The Sleeping Bear

Many of us are familiar with the Chippewa Legend of Sleeping Bear, but perhaps fewer have had the opportunity to visit the ghost forest that sits where a once lush and bushy forested knob formed the landscape that resembled the mother awaiting her cubs.  The Sleeping Bear Dune, perched over Lake Michigan in Leelanau County, is thought to be about two thousand years old and has significantly transformed through the years.  Past periods of stability allowed the trees pictured below to grow.  Later, the wind deposited more sand on the dune, burying the trees.   Through most of the twentieth century, erosion has been the predominant force on the dune, re-exposing this now ghost forest (believed to be one of two layers of such growth).

The sand-blown, sun-bleached skeletons of the dead trees turn an already-awesome view extraordinary.  A storm over South Manitou on the night these photos were taken also made for some spectacular clouds in the distance.

Check out the Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive for a view of the Sleeping Bear and more amazing views.

Photo credit: Kim Schwaiger

Empire Beach

The beach in Empire is one of the most heavily-trafficked beaches in Leelanau County, and for good reason.  It offers a gorgeous view of the Empire Bluffs, proximity to North and South Bar Lake, a large play area for the kids, a sand volleyball court, a basketball court, and even fire pits staggered along the beach for enjoying a sunset on these cool nights.  In case you need visual encouragement to go check it out, see below.

Photo credit: Kim Schwaiger

Maple Bay Farm and Natural Area

Maple Bay Natural Area and Farm is strutting its swag these days.  Sunflowers are in bloom, hay bales are lying in golden fields, and the sun is putting on its own show nightly, setting over East Bay.  All can be reached in about a 20-minute drive from Traverse City.  Check it out and be thankful for the work Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy does to preserve spots like this in our area!

Canoeing Fisher Lake

Photos from a late evening canoe through Fisher Lake, starting on the north shore of Big Glen Lake  and ending at the start of the Crystal River.