Four Must-Try Activities at Sleeping Dunes Park in Winter

Jan 22, 2024

Summer is a prime time for vacationing and road tripping, but have you ever visited your favorite summer spots in the “off-season”? Wintertime is incredibly exciting and creates an ever-changing landscape of crystalline ice and sparkling snow across our favorite warm-weather destinations. The Sleeping Bear Dunes are one such spot that is utterly transformed into a marvelous kingdom of fluffy snow, peaceful winter beach front, and magical frozen forest hiking trails. Let’s check out some of the wonderful things to do in cold weather for a perfect seasonal getaway and give ourselves a break from the winter-doldrums.

Reminder: Winter conditions can bring about beautiful changes and create new opportunities for activities and adventure, but they aren’t without their challenges. Freezing temperatures and changing weather can create unstable and slippery surfaces, hazardous conditions, avalanche risks, and more. Please exercise caution when partaking in these lakeshore activities along the dunes. Travel and play safely by checking weather conditions on the NPS website for the area.

Enjoy an Afternoon of Sledding!

The whole family will love the experience of sledding down the Dune Climb area (weather permitting!) Whether you prefer a good old fashioned wooden sled, a plastic toboggan, a flying saucer, or inflatable snowtube, you’ll find no shortage of exhilarating excitement here. Please note that the use of these or similar equipment is prohibited except where posted, and must be used in snow covered areas only according to posted signage.

Experience Ice Fishing!

Grab your fishing permit at the visitor center and enjoy a day on the ice awaiting your first catch! Newcomers will enjoy the “Intro to Ice Fishing” workshops offered by parks services, like the one for junior anglers on January 27th 2024. You can practice your casting skills, learn about fishing safety, and understand local fishing regulations.

Explore the Area with Winter Time Hikes!

Snowshoeing, winter hiking, and cross-country skiing are popular activities for the area. There are beautiful groomed sections of the Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail marked off for multi-use excursions, as well as some other ungroomed areas such as Old Indian Trail, Platte Plains, Alligator Hill, and more. All snow-covered dunes, fields, and forests allow for Snowshoeing, but it’s recommended to stay on marked trailways and paths. Ranger guided snow-shoe hikes and self-guided hikes are available per the Lakeside Calendar, as well as special events such as Candlelit Snowshoeing in February on the 10th an 17th.

Enjoy Maple Sugaring in March

The Port Oneida Historic District at the Dechow Farm and Olsen Farm are hosting a special experience to learn about the process and history of Maple Sugaring. You’ll experience a guided hiking tour featuring a history of the Anishinaabe traditions, the Settler’s open fire process, sugar shacks, and modern day techniques. You can check out a demonstration, try your hand at making maple syrup taffy, enjoy maple syrup sampling, and more. This special event is free with a park pass, and is followed by a Community Pancake Breakfast on March 2nd.

Have you visited the Sleeping Bear Dunes in the winter? Let us know your favorite things to do in the area in the comments on our Social Media!