Sleeping Bear Dunes: 5 Things to do with Kids and Family
Long ago, there was a Mother Bear and two cubs in the forests of Wisconsin. A raging forest fire drove them into Lake Michigan. As they swam over to the shores of Michigan, the two cubs fell behind while the Mother Bear anxiously, yet bravely, reached the sandy shoreline. She watched, waiting for her cubs to join her, but eventually witnessed them disappear under the waves. The Great Spirit Manitou let two islands rise to represent the two cubs: North Manitou and South Manitou. He then raised a single sand dune to honor the Mother Bear and provide her a resting place.
The above Ojibwa legend tells the story of how the Sleeping Bear Dunes came to be. It’s a bittersweet story of enduring love between a mother and her children and perfectly describes the serene, natural masterpiece that is Sleeping Bear Dunes.
This legend has been so intriguing that a 1998 beautifully written and illustrated book by Kathy-jo Wargin and Gijsbert van Frankenhuyzen titled, The Legend of Sleeping Bear, has been designated as the Official Michigan Children’s Book. Make sure to add it to your little one’s summer reading list!
Geologically, the reason the dunes have such a majestic appearance is because they are perched dunes. Perched, or cliff-top, dunes sit atop high cliffs that are the result of historic glacial formations. Sleeping Bear Dunes is well recognized for its breathtaking beauty and is regularly featured in top rankings for natural attractions in the United States, and even the world, including Most Beautiful Place in America and 21 of the Best Beaches on the Planet.
In 1970, Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore was established, marking this year, 2020, as the national park’s 50th anniversary. To celebrate the special moment, the park planned several events, including a discounted annual park pass, and a family fun kick-off in January that included sledding, snow sculptures, and more. Another exciting event to commemorate this year is the release of the park’s first mobile app. The app features all the latest information about the park, opening and closings, scenic routes, historical information, pictures, best spots, and more. It’s the ultimate tour guide right on your phone!
Speaking of a tour, if you’re planning a visit, here are 5 Sleeping Bear Dunes things to do with kids and family!
1. Dune Climb
If your child likes playing with sand, then he or she is going to love the Dune Climb. With plateaus towering above the parking lot, kids and adults, alike, will love putting in the effort to climb up the dunes, and, of course, tumbling back down whether by running, rolling, or whatever adventure you feel like having! The Dune Climb is one of the most popular features of the park, so you don’t want to miss it!
2. Junior Ranger Program
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore has an active and extensive Junior Ranger program. Kids can pick up books from the visitor centers, or download here, and do the activities inside that teach all about the dunes, history, and park stewardship. In addition to the books, a number of independent and ranger-led activities and programs are also available, such as guided tours and service projects. Plus, kids can receive special wooden badges, patches, and certificates for participation, making the experiences all the more special and memorable.
3. Glen Haven
Once a logging village, Glen Haven is now a 1920s restoration as part of the Sleeping Bear Dunes national park. Take a walk back in time by visiting the general store, boathouse, and blacksmith, and seeing period items lining the store shelves and demonstrations of transforming iron bars into objects.
4. Maritime Museum
Also located in Glen Haven, the Maritime Museum is dedicated to the history of the U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Lifesaving Service, and Great Lakes shipping. Using Raggedy Ann and Andy as victims, it features life-saving reenactments, such as that of firing the Lyle Gun, which was used to shoot a rope over 400 yards out into the water to help pull shipwrecked crews to safety. Kids are encouraged to participate in the exciting exercise!
5. Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail
The Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail runs through the lakeshore for 22 miles and can be accessed at multiple points. Great for walking and biking, it takes you across several key attractions, including Glen Haven, Dune Climb, the Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive, Port Oneida, and Crystal River. The trail is wheelchair and baby stroller accessible to ensure anyone can have a great experience.
There are many more things to do at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, so downloading the mobile app would be handy! Plus, due to weather conditions, it would also be a good idea to take a look here for the latest updates on park closures and restrictions.
Now, of course, what’s a good vacation without an equally good wardrobe? Reflect the serenity of the landscape with Northern Nail Polish’s legend-inspired Sleeping Bear Dunes nail polish.
With a beautiful taupe color with a slight shimmer, it’s as humble, yet classy as the scene you’ll find yourself in.
Don’t forget, Northern Nail Polish has a large variety of polishes in its collection that are perfect for every mood and moment. So check out some other related polishes, such as Beach Stones and Sunsets on the Lake!
Read More
Join the Insiders’ List
Sign up for the newsletter below to get first access to new products, Follow Northern Nail Polish and Northern Apothecary on Instagram and Facebook for giveaways!
Article Contributor: Nabila Ikram
Pin 5 Things to Do With Kids and Family
