Fees & Passes

Overview of entrance requirements

All visitors MUST have

Entrance Passes

Standard Entrance Pass

$15.00–$25.00

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore charges a variety of fees, depending on how a visitor arrives at the park, and whether they're part of a commercial tour group or not.

Park Entrance Pass - $25.00 Per private vehicle (valid for 1-7 days from date of purchase) $25.00 Admits pass holder and all passengers in a noncommercial vehicle. Valid for seven days from the day of purchase.

In-person Purchase Locations

  • Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive

    Credit/Debit Only

  • Philip A. Hart Visitor Center

    Credit/Debit Only

  • Platte River Campground & Ranger Station

    Credit/Debit Only

  • D. H. Day Campground

    Credit/Debit Only

  • Dune Climb

    Credit/Debit Only

Park Entrance Pass - Motorcycle - $20.00 Per motorcycle (valid for 1-7 days from date of purchase)

In-person Purchase Locations

  • Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive

    Credit/Debit Only

  • Philip A. Hart Visitor Center

    Credit/Debit Only

  • D. H. Day Campground

    Credit/Debit Only

  • Platte River Campground & Ranger Station

    Credit/Debit Only

  • Dune Climb

    Credit/Debit Only

Per Person Entrance Pass - $15.00 Visitors 16 years of age or older who enter on foot, bicycle, or as part of an organized group not involved in a commercial tour. Those entering in a private vehicle will not pay the per person fee. They may purchase the 7 day, Annual, or use another federal lands pass for entry.

In-person Purchase Locations

  • Dune Climb

    Credit/Debit Only

  • Philip A. Hart Visitor Center

    Credit/Debit Only

  • Platte River Campground & Ranger Station

    Credit/Debit Only

  • Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive

    Credit/Debit Only

  • D. H. Day Campground

    Credit/Debit Only

For Organizations & Businesses

School Groups An Academic Fee Waiver is required for organized groups visiting the Lakeshore for , educational groups of children who are less than 16 years of age may enter the park free of charge and do not need a fee waiver. (See section 10.1.1) However, the park requires a waiver application to account for the free entry of adult chaperones and to manage park resources. Adults in personal vehicles with an organized youth group visiting for the sole purpose of recreation are not exempt.

Sedan 1-6 Person Capacity $25.00 + $10.00 Per Person 16 years or older (up to a maximum of $40.00)

In-person Purchase Locations

  • Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive

    Credit/Debit Only

  • Philip A. Hart Visitor Center

    Credit/Debit Only

Van 7-15 Person Capacity $40.00

In-person Purchase Locations

  • Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive

    Credit/Debit Only

  • Philip A. Hart Visitor Center

    Credit/Debit Only

Mini Bus 16-25 Person Capacity $40.00

In-person Purchase Locations

  • Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive

    Credit/Debit Only

  • Philip A. Hart Visitor Center

    Credit/Debit Only

Motorcoach 26+ Person Capacity $100.00

In-person Purchase Locations

  • Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive

    Credit/Debit Only

  • Philip A. Hart Visitor Center

    Credit/Debit Only

Annual Entrance - Park

$45.00
Annual Park Entrance Pass - $45.00 Admits pass holder and all passengers in a noncommercial vehicle. Valid for one year from month of purchase. Cashless payments at all staffed locations. Cash accepted at self-pay stations. Valid for 12 months from month of issue.

In-person Purchase Locations

  • Philip A. Hart Visitor Center

    Credit/Debit Only

  • D.H. Day Campground and Ranger Station

    Credit/Debit Only

  • Platte River Campground & Ranger Station

    Credit/Debit Only

  • Dune Climb

    Credit/Debit Only

  • Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive

    Credit/Debit Only

2024 Free Entrance Days in the National Parks

Come experience the national parks! All National Park Service sites that charge an entrance fee will offer free admission to everyone (other fees may apply). Mark your calendar for these entrance fee-free dates:

 
 
 
Graphic with text "Buy your pass online" recreation.gov
















Digital Pass

The 7-day pass can be purchased up to six months in advance through recreation.gov.

Where to Purchase a Pass in the Lakeshore

You can purchase your park pass at any of the following fee collection locations:

  • Philip A. Hart Visitor Center, Empire, MI - Year-round

  • Platte River Campground Office - March to November

  • Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive Entrance Station - Memorial Day Weekend to Labor Day

  • Dune Climb Entrance Station - Memorial Day Weekend to Labor Day

  • D. H. Day Campground Office - May to October

  • Leland Boat Dock - May to September

Automated Pay Stations are available to purchase 7-day passes are available in the following places:
Platte River Point - operates year-round, credit card only

National Lakeshore 7-day and annual passes can also be purchased at these area businesses.

  • Crystal River Outfitters

  • The Homestead Resort (7-day pass sales only)

  • Honor Trading Post

  • Indigo Bluffs RV Park and Resort (7-day pass sales only)

  • Leland Lodge

  • Manitou Island Transit (Interagency America the Beautiful Interagency Annual Pass and Manitou Island Backcountry passes also sold here)

  • Riverside Canoe Trips

PLEASE NOTE - FAILURE TO OBTAIN A PARK PASS MAY RESULT IN A FINE.

Every Kid Outdoors 4th Grade Annual Pass

Have a 4th-grader in the family? Check out this pass.



School Groups

An Academic Fee Waiver is required for organized groups visiting the Lakeshore for education.Organized, educational groups of children who are less than 16 years of age may enter the park free of charge and do not need a fee waiver. (See section 10.1.1) However, the park requires a waiver application to account for the free entry of adult chaperones and to manage park resources. Adults in personal vehicles with an organized youth group visiting for the sole purpose of recreation are not exempt from the entrance fee.

Commercial Visitors

Commercial bus tours are subject to a separate fee schedule based upon the seating capacity of the bus.

Sedan
1-6 Person Capacity
$25.00 + $10.00 Per Person 16 years or older (up to a maximum of $40.00)

Van
7-15 Person Capacity
$40.00

Mini Bus
16-25 Person Capacity
$40.00

Motorcoach
26+ Person Capacity
$100.00

Passes for motorcoach busses (26+ Person Capacity) is $100.00. Payment must be made at the Philip A. Hart Visitor Center or the kiosk station at Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive.

Checks can be made out to NPS and MUST include a tax id number.

Credit Cards are also accepted.


Visit the guided tour webpage to schedule a guide for a commerical tour.


Your Fees Benefit the Park

 

Buy a Digital Pass



Last updated: March 15, 2024

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Contact Info

Mailing Address:

9922 Front Street
Empire, MI 49630

Phone:

231 326-4700

Contact Us