Redwood Creek: Top 25 Picnic Destinations

		SLEEPING BEAR DUNES: Sand Blast
		THE SETTING You've picnicked beneath towering elm trees, on rocky beaches and beside cascading waterfalls before. But have you ever eaten lunch beside a 900-foot sand dune? Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, near Empire, Michigan, is probably one of the most unique places in the Midwest to spend time outdoors. The area, which runs along 35 miles of Lake Michigan's coastline, includes not only the huge dunes, but also clear lakes and rivers, beech-maple forests and two offshore wilderness islands. The park also offers several cultural delights, including an 1871 lighthouse, three former Coast Guard stations and an extensive rural historic farm district. Where to find the perfect picnic spot? Try one of the secluded beaches along Sleeping Bear's long coastline, such as those at Northport and Suttons Bay in Leelanau Country, or the ones at Traverse City, Charlevoix or Petoskey. Your lunchtime scenery will include towering dunes, diverse wildlife - and perhaps even the site of a hand-glider or two soaring over the massive sand piles.
		WHAT TO SEE AND DO From the highly trafficked Dune Climb to remote beaches, there is something for everyone at Sleeping Bear. Swim, tube, canoe or fish in one of the clear lakes or rivers. Hang-glide Michigan bluffs by pushing off 260-foot Pyramid Peak and the 450-foot dunes of Elberta and soaring over the waters of the Manitou Passage. Hike Sleeping Bear's famous Dune Climb, which reaches an elevation of 890 feet. Stay overnight in one of the park's campgrounds or in a remote backcountry spot on North Manitou island. Don't leave without visiting the island's smaller sibling, South Manitou, where you can hike a 7-mile trail to the Valley of the Giants, a grove of virgin white cedar trees. If you love to just walk and observe nature, Sleeping Bear's many trails are teeming with flowers, birds and wildlife. Last but not least, don't forget to take a peek at the historic boat collection at the Cannery, or to stop at the Maritime Museum for a daily re-enactment of a life-saving rescue.
		HOT TIPS The park has two visitor centers, one in Empire and one on South Manitou. Look for picnic tables, shelters and grills all over the park. A permit is required for backcountry camping. Food and supplies are available in Empire, Glen Arbor and surrounding towns - no provisions are sold in the park. Visit Sleeping Bear in the spring or fall if you want to observe bird migrations, in the spring for the wildflowers and morel mushrooms, in mid-October to view the fall foliage. When hiking along wooded trails, be sure to wear sturdy footwear.
		PHOTO OPS The Pierce Stocking scenic drive offers panoramic views of Sleeping Bear Dunes, Glen Lake and Lake Michigan. For a great shot, climb to the top of the Dune Climb - from the crest you can view Glen Lake. North Manitou island features dunes with quirky sand formations, as well as several ghost forests stripped by shifting sands. Other spots to photograph include the huge white cedars in Valley of the Giants, and the park's 19th-century lighthouse.
		LOCAL SPECIALTIES Michigan is famous for cherries, so mix some into a fresh fruit salad for your summer lunch. The state's most beloved treats are Cornish pasties, which many describe as "a pot pie without the pot."