Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

Usual hours

• Mon–Sun 0:00–0:00

From 56 published days, 2026-10-17 to 2026-12-11; community-mapped.

About

This park's official page lists: Pet-friendly (leashed).

Entrance / day-use fee applies.

This park's official page lists: Restrooms, Visitor center, Picnic areas, Showers, Store / concessions.

Events

• Yoga on the Beach
• Fall Bird Migration Walk - Otter Creek
• Fall Bird Migration Walk - North Bar Lake
• 10 am -12 pm, 1- 3 pm, Pop-in Program -- Out of Sight, Out of Mind: The Hidden Journey of Your Trash
• Sleeping Bear Storytime
• Dune Plateau Geology Hike
• National Public Lands Day Celebration

Before you go

Limits

Picnic areas are available at the Dune Climb, Glen Lake, Glen Haven, Good Harbor Beach, Loon Lake, Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive, and the Platte River Picnic Area

Limits

Pets are not permitted on the Dune Climb Trail or Sleeping Bear Point Trail

Limits

Launching, landing or operating unmanned aircraft in Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is prohibited except as approved in writing by the superintendent

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

Weather & when to go

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.

Park alert: 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.

History

Opened

1970

• Park opened
• Sleeping Bear Dunes Wilderness opened