SLEEPING BEAR DUNES

one of the world's largest complexes of shifting dunes, extending 7 miles (11 km) along Lake Michigan's northeastern shore near Empire and Glen Haven, Leelanau county, Michigan, U.S. Rising almost 500 feet (152 m) above the lake, the dunes comprise unusual sand formations, with forest remnants including bleached pine, white birch, and cedar swamps. Wildlife includes skunks, bobcats, deer, and porcupines. The constant rising winds against the western slopes cause the sands to creep inland, making the dunes popular for hang gliding. The dunes' name derives from a Chippewa Indian legend. D.H. Day State Park (established in 1920 and Michigan's oldest state park) is on the back side of the dunes. In 1970 the U.S. Congress designated 34 miles (55 km) of the shoreline as Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, headquartered at Empire.