Location: Empire
Top Things to do in Empire
Things to do in Empire, Michigan (MI): The Best Outdoor Activities
Empire is a village in Leelanau County in the U.S. state of Michigan. The population was 375 at the 2010 census. The village is located within Empire Township.
Restaurants in Empire
1. Platte Plains Trail
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 7 reviews
Located in Sleeping Bear Dunes National Seashore, this is a 15-mile network of scenic hiking and biking trails.
2. Empire Bluff Trail
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 294 reviews
Extending two miles in length, this picturesque point-to-point hiking trail is rated moderate in skill level.
Reviewed By amys91 - Bowling Green, United States
Nice hike along Lake Michigan. Great breeze and about 1 mile hike in the woods before you can see the lake.
3. Sleeping Bear Surf & Kayak
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 13 reviews
Northern Michigan’s finest & first freshwater surf shop! We are a full-service shop offering rentals, lessons & sales ~ stand-up paddleboards, surfboards, sea-kayaks, skimboards, longboard completes & sand bikes. Great selection of swimwear, lifestyle clothing, accessories & more! We are all about encouraging free-ride play on the big water! Happily servicing groms & families since 2004!
4. Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 691 reviews
Reviewed By JenR917 - Michigan, United States
This gorgeous drive through the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is just perfect. There are a number of stops along the way to take in the beautiful views. You can also access at least 1 hiking trail through the drive. We did not do that one as it was raining, but completely enjoyed the trip.
5. Lake Michigan Beach Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 91 reviews
Reviewed By Jinnyus
Our family wanted to watch the sunset on a beach, so we drove to Empire. The beach has lots of deep sand and places to sit. You can cook out or have a fire. We sat on a bench overlooking the water while our grandsons played on the playground equipment. While we were there, a mother/daughter were sitting at a picnic table next to us waiting for sunset. One by one, people started gathering right next to the table (there's a big standing rock, perhaps it's a meeting point) and basically made themselves at home by putting their stuff on the table or sitting down. I was surprised to see this. The mom/daughter obviously were also surprised. Is that the new beach etiquette? Just walk up to someone's table and take it over? Sunset was lovely. Plenty of people were in the water even at the end of daylight, including kayakers and paddleboarders. I think there's a parking fee, but I didn't see any place to pay.
6. Cutler's Catch
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 5 reviews
Cutler's Catch Guide Service specializes in inland lake fishing in northwest Michigan. Book a trip on either Crystal Lake, Glen Lake, or Lake Leelanau and experience the variety these lakes have to offer by targeting either lake trout, bass, walleye, or perch. Licensed Captain Gage Cutler is committed to teaching and educating his guests about nature and conservation through hands on experience.
7. Sleeping Bear Dunes
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 131 reviews
This 4.5-mile challenging hiking trail is the most popular in Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.
Reviewed By DJB1954 - Homosassa Springs, United States
Been coming here for sixty years well before it became a National Park. Still an amazing and beautiful place. Lots to see but if you attempt the dunes climbs make sure you are in good shape. Good place to take the kids and if you are really adventurous you can take the dunes climb and hike all the way to Lake Michigan. But for that you must be in excellent shape and be able to walk in deep sand for around five miles round trip.
8. Pyramid Point Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 166 reviews
Loop trail rated moderate in skill level takes hikers through three different environments : meadow, beach-maple forest and high bluffs overlooking Lake Michigan.
Reviewed By 123Wren - South Lyon, United States
There were a couple different ways to go for this trail. We took the bit more strenuous, it was well worth the views and the great workout! The trail was well maintained and well signed.
9. Old Indian Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 16 reviews
Reviewed By angiem498 - Michigan, United States
My husband and I walked here several days while staying in the area. We did the one mile trail (there and back about 2.5 miles) and the black arrow trail as well (over 3 miles). The shorter trail is mostly flat until you get to the end; you have the option of climbing the dune to see the breathtaking views and visit lake Michigan. If you are up for a hike, I highly recommend the black arrow trail. This trail is a bit harder but offers more scenic views.
10. Heritage Trail Bikes
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 6 reviews
The Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail is your gateway to the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Cycle from Empire along the Heritage Trail, on the trail you can cycle to North Bar Beach, Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive, Sleeping Bear Dune Climb or all the way to Glen Arbor. Heritage Trail Bikes is your outfitter for your days adventure featuring bike rentals for all ages.
Reviewed By SarahRuB - Nashville, United States
This was a great bike trail through the park. We started at the Bar Lake Trail head and rode all the way to Glen Arbor where we stopped for lunch before turning back (about 20 miles round trip). The trail between Bar Lake trail head and the Dunes is hilly, but manageable. The trail from the Dunes to Glen Haven and Glen Arbor is flat but does share the road with campsite traffic in spots. It is a great way to spend a day exploring the park, as we stopped to spend time at the Dunes and Glen Haven.
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