sleeping-bear-dunes | MI | Find park

Sand and pebbles in foreground with turquoise water in background

Lake and beach

A bright sun begins to set into Lake Michigan

Sunset viewing is a favorite activity--especially from the Lake Michigan overlook.

An overlook of two blue lakes surrounded by trees with fall leaves

Glen Lakes overlook

A trail overlooking a large lake at sunset

Empire Bluffs Trail

Waves crashing to shore with sand dunes in the background

Glen Haven Beach

A stunning lake surrounded by the setting sun

Narada Lake at Sunset

North Bar Lake Sunset

Sand dunes at the Lakeshore

Physical Address:

9922 Front Street

Empire, MI 49630

Mailing Address:

9922 Front Street

Empire, MI 49630

contact-details

Phone Number: 2313264700 Voice

Email Address: sleepingbearinfo@nps.gov
Description:

Fees

Entrance Fees

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.

Entrance Passes

Annual Entrance - Park: $45.00

Sleeping Bear Dunes Annual Pass

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.

park designation:National Lakeshore

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

For detailed directions, please visit this link.

Directions

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.

Weather Information:

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.