Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore — Front Street
Empire, MI Hours and Location

9922 Front Street
Empire, MI   49630Driving Directions
Phone: (231)326-4700(231)326-4700 Maps & Directions

https://www.nps.gov/slbe/planyou...

National Lakeshore

Operating Hours & Seasons

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

The Lakeshore is open 24 hours a day. Campgrounds, visitor centers, and faciites have separate hours, however, please see descriptions of those facilities elsewhere.

Standard Hours

• Sunday:Open 24 hours
• Monday:Open 24 hours
• Tuesday:Open 24 hours
• Wednesday:Open 24 hours
• Thursday:Open 24 hours
• Friday:Open 24 hours
• Saturday:Open 24 hours

Fees & Passes

Entrance Fees:

• $15.00 - Park Entrance Pass
  Per private vehicle (valid for 1-7 days from date of purchase)
• $10.00 - Park Entrance Pass - Motorcycle
  Per motorcycle (valid for 1-7 days from date of purchase)
• $7.00 - Per Person Entrance Pass
  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.

Entrance Passes:

• $30.00 - Annual Park Entrance Pass
  Admits pass holder and all passengers in a noncommercial vehicle. Valid for one year from month of purchase.

About

A place in which to play, dream, refresh, create

Miles of sand beach, bluffs that tower 450’ above Lake Michigan, lush forests, clear inland lakes, unique flora and fauna make up the natural world of Sleeping Bear Dunes. High dunes afford spectacular views across the lake. An island lighthouse, US Life-Saving Service stations, coastal villages, and picturesque farmsteads reflect the park’s rich maritime, agricultural, and recreational history.

Directions

From the south (Detroit or Chicago areas) :Take US-31, US-131, US-27 to M-115 & M-37, I-75 and M-72 North to Traverse City, then west on M-72 to the Village of Empire. You will see the visitor center as you enter Empire on your right. You may also get to Empire from the south via US-31 to Ludington and then north to Manistee. You can follow either US-31 or M-22 from north of Manistee. From the north (Michigan's Upper Peninsula), take I-75 to Grayling and follow M-72 to Traverse City or take US-31 south

Visitor Centers

Philip A. Hart Visitor Center

The Philip A. Hart Visitor Center is located on M-72 just east of the intersection with M-22 in Empire, MI. You will find a wealth of information about the park and the natural and human history of the area. Park passes, brochures, and maps are available at the Information Desk. If you have questions, rangers and volunteers are available to assist you. South Manitou Island Visitor Center

The former general store for the island now serves as a visitor venter. It houses an interesting collection of photos and artifacts that tell the story of what life was like for the loggers, farmers, and members of the Life-Saving Service who made the island home.

Weather

Spring: Tenperatures usually range from 40 F to 70 F. Rain is common. Summer: Temperatures usually range from from 50 F to 83 F. Rain and sun are equally common. On very sunny days, be prepared with plenty of water--heat exhaustion is common, especially when hiking on the dunes. Fall: Temperatures range from 40 F to 70 F. Fall foliage is at its peak around mid September. Winter: Temperatures range from 15 F to 40 F. Snow is common and is on the ground for most of the winter. Dress in warm layers.

Permits and Reservations Information