Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
National Lakeshore ยท Michigan
NPS Photo
Protected area in Michigan, United States
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is a U.S. national lakeshore in the northwestern Lower Peninsula of Michigan. Located within Benzie and Leelanau counties, the park extends along a 35-mile (56ย km) stretch of Lake Michigan's eastern coastline, as well as North and South Manitou islands, preserving a total of 71,199 acres. The park is known for its outstanding natural features, including dune formations, forests, beaches, and ancient glacial phenomena. The lakeshore also contains many cultural features, including the 1871 South Manitou Island Lighthouse, three former stations of the Coast Guard, and an extensive rural historic farm district.
About Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
Miles of sand beach, bluffs that tower 450โ 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 parkโs rich maritime, agricultural, and recreational history.
Park Photos
Activities
Operating 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.
| mon | tue | wed | thu | fri | sat | sun |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| All Day | All Day | All Day | All Day | All Day | All Day | All Day |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to enter Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore?
Commercial Entrance - Sedan: $25.00. Sedan 1-6 Person Capacity $25.00 + $10.00 Per Person 16 years or older (up to a maximum of $40.00) Commercial Entrance - Van: $40.00. Van 7-15 Person Capacity $40.00 Commercial Entrance - Mini-bus: $40.00. Mini Bus 16-25 Person Capacity $40.00 Commercial Entrance - Motor Coach: $100.00. Motorcoach 26+ Person Capacity $100.00 Entrance - Private Vehicle: $25.00. Entrance pass - vehicle 1-7 day.
What are the best activities at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore?
Popular activities at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore include: Auto and ATV, Scenic Driving, Astronomy, Stargazing, Biking, Camping, Backcountry Camping, Group Camping.
What is the weather like at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore?
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.
How do I get to Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore?
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
Entrance Fees
Sedan 1-6 Person Capacity $25.00 + $10.00 Per Person 16 years or older (up to a maximum of $40.00)
Van 7-15 Person Capacity $40.00
Mini Bus 16-25 Person Capacity $40.00
Motorcoach 26+ Person Capacity $100.00
Entrance pass - vehicle 1-7 day.
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.
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
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Official Resources
NPS Official WebsiteMore Parks in Michigan
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