Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshoe Continues to Reopen Areas Closed Due to Storm Damage

Date: August 10, 2015

There are only a few areas still closed to the public within Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore (Lakeshore). The closure signs at the dune face of the Lake Michigan Overlook (Stop #9) on the Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive have been removed. The Lakeshore always recommends that visitors enjoy the spectacular view from the top of the dune on the overlook and not risk the need for rescue by going down to the Lake Michigan shore. The Lakeshore has also opened the Dune Trail at the top of the Dune Climb from where it enters the Sleeping Bear Dunes Wilderness (Post #4) to Lake Michigan, and the Bay View Trail.  The DH Day Group Campground is again allowing group camping.

The Lakeshore areas that remain closed are the DH Day Campground, Valley View Campground, Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail (Heritage Trail) from Glen Haven to the Crystal River Trailhead, and the Alligator Hill Trail. The DH Day Campground may reopen for the weekend. Volunteers from the Friends of Sleeping Bear Dunes and National Park Service crews are working to reopen the Heritage Trail between Glen Haven and Glen Arbor. The remaining sections of the Heritage Trail, the Alligator Hill Trail, and Valley View Campground were heavily impacted by the storm and it is unknown at this time when they will reopen.