Beaches, beaches, beaches!  There are more Lake Michigan beaches in this area than most people can get to in one vacation, though some of us have tried!  The water is clean and clear and the air temperatures warm, but not too hot.  In addition to the MANY swimming options in Empire and neighboring Glen Arbor,  you can also:

​​

• Hike or bike the Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail

• Kayak down the Crystal River

• Enjoy world class cycling along M-22 

• Experience incredible fishing in some of the area's many lakes and rivers

• Bird to your heart's content! The area has a huge range of birdlife from bald eagles to the endangered Piping Plover

• Look up, star gazers!  The Sleeping Bear Dunes is on the cusp of official Dark Sky Certification

• Feast on everything from burgers and fries, to fried smelt, to fine dining at the wide variety of area eateries

• Shop local at the various boutiques, galleries, and gift shops

 

And as if that wasn't enough, you are literally surrounded by National Park  with the incredible Sleeping Bear Dunes for hiking up and running down.