Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore
Just like the park name suggests, this Lake Superior shoreline is rimmed with colorful, unique cliffs born out of sandstone formations, such as Chapel Rock and Miners Castle. Year-round activities include camping (there are three drive-in campgrounds) and hiking, as well as—come winter—snowshoeing, ice climbing and cross-country skiing. There’s also a lighthouse (Au Sable Light Station, dating back to the 19th Century) open to visitors, including a climb to the tower for an amazing view; and a small exhibit in the Munising U.S. Coast Guard Station (summer only). During the warmer months, Shipwreck Tours takes guests out on glass-bottom boats for a two-hour tour to see shipwreck remains.
ADDRESS:Michigan, USA,PHONE +1 906-387-3700
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Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
Hosting the world’s largest collection of sand dunes on fresh water, including 450-foot-tall bluffs, this national park—just shy of 33,000 acres—hugs 35 miles of Lake Michigan’s shoreline (open for swimming: bring a suit!) and also includes North and South Manitou Islands. Camping is available on the islands as well as three campgrounds on the Lower Peninsula mainland, and winter camping is offered at Platte River Campground. While hiking the bluffs is the park's most popular activity, you can also visit an 1871 lighthouse on South Manitou Island and a historic farm district called Port Oneida. Twenty miles of hiking trails provide plenty of room to roam and explore. During the winter months, ice fishing, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing (particularly on groomed sections of the Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail) —as well as sledding on snow-covered dunes—draw people to the park.
ADDRESS:Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, Maple City, MI 49664, USA