Summer Information For Lower Peninsula In Michigan






Jul 18, 08

Lower Peninsula
Michigan

Sleeping Bear Dunes

Cedar is located just northwest of Traverse City between Lake Michigan and Grand Traverse Bay, near the Lower Peninsula's north western shore.

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is a few miles to the west. Its name came from a Chippewa Indian legend about a bear and two cubs that were forced to swim the lake to escape a forest fire.

The mother made the journey and sat a top a dune waiting for her cubs, which never came. Now in the form of a dark hill of sand on a plateau, she still waits, and the lost cubs are now the Northland South Manitou islands.

The park stretches along 35 miles of shoreline and includes the Manitou Islands. Scenic drives provide access to the high dunes and fantastic views. Visitors can hike, fish and canoe. Hikers will find 55 miles of marked trails to enjoy.

More Fun in the Sun

In the other direction, Grand Traverse Bay provides year-round recreation. In the summer fishing and sailing are popular.

Golfers will find more than 30 courses to choose from in the area, including some designed by Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer and Gary Player.

Cherry orchards and wineries dot the region and add much to the economy.

Whitefish Mountain Resort