Top 7 Budget-friendly Things to do in Empire, Michigan (MI)

March 29, 2022 Margarita Chappel

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. Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

9922 W Front St, Empire, MI 49630-9417 +1 231-326-5134 http://www.nps.gov/slbe/index.htm
Excellent
86%
Good
12%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 1,861 reviews

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

This national park includes a 35-mile stretch of beach on Lake Michigan for swimming plus 13 hiking trails.

Reviewed By JoeandKarin - Levering, United States

We only had a day to spend here....you can easily make this a nice vacation spot...we will be back !! There are plenty of activities for everyone...trail hiking, sandy beach walks, lots of areas to build sand castles or just to sit and take in the beautiful lake shore, swimming, and also plenty of bike trails. The “Scenic Trail” drive is a must!!! There are plenty of “overlook areas” of the Dunes and the lake where you can stop and take pictures. The Dune hike is very adventurous and worth the climb in the sand !! Bring plenty of water and wear a hat !!! Going down the Dune, whether at a run, roll or stroll, makes the effort of the climb well worth it !! We stopped at the visitor center first and found the volunteers there very helpful and informative. Very fun time !

2. Empire Bluff Trail

Empire, MI +1 231-326-4700 http://www.nps.gov/slbe/planyourvisit/trailempirebluff.htm
Excellent
84%
Good
15%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 294 reviews

Empire Bluff Trail

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. Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, Empire, MI +1 231-326-4700 http://www.nps.gov/slbe/planyourvisit/psscenicdrive.htm
Excellent
84%
Good
12%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 691 reviews

Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive

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.

4. Lake Michigan Beach Park

Lake Michigan Drive, Empire, MI 49630 http://www.leelanau.cc/empirevlgparks.asp
Excellent
79%
Good
18%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 91 reviews

Lake Michigan Beach Park

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.

5. Sleeping Bear Dunes

6748 S Dune Hwy, Empire, MI 49630-9446 +1 231-326-4700 http://www.nps.gov/indu/planyourvisit/hiking.htm
Excellent
78%
Good
15%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 131 reviews

Sleeping Bear Dunes

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.

6. Pyramid Point Trail

Empire, MI +1 231-326-5134 http://www.nps.gov/slbe/planyourvisit/trailpyramidpt.htm
Excellent
77%
Good
20%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 166 reviews

Pyramid Point Trail

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.

7. Glen Haven Historical Village

9922 W Front St, Empire, MI 49630-9417 +1 231-326-4700 http://www.nps.gov/slbe/planyourvisit/glen-haven-historic-village.htm
Excellent
56%
Good
33%
Satisfactory
11%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 61 reviews

Glen Haven Historical Village

Reviewed By h2ogrl314 - Cincinnati, United States

We stopped here on a whim and were glad that we did. The little museum had interesting historical information and it was fun to stop by the old blacksmith shop. My favorite part was the little beach. It was beautiful!

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