Sleeping Bear Dunes
National Lakeshore

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore encompasses a 60 km (35 mi.) stretch of Lake Michigan's eastern coastline, as well as North and South Manitou Islands. The park was established primarily for its outstanding natural features, including forests, beaches, dune formations, and ancient glacial phenomena. The Lakeshore also contains many cultural features including a 1871 lighthouse, three former Life-Saving Service/Coast Guard Stations and an extensive Rural Historic Farm District. Authorized: October 21, 1970. Acreage: 56,993, federal, 14,194 non-federal.

VISITATION:

We are an extremely busy park during the peak months of July and August with numbers slightly lower in June. May and September are moderate fringe seasons during which we accommodate many school groups and Senior Citizen tour buses; this is a perfect time to camp if you seek relative solitude in your outdoor experience. October's color season brings a boost in visitation during the weekends, but the colors display just as well all week long! While the winter months are certainly our least-visited times, there are many that partake in the cross-country skiing and snowshoe-tour opportunities that present themselves during that season. After all, we are a 'Winter Wonderland'!

 

LOCATION:

The park is located in Michigan's northwestern Lower Peninsula, at the base of the Leelanau Peninsula, 43 km (25 miles) west of Traverse City.

 

ADDRESS:

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
9922 Front St.
Empire, Michigan 49630

TELEPHONE:

(231) 326-5134
(231) 326-5382 FAX

 

OPERATING HOURS, SEASONS:

The park operates on a year-round basis. The Visitor Center is open seven days a week with the exception of federal holidays during the winter months. Summer hours are 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.; the remainder of year the Center is open 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

The Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive is open April 24 to May 21 from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.; May 22 through September 13 from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.; September 14 to October 18 from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.; and October 19 through November 11 from 9:00 a.m. to 8 p.m.; thereafter it will be closed for the season.

The Maritime Museum buildings are open seasonally from, 10:00-5:00; the grounds are open year-round. The Cannery, which houses historic watercraft, is open seasonally from 11:00-3:00.

The Dune Climb is open 24-hours, year-round.

 

CLIMATE, RECOMMENDED CLOTHING:

Northern Michigan always demands the best in preparedness from its visitors. You want to come equipped for any condition that may present itself as lake-borne weather patterns can change swiftly. The well-advised visitor dresses in layers, prepared for anything from cool incoming fog banks to sweltering sun to biting insects to absolutely perfect Michigan weather, which happens more often than one would be led to believe!

Sturdy footgear is always a must when traversing wooded trails. Sandals and bare feet do not hold up well to the rigors of the forest floor! Keep those handy for The Dune Climb and the beach - otherwise, always go sensible when it comes to shoes/boots.

 

DIRECTIONS:

Travel west from Traverse City on M-72, or north from Frankfort on M-22, or south from Leland on M-22. The Philip A. Hart Visitor Center is located on M-72 at the east edge of the village of Empire.

 

TRANSPORTATION:

Motor vehicle access from Michigan's Upper Peninsula: cross the Mackinac Bridge, southbound on I- 75; exit I-75 on US-31 (Petoskey/Charlevoix) to the west side of Traverse City; turn left on M-72 to Empire (25 miles/43 km). Alternatively, you could stay on I-75 South to M-72 at Grayling. Travel M-72 westward through Kalkaska to Traverse City and onward to Empire. Access from points south by US 31, US 131, US 27, or I- 75, through Traverse City and onward to Empire as above. Also from the south by M-22 from Ludington/Manistee/Frankfort.

The Traverse City Airport (30 miles/51 km from Lakeshore) has connections with Detroit and Chicago. Traverse City also has a Greyhound bus station with local buses connecting
to the Lakeshore.

In Park: personal vehicle, bicycle (only where a vehicle can travel - no off-road mountain biking is allowed in the park), local bus, tour buses.

The Manitou Islands are accessible by personal boat (anchoring offshore only) or commercial walk-on ferry from Leland.

 

FEES, COSTS, RATES:

Park Pass: $7 (valid up to seven days), Annual Pass: $15.00 (valid until Dec. 31). Commercial Tour fees are as follows: Sedan (1-6 passengers): $25; Van (7-15 passengers): $40; Mini-bus (16-25 passengers): $40; Motorcoach (26 or more passengers): $100.

Educational Fee Waivers may be obtained by legitimate school groups who are using the park for educational purposes only! Fee Waivers must be obtained IN ADVANCE of the visit by contacting Tom Baker, Visitor Services @ (231) 326-5134.

National Passports: Golden Eagle: $50 (any age, valid for one year from date of purchase); Golden Age: $10 (62 and over, lifetime); Golden Access: No charge (disabled).

Camping fees range from $5.00 per night for backcountry camping to $10.00 per night at our D.H.Day primitive campground to $14.00 per night ($5.00 additional for electric hookup) for our modern campground at the Platte River. Primitive drive-in sites, walk-in sites and group sites are also available. Call 1-800-365-CAMP for peak season reservations. The park code is "SLE"
ON-LINE RESERVATIONS!

Donations are graciously accepted in boxes at various visitor-use sites.

 

FACILITIES AND OPPORTUNITIES:

Visitors Center/Exhibits:

The Philip A. Hart Visitor Center, named in honor of Michigan's highly respected late-Senator, is located on M-72 in Empire. The Visitor Center features an outstanding exhibit area, a beautiful slide production entitled "Dreams of the Sleeping Bear," a large-scale relief map of the park, a quality bookstore outlet area and a courteous, well-informed desk staff. A secondary visitor center is located on South Manitou Island as is the South Manitou Island Lighthouse. The Maritime Museum, hailed as one of the finest in the country, and The Cannery Historic Boat Museum are both located in the historic Glen Haven area.

 

Trails, roads:

The Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive, a seven mile (12 km) self-guided auto tour, offers world-class vistas of the Glen Lakes, the Sleeping Bear Dunes plateau, Lake Michigan, the Manitou Islands and North Bar Lake. The park features thirteen mainland hiking/cross-country ski trails totaling 55 miles (94 km) in addition to nearly countless miles of trails on the islands. We offer great opportunities for enthusiastic day-hikers! Horseback riding is allowed solely on the Alligator Hill hiking trail.

Normal vehicular traffic may access the park via M-22, M-109 and M-209. Numerous unpaved county roads offer more adventurous access - at their own risk, of course...ORV use is restricted to State Law where applicable. Snowmobile and ORV use is prohibited on trails or off-road within the park.

 

Programs/Activities:

Ranger-led walks, campfire programs and other activities are available in July and August. Arrangements for large-group guided tours may be made in advance any time of the year. Schools may also wish to have a ranger spend some time in the classroom: we are always happy to accommodate educational pursuits. The Junior Ranger Program is available to kids from 6 to 16 all year long. Details are available at the Visitor Center.

 

Lodging and camping facilities:

D.H. Day Campground is open from mid-April through November. It is a primitive campground, with vault toilets, and potable water; no trailer hookups. $10/night. Group sites available. (231)334-4634

The Platte River Campground, open year-round (thanks to the fee program), is fully modern, including electric hookups and restrooms with hot water and coin-operated showers. $14/night + $5 for electricity. Group sites and walk-in sites are available. (231)325-5562

Reservations may be made by calling 1-800-365-CAMP [2267]; (park code: "SLE") or via the Internet Reservations system as of January 5, 1999.

Generators are prohibited in the Platte River Campground; generator use is allowed in the D.H.Day Campground at sites 1 - 31 between 9 am and 6 pm.

Two mainland backcountry campgrounds are available for self-contained backpackers. Mainland backcountry facilities are available for winter use!
Backcountry camping is also available on both Manitou Islands.

While there are no lodging facilities within the park at this time, there are many lodges, cabins, motels, bed & breakfasts, and private homes/cottages available throughout the area. Major chain motels are available in Traverse City.

Benzie County Chamber of Commerce
(Benzonia, Beulah, Frankfort, Honor, Crystal Mt., etc.)

Local Lodging/Chamber of Commerce

Traverse City Chamber of Commerce

Food/supplies:

Restaurants, grocery and hardware stores are available in Empire, Glen Arbor, and other surrounding towns.

 

Other Concessions/NPS-Managed Facilities and Opportunities:

Interpretive bookstore sales outlets, located at the main Visitor Center and at the DuneCenter are operated by Eastern National, the park's cooperating association.

The Dune Stand, the concession facility which has been at the Dune Climb area for many years has been turned over to NPS management with the retirement of the concession operator. Mrs. Warnes decided that 35 years of service was enough... Thank you, Elsie! - many of our visitors will miss you being there.

The facility will now be known as The DuneCenter, an interpretive and bookstore outlet facility under the wing of Eastern National, the park's cooperating association. EN administers our sales outlets and, in turn, provides funding to the park for interpretive purposes, publications and other worthwhile NPS needs in addition to providing local employment by staffing the facilities. We are looking forward to the opportunity of expanding our facilities and to provide outstanding goods and services to our visitors! See you at The DuneCenter! Open May 15 through October 30.

Canoes, kayaks and tubes may be rented for trips down the Betsie, Crystal and
Platte Rivers.

Manitou Island Transit, which provides ferry service to the islands also operates tours of the South Manitou Island historic farming district. Reservations are highly recommended. 616-256-9061 (Office) or 616-271-4217 (Off Season)

Accessibility:

Each of the major sites are largely accessible. A wheelchair is available for use and may be borrowed at Empire Visitor Center. A tape recorder with recorded tours of the Accessible Duneside Trail is also available at the Visitor Center. The Visitor Center slide program is captioned upon request. The park dispatch office is equipped with TDD service.

 

Special Needs:

Parking for visitor vehicles and buses is available at each mainland site. There is no vehicle access to the Manitou Islands.

 

RECOMMENDED ACTIVITIES/PARK USE:

Most visitors stop at the Visitor Center in Empire to see the exhibits and orientation slide program as well as seeking information from park staff, purchasing their Park Pass and to browse and buy from the bookstore outlet.

The Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive provides visitors with world-class vistas, trails and beautiful picnicking sites. Obviously, the Dune Climb is considered a must-do activity by anybody who is physically fit enough to accept the challenge. The Maritime Museum and the Cannery are excellent facilities to learn more about the area's history.

Fishing, swimming, and beach-walking along Lake Michigan are all popular activities in the park. Numerous inland lakes provide excellent panfish and gamefish opportunities. Canoeing, kayaking and tubing are variously available on the Betsie, Crystal and Platte Rivers.

Mountain bikes are not permitted on park trails but several unpaved county roads offer park sightseeing opportunities. Bicycles are allowed anywhere vehicles are permitted. Horses are permitted only on the Alligator Hill Hiking Trail.

Hunting is permitted in season with a state license for deer, small game, turkey. There is a special annual deer hunt held on North Manitou Island that provides an excellent wilderness hunting experience. Contact park dispatch for further details.

Gathering apples, mushrooms, and certain other natural foods is permitted for personal use only and in limited quantities.

Visiting South Manitou Island!

Visiting North Manitou Island!

RESERVATIONS/PERMITS:

Park Passes are available at the Visitor Center, the Platte River Ranger Station, the Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive, the Dune Climb, the D.H. Day Campground and dockside in Leland for visitors heading to the islands. Golden Eagle, Golden Age and Golden Access Passports are available at the Visitor Center.

The park's campgrounds basically operate on a first come, first served basis; group sites as well as 47 regular sites at the Platte River may be reserved by calling 1-800-365-CAMP. Also, a new Internet Reservations system is in effect as of January 5, 1999. Backcountry camping permits are available at the Visitor Center, at the Platte River Ranger Station and on the islands.

Permits for Hang Gliding, Paragliding, and Powerless Radio-controlled Model Aircraft are available at no charge at the Visitor Center. All permitees must be licensed/certified by their respective organizations.

 

BASIC VISIT RECOMMENDATIONS:

The diversity of park activities and features lends itself to serve any travel itinerary. If you are planning a quick pass-thru on your way to another destination, a few hours touring the Scenic Drive and a quick Dune Climb satisfy the physical as well as the cerebral recreationist. You'll get a great taste of the park and will probably want to return with the park as a destination. By the same token, if you are planning on spending your entire two-week vacation here, you can do it without ever running out of things to do. There are an incredible number of recreational and educational opportunities for the entire family...and we haven't even mentioned the Manitou Islands yet! The islands can be an adventure all to themselves or just a great component of your trip. North Manitou requires a minimum of one overnight visit, departing for the mainland the following morning. South Manitou can be enjoyed as a day-trip since the boat does not depart the island for several hours after arrival. It may also be enjoyed for several days if you so choose!

 

SPECIAL EVENTS, PROGRAMS:

SNOWSHOE HIKES! This year's snowshoe hikes were a HUGE success! Thanks to all who participated and to Ranger Marie Scott for doing such a great job... See you out there next year!

The Dune Climb is ready for sand-climbing again. Pack the sleds away and get out your sandals!

VISITOR IMPACTS:

Visitors are asked to remain on established trails, especially through the dunes, in order to protect the fragile vegetation.

Pets with a maximum 6-foot (1.9 m) leash are permitted on hiking trails, but not on the Dune Climb, ski trails, or other specific areas of the park. Pet owners are encouraged to pick up a copy of the park's pet regulations to ensure a pleasant visit for all. Pets are not permitted on certain designated beaches; the regulations sheet will specify those areas.

Glass is not allowed on any beach.

Visitors are asked to cooperate with protection of the Piping Plover nesting areas by avoiding use of those beaches and by maintaining control of their pets at all times.

 

ADJACENT VISITOR ATTRACTIONS:

Numerous area attractions include nearby lighthouses, museums, arts & craft fairs, music festivals, vineyards, orchards, charter fishing, scuba diving, horseback riding, bicycling, golf and, during the winter, downhill and cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling.

 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

Write Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, 9922 Front St., Empire, Michigan, 49630. Telephone (231) 326-5134.

Visit our Virtual Visitor Center for more information on the park!

You are visitor < HEIGHT="12" ALIGN="BOTTOM"> since April 14, 1998.

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Last Updated:Thursday, 02-Sep-99 14:54:26
http://www.nps.gov/slbe/ Author: T.M. Baker