Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore (U.S. National Park Service)

QUICKLINKS:

The Best Nature Escape in the Midwest

Welcome to one of the most beautiful natural areas in Michigan’s Lower Peninsula. Come and enjoy 35 miles of Lake Michigan's coastline, explore North and South Manitou Islands, and of course climb the dunes!

Click Here to download a copy of the 2009 Visitor Guide (pdf file, 5,555 kb).

Click Here for information about the Fee Free Day on Veterans Day, November 11, 2009.

Philip A. Hart Visitor Center

The Visitor Center is located on M-72 in Empire, MI. Come and learn more about the National Lakeshore. Hearing technology is available at the Front Desk and for Ranger-led Programs - Click Here for more information. Rangers and volunteers are on duty every day to answer your questions about the park and the surrounding area.
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		Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive Take a drive along the seven-mile Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive to learn about the geology, plant life, and history while you enjoy beautiful views of the dunes and Lake Michigan, Glen Lake, and the Manitou Islands. Stop and enjoy the observation points and picnic areas located along the drive. more...

		The Dune Climb Everyone wants to climb the dunes! Head north on M-22 from Empire and take M-109 to The Dune Climb. The whole family will have fun climbing the huge dune of pure wind-blown sand to a beautiful view of Glen Lake. You will also find restrooms, drink and snack vending machines, and the Dune Center bookstore. There is also a large picnic area at the base of the dune. more...

		Glen Haven Explore the history of the area by visiting Glen Haven, a restored logging village located on the shore of Lake Michigan. Hearing technology is available at the General Store for Ranger-led Programs - Click Here for more information. Tour the Sleeping Bear Point Life-Saving Museum and learn about the men who lived and worked here. Visit the General Store and the Glen Haven Blacksmith Shop, and watch a blacksmith mold iron bars into household articles, or walk through the Cannery Boat Museum to see a collection of wooden boats used on the Great Lakes.

Write to

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
9922 Front Street
Empire, MI 49630

E-mail Us

Phone

Park Headquarters
(231) 326-5134

Visitor Center
(231) 326-5134 ext. 328

Fax

(231) 326-5382

Climate

Sleeping Bear Dunes is located in northern lower Michigan. Summer days have highs ranging from upper 70's to 90's with lows typically in the 50's to 70's. Winter days have highs ranging from 20's to 30's and lows in the 10's to 20's. Snow is usually on the ground from late November through March.