This is a nice little park with a lovely view and beach space. There are two playground spaces, a…read morelittle lighthouse (possibly just decorative, but it was cute and added to the scenery), basketball and volleyball courts, and a boat launch. Restrooms are available, and there are parking lots (for a fee). Benches and picnic tables are also available. The playground we opted to check out was set right in the sand and was much enjoyed.

We took a trip from traverse city to check out the dunes & this was the closest beach we had found…read more We came in May and there was literally no one there. It was peaceful! Water was clear and we found so many rocks. It had two playgrounds and a shallow side on the opposite side of the lake. Although, the water was shallow enough for my two year old to play in on the actually Lake Michigan side. We loved this beach so much!! Parking is $1 an hour. Bathrooms on site as well

Such a beautiful scenic area with plenty of short distance hikes that offer fantasies views for the…read moreminimum effort requires. We have the national park pass which we were able to use during our visit. We stopped by numerous overlooks and of course, the main one where you can see the two land mass/bear cubs lay and the mama bear watching over them. You can read about the lore and why this area is named sleeping bear dunes. It's a cute, albeit sad story of love and loyalty and never leaving behind those you love. Now on to the wondrous nature view you'll find here. Sand dunes, yes! But also a beautiful lake view unobstructed by modern buildings. Pure nature beauty. This really is a place to visit. Don't skip it if you're in the area! It is dog friendly. There was even a kind man up on top of the dunes overlooks giving treats to pups. Our pup enjoyed the treats and the attention and I enjoyed creating memories with her and my husband in the middle of nature. Go check it out!

Sleeping Bear Dunes is a must if you are nearby! There are beaches that are free to enter, but to…read morego into the actual park and see the big dunes, you have to pay $20 per car, or you can get in with a National Parks pass. Most of it is drivable once you're in, and you can park your car off to the side of the road and view multiple different overlooks. The dunes are huge I was surprised. They're much bigger than I am used to seeing at Indiana Dunes! We stopped at the Lake Michigan overlook. There's a parking lot with plenty of parking. To get up to the overlook, you'll have to walk up a smallish sand dune. It's easier if you take your shoes off. Once you get up, there's super steep dunes that many people attempt to go all the way down then climb up on all fours. It's extremely hard to get back up!! Walking through sand is not easy. There's even a sign that warns you of the dangers of doing so and the damage it does to the dunes. There was a firetruck and ambulance on sight ready to rescue anyone.

I hiked this trail in 2018, and again this year in July. It's not a difficult trail and the views…read moreare 10/10. We hiked it at 7:30a and only saw one other hiker on our way down. We saw wildlife and enjoyed looking out at the water and sand dunes at the top. If you're going to the Sleeping Bear Dunes, this hike is a must.

Wow is this trail absolutely beautiful! My friend and I recently completed this hike and we were so…read morehappy we decided to make a pit stop here on our road-trip up north. This 1.5 mile hike is short, relatively easy, and offers some of the best views in the area. There is a small parking lot with a bathroom accessible at this trail. You mainly walk through wooded areas with small inclines before you reach the overlook. This is perfect for families, friends, and anyone who is interested in exploring the outdoors.

I am hesitant to divulge this location but its too beautiful not to share. This is one of the best…read morefresh water beaches in Michigan, in my opine, you will experience. A hidden gem to most but once you arrive at this location you will be left wondering why it took you so long to figure it out. Enjoy the small inland body of water, North Bar Lake, or cross the dune to Lake Michigan for much grander scenery. You could literally walk a mile down the beach and stake out exclusive real estate. Pack a full cooler and make a day out of it. The gas station as you enter town is the only place to stock up supplies. Get there before 11 am and grab a parking spot as it fills up pretty quick after noon. This simple equation will equal a successful day. The secret is out and I provided an address that gets you to the doorstep. The rest is up to you.

Beautiful lake and beach. Natural beauty part of Sleeping Bear Scenic route. We had a great picnic…read morelunch in the picnic area in the shade. Definitely worth a visit. Can't wait to bring family back.

The Mitten definitely has some beautiful beaches, and Otter Creek Beach is no exception. Thanks to…read moreYelp, I was made privy to this secret beach...and it was put on my to-do checklist for my up-north roadtrip. Thankfully, Mr. GPS knew where this beach is because I would have gotten so confused as we drove further and further into the woods. (that's what I love about up north beaches; you travel through woods and woods and then there is this perfect sandy beach) My guy and I grabbed the beach chairs, the dogs and a beach umbrella (for my pale ass) and marched the perfect waterfront location. The secret maybe out about this place, but not really "out" out. There was still plenty of room to roam about, enjoy the beach and get toasty. The water was cold but the sun was not. Whatevs...blue water, hot sand, a lovey day; what is there not to love? Of course, the dogs loved it as well. A cool tidbit: this beach sits where a 'lost' town once sat. You can read about the town of Aral at the entrance by the bathroom. Ahhh, the Pleasant Peninsula...what an amazing state!

Super nice beach with chilly water. Very family friendly. There's a spring feeding water so you get…read morethat chilly spring water out of otter creek.

One of our hands-down favorite places to hike. There's tons of hike-in camping spots along the…read more11-mile hiking trail, which largely follows the shoreline of the Manistee River with a few inland jaunts on a few of the oxbows. Despite being fairly well known, it's pretty pristine and doesn't feel overly busy but it's also never completely vacant. The river views are lovely, there's plenty of wildlife (great fishing & birdwatching), and there's a cliff swing over the water (huge adrenaline rush for this 43-year-old) on an off-shoot path just past the suspension bridge and a waterfall at mile 3.5 if you're coming from the north. You can return on the main path or on the other side of the river on a section of the North Country Trail.

What a great hiking trail! Parking wasn't bad at Red River Bridge Access…read moreOnce on the trail it is well marked. Campsites were clean and it looks like the hikers who enjoy the trail take good care of it. I didn't see one bit of trash the whole day. It was pretty busy, with folks heading both directions, everyone was very friendly and they all seemed to be enjoying the day! The views are beautiful. Absolutely the best hiking we have done in the lower peninsula. We will absolutely be back!

Beautiful park and walk in the water, some people swim too. Although you need to pay $5 parking…read morefee, it's worth it.

This is probably one of the best playgrounds up north, the only real downside is the location…read more Kalkaska is a humble and honest small town, but beyond grabbing a bite to eat there isn't much else to do in town... this is only relevant if your traveling to the area from down state. Not much touristy things to do if you plan to come to this park.... downtown is cool but there isn't really shopping... back to the park: this park is tucked behind some buildings and easy to miss if you are driving through. The structure is completely wooden and connected completely through bridges, tunnels, and monkey bars. There's a sign with rules and restrictions and beyond guardians and parents the playground is meant for 12 and under in age. I brought my sister in law and nephew after we grabbed lunch at the up north grill in town (only 5 minutes away so highly recommend for lunch) my nephew is almost 2 years old but there was still tons of interactive stuff for him to do which was unexpected based on the size of this huge castle themed park. There's about 5 different slides so age shouldn't restrict enjoying. The structure is very well built and laid out so, as adults we were for the most part able to maneuver it with our little guy. A bouncy tire contraption that reminded us of a bull was a win as well as a swing that allows an adult to swing with your baby which was SOOOO COOL. Better that just pushing because it adds safety and gives you a chance to do something enjoyable with your baby while making eye contact. Wyatt was all giggles. The park was busy when we visited but it never felt crowded because how it's designed. It's both 40 minutes from my sisters house in grayling but left enoug of an impression that she plans to take Wyatt with my brother this weekend again!

First time camping hence chose this place to figure stuff . Also this in city and with most…read morefacilities like electricity and restrooms. Reached around 3.30 pm and check in was easy process. Picked some wood($5-bundle) for the pit. The Tent setup was fairly easy but it took little while to get the fire but eventually we did it and grilled some food and had a great time. Pros: ------- In city Lake is walkable Electricity points for RV and electrical appliances Clean Restrooms Easy check In/out ( 3pm - 1pm) Downtown is 2 miles Site can accommodate 3 tents and vehicle Drinking water available 1 mile to grocery store / Dollar tree Camp ground host available till 10 pm incase if u need wood / Ice Wineries are 20-25 min Cons: -------- None Good place for first time campers and people who want to explore local spots.

Lovely campground with nice level sites for the most part. We somehow lucked out and got what I…read morefigured was a handicap spot. No complaints here

This is such a charming little village. We enjoyed a morning here, strolling around, checking out…read morethe bookstore coffee shop, grabbing lunch and having a picnic overlooking the water in the historic buildings. Definitely recommend give yourself a few hours to check out Fishtown and learn about the history of the fishing culture found in this village. For those into Coffee, I highly recommend checking out little boat Coffee. It was quite the delight. The neighborhood definitely reminded me of some of the fishing villages in New England.

We had such a fun time exploring Fishtown! I've been wanting to come here for such a long time! I…read moreenjoyed the little fishing shanties which have been turned into boutique shops. A must stop while you're here is grabbing a sandwich from the Village Cheese Shanty and stopping by the marina to eat. These sandwiches are amazing!!! I can't wait to come back and try a few restaurants one with a famous bloody Mary and white fish