Current Conditions

Alerts

 

Otter Creek on a summer afternoon

NPS Photo / M. Adams

Current Conditions - 2025

Water Safety

August and September are the months with the warmest Lake Michigan water temperatures. Review water safety tips before your next beach visit.

Crowds

Explore these areas before 10 am or after 4 pm when there are less crowds, lower temperatures, and better parking spots.

• Dune Climb
• Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive
• Empire Bluff Trail
• Pyramid Point Trail

Open facilities

• Philip A. Hart Visitor Center
• Dune Climb
• Lakeshore trails and trailheads
• Platte River Campground
• D.H. Day Campground
• The Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive
• Glen Haven General Store, Cannery Boat Museum, Maritime Museum, and Blacksmith Shop.
• Dune Center
• South Manitou Island Lighthouse and South Manitou Island Visitor Center
• Port Oneida Farms Heritage Center

Closed facilities and roads

• North Manitou Island Village and Dock

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.

Drones

Drone use is prohibited at Sleeping Bear Dunes.

 

Shipwreck Safety Note

2025 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.

Lightning

Summer thunderstorms around Lake Michigan move fast and can be violent. Seek shelter for thirty minutes if you hear thunder. If you are on the water or on the dunes during a storm you are at a higher chance of being struck.

 

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Current Weather Conditions in Empire, Michigan

Hazardous Weather Conditions

Lat: 44.811535 Long: -86.05620299999998

Last updated:

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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