The National Lakeshores of the United States: Which Should You Visit?
Are you looking for a new outdoor adventure? Well, you’ve come to the right place!
The National Lakeshores of the US are all located in beautiful, scenic areas, offering visitors the opportunity to explore and enjoy nature. Each location has unique features and landscapes, so there is absolutely something for everyone!
You can hike through forests, climb along rugged rocks, relax on a sandy beach, or even take a boat out on the water and explore. We loved visiting all three, so choosing a favorite is difficult!
Unfortunately, not everyone knows about these national lakeshores. They’re often overlooked but could be added to anyone’s bucket list. Some say they haven’t earned “national park” status, so they’ll get ignored, but they’re still a part of the whole system and shouldn’t be missed!
If you love being outdoors, these are the perfect places to go camping with friends and/or family. Make lasting memories as you watch beautiful sunsets over Lake Michigan from Sleeping Bear Dunes or hike to Apostle Islands National Lakeshore’s sea caves on Lake Superior. You won’t want to miss out on any of these incredible experiences!
Here are all the details about our three national lakeshores in the United States!
Just want the highlights? These are our recommendations:
Best National Lakeshore for hikers: Pictured Rocks
Best National Lakeshore for kayaking and water: Apostle Islands
Best National Lakeshore for a beach day: Sleeping Bear Dunes
What are the 3 National Lakeshores?
The three National Lakeshores in the US are:
- Sleeping Bear Dunes on Lake Michigan
- Apostle Islands on Wisconsin’s Bayfield Peninsula of Lake Superior
- Pictured Rocks in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan (also Lake Superior)
All are part of the United States National Park System and are maintained by the National Park Service. They’re similar in area and size, but what makes them different is their location, landscape, and wildlife.
All three offer activities and trails that are accessible to everyone, regardless of age or physical fitness level. This makes them the perfect place to take your family and friends for an active getaway!
What is unique about these sites compared to other national parks?
Unlike most national parks, the three National Lakeshores are all coastal, so water activites are some of the most popular. Each national lakeshore features the banks, cliffs, and dunes along their respective lake.
More specifically, they can all be found along the banks of 1 of the 5 Great Lakes! The glaciers that formed these lakes (and thus created the land for the national lakeshores) were also responsible for much of our nation’s coastline. Those glaciers left behind some beautiful landscapes, that’s for sure!
Each of the lakeshores has a unique lakefront formation that isn’t exactly copied anywhere else on Earth. Some are sand dunes like Sleeping Bear Dunes, some have colorful cliffs like Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, and others feature underwater sea caves like Apostle Islands National Lakeshore.
Each national lakeshore has unique features, whether you want a remote experience or one with numerous amenities.
Now, let’s get to more of the details and break down each of these National Lakeshores in the United States! (We’ve ordered them alphabetically since they’re all great!)
Apostle Islands National Lakeshore
Location
Apostle Islands National Lakeshore is located near the northernmost point of Wisconsin, the Bayfield Peninsula, on the shores of Lake Superior.
When was it established?
September 26, 1970
Size (in acres)?
69,371.89 acres
Here are the details…
The Apostle Islands are actually a collection of 22 islands, but only 21 of them are managed by the NPS and included in the National Lakeshore.
There is much to see here – each island features different rock formations. Some have sand beaches, while others have grassy or forested areas.
Must-See Sites
Stockton Island is the largest of the Apostle Islands, so it would be a great spot off the mainland to visit first. It’s a fascinating island because it features 20 million-year-old limestone, which has been eroded into stacks and arches. Hike for miles along this island (and the other islands) to look for seabirds or woodland creatures.
If you’re only visiting for a short time, take a cruise out through the bay around many of the islands with Apostle Islands Cruises. Over a few hours, you’ll learn the area’s history and see views of most of the islands.
Staying on the mainland? Head over to Meyers Beach and hike the Lakeshore Trail. Even if you only hike a couple of miles on this trail, you’ll be able to see some of the sea cave formations and cliffs on the mainland.
How much time is recommended for a visit?
1-3 days
Best place to stay?
Bayfield has a few options, but we loved our stay at the cozy Harbor’s Edge Motel, located directly across the street from the Madeline Island ferry dock.
Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore
Location
Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore is located on the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, near Munising. It is on the southern shore of Lake Superior.
When was it established?
October 15, 1966
Size (in acres)?
73,235.83 acres
Here are the details…
This national lakeshore features a picturesque 42 miles of shoreline along Lake Superior. The shore features cliffs rising up to 200 feet above the water! There are also unique sandstone and sedimentary rock formations in some places.
Must-See Sites
Miners Castle is a highlight of this national lakeshore – it features tall cliffs with layers of different sandstones, that have eroded into interesting shapes at the top. Some people also like to kayak around the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore – a few parts are only accessible by water.
For a more challenging hike in Pictured Rocks, check out the Chapel Loop. This loop features two waterfalls, a beautiful beach, and views of some of the colorful cliffs. The hike is around 10 miles long, and it passes through some fantastic landscapes. It is our favorite hike in Pictured Rocks.
Head out on Lake Superior on a Pictured Rocks cruise when you’re finished hiking. It’s the best way to see complete views of the national lakeshore!
During the day, stop at the Munising Falls Visitor Center. There are great exhibits here, and the restrooms are typically very clean. Also, plan to explore Munising Falls – it’s a beautiful walk from the parking area!
How much time is recommended for a visit?
2-4 days
Best place to stay?
The best options are around the town of Munising. The Holiday Inn Express, just up the hill from the town center, has views of the bay from their balcony rooms. This is a great place to sip your morning coffee.
The Roam Inn also looks great, but we don’t have personal experience.
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
Location
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is located on the Lower Peninsula of Michigan, on the shores of Lake Michigan, west of Traverse City.
When was it established?
October 21, 1970
Size (in acres)?
71,198.48 acres
Here are the details…
This national lakeshore features 35 miles of mainland shoreline on Lake Michigan and the two Manitou Islands.
In addition to the giant sand dunes highlighting this park, there is plenty of evidence of glacial activity, pointed out by interpretive signs scattered throughout.
Must-See Sites
Sleeping Bear Dunes consists of several parts – the dunes along Lake Michigan and plenty of forested areas further inland. Check out the “kettles” scattered among the lakeshore, too.
What is a kettle, you may ask? It’s a depression formed by a small body of ice left behind when stagnant glacier ice detaches from the main sheet and becomes buried in sediment. They’re often later filled with water, forming ponds or lakes, known as kettles! Typically shallow but varying greatly in size, some are mere feet up to miles long!
Plenty of great hikes in Sleeping Bear Dunes explore the kettles and other areas.
Take advantage of the Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive and the Empire Bluffs Trail for fantastic views over Lake Michigan!
Spend some time enjoying one of the beautiful beaches on Lake Michigan!
Only have one day in Sleeping Bear Dunes? Still, visit! You won’t regret it.
How much time is recommended for a visit?
2-4 days
Best place to stay?
Some great options are situated along M-22 near Empire. Some small, independently run options are great, but they’re not found on large booking sites.
If you’re still not finding anything, expand your search! Many choose to stay in Traverse City, although it’s a little further of a drive.
Honorable Mention: Indiana Dunes National Park
Location
Indiana Dunes National Park is located near Chicago, Illinois. It’s on the southern shore of Lake Michigan.
When was it established?
November 5, 1966, as a National Lakeshore
February 15, 2019, upgraded to a National Park
Size (in acres)?
15,349 acres
Here are the details…
While there are not many great cliffs to look out over here, this national park is located near Chicago, so it can easily be combined with a visit to the windy city. Many from the Chicago area are frequent visitors of Indiana Dunes.
There are about 30 miles of trails and multiple beaches, where visitors can see an interesting variety of wildlife and glacial features, making Indiana Dunes worth visiting.
Must-See Sites
Indiana Dunes has a wide assortment of wildlife – since it’s located near Lake Michigan, there’s a lot of aquatic life, along with mammals like porcupines, black bears, otters, and beavers. Some birds can be spotted throughout, including eagles!
Take the Diana of the Dunes Dare. It’ll take you through the various phases of the sand dune development, introduce you to beautiful views over Lake Michigan, and end at the sandy beach. There, you can take a dip in the cool waters.
Additionally, several trails can be easily explored. Try the Cowles Bog Trail to see unique plants and animals in a bog habitat. Check out the trail at Mount Baldy, the most dynamic dune in the park, for a short hike to a less-visited beach.
How much time is recommended for a visit?
1 day
Best place to stay?
The options are endless in this part of town!
When is the best time to visit these National Lakeshores?
You may be sold on visiting one of these beautiful spots, but when is the best time to visit? Here are some helpful things to keep in mind.
Summer is the most popular season, as the warm weather is much better for accessing all the water featured throughout these parks. With that definitely comes crowds.
If you can plan a fall visit, more people will leave to get out of the cold weather coming in, and it may be less crowded. This is also a great time to see the leaves change for fall. Each spot has some beautiful fall foliage, especially the northernmost Apostle Islands and Pictured Rocks.
Also, if you’re interested in fishing or diving, spring is a great time to visit for those activities. Some activities aren’t open until May or even Memorial Day, so check the activities calendars before solidifying dates for your visit.
Winter in these parks is not for the faint of heart! Temperatures can be downright frigid at times, but for those who enjoy ice climbing, cross-country skiing, or ice fishing, the winter can also be a great time to visit. Just take the appropriate precautions for visiting with Mother Nature in full force!
If you’re planning to visit during a holiday or other peak time, please check the park’s website and plan accordingly. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact that Park Service directly!
What Else to Know Before You Go
Just a few more items that will help you have the best possible experience once you arrive. Here are a few final but helpful tips to consider before you decide on making your visit:
Check permit and fee requirements before visiting. Most of these spots require an entry fee per car of $25, which covers visiting for up to 7 days. If you’re going to visit multiple NPS sites, get an America the Beautiful pass for the year!
A car is recommended to get around the lakeshores. Bicycling is also a great way to get around, and it’s perfectly allowed on roadways and some trails, except for dunes!
If you’re going during the summer, check for updates on swimming and other water activities. Many of these spots are only open a few months of the year. Most of the year, lake temperatures are too chilly for swimming! Conditions also change very quickly, sometimes hour by hour.
On the same note, dress in layers! You never know what Mother Nature will throw at you, so it’s good to come prepared with warm clothes in removable (or addable) layers and sturdy shoes. These parks aren’t just known for their tame dunes and lakes – they get wild.
In addition to the great hotel and cabin accommodations, several campgrounds are available in or near each of these parks, where you can stay overnight. Check out their sites for details on what’s available, if you’re interested. Booking early with a reservation is definitely recommended, as sites fill up, especially during the summer.
A Final Note From the Author: If you still need to decide which one to go to…
Here’s our take. All three national lakeshores are definitely worth visiting.
As avid backpackers, we can recommend the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore for plenty of remote and undeveloped offshore experiences.
The Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore also has a ton to offer, but since it’s located on Lake Superior, it can be chillier than you expect! Superior is enormous, so that water stays cold!
Sleeping Bear Dunes is great around summertime because of all the beaches and warm temperatures.
Indiana Dunes National Park is also best visited during the summer, with the beaches being some of the show’s main stars.
The National Lakeshores are a great way to explore the beauty of America’s natural landscape. Which one will you visit next?
