Sleeping Bear Dunes

lofsfire

lofsfire

Active member
Ok, I was thinking of taking my wife on, one last summer trip, and maybe going to Sleeping Bear Dunes. Any suggestion on where to stay. Price will be a factor, spent to much on the family trips. Just looking at a Friday/ Saturday night weekend getaway trip with just the wife.
I did look at the accommodation at Sleeping Bear Dunes but they are all filled up except the family condos which is more than we need for just the two of us.

Also what is the water temperature around the end of August typically? She may complain if it is too cold.

Thanks,
LOFSFire
 
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snow_monkey

New member
lofsfire said:
Ok, I was thinking of taking my wife on, one last summer trip, and maybe going to Sleeping Bear Dunes. Any suggestion on where to stay. Price will be a factor, spent to much on the family trips. Just looking at a Friday/ Saturday night weekend getaway trip with just the wife.
I did look at the accommodation at Sleeping Bear Dunes but they are all filled up except the family condos which is more than we need for just the two of us.

Also what is the water temperature around the end of August typically? She may complain if it is too cold.

Thanks,
LOFSFire
Click to expand...

Sleeping Bear is nice. Have you checked out Silver Lake, Saugatuck, or Ludington? Silver Lake has lots to do for kids and adults, Ludington has a great beach, Saugatuck has a awesome city beach and great shopping and food in town. Look to nearby towns to save cash on hotel and motels. Empire has great views but not much to do compared to the others.
 
lofsfire

lofsfire

Active member
Actually my first thought was the Grand Haven area. I think the last time I was there, it was the summer of 2001. I do not think my wife has ever been there.

I had a Dentist appointment this morning and there are TV in each room and on Good morning America they had Sleeping Bear Dunes featured as one of the top 10 place to vote for, as Americas Most Beautiful Places. They were saying it was like the "Caribbean on the Mid West", Just a little cooler. I have heard about Sleeping Bear Dunes but never been there, so I though I would ask. everything to the south would be nice too even better on the gas and time for driving up.

You can drive on the dunes in the Silver Lake area, right? I have heard a stock truck will make it if you lower the tire pressure and get a flag? (98 F150 4x4 - GY Wrangler RTS only good for about another year maybe 2)
 
chords

chords

Active member
I took a trip to Sleeping Bear area in Sept 08 and loved it and would recommend you go there. I was by myself and spent 4 days exploring. I camped at Platte River National Campground. Gotta say it was much better than the State Parks. Lets see,, Pierce Stocking Drive, a 7 mi one way loop with spectacular views of Lk Mich. M-22 that winds and twists its way around the dunes and Leelanau Penninsula, multiple Winerys to visit and taste, fishtown in Leland, walk the beaches, all kinds of artsy shops, I could go on,

450' drop to Lk MI
 

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anonomoose

New member
I think you will need an off trail permit to ride at silver lake.

Personally if you haven't done, Sleeping Bear, you need to do that at least once. You are planning to go at high season, but I suspect there are lots of rooms to be had if you don't need to stay right next to the dunes.

Water is about as warm then as it gets. Last time I went thru there in October, there was lots of algae growth, and the water didn't look all that good to swim in. Maybe it was just bad timing.

If you do go to silver and drive around, make sure you take a tow strap and shovel....nothin like unstick'n a two tonner....
 
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Dave_B

Active member
Go to the Silver Lake Sand Dunes.

Much cheaper lodging, beautiful sunsets and you can drive off road if you have a vehicle that will handle it or just walk it or take a tour. September 9th thru the 12th is the annual Apple Fest BBQ Cookoff. You can search for it online. Lots of fun and they have tons of BBQ cook off stuff going on. Great time! we'll be there camping at the State Camp Ground, site 60 if any one else will be there.

Dave
 
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snow_monkey

New member
Everyone is right on. Sleeping Bear is loaded with hiking trails, natural areas, and spectacular views. A short jaunt to fishtown should be included if you you go there. Silver Lake there will be more action and people watching. It is a great party all summer then turns into a ghost town in the winter. You can take a 4x4 truck on the dunes but you will need a regulation flag mounted on the front and air the tires down to 8-12 lbs depending on your vehicle. You have to be careful on the dunes due to changes in landscape and nut jobs riding past their skill level. Very fun area with go cart rides, jeep rentals, orv rentals. We love loadin up the jeep with beach stuff and parking down by Lake Michigan for half a day. If you go to Silver Lake there is a concert venue that has re-opened and has been a legendary party spot for years. The name of the concert theater/outdoor bar and grill is Val Du Lakes. You can find them on the internet and they have had some great acts this summer. Also all the mentioned areas are spectacular in the fall when the colors change. We are going for the first time this fall to Emmett County to take in the sights and check out the trails in that area for this winter. Have fun and take pics!
 
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Dave_B

Active member
Lotsfire

I've seen everything out there from Honda Accords to monter trucks. All the DNR cares about is you have an ORV sticker and a flag mounted to the front of the vehicle. They sell those at just about every store in town.

Your truck will do fine out there unless you have a cap. If you do, take it off first.

Word of advice, NEVER go there on a holiday weekend! Trust me.
 
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skidoolis

New member
Ludington is awesome like a smaller version of Travers City we had a blast walked out to the light house.their park is right there also mini sand dune lol.Small shops and not crowded at all.just a thought for a visit then work your way north along 131 should be a great time for you and the misses ..
 
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