Fees & Passes

Passes are good for entry into all areas of the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Passes are non-transferable and generally non-refundable. Show the pass to rangers at entrance stations at the Dune Climb and Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive or place your pass on your vehicle dashboard if you park within the Lakeshore. If you park outside the Lakeshore boundary (see park map) and enter the Lakeshore on foot or riding a bicycle, carry your pass with you.
 

Park Entrance Pass - $25.00

Per private vehicle (valid for 1-7 days from date of purchase)

Park Entrance Pass - Motorcycle - $20.00

Per motorcycle (valid for 1-7 days from date of purchase)

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.

 

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 available for educational groups that apply prior to their visit to the park.


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

Fee Free Days

Your Fees Benefit the Park

 

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

 

Where to purchase a pass

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 Lakeshore Passes after hours in the following places:

Platte River Point - Year-round


Seasonal Self-Pay Fee Canisters are available at the following locations. These canisters are available mid-May to mid-Oct. Availability may change due to weather and staffing capacity. When fee canisters are unavailable, visitors are expected to purchase a pass at another location.

 

• North Bar Lake Self-Pay Fee Canister
• Esch Beach Self-Pay Fee Canister
• Peterson Beach Self-Pay Fee Canister
• 669 Beach Self-Pay Fee Canister
• 651 Beach Self-Pay Fee Canister
• Maritime Museum Self-Pay Fee Canister
• Platte River Picnic Area Fee Canister
• D.H. Day Campground Office Off-season Self-Pay Fee Canister
• Platte River Campground Office Off-season Self-Pay Fee Canister