Want a peaceful, scenic getaway on Lake Michigan? Discover Empire! Nestled in the heart of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, Empire is a charming village with stunning beaches, towering dunes, and cozy small-town vibes. Perfect for outdoor lovers, it’s a quiet escape with unforgettable lake views.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Empire is from late spring to early fall (May–October). Summer offers ideal beach weather, while fall brings breathtaking foliage. Spring is peaceful and great for hiking before crowds arrive.
How to Get There
- By Car: Empire is located along M-22, about 30 minutes west of Traverse City and 4.5 hours northwest of Detroit.
- By Air: Fly into Traverse City’s Cherry Capital Airport (TVC), then rent a car for the scenic drive.
- By Bus: Limited regional bus service is available; driving is the best option for flexibility.
Where to Stay
- Empire Lakeshore Inn – Cozy motel-style lodging within walking distance of Lake Michigan and downtown.
- The Sylvan Inn – Historic B&B in nearby Glen Arbor offering charming rooms and a peaceful garden setting.
- Vacation Rentals & Cabins – Find cottages, cabins, and lakefront homes for a rustic retreat or family stay.
Top Attractions
- Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore – Hike giant dunes, drive the scenic Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive, or relax on pristine beaches.
- Empire Bluff Trail – Short hike with dramatic views of Lake Michigan from the top of the bluff.
- Empire Beach – Quiet public beach with soft sand, clear water, picnic spots, and a lighthouse.
- Glen Haven Historic Village – Step back in time with a visit to this restored 19th-century logging town nearby.
- North Bar Lake – Serene inland lake great for swimming, kayaking, and enjoying sunset views near the dunes.
⮕ Climb, Hike, and Marvel at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is a Northern Michigan park located along the northwest coast of the Lower Peninsula of Michigan near Empire, Michigan. The park includes a 35-mile-long stretch of Lake Michigan's coastline and North and South Manitou islands. The park was established to protect its exceptional natural features such as forests, beaches, dunes and ancient glacier-formed features. The lakeshore includes many historic and cultural features such as the 1871 South Manitou Island Lighthouse, three former Coast Guard stations and a large rural historic farm district. A part of the park was named the Sleeping Bear Dunes Wilderness. The lakeshore is one of Michigan's most popular camping destinations, with a number of campgrounds of all types, including D.H. Day Campground, Platte River Campground, camping areas on the Manitou Islands and many other sites.
Leelanau & Benzie counties, Michigan, Map
⮕ Cruise Through Forest and Dunes on the Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive
The Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive is a popular scenic route that runs through the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore in western Northern Michigan. The roadway is famous for its "scenic vistas and gentle curves". It runs for 7.4 miles between Empire and Glen Arbor, just off state highway M-109. It meanders its way through forest and dunes, offering breathtaking view of the Lake Michigan shoreline and the surrounding area. There are interpretive markers all along the roadway.
The drive is used every year by more than 80,000 vehicles, bikers, hikers and skiers. The road was completed in 1967 by Pierce Stocking, a local lumberman who wanted to share the beauty of the area with other people. He continued to operate the road until his death in 1976.
Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive , Leelanau county, Michigan
⮕ Paddle or Catch a Wave with Sleeping Bear Surf and Kayak
Sleeping Bear Surf and Kayak is the first full-service surf shop in Michigan. The family operation was opened in 2007 with the goal of bringing opportunity to the visitors to see the immense sand dunes from the water, and to offer fresh water surfing and surfing courses to those who would like to run the waves of the mighty Lake Michigan.
Since then, Sleeping Bear Surf and Kayak has become much more than just a surf shop selling the latest gear and apparel, it became a core of the surfing community in the area. In 2007, they introduced stand-up paddling, years before it became the mainstream sport that it is today, in addition to surf, kayak, skim, longboards, bikes or giant inflatable SUPS. They offer rentals, lessons, and camps to folks of any age and skill level.
10228 W Front St, Empire, MI 49630, Phone: 231-326-9283
⮕ If You’re Craving a Casual Bite, Drop Into Empire Village Inn
The Empire Village Inn is a family friendly restaurant in Empire, Michigan, established in 1959 under the name Village Inn. Always popular, the place changed owners, name, menu and décor until it became the Empire Village Inn in 1987.
Today, it is the favorite spot for folks exploring the magnificent Sleeping Bear Dunes nearby. It is the place to stop after a day of hiking and exploring for one of their 14 Michigan craft beers on draft, delicious home-made pizzas, burgers, salads or sandwiches. There is also a Michigan cider, a pool table, a dance floor and fun family friendly atmosphere. It tends to get noisy but nobody minds.
Empire Village Inn, 11601 S Lacore Rd, Empire, MI 49630, Phone: 231-326-5101
Where to Eat
- Joe’s Friendly Tavern – Casual local favorite with burgers, beers, and a laid-back Up North vibe.
- Shipwreck Café – Small roadside stop serving hearty sandwiches, breakfast burritos, and local baked goods.
- Grocer’s Daughter Chocolate – Artisan chocolate shop offering locally made, ethically sourced treats in nearby Empire.
Local Events
- Empire Asparagus Festival (May) – Quirky and fun event featuring asparagus-themed food, music, and games.
- Sleeping Bear Dunes Star Party (Summer) – Join park rangers and astronomers for stargazing in a designated dark sky area.
- Empire Hops Festival (Fall) – Celebrate local craft beer and hops harvest with food trucks and live music.
You may also like:
Garey Lake State Forest Campground
Manitou Passage Underwater Preserve
Day Trips Within 30 Minutes of Empire, Michigan
- Glen Arbor (10–15 min) – Enjoy charming shops, art galleries, and local bites—or rent a kayak and paddle Crystal River.
- Crystal Lake (25–30 min) – Swim, boat, or relax on the shores of one of Michigan’s clearest and most beautiful inland lakes.
- D.H. Day Park & Campground (10–15 min) – Camp or picnic by the lake and take a walk to the historic D.H. Day Barn or Glen Haven village.
- Glen Haven Historic Village (10–15 min) – Step back in time with restored buildings, a blacksmith shop, and a Great Lakes maritime museum.
- Platte River Point (15–20 min) – Tube down the Platte River into Lake Michigan or enjoy a peaceful beach day with sunset views.
- Frankfort (25–30 min) – Explore this harbor town’s restaurants, lighthouse pier walk, and beach on Lake Michigan.
- Otter Creek Loop Trail (10–15 min) – Hike a peaceful, wooded loop through wetlands and dune landscapes inside the national lakeshore.
- Empire Bluff Trail (5 min) – Take a short hike to a breathtaking overlook of Lake Michigan and Sleeping Bear Bay.
- Point Betsie Lighthouse (30 min) – Visit one of Michigan’s most photographed lighthouses, right on the Lake Michigan shoreline.
FAQ
-
Where is Empire located?
- Empire is a small village in Leelanau County, Michigan, located in the heart of the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.
-
What natural attractions surround Empire?
- With the magnificent Empire Bluffs to the south and the world-famous sand dunes of the National Lakeshore to the north, the area is known for breathtaking views of the dunes, North and South Manitou islands, and the vast Lake Michigan.
-
Why is Empire a great starting point for visitors?
- Empire is a perfect starting point for exploring the park, and many hiking and biking trails start in the village.
Map:
Plan Your Trip
Table of Contents:
- 1. Climb, Hike, and Marvel at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
- 2. Cruise Through Forest and Dunes on the Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive
- 3. Paddle or Catch a Wave with Sleeping Bear Surf and Kayak
- 4. If You’re Craving a Casual Bite, Drop Into Empire Village Inn