Sleeping Bear Dunes overlooking Lake Michigan.

National Lakeshore · Lake Michigan

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

Expansive dunes, forest and long beaches on Lake Michigan.

Photo: en:User:Grod028 · Public domain

Sleeping Bear Dunes.jpg by en:User:Grod028 · Public domain. Resized and converted to WebP; display crops vary.

Plan a trip around it

On the coast

About Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

Explore scenic overlooks, trails and shoreline along Michigan's northwest coast.

LakeLake Michigan
RegionMichigan
Representative coordinates44.8800, -86.0600
Park typeNational Lakeshore
BeachYes
CampingYes

Live · Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

What's going on right now.

Weather, alerts, the water, the sky and local headlines, gathered from official sources as you read.

Gathering the latest conditions…

National Weather Service Environment Canada NOAA buoy observations Aurora forecast

Live data from the U.S. National Weather Service, Environment and Climate Change Canada, NOAA's National Data Buoy Center and Space Weather Prediction Center; headlines link to the publishers. Sun and moon times are calculated. Conditions change quickly—check official forecasts before going on the water. Not for navigation.

Best time

July and August for swimming and island ferries; late September to mid-October for fall color along the bluffs.

Time needed

1–2 days

Best months

Don't miss

Highlights of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.

  • Drive the Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive to the Lake Michigan Overlook, perched on a bluff high above the water.
  • Scale the Dune Climb for views of Glen Lake; push on to Lake Michigan only if ready for a long, hot round trip through sand.
  • Explore historic Glen Haven and the maritime museum in the former life-saving station at Sleeping Bear Point.
  • Take the seasonal ferry from Leland to South Manitou Island for its lighthouse, old-growth cedars and an offshore shipwreck.

Know before you go

Tips for visiting Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.

  • An entrance pass is required; buy one online or at the Philip A. Hart Visitor Center in Empire.
  • Resist descending the bluff at the Lake Michigan Overlook — the climb back is grueling, and rescues are slow and costly.
  • Bring water and sun protection for the Dune Climb; the sand is fully exposed and can get very hot.
Great for Beaches & dunes Trails, cliffs & waterfalls Shipwrecks & maritime history Camping & dark skies

Get your bearings

On the shoreline.

Loading the map. The links and itinerary below are always available.

Representative location; not a verified entrance or navigation aid.

Black-and-white basemap by OpenStreetMap. Great Lakes highlighted in color. Hold Ctrl (or Command) while scrolling to zoom. Use two fingers on touch screens.

Lake outlines: Natural Earth (public domain). Town centers: GeoNames (CC BY 4.0). Not for navigation.

Good to know

Questions about Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

Where is Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore?
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is on the Lake Michigan shore of Michigan. It is roughly 16 miles in a straight line from Point Betsie Lighthouse.
When is the best time to visit Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore?
July and August for swimming and island ferries; late September to mid-October for fall color along the bluffs.
How much time do you need at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore?
Allow 1–2 days to explore Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.
Does Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore have a beach?
Yes. Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore has a Lake Michigan beach. Check local beach advisories and swim conditions before going in the water.
Can you camp at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore?
Yes. Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore offers camping. Summer sites can book up early, so reserve through the official park system.

Travel well

Make it a good visit.

Check access before leaving.

Opening hours, parking, permits and step-free access change by season. Confirm your needs with the official destination; a map pin is not an entrance.

Give the shoreline time.

Leave room for weather delays and a quieter side trail. Stay on marked paths, respect closures and support the local communities that make the coast special.

Travel thoughtfully

Look beyond the air forecast.

Waves and water temperatures can tell a very different story. Use marine forecasts and local beach advisories before any water activity.

Official weather resources

Nearby

More places to visit near Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.

Approximate straight-line distance between representative pins—not driving distance, a ferry route or an access recommendation.

About 16 miles · Michigan

Point Betsie Lighthouse

A landmark white tower on the Lake Michigan shore.

Explore place

About 23 miles · Michigan

Traverse City

A northern Michigan favorite between bays and rolling countryside.

Explore place

About 64 miles · Michigan

Petoskey

Little Traverse Bay views and a historic downtown in northern Michigan.

Explore place

Road trips

Put this place on a longer route.

7–10 days

Lake Michigan Circle Tour

Connect shoreline towns, beaches and cities around Lake Michigan.

View the itinerary

Events

Seasonal traditions on this coast.

These events share the region and lake—not necessarily this destination. Confirm current dates with organizers.

Early July (dates may begin in June)

National Cherry Festival

Traverse City's summer celebration of the region's cherry-growing identity.

Organizer & event guide