Location: Empire
Top Things to do in Empire
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Things to do in Empire, Michigan (MI): The Best Nature & Parks
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
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,861 reviews
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. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. 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.
