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For the Birds

Spring is the prime birding time at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Over 240 species of birds have been recorded among the forests, fields, lakes, and dunes of this spectacular Lake Michigan preserve, including over 120 confirmed breeders. Local specialties include piping plover, upland sandpiper, bobolink, trumpeter swan, and numerous spring warblers. Nesting piping plovers can be found easily in the Sleeping Bear Dunes Lakeshore, and less than two hours away are nesting Kirtland's warblers.
Stay a week in May in Empire, a charming village in the heart of the National Lakeshore, and bird, hike, hunt for morels, enjoy the wildflowers, and play to your heart's content. Your weekly rental of $1200 includes the guide services of expert local birder and naturalist Don McNew for three mornings in different Lakeshore ecosystems. Don, a former park naturalist at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, has been birding in the area for over 25 years and will customize your birding trips according to the species you desire to see.

Rentals

Hello and welcome to EmpireRentals.com where we list vacation rental homes in Empire and Leelanau county, Michigan. Located in the heart of the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, Empire is a small town on Lake Michigan. Because of it's location Empire is the perfect vacation spot. In the area you will find Glen Lake, Glen Arbor, Leeland, Traverse City and sandy Lake Michigan beaches all over.

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Empire Holly House

sleeps: 6
Location: Empire
More Information

Named for the holly bushes in front of the house, it is located right on Front street in downtown Empire. Within two blocks of this rental house you will find: Empire beach, a small grocery store, ice cream parlor, Post Office, library with computers, and The Friendly (known far and wide for it's wonderful burgers). This house has all the comforts of home, but still has the relaxed feeling of small town living.

Weeks Available

Empire Dune House

sleeps: 8
Location: Empire
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Spacious two story renovated house with iron spiral staircase, hardwood and tile floors downstairs; carpet and hardwood upstairs. Centrally located on the village main street, house is within three blocks of: Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore Visitors Center, library with computers and internet access, kayak rental shop, antique and gift stores, Tiffany's Ice Cream Parlor, the Friendly restaurant, and more. Also just three blocks away is Empire Beach, where you can roast marshmallows in a fire pit while you enjoy a beautiful sunset, hoping to catch a glimpse of the Green Flash.

Weeks Available

Empire Corner Cottage

sleeps: 5
Location: Empire
More Information

This house has retained its historic charm, with hardwood floors and original wood trim throughout. Centrally located on the village main street, house is within three blocks of: Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore Visitors Center, library with computers and internet access, kayak rental shop, antique and gift stores, Tiffany's Ice Cream Parlor, the Friendly restaurant, and more. Also just three blocks away is Empire Beach, where you can roast marshmallows in a fire pit while you enjoy a beautiful sunset, hoping to catch a glimpse of the Green Flash.

Weeks Available