Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore runs along the eastern shore of Lake Michigan in the northwest Lower Peninsula. The National Park Service describes miles of sand beach, bluffs that tower 450 feet above the lake, forests, inland lakes and a long human history in coastal villages and farmsteads. 1

What to see

The park's own pages point visitors to the Dune Climb, the Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive, Glen Haven and the Philip A. Hart Visitor Center in Empire. 23 North and South Manitou Islands are part of the lakeshore; access is by private boat or the passenger ferry named on the park directions page. 3 High dunes give long views across Lake Michigan. 1

Best seasons

The lakeshore is open 24 hours a day. Campgrounds, visitor centers and other services have their own hours, and the park says availability changes by season. 2 Winter skiing and snowshoeing are on our Winter page. For fall color, the park posts updates on its current conditions page; this site does not guess a peak week. 4

How to get there

Most people arrive by car on M-22, then the M-109 loop about two miles north of Empire for the Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive, the Dune Climb, Glen Haven and D. H. Day Campground. 3 The visitor center is at 9922 Front Street, Empire, MI 49630. 3 The closest city the park names is Traverse City, about 25 miles east. 3

Tips

  • Start at the visitor center for a map and what is open that day. 2
  • The park lists an entrance fee. Read the fees page rather than a number copied here. 2
  • Do not bring firewood into the park. The park asks visitors to help keep the forest healthy. 2
  • Island docks and facilities can close for repairs. The current conditions page is the place to check. 4

Safety

Shoreline ice, steep dunes and changing lake weather are hazards the park warns about on its winter and conditions pages. This page does not report today's wind, ice or trail status. Read the NPS current conditions page before you go. 45