We always knew it! Sleeping Bear Dunes is the Most Beautiful Place in America

Date: August 17, 2011

Video of the results of the Good Morning America Most Beautiful Places competition

Empire, MI - Good Morning America produced evidence this morning that proved to everyone what most people in northern Michigan already knew - Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is the most beautiful place in America! The ABC morning news program conducted a poll on their website last week asking people to vote for one of ten places nominated for the honor by their viewers. On Wednesday, August 17, they announced the winner-and it came as no surprise. The ten most beautiful places were featured in segments aired on Good Morning America all last week. Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore was featured Tuesday, August 9.

National Park Service Director Jon Jarvis responded to the news by saying "It's great that a park like Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, which is a little off the beaten track in northern Michigan, is being recognized for its exceptional beauty." The Director went on to note, "Six of the ten areas nominated are associated with national parks, and they represent some of the variety of special places saved by the American people in our National Park System." National Lakeshore Superintendent Dusty Shultz was thrilled by Sleeping Bear's selection; "I am honored and feel privileged to have served at this wonderful place for ten years, and still every day reveals a new aspect of its beauty and the remarkable natural and cultural resources entrusted to our care. We thank the viewers and staff at Good Morning America for this national recognition of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore."

The competition was fierce, as you might imagine, but in the end, it appears those who cherish the towering dunes, sparkling waters, and deep forests of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore mobilized to best the other praiseworthy candidates. "I think because the beauty of Sleeping Bear Dunes is so accessible to people, it makes it more real to them somehow," said National Lakeshore Deputy Superintendent Tom Ulrich. "Those who visit this place develop a very personal connection to it, and those deep feelings lead people to demonstrate how much they care."  

View the video of the results of the Good Morning America Most Beautiful Places competition. For more information on Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, visit the park's website at https://www.nps.gov/slbe/ or call 231-326-4700.