As a beach town oasis tucked into the shores of Lake Michigan, Empire is a haven for outdoor recreation enthusiasts, especially water lovers. Visitors to the shores of Lake Michigan enjoy a lake full of possibilities. Choose from kayaking, stand up paddleboarding or even surfing! With over 35 miles of pristine beaches and sandy bluffs up to 500 feet above Lake Michigan, Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is a perfect place to get out on a kayak or paddleboard. Paddling on the lake is a great way to see the Dunes and glacial moraine bluffs that make our corner of the world so unique.
Empire is the perfect getaway for freshwater surfers who love the waves and the sand, but aren’t big on the sharks. If you’re a newbie to the surfing game, make sure to take a local surfing lesson before hitting up the waves.
Lake Michigan may be beautiful, but it’s also unpredictable! Kayakers and surfers must be prepared for cold temperatures, high winds, fog, and rough seas that may occur at any time. Make sure you have sea kayak (not a recreational kayak), a wet/dry suit, and plenty of experience.
