Current Conditions

Alerts

 

Full moon at dawn. March 4, 2026. Esch Beach.

NPS/E. Sunblade

Current Conditions - 2026

Winter Conditions

As of March 18, 2026:

• 2-3 feet of fresh snow on trails and grounds. Snowshoes or cross-country skis, trekking poles, walking sticks, or other traction devices, such as shoe chains, are recommended.
• The Dune Climb is open for sledding. The easternmost row of the parking lot is open for parking. Follow directional signs and use caution as the road is one lane in the winter months.
• Lake Michigan shoreline ice is never safe.
• Visit the Friends of Sleeping Bear Dunes winter conditions webpage for Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail grooming updates.

Open facilities

• Philip A. Hart Visitor Center
• Dune Climb - The easternmost row of the parking lot is open for parking. Follow directional signs and use caution as the road is one lane in the winter months. The entrance station and access road are closed. Park passes can be purchased at the Philip A. Hart Visitor Center or online.
• Lakeshore trails and trailheads
• Platte River Campground

Closed facilities and roads

• The Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive (open for hiking and walk-in recreation)
  • The drive includes steep inclines that may become hazardous due to wet leaves, wind, and rain, which can create slippery and unsafe conditions. Visitors are advised to use caution.
• Dune Center
• Glen Haven General Store
• Glen Haven Cannery Boat Museum, Maritime Museum, and Blacksmith Shop.
• Port Oneida Farms Heritage Center
• D.H. Day Campground

Manitou Island Access 2026

The National Park Service is relocating the docks on both islands to safer, more sheltered locations. This project addresses damage caused by storms, shifting sand, and high-water levels. It also includes repairing historic buildings and replacing failing infrastructure. Safety and resource protection are the top priorities. For these reasons, all facilities, docks, and utilities on both islands will remain closed until the work is complete.

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

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Lat: 44.811535 Long: -86.05620299999998

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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