You’ve Got To Be Bluffing

Nestled in the heart of the Sleeping Bear National Lake Shore and right on the shores of Lake Michigan lies Empire; the cutest little beach village who’s biggest claim to fame is their annual Asparagus festival and jaw dropping bluff views. With a population of just about 400 people, Empire charms it’s way into your heart with unique little shops and unbeatable scenic beauty year round.

Empire may be tiny but it has a lot of to offer. Starting first with the annual Asparagus Festival that the town celebrates every third weekend in May. It’s three day celebration packed full of activities, games, and of course asparagus! Test your cooking skills and enter your own asparagus recipe in the Asparagus Cook-Off or show off your artsy side with the Asparagus Poetry Competition. If you’re not into cooking and more into eating you can always attend Asparagus Eats, which includes both local wine and beer tasting. The festival also includes a parade completely dedicated to asparagus, a 5k FunRun/Walk, and live music all weekend long. Plus, if you love asparagus just like me, during the month of May and into June the asparagus crop is phenomenal in the Empire area and many restaurants and farm stands offer fresh asparagus available daily!

While the asparagus festival may be exciting, it really isn’t an authentic trip to Empire unless I visit the bluffs. A personal favorite of mine, the Empire Bluff Trail is 1.5 miles round trip. Most of the trail conquers hilly terrain but the view at the end is definitely worth the hike.

Lookout from halfway point on the trail

The trail ends as the steep bluffs drop right into Lake Michigan. You’re suddenly hundreds of feet above the village of Empire and the beautiful turquoise waters of Lake Michigan. Pictures do not even begin to do it justice. To experience the bluffs up close and personal is absolutely breathtaking, you feel as if you’re on top of the world.

If you’d like a chance to get out on the water or spend a day at the beach, visit Lake Michigan Beach Park. Not only can you relax and soak up the sun you can also stay for one of the many stunning sunsets over Lake Michigan and even build a campfire in one the beach’s public fire pits.

Instead of lounging on the beach, Sleeping Bear Surf and Kayak in Empire offers you the chance to surf Lake Michigan. With daily surfboard and wetsuit rentals and surf lessons, you’ll be shredding the waves in no time. If you’re not that adventurous, they also offer bike, paddleboard, and kayak rentals as well as being a complete surf and skate shop for all your surfing and skating needs.

Finally, if you’re in Empire you absolutely have to conquer the dune climb at the Sleeping Bear Dunes. After reaching the top of the first dune, you’ll have an amazing view of neighboring Glen Lake. If you have the extra time and energy you can make the 3.5-mile hike/climb all the way to Lake Michigan. This normally takes 3-4 hours so hopefully you packed your walking shoes and plenty of water! My one word of advice: do not ever attempt this climb on a hot sunny day. The sand becomes very hot and abrasive which makes the hike no fun. You are also basically in a desert when you’re up in the dunes and high temperatures will only intensify your disillusionment. You’ll end up coming back down and sitting beneath a shady tree instead of climbing the legendary behemoths.

Empire continues to steal my heart with every visit. It truly is one of kind with its amazing views and comforting small town feel. Whether you spend a week in Empire or even just a day, you’ll be sure to make plans to visit again. Once you’re here, you can never let it go!