Recreate Responsibly
Please recreate responsibly so you can protect yourself, us, and our resources. www.nps.gov/planyourvisit/recreate-responsibly.htm
Access questions
Is Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore closed?
No, but most park facilities are closed for the season.
Is the visitor center in Empire open?
The visitor center is open daily from 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. with CDC guidelines in place including social distancing (at least 6 feet) and face coverings. The number of visitors allowed in the building will be limited. Services will be limited to visitor information, restroom use, and purchasing sales items through America’s National Parks, our cooperating association. We are requesting payment via credit or debit card.
Is the Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive open?
PSSD is open to foot traffic with parking at Shauger Hill parking lot at the bottom of the Drive. There is some ongoing work on the entrance kiosk which hikers can avoid.
The Scenic Drive is closed to vehicles for the winter.
What is the status of campgrounds?
The Platte River Campground is open for winter camping.
What safety measures are being taken in the campgrounds?
The park is following all CDC guidelines for cleaning and disinfecting public spaces found at: https://www.cdc.gov/.../pdf/Reopening_America_Guidance.pdf. This includes routine cleaning of outside surfaces, showers and restrooms, plus twice a day deep cleaning/disinfecting of showers and restrooms using EPA approved disinfectants against Covid-19. Our campground offices have implemented once a day disinfecting at opening, then all touched surfaces will be disinfected after each group uses the office, barriers have been installed on the desks, our staff wear masks, and only one group will be allowed into the office at a time. Please call the visitor center at 231-326-4700, ext. 5010 if you have a specific question about one of the park's safety measures at the campgrounds.
Boating, fishing, & hunting questions
Can I still hunt and fish in the park?
The ability to hunt and fish in the park has not changed. Hunters and anglers need to follow all Michigan state hunting regulations. We ask the public to please recreate safely and responsibly. Avoid high-risk outdoor activities, stay in your local area, and follow Leave No Trace. In seeking outdoor recreation, follow CDC guidance to prevent the spread of infectious diseases and comply with state and local guidance.
Miscellaneous questions
Are National Park Service staff present within the Lakeshore?
Yes. Staff are present in the field to maintain public safety, prepare for staged opening, and to protect park resources. NPS employees continue the work to support the NPS mission. In addition, park rangers across the country are creating or expanding virtual educational activities and ranger programs. Some National Lakeshore employees are teleworking, continuing to carry out the mission of the NPS while slowing the spread of COVID-19.
How can I learn about the Lakeshore?
For National Lakeshore information, download the free Sleeping Bear Dunes mobile app for both iphones at Apple itunes and Android phones at Google Play. E-mail us and park rangers will answer any questions about the National Lakeshore. You can also call 231-326-4700 ext 5010 to get your questions answered.
How can I stay connected to the Lakeshore?
Check out our social media sites www.facebook.com/sbdnl, www.twitter.com/sleepingbearnps, and www.instagram.com/sleepingbearnps.
And don't forget to Find your Virtual Park! NPS parks and programs are sharing virtual content on their websites and social media. Check out our wildlife webcams, virtual tours, Junior Ranger programs, citizen science videos, even coloring pages. There are countless ways to #FindYourPark from home.
Didn’t find what you are looking for?
For additional answers email us at sleepingbearinfo@nps.gov.