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What else could this thriving town be called after a side-wheeler steamer and then a schooner, both named Empire, were grounded and icebound in the late 1800's at this port? The lumber industry soared here, making the Empire Lumber Company one of the largest in the state. After the trees were gone; potatoes, apples, peaches, and cherries flourished in the sandy soil. The main source of recreating lies along the 1,000 feet of Lake Michigan coastline. The panoramic views from Empire Bluff Trail are beyond spectacular. Empire is situated at the middle of an 80,000-acre park, the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Here a perfect check-in point is the Visitor's Center where museum displays, information on trails, local history, geology, gift items, and public restrooms are available. Empire is one town where commercialism has left untouched, and the residents take great pride in their history and surroundings. The Sleeping Bear Dunegrass and Blues Festival celebrates life Up North annually in August.
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