75°
Areas Of Smoke
0%
75
Leelanau County, MI · Great Lakes
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.
Today's Conditions
Great day for a beach walk.
NWS alert active · 75°F air
Full NWS forecast for This Afternoon
Areas of smoke. Sunny. High near 75, with temperatures falling to around 71 in the afternoon. North wind around 15 mph.
Tonight
Areas of smoke. Mostly clear, with a low around 64. North wind 5 to 15 mph.
Weather
- 75°F air — ideal beach weather
Safety
- NWS alert active — air quality alert issued july 18 at 11:36am edt by nws gaylord mi
75 /100
great
72 Sunbathe
81 Walk
75 Photo
Best for walking today
Weather alert in effect
Air Quality Alert issued July 18 at 11:36AM EDT by NWS Gaylord MI
Atmosphere
Air Temp
75°F
Haze
Wind
15 mph
N
Rain
0%
This Afternoon
UV Peak
3 Moderate
Peaks 11 AM · burn in ~67m
Burn-free before 10 AM & after 12 PM
Tomorrow
74°F
Areas Of Smoke
Water
Water Temp
—
Sun & Moon
Sunrise
6:13 AM
Sunset
9:26 PM
Moon · 18%
Waxing Crescent
Neap tides — smaller range
7-Day Beach Day Forecast
74°
Areas Of Smoke
0%
80
80°
Areas Of Smoke then Patchy Smoke
60%
45
71°
Chance Rain Showers
42%
50
72°
Mostly Sunny
4%
68
78°
Sunny
5%
84
78°
Chance Rain Showers
38%
61
What to Bring Today
- recommended Sturdy umbrella + sand anchor 15 mph wind
Always remember water bottle, trash bag (leave no trace).
Beach Info
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
Amenities
Frequently Asked
Is it safe to swim at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore today?
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore shows a live water-quality reading (bacteria levels) and today's swim-safety score at the top of this page, refreshed on every update. No lifeguards are on duty, so check the day's conditions and swim with caution. Always review the current advisories, surf, and rip-current notes before getting in the water.
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.
Nearby Beaches
Updated · Data from NOAA, NWS