Last updated: February 9, 2022
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Sleeping Bear Dunes Heritage Trail
Touted as one of CNN Travel’s “Can’t-Miss U.S. Beaches” and “The Most Beautiful Place in America” by Good Morning America, Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore features some of the most pristine and popular landscapes in Michigan: 35 miles of Lake Michigan’s eastern shoreline, the North and South Manitou Islands, 26 inland lakes, and over 300 historic structures. All drawing more than 1.5 million visitors annually.
Moving the Needle
Yet for years, accessing these spectacular sites proved more than challenging for many of the pedestrians, runners and cyclists who competed with motorists along the narrow shoulders of scenic highways M-22 and M-109, which serve as gateways to Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.
However, thanks to the partnership between the park, local and state agencies, and nonprofit organizations, visitors can now safely stroll, bike and ski portions of the Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail. The 27-mile route links the neighboring communities of Glen Arbor and Empire, Michigan, to visitor destinations within the Lakeshore.
The trail measures 10-feet-wide, with two-foot shoulders, and its surface alternates between asphalt, boardwalk, and compacted crushed limestone. The trail continues through gentle rolling hills, past 450-foot sand dunes and through a blend of deciduous and coniferous forest.
“The trail bridges a gap for people who might never have left the visitors center or overlooks,” said deputy superintendent Tom Ulrich. “They can now use a trail that is accessible, both legally and figuratively, and in doing so discover they like trails. They become more willing to try other things outdoors. It’s a great addition to the park; we didn’t know it was missing until we had it.”
When the park and their community and state partners were ready to kick-start the project in 2005, they sought the expertise of Barbara Nelson-Jameson, a project specialist with the National Park Service – Rivers, Trails and Conservation Assistance Program. Jameson facilitated a planning process, helped secure transportation grants, and managed the trail development through the park and along the county road or state highway rights-of-way.
Within the project’s six-year planning span, Jameson additionally led the work with municipalities and communities in identifying possible trail connections and in the development of a signage plan that incorporated accessibility design standards.
“The trail is groomed for cross-country skiing — a recreation opportunity that was not thinkable before the trail and that does not detract from protecting park resources. It added another dimension to how the park can be enjoyed.” – Deputy superintendent Tom Ulrich
Ulrich noted that “the National Park Service – Rivers, Trails and Conservation Assistance Program really helped the National Lakeshore –we felt like a team. Barbara [Jameson] played a pivotal role during public comment periods and in writing grants. She was amazingly successful, securing $8.5 million in grants in a short period of time. If it weren’t for Barbara, we probably wouldn’t have a heritage trail.”
Jameson attributes the project’s success and rapid completion to the collaborative work, unique skills, and resources each partner brought to the project.
“Michigan Department of Transportation, Traverse Area Recreation and Transportation Trails, Networks Northwest – they all had a role,” said Jameson. “The team was able to maximize what each could bring to the table, and the trail came together in lightning speed.”
The first section of trail opened in June 2012, providing car-free access to amenities and National Lakeshore attractions.
* The Leelanau Scenic Heritage Route Committee is made up of representatives from all 12 townships and villages along the route, Leelanau County, the Michigan Department of Transportation, the National Park Service, the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians, several private organizations, and local citizens. Networks Northwest (formerly known as the Northwest Michigan Council of Governments) coordinates the Committee’s activities.
Looking Ahead
Project partners remain involved in the development and maintenance of the trail. Traverse Area Recreation and Transportation Trails has entered into a fundraising agreement with the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore to raise $5 million to complete the remaining five miles of the trail. Friends of Sleeping Bear Dunes manage and maintain the trail, providing more than 70 trail ambassadors who ride or walk it on a regular basis. A 30-person trail crew maintains the trail by mowing trail edges, removing down trees, correcting erosion issues, and grooming the trail for cross-country skiing.
“Even folks that were early skeptics, those that thought the park was set aside to preserve natural resources only, now see how sensitively the project was handled and that it was built in a great way,” said Ulrich. “The trail is groomed for cross-country skiing –a recreation opportunity that was not thinkable before the trail and that does not detract from protecting park resources. It added another dimension to how the park can be enjoyed.”
Story by Susanne Brinkley
