Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore encompasses 35 mile stretch of Lake Michigan’s eastern coastline, as well as North and South Manitou Islands. The park was established primarily for its outstanding natural features, including forests, beaches, dune formations, and ancient glacial phenomena. The Lakeshore also contains many cultural features including an 1871 lighthouse, three former Life-Saving Service/Coast Guard Stations and an extensive rural historic farm district. Authorized on October 21, 1970, 56,993 total acres were set aside as National Park land. Sleeping Bear sand dunes has is a sight to behold on the water. Great views from South Manitou Island cove of Pyramid Point and the Whalesback.
