Empire, MI - Day 2
Sunday, September 14, 2025
Our day began in Empire, MI at Indigo Bluffs RV Resort. We were all happy to have power/water/sewer hookups while camping last night, and enjoyed a slow morning at our campsite. We lounged around until 9:00am, then got out of bed and made breakfast. “I see we’re waiting to hike with everyone else this morning,” Andi remarked. The older our kids get, the more they like to sleep in … which means we don’t get as early of a start as we used to.
First on today’s agenda was a family hike. I suggested a few options, and Andi chose the Empire Bluffs trail based on our current location within Sleeping Bear Dunes and our proximity to the Michigan Ironman Race taking place today.
The Empire Bluffs trail is a fairly easy 1.5 mile hike through a beech-maple forest, climbing to overlooks of Lake Michigan, South Bar Lake, and Sleeping Bear Dunes. The trail was busy with other hikers, but not to the extent that it affected our enjoyment of the trail.
We stopped to take a few pictures of Lake Michigan from the highest point on the trail. WOW! The view before us was really something. With clear blue skies, we could see for miles; the color of the sky blending with the water. In the distance, Sleeping Bear Dunes was visible. I am continually in awe of the crystal-clear color of Lake Michigan. The water is so clean and blue, and the lake bottom is pure sand. It’s perfect!
The weather this week has been nothing short of spectacular. Every day, we’ve had sunny skies and temperatures in the upper 70’s. We couldn’t have planned it better if we’d tried!
After our morning hike, the four of us hopped back into the RV and drove the Pierce Stocking Scenic Loop. There are 12 different stops on this 7-mile driving loop, with viewpoints of Lake Michigan, Glen Lakes, and the Sleeping Bear Dunes. I’d read about a covered bridge on the one-way driving loop, so I took a minute to double-verify that we’d fit underneath it. The internet said the covered bridge is 13-feet tall and our camper is 11.5 ft, so Andi said we’d be good.
“Get out of the RV, kids!” Andi shouted to the back of the camper. “Come look at the covered bridge.”
“Ah, why?” both Tory and Aden responded from the back.
They’re teenagers, so it’s not surprising that Tory and Aden aren’t always very excited about the sites and landmarks we drag them around the world to see. I hope someday they appreciate the amazing places we’ve been.
Stocking's Drive curved up the dune face to Picnic Mountain. The covered bridge we drove underneath was rebuilt in 1986 after porcupines ate away the wood of the original.
Stop #3 along the drive provided sweeping views of the sand dunes, as well as Lake Michigan, and North & South Manitou Islands. We learned that the plants growing in the sand provide anchor points for the roots of larger trees to grow, which in turn, keeps the sand in place.
Warning signs at the top of the overlook cautioned visitors of the dangers and physicality of climbing down the massive hill of sand. A fee up to $3,000 may be issued to anyone needing rescue.
We learned our lesson climbing sand dunes in Valparaíso, Chile … it is not an easy feat! Our family ventured down part of the sand dune, but didn’t go too far. We wanted to make sure we could comfortably climb back up to the top.
Next, we drove to the town of Glen Arbor for lunch. This small village isn’t technically in Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, but just 15 minutes outside its park boundary. Another charming North Michigan town! Glen Arbor had several cute shops, restaurants, and outdoor activities to offer.
Andi picked a restaurant called River Club for lunch. This was a really neat concept combining mini golf with an outdoor restaurant and sports bar. We ordered burrito bowls to eat, and sat at one of the outdoor tables to watch the Detroit Lions vs. Chicago Bears football game. It wasn’t very busy at River Club today, but I can imagine it gets very busy during the peak summer months. Something for everyone as the crystal-clear Crystal River flowed beside the establishment.
Andi suggested we kayak the Crystal River tomorrow, so we stopped by Crystal River Outfitters to inquire about availability, and then decided to camp at Indigo Bluffs RV Resort one more night to keep things simple. There’s a surprising amount of things to do in Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore! This area warrants a stay for several nights.
On our way back to Indigo Bluffs campground, we stopped by Empire Beach to soak up the sun. There are so many fantastic beaches in this area — all with spectacular views of Lake Michigan.
After the beach, Tory and I weren’t very hungry for dinner. I prepped some chicken bites and broccoli for Andi and Aden to eat. We spent the remainder of our evening at the campground watching the Vikings/Falcons game and lounging around our RV. We had a full day at Sleeping Bear Dunes, and all of us were tired.
Tomorrow is a work & school day, then we’re planning to kayak the Crystal River. From there, we’ll begin making our way south along Lake Michigan’s coastline.
