{"id":"nps-slbe","slug":"sleeping-bear-dunes-national-lakeshore","name":"Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore","designation":"National Lakeshore","category":"national-seashore-lakeshore","categoryLabel":"National Seashore and Lakeshore","agency":{"code":"NPS","name":"National Park Service","department":"U.S. Department of the Interior","url":"https://www.nps.gov"},"managedBy":[{"code":"NPS","name":"National Park Service","department":"U.S. Department of the Interior","url":"https://www.nps.gov","unitCode":"SLBE","designation":"National Lakeshore","sourceId":"nps-slbe"}],"states":["MI"],"stateNames":["Michigan"],"location":{"lat":44.92844962,"lon":-86.02706591},"bbox":[-86.206,44.6592,-85.7963,45.1629],"acres":{"value":70565,"kind":"gis-estimate","source":"Computed from the simplified boundary","note":"Approximate. The managing agency publishes official acreage."},"firstProtected":null,"established":null,"administrations":[],"designationHistory":[],"summary":"Miles of sand beach, bluffs that tower 450’ above Lake Michigan, lush forests, clear inland lakes, unique flora and fauna make up the natural world of Sleeping Bear Dunes. High dunes afford spectacular views across the lake. An island lighthouse, US Life-Saving Service stations, coastal villages, and picturesque farmsteads reflect the park’s rich maritime, agricultural, and recreational history.","summarySource":"National Park Service","guide":{},"trConnection":null,"trConnections":[],"trTypes":[],"links":{"official":"https://www.nps.gov/slbe/index.htm","social":{},"recreationGov":null,"alltrails":null,"alltrailsExplore":"https://www.alltrails.com/explore?b_tl_lat=45.1629&b_tl_lng=-86.206&b_br_lat=44.6592&b_br_lng=-85.7963","recreationGovSearch":"https://www.recreation.gov/search?q=Sleeping%20Bear%20Dunes%20National%20Lakeshore","directions":"http://www.nps.gov/slbe/planyourvisit/directions.htm"},"images":[{"url":"https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/structured_data/FDFEAB66-BE14-5198-2192383739CEEA99.jpg","title":"Glen Lakes Overlook","alt":"An overlook of two blue lakes surrounded by trees with fall leaves","caption":"Glen Lakes overlook","credit":"NPS Photo","source":"NPS"},{"url":"https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/structured_data/FE0D1CEF-9466-CDC6-A6A653182170C3EC.jpg","title":"Empire Bluffs at Sunset","alt":"A trail overlooking a large lake at sunset","caption":"Empire Bluffs Trail","credit":"NPS Photo","source":"NPS"},{"url":"https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/structured_data/FE226757-0FCB-FE5B-71F12F996CD0E127.jpeg","title":"Narada Lake at Sunset","alt":"A stunning lake surrounded by the setting sun","caption":"Narada Lake at Sunset","credit":"NPS / Keith Furguson","source":"NPS"},{"url":"https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/structured_data/FE556ADB-0D7C-3B2F-787829EE1D576C60.jpg","title":"North Bar Lake Sunset","alt":"Dunes at sunset surrounded by two lakes","caption":"North Bar Lake Sunset","credit":"NPS Photo","source":"NPS"},{"url":"https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/structured_data/9B141AD2-9C1E-5238-8A58E084C88195F9.jpg","title":"The Night Sky","alt":"A glowing yellow and red northern light display with stars over a body of water","caption":"The Night Sky","credit":"Lauren Utykanski","source":"NPS"},{"url":"https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/structured_data/9B52DFE6-A72E-8E13-3424BB8E6DA8178A.jpeg","title":"Frederick & Margretha Werner Barn","alt":"A tree with white flowers next to a wooden barn with a metal roof","caption":"Frederick & Margretha Werner Barn","credit":"NPS Phillip Stinson","source":"NPS"},{"url":"https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/structured_data/9BB040D4-E074-CD3B-7103FDA0A03A8113.jpg","title":"Blacksmith Shop","alt":"A red barn-like building with two open doors","caption":"Glen Haven Blacksmith Shop","credit":"NPS","source":"NPS"},{"url":"https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/structured_data/2F26A111-DA42-7ABC-FFB0C85114F73146.jpg","title":"Lighthouse","alt":"A white lighthouse next to a two story brick building with a red roofed building in the foreground.","caption":"The South Manitou Island Lighthouse","credit":"NPS","source":"NPS"}],"activities":["Auto and ATV","Scenic Driving","Astronomy","Stargazing","Biking","Camping","Backcountry Camping","Group Camping","Fishing","Guided Tours","Self-Guided Tours - Walking","Self-Guided Tours - Auto","Hiking","Hunting and Gathering","Hunting","Paddling","Canoeing","Kayaking","Junior Ranger Program","Tubing","Skiing","Cross-Country Skiing","Snowshoeing","Swimming","Freshwater Swimming","Wildlife Watching","Birdwatching","Shopping","Bookstore and Park Store"],"topics":["Arts","Farming and Agriculture","Maritime","Lighthouses","Ships and Shipwrecks","Native American Heritage","Schools and Education","Animals","Birds","Fish","Climate Change","Dunes","Forests and Woodlands","Glaciers","Lakes","Night Sky","River and Riparian","Scenic Views","Trails","Unique Species","Endangered","Wetlands","Wilderness"],"fees":[{"title":"Commercial Entrance - Sedan","cost":"25.00","description":"Sedan\n1-6 Person Capacity\n$25.00 + $10.00 Per Person 16 years or older (up to a maximum of $40.00)"},{"title":"Commercial Entrance - Van","cost":"40.00","description":"Van\n7-15 Person Capacity\n$40.00"},{"title":"Commercial Entrance - Mini-bus","cost":"40.00","description":"Mini Bus\n16-25 Person Capacity\n$40.00"},{"title":"Commercial Entrance - Motor Coach","cost":"100.00","description":"Motorcoach\n26+ Person Capacity\n$100.00"},{"title":"Entrance - Private Vehicle","cost":"25.00","description":"Entrance pass - vehicle 1-7 day."},{"title":"Entrance - Motorcycle","cost":"20.00","description":"Valid for 7 days. Admits up to 2 private, non-commercial motorcycles with up to 4 total passengers."},{"title":"Entrance - Per Person","cost":"15.00","description":"If you enter the park on a bicycle or on foot and are at least 16 years old, you need your own entrance pass. Children under the age of 16 don't need an entrance pass."}],"passes":[{"title":"Annual Entrance - Park","cost":"45.00","description":"Sleeping Bear Dunes Annual Pass"}],"hours":[{"name":"Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore","description":"The Lakeshore is open 24 hours a day. Campgrounds, visitor centers, and facilities have separate hours, however, please see descriptions of those facilities elsewhere.","standardHours":{"wednesday":"All Day","monday":"All Day","thursday":"All Day","sunday":"All Day","tuesday":"All Day","friday":"All Day","saturday":"All Day"},"exceptions":[]},{"name":"Glen Haven Cannery and Boat Museum","description":"https://home.nps.gov/places/000/glen-haven-cannery-boat-museum.htm","standardHours":{"wednesday":"Closed","monday":"Closed","thursday":"Closed","sunday":"Closed","tuesday":"Closed","friday":"Closed","saturday":"Closed"},"exceptions":[{"name":"Seasonal Closure","start":"2026-09-30","end":"2027-05-21","hours":{"wednesday":"Closed","monday":"Closed","thursday":"Closed","sunday":"Closed","tuesday":"Closed","friday":"Closed","saturday":"Closed"}}]},{"name":"Glen Haven General Store","description":"https://www.nps.gov/places/000/glen-haven-general-store.htm","standardHours":{"wednesday":"10:00AM - 5:00PM","monday":"10:00AM - 5:00PM","thursday":"10:00AM - 5:00PM","sunday":"10:00AM - 5:00PM","tuesday":"10:00AM - 5:00PM","friday":"10:00AM - 5:00PM","saturday":"10:00AM - 5:00PM"},"exceptions":[{"name":"May 1 - 21","start":"2027-05-01","end":"2027-05-21","hours":{"wednesday":"Closed","monday":"11:00AM - 4:00PM","thursday":"Closes at 4:00PM","sunday":"11:00AM - 4:00PM","tuesday":"Closed","friday":"Closes at 4:00PM","saturday":"Closes at 4:00PM"}},{"name":"Closed July 28 and July 29","start":"2027-07-28","end":"2027-07-30","hours":{}},{"name":"Closed Tuesday Aug. 4","start":"2027-08-04","end":"2027-08-05","hours":{}},{"name":"Closed Wednesday Aug. 12","start":"2027-08-12","end":"2027-08-13","hours":{}}]},{"name":"Glen Haven Blacksmith Shop","description":"https://www.nps.gov/places/000/glen-haven-blacksmith-shop.htm","standardHours":{"wednesday":"11:00AM - 5:00PM","monday":"11:00AM - 5:00PM","thursday":"11:00AM - 5:00PM","sunday":"11:00AM - 5:00PM","tuesday":"11:00AM - 5:00PM","friday":"11:00AM - 5:00PM","saturday":"11:00AM - 5:00PM"},"exceptions":[{"name":"Closed until Spring 2027","start":"2026-10-13","end":"2027-05-31","hours":{"wednesday":"Closed","monday":"Closed","thursday":"Closed","sunday":"Closed","tuesday":"Closed","friday":"Closed","saturday":"Closed"}}]},{"name":"Maritime Museum and Boathouse","description":"https://www.nps.gov/places/000/maritime-museum.htm","standardHours":{"wednesday":"11:00AM - 5:00PM","monday":"11:00AM - 5:00PM","thursday":"11:00AM - 5:00PM","sunday":"11:00AM - 5:00PM","tuesday":"11:00AM - 5:00PM","friday":"11:00AM - 5:00PM","saturday":"11:00AM - 5:00PM"},"exceptions":[{"name":"Closed until spring 2027","start":"2026-10-13","end":"2027-05-31","hours":{"wednesday":"Closed","monday":"Closed","thursday":"Closed","sunday":"Closed","tuesday":"Closed","friday":"Closed","saturday":"Closed"}}]}],"directions":"From the south (Detroit or Chicago areas) :Take US-31, US-131, US-27 to M-115 & M-37, I-75 and M-72 North to Traverse City, then west on M-72 to the Village of Empire. You will see the visitor center as you enter Empire on your right. You may also get to Empire from the south via US-31 to Ludington and then north to Manistee. You can follow either US-31 or M-22 from north of Manistee. From the north (Michigan's Upper Peninsula), take I-75 to Grayling and follow M-72 to Traverse City or take US-31 south","weatherInfo":"Spring: Temperatures usually range from 40 F to 70 F. Rain is common. Summer: Temperatures usually range from from 50 F to 83 F. Rain and sun are equally common. On very sunny days, be prepared with plenty of water--heat exhaustion is common, especially when hiking on the dunes. Fall: Temperatures range from 40 F to 70 F. Fall foliage is at its peak around mid September. Winter: Temperatures range from 15 F to 40 F. Snow is common and is on the ground for most of the winter. Dress in warm layers.","contacts":{"phone":"2313264700","email":"sleepingbearinfo@nps.gov"},"visitorCenters":[{"name":"South Manitou Island Visitor Center","description":"The former general store for the island now serves as a visitor center. It houses an interesting collection of photos and artifacts that tell the story of what life was like for the loggers, farmers, and members of the Life-Saving Service who made the island home.","url":"","lat":45.009783,"lon":-86.094244},{"name":"Philip A. Hart Visitor Center","description":"The Philip A. Hart Visitor Center is located on M-72 just east of the intersection with M-22 in Empire, MI. You will find a wealth of information about the park and the natural and human history of the area. Park passes, brochures, and maps are available at the Information Desk. If you have questions, rangers and volunteers are available to assist you.","url":"http://www.nps.gov/slbe/planyourvisit/visitorcenters.htm","lat":44.81153454723621,"lon":-86.05620324611664},{"name":"Port Oneida Heritage Center","description":"The Port Oneida Heritage Center, at the Olsen farmhouse is operated by Sleeping Bear Forever (previously Preserve Historic Sleeping Bear), a nonprofit partner of the national park. During seasonal open hours the Heritage Center offers exhibits and artifacts in the farmhouse that tell the story of the late 1800s agricultural community of Port Oneida. The large barn is open and people can enjoy the gardens and a small museum store.","url":"https://phsb.org/","lat":44.93623003132944,"lon":-85.94050835465441}],"campgrounds":[{"name":"D. H. Day Campground","description":"The rustic D.H. Day Campground is located in the northern district of the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, on the lower peninsula of Michigan. This beautifully wooded campground is one of the most popular in northern Michigan, with easy access to the Dune Climb, the Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive, and museums and the historic village of Glen Haven. and is located only 2 miles from the restaurants and shops of beautiful downtown Glen Arbor.","url":"https://www.nps.gov/slbe/planyourvisit/dhdaycamp.htm","reservationUrl":"https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/259242","sites":87},{"name":"D. H. Day Campground Group Campground","description":"The D.H. Day Group Campground offers more rustic camping. You will find dirt roads, vault toilets, and ready access to the Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail. There are no electric hook-ups or showers. The campground is located in the northern part of the park roughly mid-way between the Dune Climb and Glen Haven.","url":"https://www.nps.gov/slbe/planyourvisit/groupcamps.htm","reservationUrl":"https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/232457","sites":4},{"name":"Weather Station Campground - South Manitou Island","description":"The Weather Station Campground overlooks Lake Michigan from the bluffs on the south side of the island. Camp sites are well secluded from each other and have fire pits for open fires. Follow the wooded trail past the lighthouse about 1.3 miles to the campground. Bring water filtration equipment since there is no source of purified drinking water. There are 20 individual sites and 3 group sites.","url":"https://www.nps.gov/slbe/planyourvisit/smicamping.htm","reservationUrl":"https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/232456","sites":23},{"name":"White Pine Backcountry Campground","description":"This camp has 6 sites and is located about 2 miles from the Trail's End Road trailhead on the Platte Plains hiking trail south of Empire just off of M-22 and is about 1/2 mile from the Lake Michigan shore where you can obtain fresh water. There is no well water at White Pine, so if you use water from Lake Michigan, it must be treated before drinking it.","url":"https://www.nps.gov/slbe/planyourvisit/white-pine-backcountry-campground.htm","reservationUrl":"https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/10303139","sites":6},{"name":"Village Campground - North Manitou Island","description":"The small Village Campground contains eight first-come, first-served designated campsites, two fire rings and one outhouse. There is a limit of two tents and four people per site. Fires are permitted in the community fire rings at the Village Campground.","url":"https://www.nps.gov/slbe/planyourvisit/nmicamping.htm","reservationUrl":null,"sites":8},{"name":"Bay Campground - South Manitou Island","description":"The Bay Campground is the closest campground to the dock. Bring water filtration equipment because there is no source of purified drinking water. There are 25 individual sites and 3 group sites.","url":"https://www.nps.gov/slbe/planyourvisit/smicamping.htm","reservationUrl":"https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/232456","sites":28},{"name":"Popple Campground - South Manitou Island","description":"The Popple Campground is the furthest from the dock (about 3.5 miles), so you are likely to have fewer people camping there. The campground is close to the beach on the northern tip of the island. Bring water filtration equipment since there is no source of purified drinking water. There are 7 individual sites","url":"https://www.nps.gov/slbe/planyourvisit/smicamping.htm","reservationUrl":null,"sites":7},{"name":"Platte River Campground","description":"Platte River Campground is open year-round and offers a wide variety of camping styles. You can find back-in and pull-through sites for RV's, including electrical hookups; but it also offers beautiful tent sites, walk-in sites for the slightly more adventurous, and group sites (hike-in, tents only) accommodating up to 25 people. There is even a nearby backcountry campground for those who enjoy a great backpacking experience, but don't have the time to head for the Manitou Islands.","url":"https://www.nps.gov/slbe/planyourvisit/platterivercamp.htm","reservationUrl":"https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/232458","sites":179}],"thingsToDo":[],"nearby":[{"slug":"gravel-island-national-wildlife-refuge","km":82},{"slug":"michigan-islands-national-wildlife-refuge","km":87},{"slug":"green-bay-national-wildlife-refuge","km":87},{"slug":"manistee-national-forest","km":117},{"slug":"kirtlands-warbler-wildlife-management-area","km":131},{"slug":"hiawatha-national-forest","km":142}],"hasBoundary":true,"boundarySource":{"name":"NPS Land Resources Division","url":"https://irma.nps.gov/DataStore/Reference/Profile/2224545"},"sources":[{"name":"NPS Data API","url":"https://developer.nps.gov/api/v1/parks?parkCode=slbe"},{"name":"NPS Land Resources Division boundaries","url":"https://services1.arcgis.com/fBc8EJBxQRMcHlei/arcgis/rest/services/NPS_Land_Resources_Division_Boundary_and_Tract_Data_Service/FeatureServer/2"}],"editorialStatus":"draft","synced":"2026-11-09T02:12:45.622Z","alerts":[{"source":"NPS","kind":"Information","title":"Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive Annual Closure","text":"Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive is closed to vehicles for the winter and spring season. If you choose to hike the drive, stay alert for heavy equipment clearing trees and deep sand. Areas may be temporarily closed to hikers. Why is it closed? The drive is on an active dune. Winter storms and heavy snow can damage hundreds of trees. Strong winds blow deep sand atop walkways, parking lots, and the road itself.","url":"https://www.nps.gov/places/000/pierce-stocking-scenic-drive.htm","updated":"2026-11-02 00:00:00.0","id":"nps-FEF77434-BDD3-4038-BD2F-A8E84DD584CC"},{"source":"NPS","kind":"Information","title":"Fall Hunting Seasons","text":"Michigan has many designated hunting seasons for different animals. Several of these hunting seasons overlap and begin mid-September. Hunting is permitted within Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore in accordance with Michigan state laws and regulations. Hunting is not permitted within 450 feet of popular sites within the park, which are listed in the Superintendent's Compendium. Wearing brightly colored clothing is recommended for visitors.","url":"https://www.michigan.gov/dnr/things-to-do/hunting/hunting-season-calendar","updated":"2026-09-14 00:00:00.0","id":"nps-7AC60BAF-D4C0-4CDD-A83A-F5FA059FA1AC"},{"source":"NWS","kind":"Small Craft Advisory","severity":"Minor","title":"Small Craft Advisory issued November 8 at 3:48PM EST until November 9 at 5:00AM EST by NWS Gaylord MI","text":"* WHAT...Highest gusts up to 30 kts from the northwest and\nhighest waves around 6 feet.\n\n* WHERE...Portions of Lake Michigan.\n\n* WHEN...Until 5 AM EST Monday.\n\n* IMPACTS...Conditions will be hazardous to small craft.","instruction":"Inexperienced mariners, especially those operating smaller\nvessels, should avoid navigating in hazardous conditions.","url":"https://alerts.weather.gov/search?id=urn%3Aoid%3A2.49.0.1.840.0.9dc4cb427d0b5f0681ef619573f16607143e4078.003.1","starts":"2026-11-08T15:48:00-05:00","ends":"2026-11-09T05:00:00-05:00","id":"nws-urn:oid:2.49.0.1.840.0.9dc4cb427d0b5f0681ef619573f16607143e4078.003.1"}],"url":"https://directory.labs.trlibrary.com/sites/sleeping-bear-dunes-national-lakeshore/","boundaryUrl":"https://directory.labs.trlibrary.com/boundaries/sleeping-bear-dunes-national-lakeshore.geojson"}