North Bar Lake

We can sometimes be creatures of habit; ordering the same dishes at a restaurant, hiking the same trails, heading to the same beaches. These tendencies in a place like Northern Michigan are bound to mean we are missing out on something.  I will admit to the possibility that I hadn’t been to North Bar Lake, part of the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, since my senior “Skip Day.” That’s a long time ago folks.

Upon revisiting, it’s hard not to fall in love with this little piece of land north of Empire.  The pathway from the parking area leads you through a gorgeous wooded area with wildflowers and wildlife abounding (I was lucky to spot a deer this particular night). At the shore of North Bar Lake, I saw two kayakers putting in for an evening paddle, and a family enjoying themselves with some members even bold enough for an early summer dip.  There was a strong breeze coming off of Lake Michigan. Although the inland lake is sheltered by the dune that lies between Lake Michigan and North Bar, there was still a subtle ripple playing on its blue surface.  I worked my way around the pathway and over to Lake Michigan, noticing the abundance of dune grass in what appears to be a successful preservation program by the park. Atop the dune and on the shores of Lake Michigan, you will find an amazing view to your left of the Empire Bluffs and to your north South Manitou Island.

What a spot to sit back and soak it all in; let the sand run through your fingers; watch the water slowly fade back into the waves that brought it ashore; and contemplate the good in change. After all, “If you do not change direction, you may end up where you are heading.” – Lao Tzu

Sounds deep, I know, but I just mean I may have ended up at Glen Haven (my go-to spot) and spent an evening hanging with the gnats…