You Fail, You Pay – The $3,000 Hill at Sleeping Bear Dunes

Many of us have been to the dunes on Lake Michigan: Warren Dunes, Sleeping Bear Dunes, and the Silver Lake Dunes. Some of us have even climbed those dunes; if you have, then you know it ain’t no piece of cake.

Especially if you climb one particular dune at Sleeping Bear.

They call this the “Three Thousand Dollar” dune. No, you will not win $3,000 if you successfully climb it; rather, you may end up paying $3,000 if you don’t.

Get our free mobile app

This dune is 450 feet tall with a steep drop to the Lake Michigan shore. The best way to get to it is to park your car in the designated parking spot and then walk the trail to the dune. Once there, you will be at the top, looking down at the whole steep 450 feet. Whee! Let’s take a run down the dune! It takes just two minutes to reach the bottom.....but then what?

Climb back up, that’s what...but it is not that simple. It can take up to two hours just to climb back...you definitely have to take breaks...but not all climbers make it back up.

That’s where the rescue squad comes in. That’s also where the three thousand dollar payment comes in.

Rescues at Sleeping Bear Dunes aren't always easy. Park Ranger Andy Blake is quoted, “It's not just the National Park Service. We have Leland Fire, Cedar Fire, Glen Lake Fire, Homestead Fire Department, Frankfort Fire Department." That’s where the hefty fine comes in...the park doesn’t charge you – all the fire departments do.

Rescue services utilize ATVs, UTVs, ropes, boats, and rescue baskets. Every summer between Memorial Day and Labor Day, a good handful of fines are paid by people who were stranded.

If you plan this, make sure you are in good health, bring shoes, and bottled water.

And make sure you have enough money in your account.....just in case.