Leelanau County, MI · Great Lakes

Empire Beach (Lake Michigan Beach Park)

The village-run public beach in Empire — a 6.7-acre park where South Bar Lake meets Lake Michigan, with views straight out to South Manitou Island and the Sleeping Bear Dunes bluff just north.

Today's Conditions

Skip the beach today.

Thunderstorms · 63°F air

Full NWS forecast for Today

A chance of showers and thunderstorms before 2pm, then a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms between 2pm and 5pm. Partly sunny. High near 63, with temperatures falling to around 61 in the afternoon. North wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%. New rainfall amounts less than a tenth of an inch possible.

Tonight

Patchy fog after midnight. Partly cloudy, with a low around 54. North wind 0 to 5 mph.

Weather

63°F air — chilly for a beach day
30% rain — pop-up showers possible

Water

62°F water — chilly — expect a gasp entering

Safety

Thunderstorms — stay off the water when storms approach

19 /100

skip

1 Swim

46 Sunbathe

24 Walk

34 Photo

Best for sunbathing today

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Atmosphere

Air Temp

63°F

Partly Cloudy

Wind

5 mph

Rain

30%

Today

Tomorrow

69°F

Patchy Fog then Partly Sunny

Water

Water Temp

62°F

Cold

Water Quality

Clean

7 cfu/100mL · E. coli

USGS · sampled 9mo ago

Sun & Moon

Sunrise

5:59 AM

Sunset

9:34 PM

Moon · 80%

Waxing Gibbous

Neap tides — smaller range

7-Day Beach Day Forecast

Today Jun 25

63°

Chance Showers And Thunderstorms

30%

Fri Jun 26

69°

Patchy Fog then Partly Sunny

Sat Jun 27

70°

Patchy Fog then Sunny

Sun Jun 28

76°

Mostly Sunny then Slight Chance Rain Showers

15%

Mon Jun 29

80°

Chance Showers And Thunderstorms then Partly Sunny

37%

Tue Jun 30

76°

Slight Chance Rain Showers then Partly Sunny

16%

Wed Jul 1

77°

Chance Showers And Thunderstorms then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms

43%

What to Bring Today

recommended Wetsuit or expect a chill Water is 62°F
optional Light cover-up, watch for pop-ups 30% rain chance

Always remember water bottle, trash bag (leave no trace).

Beach Info

Parking

$1 parking fee in season; free off-season. Small lot fills on hot weekends.

Dogs

Dogs permitted on leash. Owners must clean up.

Entry Fee

Free

Address

10484 W Niagara St, Empire, MI 49630

Amenities

restroomspotable waterpavilionplaygroundpicnic tablesgrills

7-Day Tide Chart →

Full high/low predictions for the next week at Empire Beach (Lake Michigan Beach Park).

7-Day Weather →

Extended forecast for Empire Beach (Lake Michigan Beach Park) from the National Weather Service.

Frequently Asked

Is Empire Beach (Lake Michigan Beach Park) dog-friendly?

Dogs permitted on leash. Owners must clean up.

Is there an entry fee at Empire Beach (Lake Michigan Beach Park)?

Entry to Empire Beach (Lake Michigan Beach Park) is free.

Are there lifeguards at Empire Beach (Lake Michigan Beach Park)?

No lifeguards are stationed at Empire Beach (Lake Michigan Beach Park). Swim at your own risk and keep close watch on children.

What amenities are at Empire Beach (Lake Michigan Beach Park)?

Amenities at Empire Beach (Lake Michigan Beach Park) include restrooms, potable water, pavilion, playground, picnic tables, grills.

When is the water warmest at Empire Beach (Lake Michigan Beach Park)?

Great Lakes water temperatures peak in late July and August at roughly 68-74°F near shore — cool compared to the ocean. Best swimming window is mid-July to late August.

Where is Empire Beach (Lake Michigan Beach Park) located?

Empire Beach (Lake Michigan Beach Park) is in Leelanau County, MI, at 10484 W Niagara St, Empire, MI 49630.