- The list below includes 60 free or cheap things to do in or near Empire, Michigan, including 39 different types of inexpensive activities like Hiking Trails, Beaches, Art Gallery and History Museums.
- From Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore to Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive, there are a variety of budget-friendly attractions in Empire and in nearby cities within 25 miles like Traverse City, Frankfort, Glen Arbor and Leland.
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87
0.4 Miles
98%
1266 votes
9922 Front Street, Empire, MI 49630
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The Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore in Empire offers hiking and biking paths, paddle boating and kayaking, and climbing on the dunes. Multiple trails are featured and there is also a driving trail with scenic stops.
4.0 Miles
98%
437 votes
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, Empire, MI
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The Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive in Empire features views of the Sleeping Bear Dunes. It has many stopping points where you can park the car and admire the views, with an option to ride bikes along the trail.
0.1 Miles
The Empire Bluff Trail is a 1.5-mile hilly round trip trail overlooking Lake Michigan. The trail, not completely open in the winter, is built through beech-maple forests, fields, and around dune plants.
0.1 Miles
Empire's Pyramid Point Trail features views of Lake Michigan and is open year round. The trail offers steep sand dunes and is open to both children and adults of all ages.
0.6 Miles
Lake Michigan Beach Park, located in the city of Empire, is a public beach and park with a pavillion and the working Manning Lighthouse. It also includes the shore of Empire Bluffs and the Empire Bluff Hiking Trail.
0.1 Miles
Dunes Trail is a steep trail in Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. The 3.5-mile hike along steep dunes requires two to four hours to compete and ends at Lake Michigan.
0.1 Miles
Old Indian Trail is a hiking trail that traverses woods, passes through dunes, and ends at a secluded beach. The trail is a loop, so hikers do not have to retrace their steps to return to the beginning.
0.1 Miles
Located in the Sleeping Bear Dunes, the Platte Plains Trail is composed of several loops that create a total trail of just under 15 miles. Three viewing sites reveal Lake Michigan, and there are a few intermediate skill level ski trail sections.
0.6 Miles
Located on Lake Michigan, Empire Beach is a small community beach open to the public. Visitors to the beach commonly enjoy activities like swimming, having picnics, or relaxing in the sand.
5.0 Miles
A horse drawn carriage service company, Black Horse Farms offers a variety of services. In addition to hay rides, sleigh rides, and carriage rides, the company offers wedding carriages for a memorable wedding party event.