Empire, MI

Travel Guide

Empire Bluff Scenic Lookout, Empire Bluff Trail, Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, Michigan
Empire Bluff Scenic Lookout, Empire Bluff Trail, Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, Michigan
Sunset at Pierce Stocking Scenic Overlook
Sand dunes of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore in Michigan.
A view from the top of the Dunes as you enter the Pierce-Stocking Scenic Drive in  Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore , Lake Michigan. This dune is 2,000 feet high. You are permitted to hike it. #blue #green

Where to stay in Empire

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Downtown Mmpire

Though Downtown Mmpire might not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Empire Bluff Trail and Little Glen Lake.

Downtown Mmpire
Empire Lakeshore Inn

Empire Lakeshore Inn

2.5 out of 5
11730 S. Lacore Rd Empire MI
The price is ₩136,322 per night from Mar 8 to Mar 9
₩136,322
₩144,501 total
Mar 8 - Mar 9
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this beach motel in Empire. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,000 reviews)
Extremely uneven heat along with some vent outside making noise all night.

Reviewed on Feb 9, 2026

Empire Lakeshore Inn
Dune Climb Inn

Dune Climb Inn

2 out of 5
7194 S Dune Hwy Empire MI
The price is ₩149,037 per night from Mar 8 to Mar 9
₩149,037
₩157,980 total
Mar 8 - Mar 9
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Empire. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and free bicycles on site. Popular attractions Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore and Little ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (76 reviews)
Great roadside inn. Room was cozy and perfect. I visited in winter when most tourist amenities are closed, so glad this inn stays open. Fridge, microwave, and fully-stocked coffee machine were very helpful. Everything was clean and staff was very nice to leave the light on for me when I told them ...

Reviewed on Jan 26, 2026

Dune Climb Inn
Blossom Hotel & Suites Traverse City

Blossom Hotel & Suites Traverse City

2.5 out of 5
1614 US 31 North Traverse City MI
The price is ₩89,581 per night from Mar 6 to Mar 7
₩89,581
₩99,430 total
Mar 6 - Mar 7
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Traverse City. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool ...
9/10 Wonderful! (2,270 reviews)
Room was clean and warm

Reviewed on Mar 3, 2026

Blossom Hotel & Suites Traverse City
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Boardwalk Suites & Residences By Kasa

Boardwalk Suites & Residences By Kasa

2 out of 5
232 E State St Traverse City MI
Stay at this aparthotel in Traverse City. Enjoy free WiFi, a rooftop terrace, and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions City Opera House and Old Town Playhouse ...
9/10 Wonderful! (97 reviews)
This is the second time staying at the Boardwalk. Different rooms both times. This time the room was just not as clean as the first time. Dirty dishes were put back in the cupboards and we had to re-wash and there was a lot of hair in the shower that was left from previous tenant.

Reviewed on Feb 23, 2026

Boardwalk Suites & Residences By Kasa
Pinestead Reef Resort

Pinestead Reef Resort

4 out of 5
1265 N US Highway 31 N Traverse City MI
Book a stay at this beach apartment in Traverse City. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a private beach. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (600 reviews)
The room was amazing as well as the staff!

Reviewed on Feb 28, 2026

Pinestead Reef Resort
Kasa 539 Bay Street Traverse City

Kasa 539 Bay Street Traverse City

4 out of 5
539 Bay St Traverse City MI
Stay at this condo in Traverse City. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and balconies or patios. Popular attractions West End Beach and City Opera House are located ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (53 reviews)
Everything was great!!!!

Reviewed on Mar 1, 2026

Kasa 539 Bay Street Traverse City
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Reviews of Empire

4.3
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
25
5 - Excellent 40%
4 - Good
29
4 - Good 47%
3 - Okay
7
3 - Okay 11%
2 - Disappointing
1
2 - Disappointing 2%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

A great place to visit for the natural beauty of the m22 area and fabulous wineries and of course the Sleeping Bear dunes. Although we didn't go to the dunes we have been there several times in the past. Just a beautiful area to be in!

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

I love this beautiful area - full of nature and many available outdoor activities. Empire seems to be right in the center, between Traverse City and Northport Mi ! You can leave Empire for the day in any direction&you will find good food etc.

5/5 - Excellent

SB

I think it’s a great hotel to stay at if you want to do the Sleeping Bear Dunes, information center is right across the street

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

Beautiful sunset on Lake Michigan, and nice beachfront. Town has limited restaurants, and the ice cream store closed early after Labor Day weekend.

2/5 - Disappointing

Verified traveler

Very small, quiet town. Nice antique stores. Close to a very nice beach. Food choices very limited and all were horrible.

4/5 - Good

Jeff

Small town near a nature preserve, it's exactly what you are expecting. Few quaint shops for mom, chocolate shop, bar/pizzaria, cafe, gas station all within a block. 7 minutes away from Sleeping Bear Dunes is nice.