
Photography by KenScottPhotography.com
Top things to do and see in Empire
- Sleeping Bear Dunes Visitor Center: An important spot for anyone looking to explore the Sleeping Bear Dunes, the center will give you all the information you need to fully enjoy the beautiful national park.
- Empire Bluffs Trail: Hike this easy 1.5 mile round trip trail and you will be rewarded with breathtaking views from a high bluff on Lake Michigan’s shoreline.
- Chippewa Run Natural Area: With over 100 acres of protected land, the area serves as a “Gateway to Empire” featuring an easy 1.5 mile trail, a historic apple orchard, a beaver pond and a large population of bird species.
- Empire Area Museum: With such features as Roen’s Saloon, a one-room schoolhouse, a blacksmith shop and several historical displays, there is much to explore in this museum about Empire’s history.
Downtown Empire

Manning Lighthouse at Village Park beach
The Great Outdoors

A trail within the Sleeping Bear Dune National Park.
The Robert H. Manning Memorial Lighthouse

Manning Lighthouse in the distance
For more information about the Empire area:
Empire Chamber of Commerce
PO Box 65
Empire, MI
(231) 326-6081
Empire Chamber of Commerce
To have local information sent to you by mail, please call the Leelanau Chamber at (231) 994-2202.
More Leelanau County Travel Information...
- Discover M-22 in Northwest Michigan's Leelanau County
- The Annual Dune Dash Happens Each August at Sleeping Bear Dunes
- Visit Glen Arbor in Leelanau County
- Visit Northport in Leelanau County
- Visit Scenic Empire in Leelanau County
- Visit Historic Leland and Fishtown in Leelanau County
- Visit Suttons Bay Along in Leelanau County
- Ice Caves of Leelanau County - Available in a Book by Ken Scott
- Viewing the Northern Lights in Northwest Michigan
- Experience the Grand Traverse Lighthouse in the Leelanau State Park
Discover More Things to Do Near Leelanau County...
Things to Do in Leelanau County -- In addition to Fishtown in downtown Leland, be sure to visit some of the other attractions found in Leelanau County.
Things to Do in Benzie County -- In addition to sandy beaches along the Lake Michigan shoreline, the county is home of part of the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, lighthouses at Point Betsie and Frankfort, and the Betsie Valley Trail for hiking and biking along 22 miles from Elberta to Thompsonville.
Northwest Michigan Activities & Things to Do -- While in Northwest Michigan, visit beaches and lighthouses, antiques, art galleries, casinos and wineries and breweries, and more.
Northern Michigan Activities & Things to Do -- Northern Michigan offers many fun things to do for the entire family whatever the season, whatever the reason!
West Michigan Things to Do -- Check this site out for West Michigan activities in the towns of Manistee, Ludington, Pentwater, the Silver Lake Sand Dunes and more.