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.

Mixed conditions today.

Thunderstorms · 61°F air

Full NWS forecast for Today

A chance of showers and thunderstorms before 2pm. Partly sunny. High near 61, with temperatures falling to around 59 in the afternoon. Northeast wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%. New rainfall amounts less than a tenth of an inch possible.

Tonight

Patchy fog after 1am. Partly cloudy, with a low around 54. North wind 0 to 5 mph.

Weather

  • 61°F air — chilly for a beach day
  • 33% rain — pop-up showers possible

Safety

  • Thunderstorms — stay off the water when storms approach
36 /100
ok
45 Sunbathe
23 Walk
33 Photo

Best for sunbathing today

Air Temp
61°F
Partly Cloudy
Wind
5 to 10 mph
NE
Rain
33%
Today
UV Peak
4 Moderate
Peaks 04 PM · burn in ~50m
Burn-free before 12 PM & after 06 PM
Tomorrow
64°F
Patchy Fog then Partly Sunny
Water Temp
Sunrise
5:57 AM
Sunset
9:35 PM
Moon · 80%
Waxing Gibbous
Neap tides — smaller range
Today Jun 25
61°

Chance Showers And Thunderstorms

33%
36
Fri Jun 26
64°

Patchy Fog then Partly Sunny

5%
69
Sat Jun 27
64°

Patchy Fog then Sunny

0%
69
Sun Jun 28
69°

Mostly Sunny then Slight Chance Rain Showers

18%
76
Mon Jun 29
75°

Chance Rain Showers

39%
72
Tue Jun 30
71°

Slight Chance Rain Showers then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms

17%
50
Wed Jul 1
72°

Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms

43%
38
  • optional Light cover-up, watch for pop-ups 33% rain chance

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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