Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
MI
About Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
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.
Things To Do
ParkPuzzler
Park Puzzler- a set of puzzles that you can complete while in the park or anywhere!
Visit Glen Haven Historic Village
Glen Haven is the best-preserved cord wood station on the eastern shore of Lake Michigan, and perhaps in the entire Great Lakes. It was a company town, eventually diversifying into farming, canning of fruit, and tourism. Today, the history of Glen Haven is still preserved within several buildings that you can visit during your trip to Sleeping Bear Dunes. In the summer, these buildings are open to visit and staffed with knowledgeable and friendly volunteers.
Explore Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive
Enjoy spectacular views of Glen Lake, undulating sand dunes, and breathtaking views of the grandest of all dunes, with shimmering Lake Michigan as the backdrop. Wind through cool forests of sugar maple and beech trees. Take a moment along the way to enjoy a picnic, take a walk, or just linger in the sunshine.
Biking in the Lakeshore
Where can you bike in the Lakeshore? On public roads or the Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail but not on any other park trails.
Paddle and Fish Loon Lake
Have a picnic on the shore of one of the park’s tranquil inland lakes. A big lake with a sandy bottom, Loon Lake has a new fishing pier and accessible kayak launch.
Float the Platte and Crystal Rivers
Canoe, kayak, or float these calm rivers. Rent equipment near either launch site if you don’t have your own. Great for kids!
Available Activities
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.
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.
Plan Your Visit
Let Roamze help you plan the perfect trip to Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore with AI-powered itineraries.
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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
Entrance Fees
Commercial Entrance - Sedan
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
Van 7-15 Person Capacity $40.00
Commercial Entrance - Mini-bus
Mini Bus 16-25 Person Capacity $40.00
Commercial Entrance - Motor Coach
Motorcoach 26+ Person Capacity $100.00
Entrance - Private Vehicle
Entrance pass - vehicle 1-7 day.
Entrance - Motorcycle
Valid for 7 days. Admits up to 2 private, non-commercial motorcycles with up to 4 total passengers.
Entrance - Per Person
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.
