There’s some snow on the sand and the water’s a little chilly, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t stop by and explore Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore in Michigan. Celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, the park is home to lush forests, clear inland lakes, unique flora and fauna and the namesake sandy bluffs that tower 450 feet over the stunning blue waters of Lake Michigan. We love these gorgeous winter views almost as much as the free ranger-led snowshoe hikes. Have fun. Photo by National Park Service. 

There is no one-size-fits-all trip to Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore. Each season offers new and different ways to enjoy the park. Spring splashes the riverbanks and shoreline with an abundance of colorful wildflowers. Summers are all about fun in the sun and on the sand. In the fall, Maple trees burst with warm red and golden hues crafting a spectacular backdrop for a hike by Lake Michigan and winter brings a scenic canvas of white snow begging for cross-country skiing. Photo by Rafi Wilkinson, National Park Service.

After a thrilling day of hiking, biking, fishing, boating and birdwatching, settle into the sand at Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore and watch the sunset over Lake Michigan. The colorful skies and breaking waves make this a perfect summer experience. Photo by Rafi Wilkerson, National Park Service.

Do you want to take a sunset stroll by Lake Michigan? Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore in Michigan offers 65 miles of shoreline and endless views of the lake. Although the lakeshore is long and narrow, it still has excellent forests, wetlands, lakes and streams where visitors have a wonderful opportunity for canoeing, hiking, bird watching, wildlife viewing and enjoying nature at its best. Photo by Lorie D'Elia (www.sharetheexperience.org).

Colorful and bold, the sandstone cliffs at Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore in Michigan tower 50-200 feet directly above the dynamic waters of Lake Superior. Wind and water carved the stone into unique shapes. Chapel Rock is a favorite destination for visitors, who enjoy the nearby beach and taking photos of this interesting formation topped by a tree. Photo by Viktor Posnov (www.sharetheexperience.org).

Snow covers the sand at Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore in Indiana. Winter wind kicks up waves from Lake Michigan, rolling chunks of ice and snow onto the beach. Under a colorful sunrise sky with the Chicago skyline visible in the distance, the wonder of this special park is undeniable. Photo by National Park Service.

What a view! The blue-green waters of Lake Superior stretch out from the gray cliffs at Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore in Michigan. Lake Superior is the largest, coldest and most pristine of the Great Lakes. It has the largest surface of any freshwater lake on earth and it is the third largest lake by volume. Storms, snow, fog, humidity, temperatures and wind generated from the lake impact every park ecosystem, causing dramatic seasonal changes. Photo by Gregory Lloyd (www.sharetheexperience.org).

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore’s protected bays, pristine beaches and natural beauty provide outstanding water recreation. Public docks are found on 12 of the islands in the Wisconsin national lakeshore, and visitors can explore this area of Lake Superior by boat, kayak or canoe. Use safe boating practices and you’ll enjoy fun times and stunning scenery. Photo by Jasmine Wilhelm (www.sharetheexperience.org).

Perched on bluffs 400 feet above Lake Michigan, Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore in Michigan is a great place for lake vistas and sunset viewing. With 65 miles of shoreline and numerous inland lakes and streams, the park is perfect for lovers of aquatic fun. Put it on your summer bucketlist! Photo by Ben Wynsma (www.sharetheexperience.org).

On land or lake, there’s so much to see and do at Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore in Michigan. Along its 42 miles of Lake Superior shoreline are over 15 miles of towering sandstone cliffs, 12 miles of beautiful beaches and 5 miles of sand dunes. You can climb to the top of a lighthouse, hike through forests, kayak past waterfalls or just lay on a beach. It’s a perfect summer getaway! Photo by Betty Greene (www.sharetheexperience.org).