News Release

Sleeping Bear Dune Is Modifying Operations To Implement Public Health Guidance

Date: April 14, 2020

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, in response to guidance from the CDC, United States Public Health Service, and the Benzie-Leelanau District Health Department, is announcing additional modifications to operations to support federal, state, and local efforts to slow the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).

Effective April 14, 2020, all Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore trails, trailheads, picnic areas, parking areas, and boat launches will be closed until further notice. In addition, there will be a temporary ban on beach fires in the National Lakeshore. Previous closures of the visitor center, campgrounds, and restrooms will remain in place.

The health and safety of our visitors, employees, volunteers, and partners at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is our number one priority. The National Park Service (NPS) is working servicewide with federal, state, and local authorities to closely monitor the COVID-19 pandemic. We will continue to assess the need for the closures and will notify the public as soon as we are able to resume operations. Updates can be found at www.nps.gov/slbe and on park social media channels.