EMPIRE
Attractions
This is one of my favorite towns.
It has so many beautiful attractions.
North Bar Lake
Empire Bluff Trail
Village Park
Esch Beach
Sleeping Bear Dunes
Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive
Pyramid Point
Accommodations: Indigo Bluffs Campground and RV Resort
Town area includes a few restaurants, rental shops, and stores
Nearby Towns:
Glen Arbor
Frankfort
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North Bar Lake
This is not an easy beach to get to with little's but it is worth it once you get out there.
You hike along North Bar Lake which leads to Lake Michigan.
A gorgeous view and the water is crystal clear.
I used my baby carrier to carry my 1 year old and my 3 year walked.
We all carried our beach supplies but a wagon would work too!
Empire Bluff Trail
This is a moderate 1.5 mile round trip trail that leads up to a bluff to view Lake Michigan and the Sleeping Bear Dunes. It has two look out views and worth every step to get there. My 3 year old did the hike pretty well.
We used the baby carrier for my 1 year old.
Vaulted Restrooms available.
INDIGO BLUFFS CAMPGROUND
We rented a camper at Indigo Bluffs which is in the heart of Empire. It is located wonderfully to all the area attractions
The camper included 2 bedrooms, a full kitchen including everything you needed, linens, a community grill, fire pit, and access to all the campground amenities.
It has a clean pool, playground, camp store and more.
They offer camper rentals as well as park model rentals and campsites and tent sites.
PIERCE STOCKING SCENIC DRIVE
This 7 Mile Scenic Drive leads you to many lookout points to view the Sleeping Bear Dunes including Glen Lake, Lake Michigan, North Bar Lake.
$20 fee to enter
Lake Michigan Lookout in the Pierce Stocking Drive
The covered bridge
North Bar Lookout
A large dune down to Lake Michigan
PYRAMID POINT
This hike is in Maple City but apart of the Sleep Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
Only a .6 mile trip to see a beautiful view of the North and South Manitou Islands
Baby Carrier is Reccomneded
Also it is a steep bluff at the look out point so use caution with littles
ESCH BEACH
This beach is at an end of a dirt road.
If you head south once on the beach there is inlet from a river that runs out to Lake Michigan that the kids will love.
A little rockier of a beach but we love it!