Lush forests, clear inland lakes and magnificent flora and fauna make up the natural world of Sleeping Bear Dunes. The dune climb is a family activity, a steep skate up hot sand that offers a view of Glen Lake and sets climbers up for the slippery skip back down.

All around are paved trails, scenic drives and campgrounds for overnight stays for adventure-loving people, as well as warm lakes for swimming and sandy beaches along the Lake Michigan shoreline.

The national lakeshore also includes the primitive North Manitou Island and the more developed South Manitou Island, which is home to historic farm structures and the 104-foot South Manitou Island Lighthouse. It was built in 1838 and is one of several historic lighthouses in the area.