National Seashore and Lakeshore · NPS · MI
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
Photo: NPS Photo, Glen Lakes Overlook
Alerts and conditions
Information Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive Annual Closure
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.
Information Fall Hunting Seasons
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.
Weather Small Craft Advisory issued November 8 at 3:48PM EST until November 9 at 5:00AM EST by NWS Gaylord MI
* WHAT...Highest gusts up to 30 kts from the northwest and
highest waves around 6 feet.
* WHERE...Portions of Lake Michigan.
* WHEN...Until 5 AM EST Monday.
* IMPACTS...Conditions will be hazardous to small craft.
What to do: Inexperienced mariners, especially those operating smaller vessels, should avoid navigating in hazardous conditions.
Read the full alert · Until Nov 9, 2026, 10:00 AM
Overview
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.
From the National Park Service
History
The designation history for this site (every law, proclamation and order, and the administration behind each) is being researched and checked by the Library’s historians.
What to see and do
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
Plan your visit
Hours
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore: The Lakeshore is open 24 hours a day. Campgrounds, visitor centers, and facilities have separate hours, however, please see descriptions of those facilities elsewhere.
Glen Haven Cannery and Boat Museum: https://home.nps.gov/places/000/glen-haven-cannery-boat-museum.htm
Glen Haven General Store: https://www.nps.gov/places/000/glen-haven-general-store.htm
Glen Haven Blacksmith Shop: https://www.nps.gov/places/000/glen-haven-blacksmith-shop.htm
Maritime Museum and Boathouse: https://www.nps.gov/places/000/maritime-museum.htm
Fees and passes
- Commercial Entrance - Sedan — $25.00
- Commercial Entrance - Van — $40.00
- Commercial Entrance - Mini-bus — $40.00
- Commercial Entrance - Motor Coach — $100.00
- Entrance - Private Vehicle — $25.00
- Entrance - Motorcycle — $20.00
- Entrance - Per Person — $15.00
- Annual Entrance - Park — $45.00
The America the Beautiful pass covers entrance fees at federal recreation lands across all four agencies.
Getting there
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
Visitor centers
- South Manitou Island Visitor Center
- Philip A. Hart Visitor Center
- Port Oneida Heritage Center
Campgrounds
- D. H. Day Campground (87 sites) — reserve
- D. H. Day Campground Group Campground (4 sites) — reserve
- Weather Station Campground - South Manitou Island (23 sites) — reserve
- White Pine Backcountry Campground (6 sites) — reserve
- Village Campground - North Manitou Island (8 sites)
- Bay Campground - South Manitou Island (28 sites) — reserve
- Popple Campground - South Manitou Island (7 sites)
- Platte River Campground (179 sites) — reserve
Weather
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.
Phone: 2313264700
Whose lands these are
These lands are the ancestral and present-day homelands of Native nations. A section on whose lands these are is being prepared with tribal review. In the meantime, Native Land Digital offers a starting point.
Photos
Pair it with
- Gravel Island National Wildlife Refuge FWS · 51 miles
- Michigan Islands National Wildlife Refuge FWS · 54 miles
- Green Bay National Wildlife Refuge FWS · 54 miles
- Manistee National Forest USFS · 73 miles
- Kirtlands Warbler Wildlife Management Area FWS · 81 miles
- Hiawatha National Forest USFS · 88 miles