Current Conditions

Alerts

 
A metal sape bucket hangs from a maple tree with a field beyond.
February 27, 2024 - A sap bucket hangs from a maple tree in a field in the Port Onieda Rural Historic District.

NPS Merrith Baughman

Current Conditions - 2024

Trail Conditions

As of March 5, 2024 - Signs of spring are beginning to show around the Lakeshore. There is currently no snow, and the area has received rain. Plan for wet and muddy trails. Leave no trace by walking through mud puddles instead of stepping around them. Walking around wet areas in the trail widens the trail and causes damage to the trail infrastructure.

Fire Danger

A mild winter with little snow may lead to dry conditions in the spring. Check out the Great Lakes fire danger map before building a fire. Remember, fires are only allowed in metal fire rings and at the beach between the waterline and the first dune.

Open:

Closed:

  • The Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive is closed for the annual winter and spring vehicle closure. It is open to foot traffic until it reopens to vehicles. The drive opens to vehicles a few weeks after all threat of snow and ice have passed, whch is usually late April or early May. This video shows the work that takes place to open the drive in the spring.
  • South Manitou Island Lighthouse and Visitor Center
  • General Store
  • Dune Center
  • Glen Haven Cannery Boat Museum, Blacksmith Shop, and Maritime Museum
  • Old Indian Trail and surrounding area

Pets

You and your pets are welcome to enjoy the park together in select areas. This includes most hiking trails and specific stretches of beach. Check out the details on the Pets in the Park page.

 

Platte River Campground Closure May 2024

Platte River Campground will be closed for the month of May 2024 while it undergoes pavement preservation.

As a result, reservations will not be released for the month of May 2024.

Availability will continue to be released on a 6-month rolling basis from June 1 through October 15, 2024.

If the project is completed ahead of schedule, the campground will reopen, and sites will be released for booking on recreation.gov.

 

Shipwreck Safety Note

2024 Lake Michigan water levels have exposed many shipwreck parts. Please view these wrecks safely from the beach. Walking on wrecks can damage the historic artifact. Your safety is at risk from rusted metal, exposed nails, and unstable structures.

Ticks

Ticks have been found as early as February this year. Find tick and other safety information on the safety page.

 

Invasive Species News

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    How can I learn about the Lakeshore?

    • Attend a ranger program. Check out the calendar of events.
    • For National Lakeshore information, find Sleeping Bear Dunes in the free NPS app: search "National Park Service" at Apple iTunes and Google Play.

    How can I stay connected to the Lakeshore?

    Stay up to date by visiting our Social Media webpages: Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram

    Last updated: March 5, 2024

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    Contact Info

    Mailing Address:

    9922 Front Street
    Empire, MI 49630

    Phone:

    231 326-4700

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