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.

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
9922 Front Street
Empire, MI 49630-9797
231-326-5134 - Headquarters
231-326-5134 - Visitor Information
231-326-5134 - Visitor Information

By Plane
The Traverse City Airport (30 miles/51 km from Lakeshore) has connections with Detroit, Chicago and Minneapolis. The Traverse City Airport (TVC) is serviced by Northwest, United and American.

By Car
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.

By Plane
Traverse City has a Greyhound bus station with local buses (BATA) connecting to the Lakeshore.

Getting Around
Visitors explore the park in their private vehicles and via 13 hiking trails located throughout.

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.

Here are some of the activities that are offered at Mount Rainier National Park.

• Auto Touring
• Boating
• Camping
• Educational Programs
• Fishing
• Hiking
• Hunting
• Swimming
• Wilderness Area
• Wildlife Viewing
• Backpacking
• Bird Watching
• Nature Walks
• Stargazing
• Kayaking
• Scuba Diving
• Snorkeling
• Cross Country Skiing
• Snowshoeing

Recommended Activities
Favorite activities include the Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive and the ever-popular Dune Climb. Ranger-led walks, campfire programs and other activities are available in July and August. The park has an excellent Maritime Museum which is open during the summer months; a daily re-enactment of a Life-Saving Service rescue is the highlight of every afternoon (specifically directed toward kids!).

Arrangements for large-group guided tours may be made in advance any time of the year. The Junior Ranger Program is available to kids from 6 to 16 all year long. Details are available at the Visitor Center.