• Looking out at the lake

    Sleeping Bear Dunes

    National Lakeshore Michigan

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  • Some restrooms and trash cans not available until Memorial Day

    Changes to visitor service due to Sequestration. Other than those at the visitor center and campgrounds, restrooms and trash cans will not be available until Memorial Day Weekend and will close after Labor Day. This includes the Manitou Islands. More »

  • Maritime Museum closed

    The Maritime Museum and Boathouse are closed until further notice.

For Kids

duneclimb

Climbing the dunes

tery Phipps 2005

Let’s climb the Dunes! Race you to the top! How fast can you run down? Do you think I could roll all the way down? No doubt one of the biggest attractions for the young people is to head to the Dune Climb.

After you get sand in your hair and clothes, it’s time to head for the lake and let the cool clean water of Lake Michigan. Build sand castles on the beach or body surf on the Lake Michigan waves.

 
heroes

Kids help the ranger save the survivors of a shipwreck at the Maritime Museum

Kerry Kelly 2005

Ranger-led Programs
Heroes of the Storm is a re-enactment of a turn-of-the-century shipwreck rescue. This program is designed especially for children and requires some audience participation. This is held at the Maritime Museum. Once a week, we fire the Lyle Gun which was used as part of the rescue process for more than 75 years.

Each evening, there is a free Ranger Program at various places in the park. These are fun for young and old alike. Check the Schedule of Events to learn about the different topics and when and where they will be presented.

Did You Know?

Night Sky

The night sky is vital to many plants and animals that call Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore home and it holds a variety of meanings for many cultures. An unpolluted night sky is especially valuable to humans wishing to experience natural darkness, shooting stars, or the Milky Way.