News Release

Sleeping Bear Dunes Delays Seasonal Opening of Facilities

Date: April 21, 2020

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, in response to guidance from the CDC, United States Public Health Service, and 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).  

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is planning to delay the seasonal opening of the following park facilities until July 1, 2020:  

• Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive
• D.H. Day Campground
• D.H. Day Group Campground 
• Platte River Campground 
• White Pine Campground
• South Manitou Island campgrounds and operations (including restrooms and lighthouse)
• North Manitou Island camping and operations (including restrooms)
• Glen Haven (Cannery Boat Museum, Blacksmith Shop, and D.H. Day Exhibit)
• Sleeping Bear Point US Lifesaving Service Station

Facilities that have been temporarily closed due to COVID-19, including the visitor center, Dune Climb, restrooms, trails, and picnic areas, will be opened sooner than July 1 if public health guidance allows. Campground reservations between May 1, 2020 and June 21, 2020, have already received an email with information on refunds. 

As this is a dynamic time, the National Lakeshore will reassess these decisions if there are changes to current public health guidance.

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 notify the public when we resume full operations and provide updates on our website www.nps.gov/slbe and social media channels.   

If contemplating a visit to a national park during this pandemic, the NPS asks visitors to adhere to guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and state and local public health authorities to protect visitors and employees. As services are limited, the NPS urges visitors to continue to practice Leave No Trace principles, including pack-in and pack-out, to keep outdoor spaces safer and healthier.

Updates about NPS operations will be posted on www.nps.gov/coronavirus. Please check with individual parks for specific details about park operations.