Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive – Everything You Need To Know

Are you planning to visit the Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive during your visit to the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore? If you have a bunch a questions running through your mind, and don’t know where to start, we put together this post to help answer some of those questions.

Trust me, after you visit this incredible place, you will totally understand why it’s called the most beautiful scenic drive in Michigan!

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Who was Pierce Stocking?

Pierce Stocking was a lumberman who loved Michigan forests and the nature in and around it. He would spend a lot of time walking the dunes and enjoying the views of Lake Michigan and the islands. In the 1960’s he decided to build a road so that other people could enjoy the beauty also. He passed away in 1976, and in 1977 the scenic road, originally know as the Sleeping Bear Dunes Park, became park of the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Several years later, it was renamed the Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive in memory of him.

What is the address of the Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive?

The entrance to the Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive is located just north of the Philip A. Hart Visitor Center in Empire, MI. It’s about 3.6 miles away which is only about a six minute drive.

If this is your first time visiting the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, I highly recommend a stop at the Philip A. Hart Visitor Center, named after a U.S. senator who was very vocal in establishing the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.

Inside you will find a gift shop, park movie, and beautiful exhibits all about the plants, animals, geology, and history you can find inside the Sleeping Bear Dunes. My kids loved it and BONUS… it’s FREE!

Don’t forget to grab your Junior Ranger booklet as well as your National Park stamp. It is open year round except for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day.

How much does the Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive cost?

The Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive is included in your Sleeping Bear Dunes Park entrance fee. You may purchase one at the visitors center or at the park gate. Please check the National Park Systems website for up to date pricing.

What are the Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive hours?

The Drive is open to vehicle traffic April through November from 9am to 30 minutes after sunset. During peek season, I suggest getting there when they open, or waiting until later in the afternoon to escape the crowds.

Where can I get a map?

You can find a map:

• At the visitors center.
• At the entrance gate to the Scenic Drive.
• On the National Park Service app.

How long is the Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive?

The Scenic Drive is a 7.4 mile loop with 12 stops along the way. The stops include a covered bridge, hiking trails, and jaw dropping views of Glen Lake, the Sleeping Bear Dunes, and Lake Michigan. 

How long does the Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive take?

The Drive will take about 1-2 hours depending on how long you stay at each stop AND if you decide to stop at each stop. 

How many stops are there?

There are 12 stops along the Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive:

1. Covered Bridge
2. Glen Lake (photo on the right)
3. Dune Overlook
4. Cottonwood Trail
5. Dune Ecology
6. Leaving the Sand Dunes
7. Beech-Maple Forest
8. Changes over Time
9. Lake Michigan Overlook
10. Sleeping Bear Overlook
11. North Bar Lake
12. Pine Plantation

The most popular stop is #9, the Lake Michigan Overlook. Perched on a sand dune, 450 feet above Lake Michigan, this is a great spot for watching the sunset. While climbing down the sand dune isn’t prohibited, it is strongly discouraged due to safety and erosion. The dune is a steep 33 degree angle and the equivalent of climbing a 34 story building. For every step you take, you only move 3″. Not to forget in the summer the sand can reach temperatures of 120 degrees, and could cause second degree burns. If you go down the dune, and can’t make it back up, a rescue will set you back $3000. Save your money and opt for the Dune Climb just north of the Scenic Drive.

My favorite stop is #11, the North Bar Lake stop. Down below you can see North Bar Lake which was formed because of ponding behind a sand dune and Lake Michigan. Just past the lake are the beautiful Empire Bluffs.

If you are looking for a great area for your lunch, or just a place to stop and rest, this stop had a shaded area with picnic tables.

Does the Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive allow biking?

Biking is allowed along the Scenic Drive but you may want to do a drive trough first to make sure you can make it though. Even thought the speed limit is only 20 m.p.h., the steep terrain, sharp turns, and vehicle traffic could make for a difficult time for a beginner cyclist.

Our Experience

Our family has visited the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore many times, and every time we take a trip around the Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive. We are huge fans of scenic drives because they are a great way to make you slow down and enjoy the surroundings. 

I suggest venturing out in the morning and then come back in the evening to take in the sunset. It the perfect way to end the day! If you finish the Scenic Drive and want to do it again, you can! Your National Park Pass is good for 7 days so there is plenty of time to take in everything the National Lakeshore has to offer.

If you decide to hike on one of the many trails throughout the Park, make sure you have a plan in place and don’t forget plenty of water, snacks, and sun protection.

If you have any other questions about the Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive, let us know in the comments below! We would be happy to answer them for you!

Check out some of our other Michigan adventures:

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• Zehnder’s Splash Village Indoor Water Park & Hotel ~ Frankenmuth, MI
• Jubilee Cottage Visit – Grand Haven, MI
• Tri-Cities Historical Museum – Grand Haven, MI
• Outdoor Discovery Center – Holland, MI
• SEA LIFE Aquarium – Auburn Hills, MI
• LEGOLAND Discovery Center – Auburn Hills, MI