
Daily Tours to Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
Traveler rating
4.9/5
Based on 105 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Daily Tours to Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore worth booking?
Daily Tours to Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is a 6-hour experience in Traverse City, United States, from $169 per person. It scores 75 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 4.9/5 rating across 105 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 75 / 100
- Rating
- 4.9/5 (105)
- Duration
- 6 hours
- From
- $169 per person
With 35 Miles of coastline designated as Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, Where should I go? What should I see? Our tour provides access to all of it. As well, you'll be accompanied by a guide well-versed in the area History, Flora & Fauna and geologic formation of the Great lakes and Dune formations. Sleeping Bear is fantastic in and of itself, but having a guide to explain everything from the Native Tribes that once roamed the area, to the geologic forces that leave us with the Great Lakes we know today, greatly enhances ours guests visit to Sleeping Bear. Oh, and guests rave about our catered lunch. It's delicious!
What you get
About this experience
With 35 Miles of coastline designated as Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, Where should I go? What should I see? Our tour provides access to all of it. As well, you'll be accompanied by a guide well-versed in the area History, Flora & Fauna and geologic formation of the Great lakes and Dune formations. Sleeping Bear is fantastic in and of itself, but having a guide to explain everything from the Native Tribes that once roamed the area, to the geologic forces that leave us with the Great Lakes we know today, greatly enhances ours guests visit to Sleeping Bear. Oh, and guests rave about our catered lunch. It's delicious!
What's included
Included
- Private transportation
- All Fees and Taxes
- Lunch
What you'll see and do
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
A guided tour of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Tour includes round trip transportation from Traverse City with snacks and drinks provided. Stops include an easy walk out to Empire Bluffs, Scenic Pierce Stocking Drive, Lake Michigan overlook, Glen Lke overlook, Sleeping Bear Dune overlook, Lunch on the beach in the village of Empire, Dune Climb, Historic Village of Glen Haven and Glen Arbor.
300 minutes here · Admission included
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Traverse City
Look for the Up North Tours vehicle at the far west end of the Meijer parking lot.
Meeting point
Traverse City
Look for the Up North Tours vehicle in the West Bay Beach Resort parking lot
Hotel pickup
Pickup is available for selected locations.
Ends at
Look for the Up North Tours vehicle at the far west end of the Meijer parking lot.
Ends at
Look for the Up North Tours vehicle in the West Bay Beach Resort parking lot
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 12 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Up North Tours
Know before you go
- Service animals allowed
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Participants must be 6 years or older. We do not accommodate infants.
- Walking is required to access the vista at Empire Bluffs. The trail is designated as "Easy". Expect to walk 1.5 miles over a dirt and sand Trail.
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 103 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
8 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
7 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Photo opportunities
2 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Food and drink
2 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Traveler reviews
103 verified traveler reviews for Daily Tours to Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Most Enjoyable Tour
Great tour with Matt as the very best guide! Extremely knowledgeable about history of the region, ecological issues, geographical history, shipwrecks, and much more. Highest recommendation!
via Tripadvisor
First trip trip MI
Matt was my guide, fabulous! So much history to take in!
via Tripadvisor
Great experience! Thank you Matt from UpNorth Tours
Our guide Matt was outstanding. His narration of the geology, flora and fauna, ecology, and history of the area was very informative. He took us to several overlooks and beaches that were awesome and provided us with a great local lunch on the shoreline of a beautiful beach. We had a full 6 hours relaxed drive that allowed us to enjoy the views and countryside. We enjoyed the day very much.
via Tripadvisor
Perfect Tour!!
Matt is the best! We really had a great time and learned so much!
via Tripadvisor
Exceeded expectations
The pickup point was excellent. It was convenient, comfortable and secure. Guide was prompt. Travel van was very clean and comfortable. Our visit was mid September (after Labor Day). Never felt crowded. Weather was great for walking. Senior couple and we walked the Empire Trail. The trail is not paved and has some areas that have an incline to it, but not excessive for us. Our guide never hurried us and took plenty of time to explain sights. We stopped by the Dune Climb and observed. Everyone in our group was content to watch others climb. Plenty to see while there. Primarily encountered other couples or groups of couples. Some families with small children but not many. If you enjoy eco tours, you will enjoy this. Excellent. Not strenuous (unless you attack the Dune Climb). Highly recommended.
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 6 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Hotel pickup
- Available for selected locations
- Booked in 30 days
- 37
- Verdict
- Strongly Recommended
Why this scores 75
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Daily Tours to Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Traverse City.
How much does Daily Tours to Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore cost?
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Prices start at $169 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Traverse City usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Daily Tours to Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore take?
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Plan for about 6 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Traverse City is not rushed.
Is Daily Tours to Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 75 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.9/5 across 105 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Traverse City, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Daily Tours to Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Daily Tours to Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 6-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Daily Tours to Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore?
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Around 37 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Traverse City can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Traverse City and add a light layer if any part of the 6-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Daily Tours to Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Traverse City within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Traverse City?
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Traverse City pairs Old Mission and Leelanau winery tours with Sleeping Bear Dunes trips, kayak and paddleboard rentals on Grand Traverse Bay and fall colour drives. On Outty we rank every Traverse City experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include 5-Hour Traverse City Wine Tour: 4 Wineries on Old Mission Peninsula, NON-BUS 4 Winery Traverse Wine & Food Tour on Old Mission, 5-Hour Traverse City Wine Tour: 3 Wineries on Leelanau Peninsula. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Traverse City?
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June to October, with peak colour in early October. Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Traverse City?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Daily Tours to Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore?
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Included: Private transportation; All Fees and Taxes; and Lunch. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does Daily Tours to Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered, or you can meet at the start point instead from 41 listed pickup locations in and around Traverse City. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.
What languages is Daily Tours to Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore offered in?
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It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Daily Tours to Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Daily Tours to Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Participants must be 6 years or older. We do not accommodate infants. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Daily Tours to Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore if the weather is bad?
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This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.
What do travelers say about Daily Tours to Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore?
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Across 105 reviews averaging 4.9 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, photo opportunities. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
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