LAKE ANN PRIVATE FIELD GUIDE
Rolling the Dunes in a 23‑window Samba: A Private VW Bus Drive Through Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive
A 4–6 hour private outing that places you in a restored 1975 23‑window VW bus for a leisurely loop along the 7.4‑mile Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive with pickup provided and an optional guided National Park hike.
Rolling the Dunes in a 23‑window Samba: A Private VW Bus Drive Through Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive.
Ride a vintage VW microbus along the winding 7.4‑mile Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive inside Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, stopping at overlooks that open across Glen Lake and Lake Michigan and moving through forested curves and dune country for a personalized, unhurried lakeshore experience.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Rare commercial access to Pierce Stocking Drive
This private tour operates under a commercial use permit that allows guided drives and hikes along Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive—access that isn’t widely available and that makes the tour a singular way to experience the lakeshore.
Atlas: a restored 23‑window Brazilian Samba VW bus
The outing centers on a restored 1975 Volkswagen Type 2 Brazilian Deluxe Kombi—nicknamed Atlas—a 23‑window Samba‑style microbus that invites open‑air travel with a full moon roof and bench seating for a small private party.
Sweeping lake views and fresh Big Lake air
Stops at scenic overlooks deliver expansive views across Glen Lake and Lake Michigan, while the open bus and shoreline setting bring crisp, restorative lake air into every moment of the drive.
What the day feels like
What the tour actually feels like
The trip unfolds as a relaxed circuit along Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive: a 7.4‑mile loop threaded through forest and dunes, punctuated by overlooks where the group steps out to take in Glen Lake and Lake Michigan. The pace is personal and unhurried, with the vintage bus providing an open‑air conveyance and the option to add a guided National Park hike for those who want to stretch the outing beyond the road.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this private VW bus tour suits—and who should look elsewhere.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Private tours run approximately 4–6 hours.
Pickup is provided; the operator travels from Lake Ann and will collect guests within about a 30‑minute radius without adding billable tour time for pick up within that range.
Bring layered clothing (it can be cool with the top down), hair ties or hats (windy or sunny with the moon roof open), and water or drinks in sealed containers (there are no cup holders).
No open alcohol is allowed on the bus.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How many guests does the VW microbus hold?
Maximum guests is 6 people; there are two bench seats that seat three average‑sized people each and an extra spill‑over passenger seat by the driver, but the guest cap remains 6 to ensure the vehicle can perform on hills.
How far will the driver travel for pickup?
The operator lives in Lake Ann and will travel approximately 30 minutes in any direction to pick up your party; longer distances may require added billable tour time.
Can we add extra time to the tour on the fly?
Depending on the operator’s schedule for the day, yes—for an extra fee the tour can be extended; the operator typically plans only one tour per day, which makes extensions possible but subject to availability.
Do you host children?
No; due to liability issues related to lap seat belts, insurance, and waivers, the operator cannot host guests younger than 18.
What is the age limit for guests?
All guests on wine tours must be at least 21 years old; all guests on non‑alcoholic tours must be 18 years or older.
What make and model is the bus?
Atlas is a 1975 Volkswagen Type 2 Brazilian Deluxe Kombi (23‑Window “Samba” style) that was restored in Brazil, imported to the U.S., and is owned and registered by Wander with Direction LLC.
What is it like to ride in Atlas?
Atlas is fully restored with a new engine but remains a quirky vintage vehicle: it has manual transmission, no power steering, no heat or A/C, a somewhat loud engine, and the moon roof must be either fully open or closed.
Is the operator licensed and insured?
Yes; Wander with Direction LLC is registered as a transportation company and limousine carrier with the State of Michigan and carries livery and general liability insurance; the operator and vehicle are licensed and insured for these tours.