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The Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is one of my favorite places on earth. It’s got clear blue water, rivers and forests, some of the best beaches in the world, and of course, the dunes themselves.

In the summer, the water is warm enough to swim and the beaches fill up. Fall sees the leaves change color, and by winter most tourists have filtered out, and the park becomes a snowshoe and cross country ski play ground.

Sunset from over Lake Michigan from Overlook 9 in July, looking like something out from Planet Earth.

The same overlook in the winter, with South Manitou Island obscured by snow and fog, small human for scale.

Overlook 9, basking in that post sunset purple glow.

Looking down into the water from the tops of the Empire Bluffs Trail in August, Lake Michigan looks practically tropical!

The Manitou Islands from Pyramid Point, a short mile hike up to a bluff over Lake Michigan.

Otter Creek flows into Esch Road beach on a still, cloudy day in October. In the summer, this beach is teeming with people, but as soon as September hits the crowds filter out.

The flowers in early June at the top of the Empire Bluffs Trail on a cloudy day.

 

The North Bar Lake Overlook in fall, winter, and summer– in the fall, spring, and summer you can take the Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive out to this overlook, but in the winter you have to cross country ski or snowshoe.

 

At Point Betsie, the wind kicks up turquoise waves.

Colors change out over the D.H. Day Farm, looking out from the Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive.

Winter and windy vibes out over Lake Michigan.

Empire Bluffs looking bright and hot in late August.

Up close and personal with fall leaves.