximately 10,000-14,000 years ago.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Glaciers / Glacial Features - Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore (U.S. National Park Service) |url=https://www.nps.gov/slbe/learn/nature/glaciers.htm |access-date=2023-12-04 |website=www.nps.gov |language=en}}</ref> The dunes themselves are not a true dune, but a [[perched dune]], a thin layer of wind-blown sand perched upon a large deposit of glacial debris.<ref>{{Cite web |title=The Story of the Sand Dunes - Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore (U.S. National Park Service) |url=https://www.nps.gov/slbe/learn/nature/the-story-of-the-sand-dunes.htm |access-date=2023-12-04 |website=www.nps.gov |language=en}}</ref> Over time, the dunes have slowly migrated eastward.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2009-05-28 |title=Sleeping Bear Dunes Geology |url=https://leelanau.com/dunes/dunes/sleeping-bear-dunes-geology/ |access-date=2023-12-04 |website=Leelanau.com |language=en-US}}</ref> |
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=== Recent history === |
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In 1962, Senator [[Philip Hart]] first introduced a bill to create Sleeping Bear Dunes National Park.<ref>{{cite news |first = Kathleen |last = Stocking |date = June 26, 2013 |title = Reflections on 50 Years of Sleeping Bear |url = https://glenarborsun.com/reflections-on-50-years-of-sleeping-bear/ |work = Glen Arbor Sun |access-date = August 1, 2023 }}</ref> The park finally was authorized on October 21, 1970. The park's creation was controversial because it involved the transfer of private property to public ownership. The federal government's stance at the time was that the Great Lakes were the [[Third Coast|"third coast"]] and had to be preserved much like [[Cape Hatteras National Seashore]] or [[Point Reyes National Seashore]]. The residents living in what is now Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore believed themselves stewards of the land and did not want it to be overrun by tourists. The government eventually won out, in part by supporting the local schools to offset the lost property tax revenue and by including [[North Manitou Island]] in the national lakeshore area.<ref>{{cite book |first = Brian |last = Kalt |title = Sixties Sandstorm: The Fight Over Establishment of a Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, 1961–1970 |location = East Lansing |publisher = Michigan State University Press |year = 2001 |isbn = 9780870135590 }}{{page needed|date=September 2014}}</ref> |
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In 2014, {{convert|32500|acre|ha sqmi}} of the park were formally designated as the Sleeping Bear Dunes Wilderness by the [[Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore Conservation and Recreation Act]]. This was the first wilderness protection bill to be passed by the [[United States Congress]] in five years.<ref>{{cite press release |author = Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore |date = May 23, 2014 |url = http://www.nps.gov/slbe/parknews/dedicating-sleeping-bear-dunes-wilderness.htm |title = Dedicating Sleeping Bear Dunes Wilderness |work = National Park Service |access-date = September 18, 2014 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140607164608/http://www.nps.gov/slbe/parknews/dedicating-sleeping-bear-dunes-wilderness.htm |archive-date = June 7, 2014 |url-status = live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |first = Garret |last = Ellison |date = June 1, 2014 |url = https://www.mlive.com/news/2014/06/sleeping_bear_dunes_dedicated.html |title = Sleeping Bear Dunes Dedicated as Federally Protected Wilderness |newspaper = M Live, [[Booth Newspapers]] |access-date = September 18, 2014 }}</ref> |
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In 2022, a man from [[Frankfort, Michigan|Frankfort]] illegally diverted the mouth of the Platte River, allowing the river to meet Lake Michigan at a more direct angle. Charges were filed against the man in 2023.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-05-24 |title=Charges filed against Frankfort man for illegal diversion of Platte River |url=https://www.fox17online.com/news/local-news/michigan/charges-filed-against-frankfort-man-for-illegal-diversion-of-platte-river |access-date=2023-12-04 |website=FOX 17 West Michigan News (WXMI) |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Kassuba |first=Logan |last2=Miesen |first2=Jodi |last3=Johnson |first3=Jacob |title=Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore working to restore Platte Point |url=https://www.9and10news.com/2023/05/24/frankfort-man-charged-for-illegally-dredging-the-platte-river/ |access-date=2023-12-04 |website=9&10 News |language=en}}</ref> |
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=== Etymology === |
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The park is named after an [[Ojibwe]] legend of the sleeping bear. According to the legend, an enormous forest fire on the western shore of [[Lake Michigan]] drove a mother bear and her two cubs into the lake for shelter, determined to reach the opposite shore. After many miles of swimming, the two cubs lagged. When the mother bear reached the shore, she waited on the top of a high bluff. The exhausted cubs drowned in the lake, but the mother bear stayed and waited, hoping that her cubs would finally appear. Impressed by the mother bear's determination and faith, the [[Chippewa mythology|Great Spirit]] created two islands ([[North Manitou Island|North]] and [[South Manitou Island|South Manitou]] islands) to commemorate the cubs, and the winds buried the sleeping bear under the sands of the dunes where she waits to this day.<ref name="readersnatural">{{Cite book |title=Natural Wonders of the World |publisher=Reader's Digest Association |year=1980 |isbn=0-89577-087-3 |editor-last1=Scheffel |editor-first1=Richard L. |location=Pleasantville, New York |page=347 |editor-last2=Wernet |editor-first2=Susan J.}}</ref> The "bear" was a small tree-covered knoll at the top edge of the bluff that appeared like a sleeping bear from the water. Wind and erosion have caused the "bear" to be greatly reduced in size over the years. |
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== Recreation == |
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=== Dune climb === |
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[[File:Dune Climb 20060804093214.JPG|thumb|The dune climb]] |
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The main dune climb is located across from [[Glen Lake]]. Visitors who travel by car will be required to buy a day pass or annual pass from the National Park Service. The dune climb is also accessible by foot or by bike. Water stations are located along the base of the main dune, along with a restroom and gift shop. Hikers can hike all the way to [[Lake Michigan]]. |
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[[File:DH Day Farm during the summer of 2023.jpg|thumb|Historic D.H. Day Farm]] |
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=== Camping === |
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Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is one of Michigan's most popular destinations for camping vacations, possibly the most popular.<ref>{{cite web |title=5 Most Popular Camping Spots in Michigan (based on Google Traffic) |url=http://blog.campthat.com/post/53884516347/5-most-popular-camping-spots-in-mi-based-on-google |work=Campthat}}</ref> This popularity may be due to the fact it was named the "Most Beautiful Place in America" by Good Morning America in 2011.<ref name="GMA" /> There are a few campgrounds in the national lakeshore and they are grouped into D.H. Day Campground, Platte River Campground, a few camping areas on the Manitou Islands within, and some other sites for backcountry or group camping. These include: |
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* ''D.H. Day Campground'' – located between Glen Arbor and Glen Haven, D.H. Day Campground offers a moderate level of privacy and a beach on Lake Michigan. Campsites are rustic, wooded, and more far apart than campsites at most campgrounds. Nearby points of interest include Empire Bluffs, the "dune climb", and North Bar Lake. Campsites 1–31 allow the use of a generator, the remaining sites forbid generator use.<ref>{{cite web |title=D.H. Day Campground |url=http://www.nps.gov/slbe/planyourvisit/dhdaycamp.htm |publisher=National Park Service}}</ref> |
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* ''Platte River Campground'' – located in Benzie County and offers a variety of campsites. Some campsites are modern (with electrical hookups), some are "hike-in," and others are more rustic. Nearby points of interest include Platte River Point, the Platte River, and Big Platte Lake. The north section of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Park is a short drive from Platte River Campground. Kayaking is a popular activity at the campground, especially the kayak trail leading from the campground to Platte River Point<ref>{{cite web |title=Platte River Campground |url=http://campthat.com/michigan/platte-river-campground/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140903084007/http://campthat.com/michigan/platte-river-campground/ |archive-date=September 3, 2014 |access-date=June 26, 2013 |work=Campthat}}</ref> |
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Additionally, a number of campgrounds exist on the Manitou Islands. These include three main campgrounds on South Manitou Island, including the Weather Station Campground located on the south side of the island,<ref>{{cite web |title=Weather Station Campground |url=http://campthat.com/michigan/the-weather-station-campground/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140904064549/http://campthat.com/michigan/the-weather-station-campground/ |archive-date=September 4, 2014 |access-date=June 26, 2013 |work=Campthat}}</ref> the Bay Campground on the west shore of the island<ref>{{cite web |title=The Bay Campground |url=http://campthat.com/michigan/the-bay-campground/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140904051214/http://campthat.com/michigan/the-bay-campground/ |archive-date=September 4, 2014 |access-date=June 26, 2013 |work=Campthat}}</ref> and the Popple Campground on the north shore.<ref>{{cite web |title=The Popple Campground |url=http://campthat.com/michigan/the-popple-campground/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304043322/http://campthat.com/michigan/the-popple-campground/ |archive-date=March 4, 2016 |access-date=June 26, 2013 |work=Campthat}}</ref> Furthermore, in addition to federal campgrounds within the national lakeshore itself, there are many other camping areas nearby, which cater to the large number of tourists visiting Sleeping Bear Dunes each year. There are at least 20 distinct camping areas in the region immediately surrounding Sleeping Bear Dunes.<ref>{{cite web |title=Sleeping Bear Dunes Camping |url=http://www.getcamphero.com/destinations/sleeping-bear-dunes-mi-camping |work=CampHero}}</ref> |
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=== Hiking === |
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[[File:Empire Bluffs Overlook (25661cf4-4019-469d-b09f-4bf04adca7b1).jpg|thumb|Empire Bluffs Overlook, near [[Empire, Michigan|Empire]]]]Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore offers a number of hiking trails. These include but are not limited to the Alligator Hill Trail, Empire Bluff Trail, Kettles Trail, Pyramid Point Trail, and Treat Farm Trail.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Hiking Trails - Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore (U.S. National Park Service) |url=https://www.nps.gov/slbe/planyourvisit/trails.htm |access-date=2023-12-04 |website=www.nps.gov |language=en}}</ref> |
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=== Historic sites === |
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==== Glen Haven Village ==== |
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{{Main|Glen Haven, Michigan}} |
{{Main|Glen Haven, Michigan}} |
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[[File:Sleeping Bear Inn in Glen Haven (4e28e6df-f75a-40e7-a5f8-a942f3908719).jpg|thumb|[[Sleeping Bear Inn]] in Glen Haven]] |
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Glen Haven existed as a [[company town]] from 1865 to 1931. Originally a dock for Glen Arbor (1855-date), the site soon became a fuel supply point for ships traveling up and down the lake. Here, Charles McCarty decided to open his own business and built a dock to supply the ships with wood. In 1863, McCarty built the Sleeping Bear House. It was expanded a few years later to accommodate travelers. In 1928, it was remodeled into the inn for summer vacationers. The General Store was established to supply the workers. Like most company towns, the workers were paid in company coupons, redeemable only at the [[company store]]. The Blacksmith Shop is where tools were repaired. In 1878, David Henry Day arrived in the community. By this time, coal from the [[Appalachia]]n coal fields was replacing wood on the steamships. Day was looking for another future to this small community.<ref>{{cite book |chapter= Glen Haven Village Tour |title= The Cordwood Era |type= Pamphlet |author= Sleeping Dear Dunes National Lakeshore |location= Empire, MI |publisher= National Park Service}}</ref> |
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Glen Haven existed as a [[company town]] from 1865 to 1931. Originally a dock for Glen Arbor (1855-date), the site soon became a fuel supply point for ships traveling up and down the lake. Here, Charles McCarty decided to open his own business and built a dock to supply the ships with wood. In 1863, McCarty built the Sleeping Bear House. It was expanded a few years later to accommodate travelers. In 1928, it was remodeled into the inn for summer vacationers. The General Store was established to supply the workers. Like most company towns, the workers were paid in company coupons, redeemable only at the [[company store]]. The Blacksmith Shop is where tools were repaired. In 1878, David Henry Day arrived in the community. By this time, coal from the [[Appalachia]]n coal fields was replacing wood on the steamships, and Day was looking for another future in this small community.<ref>{{cite book |author=Sleeping Dear Dunes National Lakeshore |title=The Cordwood Era |publisher=National Park Service |location=Empire, Michigan |chapter=Glen Haven Village Tour |type=Pamphlet}}</ref> |
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===Port Oneida Historic Farm District=== |
==== Port Oneida Historic Farm District ==== |
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{{Main|Port Oneida Rural Historic District}} |
{{Main|Port Oneida Rural Historic District}} |
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In 1860, Port Oneida had a population of 87 people. Thomas Kelderhouse had built a dock to sell wood to the passing steamships. He was also able to sell fresh produce and maple sugar in season. A local story says that the name comes from the first ship to stop, the SS ''Oneida'' of New York |
In 1860, Port Oneida had a population of 87 people. Thomas Kelderhouse had built a dock to sell wood to the passing steamships. He was also able to sell fresh produce and maple sugar in season. A local story says that the name comes from the first ship to stop, the SS ''Oneida'' of New York state. The area covers {{convert|3000|acre|km2}} and includes 16 historic farms. The farming community was gradually abandoned due to hard farming conditions and declining timber sales. |
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<ref>{{cite book |title= |
<ref>{{cite book |author=Sleeping Dear Dunes National Lakeshore |title=Port Oneida Historic Farm District |publisher=National Park Service |location=Empire, Michigan |type=Pamphlet}}</ref> |
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[[File:Sleeping Bear Bluff in Winter (9085511671).jpg|thumb|Sleeping Bear Bluff in winter]] |
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=== Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive === |
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{{Main|Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive}} |
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[[File:Glen Lakes.jpg|thumb|[[Glen Lake]] from the [[Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive]]]]Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive is a [[Scenic route|scenic road]] within the park, known for its "scenic vistas and gentle curves".<ref name="schmidt">{{cite news |last=Schmidt |first=William E. |date=June 5, 1988 |title=Michigan: Between the Lake and the Bay, the Leelanau Peninsula |work=[[The New York Times]] |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1988/06/05/travel/eight-auto-trips-back-roadsto-towering-mountain-passes-michigan-between-lake-bay.html?pagewanted=all&src=pm |url-status=live |access-date=September 12, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151117042631/http://www.nytimes.com/1988/06/05/travel/eight-auto-trips-back-roadsto-towering-mountain-passes-michigan-between-lake-bay.html?pagewanted=all&src=pm |archive-date=November 17, 2015 |issn=0362-4331 |oclc=1645522 |df=mdy-all}}</ref> Located off of M-109 between Empire and Glen Haven, the road runs {{convert|7.4|mi|km}}, providing access to scenic views of Lake Michigan, Glen Lake, and surrounding parkland. |
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=== Kayaking === |
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[[File:Platteriver (9085485717).jpg|thumb|Kayakers in the [[Platte River (Michigan)|Platte River]], near its mouth at Platte River Point in [[Benzie County, Michigan|Benzie County]]]] |
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[[Kayaking]] is a popular activity in the park's rivers and lakes, especially in the [[Crystal River (Michigan)|Crystal River]] and [[Platte River (Michigan)|Platte River]]. |
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==Climate== |
==Climate== |
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|Dec snow inch = 16.5 |
|Dec snow inch = 16.5 |
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|year snow inch = 77.5 |
|year snow inch = 77.5 |
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|source 1 = <ref name="Weatherbase">{{cite web |url= http://www.weatherbase.com/weather/weather.php3?s=90637&refer== |work= Weatherbase |title= Historical Weather for Traverse City, Michigan |access-date= June 5, 2009 }}</ref> |
|source 1 = <ref name="Weatherbase">{{cite web |url = http://www.weatherbase.com/weather/weather.php3?s=90637&refer== |work = Weatherbase |title = Historical Weather for Traverse City, Michigan |access-date = June 5, 2009 }}</ref> |
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|date=August 2010 |
|date=August 2010 |
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}} |
}} |
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== Endangered species == |
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[[File:Glen Lakes.jpg|thumb|[[Glen Lake]] from the [[Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive]]]] |
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The [[piping plover]], a federally registered endangered species, nests at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.<ref>{{Cite web |last = Welle |first = Elissa |date = May 27, 2022 |title = Piping plovers come to Sleeping Bear Dunes every year — and scientists are obsessed |url = https://www.freep.com/in-depth/news/local/michigan/2022/05/27/piping-plovers-bird-sleeping-bear-dunes-endangered-species/7337003001/ |access-date = May 27, 2022 |website = Detroit Free Press |language = en }}</ref>{{-}} |
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[[File:Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore Sign Empire Michigan.jpg|thumb|Sign along [[M-22 (Michigan highway)|M-22]]]] |
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==Camping== |
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Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is one of Michigan's most popular destinations for camping vacations, possibly the most popular.<ref>[http://blog.campthat.com/post/53884516347/5-most-popular-camping-spots-in-mi-based-on-google 5 Most Popular Camping Spots in Michigan (based on Google Traffic)] Campthat</ref> This popularity may be due to the fact it was named the "Most Beautiful Place in America" by Good Morning America in 2011.<ref name="GMA"/> There are a few campgrounds in the national lakeshore and they are grouped into D.H. Day Campground, Platte River Campground, a few camping areas on the Manitou Islands within, and some other sites for backcountry or group camping. |
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===D.H. Day Campground=== |
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D.H. Day Campground is part of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore and offers a moderate level of privacy and a beach on Lake Michigan. Campsites are rustic, wooded, and more far apart than campsites at most campgrounds. Nearby points of interest include Empire Bluffs, the "dune climb", and North Bar Lake. Campsites 1–31 allow the use of a generator, the remaining sites forbid generator use.<ref>{{cite web| title=D.H. Day Campground| url=http://www.nps.gov/slbe/planyourvisit/dhdaycamp.htm| publisher=National Park Service}}</ref> |
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===Platte River Campground=== |
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Platte River Campground is part of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore and offers a variety of campsites. Some campsites are modern (with electrical hookups), some are "hike-in," and others are more rustic. Nearby points of interest include Platte River Point, the Platte River, and Big Platte Lake. The north section of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Park is a short drive from Platte River Campground. Kayaking is a popular activity at the campground, especially the kayak trail leading from the campground to Platte River Point<ref>{{cite web |url= http://campthat.com/michigan/platte-river-campground/ |title= Platte River Campground |work= Campthat |access-date= June 26, 2013 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20140903084007/http://campthat.com/michigan/platte-river-campground/ |archive-date= September 3, 2014 |url-status= dead |df= mdy-all }}</ref> |
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===Manitou Island campgrounds=== |
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Sleeping Bear Dunes also has three main campgrounds on South Manitou Island, including the Weather Station Campground located on the south side of the island,<ref>{{cite web |url= http://campthat.com/michigan/the-weather-station-campground/ |title= Weather Station Campground |work= Campthat |access-date= June 26, 2013 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20140904064549/http://campthat.com/michigan/the-weather-station-campground/ |archive-date= September 4, 2014 |url-status= dead |df= mdy-all }}</ref> the Bay Campground on the west shore of the island<ref>{{cite web |url= http://campthat.com/michigan/the-bay-campground/ |title= The Bay Campground |work= Campthat |access-date= June 26, 2013 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20140904051214/http://campthat.com/michigan/the-bay-campground/ |archive-date= September 4, 2014 |url-status= dead |df= mdy-all }}</ref> and the Popple Campground on the north shore.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://campthat.com/michigan/the-popple-campground/ |title= The Popple Campground |work= Campthat |access-date= June 26, 2013 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20160304043322/http://campthat.com/michigan/the-popple-campground/ |archive-date= March 4, 2016 |url-status= dead |df= mdy-all }}</ref> |
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===Other camping areas nearby=== |
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In addition to federal campgrounds within the national lakeshore itself, there are many other camping areas nearby, which cater to the large number of tourists visiting Sleeping Bear Dunes each year. There are at least 20 distinct camping areas in the region immediately surrounding Sleeping Bear Dunes.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.getcamphero.com/destinations/sleeping-bear-dunes-mi-camping |title= Sleeping Bear Dunes Camping |work= CampHero}}</ref> |
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== Fauna == |
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The [[piping plover]], a federally registered endangered species, nests at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Welle |first=Elissa |date=May 27, 2022 |title=Piping plovers come to Sleeping Bear Dunes every year — and scientists are obsessed |url=https://www.freep.com/in-depth/news/local/michigan/2022/05/27/piping-plovers-bird-sleeping-bear-dunes-endangered-species/7337003001/ |access-date=2022-05-27 |website=Detroit Free Press |language=en}}</ref> |
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== Dune climb == |
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The main dune climb is located across from [[Glen Lake]]. Visitors who travel by car will be required to buy a day pass or annual pass from the National Park Service. The dune climb is also accessible by foot or by bike. Water stations are located along the base of the main dune, along with a restroom and gift shop. Hikers can hike all the way to [[Lake Michigan]]. |
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{{-}} |
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==Gallery== |
==Gallery== |
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<gallery> |
<gallery> |
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File:South Manitou Island Lighthouse (8bd4a5c9-22d7-4208-970b-a72ef4ee1b21).JPG|link=|[[South Manitou Island Lighthouse]] |
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File:Sleeping Bear Dunes.jpg|Looking south from Sleeping Bear Dunes toward Empire Bluffs and the southern portion of the National Lakeshore in Benzie County |
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File:Sleeping Bear Dunes |
File:Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore Sign Empire Michigan.jpg|link=|Sign along [[M-22 (Michigan highway)|M-22]] |
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File:Farm Glen Arbor.jpg|Historic D.H. Day Farm |
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File:Lake Michigan Empire.jpg|The lakeshore during winter |
File:Lake Michigan Empire.jpg|The lakeshore during winter |
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File:Panorama of Lake Michigan from Sleeping Bear Dunes.jpg|View from Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive at Sunset |
File:Panorama of Lake Michigan from Sleeping Bear Dunes.jpg|View from Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive at Sunset |
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File:Sand dunes from Lake Michigan Overlook, Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.jpg|View from Lake Michigan Overlook, with people climbing up the dunes |
File:Sand dunes from Lake Michigan Overlook, Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.jpg|View from Lake Michigan Overlook, with people climbing up the dunes |
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File:Sunset at Sleeping Bear Dunes.jpg|Sunset over Lake Michigan |
File:Sunset at Sleeping Bear Dunes.jpg|Sunset over Lake Michigan |
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File:Dune Climb.jpg|Dune Climb |
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File:GlenLakeInspirationPoint.jpg|Glen Lake from Inspiration Point |
File:GlenLakeInspirationPoint.jpg|Glen Lake from Inspiration Point |
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File:Dune Overlook in the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.jpg|Dune Overlook |
File:Dune Overlook in the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.jpg|Dune Overlook |
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File:Ghoverlook (9085495693).jpg|Sleeping Bear Point and [[South Manitou Island]] (background) from Alligator Hill |
File:Ghoverlook (9085495693).jpg|Sleeping Bear Point and [[South Manitou Island]] (background) from Alligator Hill |
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File:Sleeping Bear |
File:Sleeping Bear BluffinWinter (9085511671).jpg|link=|Sleeping Bear BluffinWinter |
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</gallery> |
</gallery> |
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==Further reading== |
==Further reading== |
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{{refbegin}} |
{{refbegin}} |
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* {{cite book |author=Friends of Sleeping Bear Dunes |
* {{cite book |author = Friends of Sleeping Bear Dunes |editor1-first = Doug |editor1-last = Baker |editor2-first = Kathy |editor2-last = Cole |editor3-first = Kerry |editor3-last = Kelly |editor4-first = Jerry |editor4-last = Peterson |editor5-first = Mary |editor5-last = Peterson |year = 2021 |title = Picture Perfect Sleeping Bear: A History in Photos from National Lakeshore Visitors |publisher = Mission Point Press |location = [[Traverse City, Michigan]] |isbn = 9781954786301 }}<!-- May not be appropriate for a "Further reading" entry but can't find a better place for it --> |
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* {{cite book |first = Brian C. |last = Kalt |year = 2001 |title = Sixties Sandstorm: The Fight over Establishment of a Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, 1961–1970 |publisher = Michigan State University Press |location = East Lansing |isbn = 9780870135590 }} |
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{{refend}} |
{{refend}} |
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[[Category:Dunes of Michigan]] |
[[Category:Dunes of Michigan]] |
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[[Category:1970 establishments in Michigan]] |
[[Category:1970 establishments in Michigan]] |
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[[Category:Traverse City metropolitan area]] |
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore | |
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Location | Benzie & Leelanau counties, Michigan, United States |
Nearest city | Empire, Michigan Glen Arbor, Michigan |
Coordinates | 44°51′N 86°03′W / 44.850°N 86.050°W / 44.850; -86.050 |
Area | 71,199 acres (288.13 km2)[1] |
Established | October 21, 1970 (1970-10-21) |
Visitors | 1,501,117 (in 2022)[2] |
Governing body | National Park Service |
Website | Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore |
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is a U.S. national lakeshore in the northwestern Lower PeninsulaofMichigan. Located within Benzie and Leelanau counties, the park extends along a 35-mile (56 km) stretch of Lake Michigan's eastern coastline, as well as North and South Manitou islands, preserving a total of 71,199 acres (111 sq mi; 288 km2). The park is known for its outstanding natural features, including dune formations, forests, beaches, and ancient glacial phenomena. The lakeshore also contains many cultural features, including the 1871 South Manitou Island Lighthouse, three former stations of the Coast Guard (formerly the Life-Saving Service), and an extensive rural historic farm district.
The park is administered by the National Park Service, and was established on October 21, 1970.[3] In 2011, the area won the title of "The Most Beautiful Place in America" from Good Morning America.[4] In 2014, a section of the park was named the Sleeping Bear Dunes Wilderness by the United States Congress.
The Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore protects 71,199 acres (111 sq mi; 288 km2) of the shoreline of Lake Michigan. Much of this area is located on the Leelanau Peninsula, a large peninsula in the northwest of Michigan's Lower Peninsula. The park is located about 20 miles (32 km) west of Traverse City, the largest city in Northern Michigan.
The southern end of the park is located within northwestern Benzie County, and includes the shoreline of Platte Bay and the mouth of the Platte River. This area of the park is much flatter than the northern sections, within southwestern Leelanau County. The Leelanau County sections of the park include the dune climb, Empire Bluff, Pyramid Point, and Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive. Much of the park within Leelanau County is located adjacent to Glen Lake, Michigan's 18th largest lake.
Administered by the park are North Manitou Island and South Manitou Island. These islands are accessible by ferry access from Leland.[5]
Within the park run scenic highways M-22 and M-109. The M-22 shield has become such a popular cultural symbol to visitors of the area that a company based out of Traverse City began selling merchandise with the symbol in 2004.[6]
The nearest communities to the national lakeshore are Empire and Glen Arbor. Empire is home to the Philip A. Hart Visitor Center, which serves as the park's headquarters.[7]
The following municipalities contained land administered by the National Park Service:
Benzie County
Leelanau County
The landscape within the park was formed during the Wisconsin glaciation during the Last Glacial Period, approximately 10,000-14,000 years ago.[8] The dunes themselves are not a true dune, but a perched dune, a thin layer of wind-blown sand perched upon a large deposit of glacial debris.[9] Over time, the dunes have slowly migrated eastward.[10]
In 1962, Senator Philip Hart first introduced a bill to create Sleeping Bear Dunes National Park.[11] The park finally was authorized on October 21, 1970. The park's creation was controversial because it involved the transfer of private property to public ownership. The federal government's stance at the time was that the Great Lakes were the "third coast" and had to be preserved much like Cape Hatteras National SeashoreorPoint Reyes National Seashore. The residents living in what is now Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore believed themselves stewards of the land and did not want it to be overrun by tourists. The government eventually won out, in part by supporting the local schools to offset the lost property tax revenue and by including North Manitou Island in the national lakeshore area.[12]
In 2014, 32,500 acres (13,200 ha; 50.8 sq mi) of the park were formally designated as the Sleeping Bear Dunes Wilderness by the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore Conservation and Recreation Act. This was the first wilderness protection bill to be passed by the United States Congress in five years.[13][14]
In 2022, a man from Frankfort illegally diverted the mouth of the Platte River, allowing the river to meet Lake Michigan at a more direct angle. Charges were filed against the man in 2023.[15][16]
The park is named after an Ojibwe legend of the sleeping bear. According to the legend, an enormous forest fire on the western shore of Lake Michigan drove a mother bear and her two cubs into the lake for shelter, determined to reach the opposite shore. After many miles of swimming, the two cubs lagged. When the mother bear reached the shore, she waited on the top of a high bluff. The exhausted cubs drowned in the lake, but the mother bear stayed and waited, hoping that her cubs would finally appear. Impressed by the mother bear's determination and faith, the Great Spirit created two islands (North and South Manitou islands) to commemorate the cubs, and the winds buried the sleeping bear under the sands of the dunes where she waits to this day.[17] The "bear" was a small tree-covered knoll at the top edge of the bluff that appeared like a sleeping bear from the water. Wind and erosion have caused the "bear" to be greatly reduced in size over the years.
The main dune climb is located across from Glen Lake. Visitors who travel by car will be required to buy a day pass or annual pass from the National Park Service. The dune climb is also accessible by foot or by bike. Water stations are located along the base of the main dune, along with a restroom and gift shop. Hikers can hike all the way to Lake Michigan.
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is one of Michigan's most popular destinations for camping vacations, possibly the most popular.[18] This popularity may be due to the fact it was named the "Most Beautiful Place in America" by Good Morning America in 2011.[4] There are a few campgrounds in the national lakeshore and they are grouped into D.H. Day Campground, Platte River Campground, a few camping areas on the Manitou Islands within, and some other sites for backcountry or group camping. These include:
Additionally, a number of campgrounds exist on the Manitou Islands. These include three main campgrounds on South Manitou Island, including the Weather Station Campground located on the south side of the island,[21] the Bay Campground on the west shore of the island[22] and the Popple Campground on the north shore.[23] Furthermore, in addition to federal campgrounds within the national lakeshore itself, there are many other camping areas nearby, which cater to the large number of tourists visiting Sleeping Bear Dunes each year. There are at least 20 distinct camping areas in the region immediately surrounding Sleeping Bear Dunes.[24]
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore offers a number of hiking trails. These include but are not limited to the Alligator Hill Trail, Empire Bluff Trail, Kettles Trail, Pyramid Point Trail, and Treat Farm Trail.[25]
Glen Haven existed as a company town from 1865 to 1931. Originally a dock for Glen Arbor (1855-date), the site soon became a fuel supply point for ships traveling up and down the lake. Here, Charles McCarty decided to open his own business and built a dock to supply the ships with wood. In 1863, McCarty built the Sleeping Bear House. It was expanded a few years later to accommodate travelers. In 1928, it was remodeled into the inn for summer vacationers. The General Store was established to supply the workers. Like most company towns, the workers were paid in company coupons, redeemable only at the company store. The Blacksmith Shop is where tools were repaired. In 1878, David Henry Day arrived in the community. By this time, coal from the Appalachian coal fields was replacing wood on the steamships, and Day was looking for another future in this small community.[26]
In 1860, Port Oneida had a population of 87 people. Thomas Kelderhouse had built a dock to sell wood to the passing steamships. He was also able to sell fresh produce and maple sugar in season. A local story says that the name comes from the first ship to stop, the SS Oneida of New York state. The area covers 3,000 acres (12 km2) and includes 16 historic farms. The farming community was gradually abandoned due to hard farming conditions and declining timber sales. [27]
Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive is a scenic road within the park, known for its "scenic vistas and gentle curves".[28] Located off of M-109 between Empire and Glen Haven, the road runs 7.4 miles (11.9 km), providing access to scenic views of Lake Michigan, Glen Lake, and surrounding parkland.
Kayaking is a popular activity in the park's rivers and lakes, especially in the Crystal River and Platte River.
Climate data for Traverse City, Michigan | |||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Year |
Mean daily maximum °F (°C) | 29 (−2) |
29 (−2) |
37 (3) |
54 (12) |
64 (18) |
75 (24) |
81 (27) |
78 (26) |
71 (22) |
60 (16) |
44 (7) |
33 (1) |
55 (13) |
Mean daily minimum °F (°C) | 15 (−9) |
11 (−12) |
21 (−6) |
32 (0) |
41 (5) |
52 (11) |
59 (15) |
58 (14) |
51 (11) |
41 (5) |
31 (−1) |
21 (−6) |
36 (2) |
Average rainfall inches (mm) | 1.9 (48) |
1.5 (38) |
1.8 (46) |
2.3 (58) |
2.8 (71) |
2.5 (64) |
2.8 (71) |
2.7 (69) |
3 (76) |
2.8 (71) |
2.7 (69) |
1.8 (46) |
28.6 (730) |
Average snowfall inches (cm) | 19.9 (51) |
16.2 (41) |
12.1 (31) |
3 (7.6) |
0.3 (0.76) |
0.0 (0.0) |
0.0 (0.0) |
0.0 (0.0) |
0.0 (0.0) |
0.7 (1.8) |
8.8 (22) |
16.5 (42) |
77.5 (197) |
Source: [29] |
The piping plover, a federally registered endangered species, nests at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.[30]
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