Distance: 7.4 miles
Driving Time: This driving tour lends itself to lots of stops and exploration, so plan on at least 90 minutes to two hours even though the driving time is much briefer.
Northwest Lower Michigan, the left side of the mitten, is well-known for its picturesque scenery, fruitful orchards, wineries, water sports, and of course, Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. This unique national lakeshore is a magnet for tourists and locals alike, and worth a visit in every season.
For this driving tour, we’ll focus on what you’ll encounter during the spring months on the 7.4-mile Pierce Stocking Drive since it’s one of the main reasons that folks visit the park. It’s also closed during the winter, so when warmer weather comes back around, taking a cruise along Pierce Stocking Drive with the windows down is the perfect way to welcome back spring.
We won’t include all of the stops listed on the driving tour – there are 12 that are numbered along the way – and instead focus on a few of the highlights. The speed limit along the route is 20 miles an hour, and since it’s a popular roadway for hikers and advanced cyclists, it’s asked that the speed limit be adhered to for the safety of all.
Stop #1: First, to reach the entrance of Pierce Stocking Drive, you’ll need to drive to the little town of Empire (definitely worth a stroll), and then take M-22 north for two miles until you reach M-109. Turn left at M-109 and drive two miles. Pick up a park pass to enter the national lakeshore (recreation passports do not apply) and you’ll be on your way.
The first thing you’ll see is one of the most photographed parts of the drive, the covered bridge. Although typical of what you’d find in New England and other pockets of the country, Pierce Stocking thought this stunning detail would add to the regality of the drive. There is a pull-off so that you can take as many pictures as you want. The roof provides enough clearance for a 13-foot, 6-inch vehicle.
Stop #2: The diversity of the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore can be captured in the dune overlook. At this stop you’ll be at the eastern edge and standing on top of one of the tallest sand dunes, about 200 feet. From this viewpoint, you can see Pyramid Point (also worth a visit), Sleeping Bear Bay, the Sleeping Bear Dunes, Glen Lake, D.H. Day Farm, and North and South Manitou Islands. There is a viewing platform, but you cannot walk on the dunes in this area. You’ll need to travel around to the dune climb. Just before the Dune Overlook is what is known as “picnic hill,” a favorite spot for travelers to take in lunch or snack before walking over to the viewing platform.
Stop #3: But instead of driving to the base of the dune climb and walking up the sand, you can choose to stretch your legs on Cottonwood Trail, a 1.5 mile walk on the dunes. You’ll see native vegetation including colorful spring wildflowers and new green leaves on the birch trees and cottonwood trees. Hikers who have visited in the past note that the trail can be strenuous at points, but it’s a beautiful walk to take in the spring when the air temperature is still on the cool side.
Stop #4: You will have left the dunes portion of the drive behind and found yourself in a shady, mature beech-maple forest. It’s incredible that these two ecosystems reside by each other so closely.
Now, you’ll reach one of the most popular destinations along this scenic drive, the Lake Michigan Overlook. You’ll be 450 feet above the mighty freshwater lake, rewarded with a view of the shoreline. Visibility can stretch for miles on a good, clear day. Even though the ground looks to be all sand, there are rocks as well. You’re standing on a glacial hill. The bluff is the perfect place to take in a sunset or take a family photo. Although going down the bluff isn’t prohibited (double check for signs as the bluff has been eroding), it isn’t recommended as too much foot traffic causes wear to the bluff. Plus, if you go down, you’ll have the tough job of working your way back up.
While you’re in the neighborhood… visit the nearby communities of Empire and Glen Arbor, or continue on a drive along M-22 for more small towns and unique Michigan destinations.
For a virtual tour of the drive, you can visit the National Park Service website and click on the name for each stop along Pierce Stocking Drive for a view and a description… until you can see the real deal in person.