• Looking out at the lake

    Sleeping Bear Dunes

    National Lakeshore Michigan

There are park alerts in effect.
show Alerts »

  • 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.

Tweddle Schoolhouse

Tweddle Schoolhouse

Tweddle Schoolhouse

Kerry Kelly 2007

The Tweddle Schoolhouse is located right on M-22 about 2 miles south of Empire on the west side of the road. It was built in about 1895 and served the little farming community until the schools were consolidated and the building was converted to a residence. The bell tower was removed, but the exterior of the building displays much of its original character as a school. Note the two entrances: one for boys and one for girls. A row of lilac bushes borders the school yard.
 
Pelky Barn

Pelky Barn next to the Tweddle School

Kerry Kelly 2007

The barn next door to the school is the Pelky barn. It was built about 1875, and is the only building of the farmstead remaining. The L-plan, timber-frame, and vertical board siding is typical of barns of northern Michigan.

Did You Know?

Field Trips

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is a popular field trip destination for school groups.  Students can learn about geologic formation of the sand dunes, the fauna and flora that make this area home, and the logging and farming history as the area developed. More...