§ 02 — OVERVIEW
Miles of sand beach, bluffs that tower 450’ above Lake Michigan, lush forests, clear inland lakes, unique flora and fauna make up the natural world of Sleeping Bear Dunes. High dunes afford spectacular views across the lake.
An island lighthouse, US Life-Saving Service stations, coastal villages, and picturesque farmsteads reflect the park’s rich maritime, agricultural, and recreational history.
§ 03 — LOCATION
Directions
From the south (Detroit or Chicago areas) :Take US-31, US-131, US-27 to M-115 & M-37, I-75 and M-72 North to Traverse City, then west on M-72 to the Village of Empire. You will see the visitor center as you enter Empire on your right. You may also get to Empire from the south via US-31 to Ludington and then north to Manistee. You can follow either US-31 or M-22 from north of Manistee. From the north (Michigan's Upper Peninsula), take I-75 to Grayling and follow M-72 to Traverse City or take US-31 south
Weather Notes
Spring: Temperatures usually range from 40 F to 70 F. Rain is common. Summer: Temperatures usually range from from 50 F to 83 F. Rain and sun are equally common. On very sunny days, be prepared with plenty of water--heat exhaustion is common, especially when hiking on the dunes. Fall: Temperatures range from 40 F to 70 F. Fall foliage is at its peak around mid September. Winter: Temperatures range from 15 F to 40 F. Snow is common and is on the ground for most of the winter. Dress in warm layers.
§ 05 — CONDITIONS
National Weather Service · seven-day outlook · updated hourly
§ 06 — SIGNAL
FCC broadband data · actual signal varies in remote terrain
§ 07—10 — FROM THE FIELD
Community Intel from visitors, written reviews, dated trip reports, and reader-submitted photographs.
§ 08 — REVIEWS
§ 09 — TRIP REPORTS
§ 10 — COMMUNITY PHOTOS
§ 04 — AMENITIES
Commercial Entrance - Sedan
Sedan 1-6 Person Capacity $25.00 + $10.00 Per Person 16 years or older (up to a maximum of $40.00)
Commercial Entrance - Van
Van 7-15 Person Capacity $40.00
Commercial Entrance - Mini-bus
Mini Bus 16-25 Person Capacity $40.00
Commercial Entrance - Motor Coach
Motorcoach 26+ Person Capacity $100.00
Entrance - Private Vehicle
Entrance pass - vehicle 1-7 day.
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Trip Reports
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§ 01 — VITALS
Verizon
Based on FCC availability data. Actual signal may vary in remote terrain.
Jun
66°F
Sunny
5 to 10 mph W
Sat
62°F
Chance Rain Showers then Partly Sunny
5 mph SW
Sun
65°F
Partly Sunny
0 to 5 mph N
Mon
65°F
Mostly Sunny
10 to 15 mph N
Tue
67°F
Mostly Sunny
5 mph N
Wed
68°F
Chance Rain Showers
0 to 10 mph NE
Thu
67°F
Slight Chance Rain Showers then Mostly Sunny
5 to 10 mph N