Do you have a spare $3,000 burning a hole in your pocket? No? Then make sure to plan ahead before taking a trip to Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore in Michigan. Over a million people visit the area annually to hike across the gorgeous dunes and swim in the sparkling waters. While these sights entice visitors, they can also overshadow the landscape's potential dangers for unprepared guests. Here's what you need to know to stay safe and avoid shelling out the money for a rescue mission.
"The dune plateau is a vast area with rolling hills that have all been formed from the glaciers," a park ranger explains in a video on the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Park Service website. "Probably the number one reason that so many folks need help here in the dune plateau is they basically underestimate how difficult or strenuous the hiking can be in the dunes."
© Danielle Walquist Lynch
Heat exhaustion, dehydration, and more await unprepared guests. Thankfully, thinking ahead can save you from trouble and make your visit to Sleeping Bear Dunes more enjoyable. One area that often gives visitors trouble is the Dune Climb. The site features dunes that rise to 284 feet tall. While charming lakeside views reward hikers who reach the top of the Dune Climb, the challenging journey isn't one to take lightly.
In 2014, Sleeping Bear Dunes recorded 47 search and rescue operations. As Preventative Search and Rescue (PSAR) program volunteer Kerry Kelly told Bridge Michigan, "Sleeping Bear Dunes had one of the highest call frequencies of any of the National Parks back in those days."
© Danielle Walquist Lynch
Today, the PSAR program cuts down on rescue missions by dispatching volunteers to advise guests before they begin their dune journey. Some of the supplies recommended for visitors include water, sunscreen, snacks, and good shoes. Don't let the sandy ground fool you; on a hot day, shoeless guests can expect extreme discomfort.
If you're planning a trip to Sleeping Bear Dunes, check this list of additional safety guidelines before visiting. With a little preparation, you can enjoy the sandy shores without worry.
Enjoy these adorable puppy pictures for National Dog Day
Made-up birds, scientific fraud, and the bird-watching world's strangest mystery
Geocaching is your ticket to adventure - here's how to get started
A 'rare' baby rhino just arrived at Florida's Lion Country Safari
Death Valley National Park closes after rare flooding event