Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

9922 Front St, Empire, MI 49630

A National Lakeshore on the northeast Lake Michigan shore (northwest Lower Peninsula of Michigan, Leelanau County) — 35 miles of beach, towering dunes up to 450 feet above the lake, and the dramatic Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive overlook. Named "Most Beautiful Place in America" by Good Morning America audiences in 2011.

Ideal for a beach walk.

NWS alert active · 73°F air

Full NWS forecast for This Afternoon

Partly sunny. High near 73, with temperatures falling to around 70 in the afternoon. Southwest wind around 10 mph.

Tonight

Partly cloudy, with a low around 59. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph.

Weather

  • 73°F air — ideal beach weather
  • Sunny skies — clear conditions

Safety

  • NWS alert active — special weather statement issued june 3 at 4:48am edt by nws gaylord mi
84 /100
great
83 Sunbathe
87 Walk
80 Photo

Best for walking today

Weather alert in effect

Special Weather Statement issued June 3 at 4:48AM EDT by NWS Gaylord MI

Air Temp
73°F
Partly Sunny
Wind
10 mph
SW
Rain
0%
This Afternoon
UV Peak
8 Very High
High 12 PM–04 PM · burn in ~25m
Burn-free before 09 AM & after 06 PM
Tomorrow
76°F
Mostly Sunny
Water Temp
Sunrise
5:59 AM
Sunset
9:25 PM
Moon · 87%
Waning Gibbous
Neap tides — smaller range
Today Jun 3
73°

Partly Sunny

0%
84
Thu Jun 4
76°

Mostly Sunny

1%
84
Fri Jun 5
72°

Rain Showers Likely

72%
36
Sat Jun 6
70°

Showers And Thunderstorms Likely

60%
30
Sun Jun 7
72°

Mostly Sunny

1%
84
Mon Jun 8
77°

Sunny

2%
84
Tue Jun 9
79°

Mostly Sunny

11%
84
  • critical SPF 50 sunscreen UV index 8 — very high

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

Parking

NPS lots throughout the park; vehicle pass required.

Dogs

Dogs allowed leashed on most beaches and trails.

Entry Fee

NPS vehicle pass $25/7-day or $45/annual park-specific.

Address

9922 Front St, Empire, MI 49630

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Is Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore dog-friendly?

Dogs allowed leashed on most beaches and trails.

Is there an entry fee at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore?

NPS vehicle pass $25/7-day or $45/annual park-specific.

Are there lifeguards at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore?

No lifeguards are stationed at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Swim at your own risk and keep close watch on children.

What amenities are at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore?

Amenities at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore include restrooms, showers, visitor center, campgrounds, scenic drive, dune climb.

When is the water warmest at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore?

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 Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore located?

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is in Leelanau County, MI, at 9922 Front St, Empire, MI 49630.

Updated · Data from NOAA, NWS

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