Current Conditions

Alerts

 

April 5, 2024 - An evening view of the Platte River outlet with the Dune Plateau beyond.

NPS Emily Sunblade

Current Conditions - 2024

Prescribed Fire Updates

In early April there were prescribed fires near Bass Lake/Otter Creek and Good Harbor Bay. Here are answers related to frequently asked questions.

• A little smoke after a prescribed fire, especially an area that has never been burned before, is to be expected.
• There is no threat of the fire escaping and causing any damage.
• Ranger staff will be patrolling the area regularly over the next week.
• Additional rain in the 10 day forecast will continue to extinguish any lingering smoke.
• Visitors should remain on trail for safety. Fire crews worked diligently to extinguish concerns immediately along roads and trails for visitor safety. Smoking material further off the trail has been intentionally left to durn and complete the natural fire process.
• Last spring's prescribed fire on the south-west side of Lake Michigan Rd means there is little chance of a fire spreading should any burning material cross the road, which is highly unlikely to begin with.

Trail Conditions

As of April 9, 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 facilities:

• Philip A. Hart Visitor Center
• Dune Climb
• Lakeshore trails and trailheads, with the exception of the Cottonwood Trailhead and the Old Indian Trail.

Closed facilities and roads:

• 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
• Glen Haven 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.

 

 

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