Michigan Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore map and highlights

Basic information for visitors to the  Sleeping Bear  Dunes National Lakeshore Northwest lower Michigan, near Empire.    

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore Northwest lower Michigan, near Empire.    

Massive sand dunes rise like smooth mountains above the Lake  Michigan coasts, protecting 35 mi of shoreline and edging acres of  gorgeous inland terrain. Beech-maple forests shimmer with light in the  summer, and months later their cheery autumn hues are reflected in  dozens of clear lakes and quiet rivers. Grassy bluffs rise up to 460  feet, providing sweeping views of Lake Michigan's two offshore  wilderness islands, as well as a wetland environment filled with birds  and mammals. The area's history is rediscovered at the Boat Museum and  the Maritime Museum in Glen Haven; a cannery is also open for touring.  The park was authorized in 1970 and established in 1977.    

WHAT TO SEE & DO    

Apple and mushroom picking, auto touring, bicycling,  bird-watching, canoeing (rentals in and near park), cross-country skiing  (rentals in Traverse City), dune climbing, fishing, hang gliding  (permit required, see below), hunting, picnicking, nonpowered-model  flying, scuba diving (rentals in Traverse City), snowshoeing (rentals in  Glen Arbor, Traverse City), swimming, touring museum, tubing (rentals  in and near park), walking beaches. Facilities: 2 visitor centers:  Empire (9922 Front St.) and South Manitou Island; 2 museums, outdoor  interpretive exhibits, hiking trails. Covered picnic tables with fire  grills. Programs & Events: Guided walks and campfire programs (late  June-Labor Day), snow-shoe hikes (Dec.-Mar., weekends), lyle-gun firing  (Memorial Day-Labor Day, weekly). Special events (Apr-mid-Sept). Tips  & Hints: Expect summer highs near 90°F with much cooler evenings,  and below-freezing temperatures in winter. Bring layered clothing and  rain gear. Use caution when hiking trails near sand cliffs. Bring insect  repellent in warmer months to combat black flies and mosquitoes. No  food or lodging available on islands. Make ferry reservations in advance  for travel to the Manitou Islands. Busiest July and Aug., least crowded  Nov.-Apr.    

FOOD, LODGING & SUPPLIES    

Camping: In the park: D.H. Day (87 sites; $10; vault toilets;  closed late Nov.-early Apr.), Platte River (179 sites; $12-$21; flush  toilets, showers, hook-ups). Backcountry camping ($5-$12) available at  Valley View, White Pine, and on North and South Manitou Islands.   Hotels: None in park. In Thompsonville: Crystal Mountain (12500 Crystal  Mountain Dr., tel. 231/378-2000 or 800/968-7686; 63 rooms, 29 suites,  136 condos; $289). In Frankfort: Harbor Lights Motel & Condos (15  2nd St., tel. 231/352-9614 or 800/346-9614; 29 rooms, 22 suites, 20  condos; $115-$135, $195-$225 suites). X Restaurants: None in park. In  Frankfort: Hotel Frankfort (231 Main St., tel. 231/352-4303; $5-$10). In  Glen Arbor: Western Avenue Grill (6410 Western Ave., tel. 231/334-3362;  $6-$10). 6 Groceries & Gear: None in park. In Empire: Deerings Food  Market (11033 Main St., tel. 231/326-5249).    

FEES, HOURS & REGULATIONS    

Park pass: $10 per car, $5 per person on foot, bicycles, or  motorcycles. Permits required for all ($5-$20) backcountry campers.  Obtain Valley View permit from D.H. Day; obtain White Pine permit from  Platte River. Permit required (free) for hang gliding and  nonpowered-model flying. Ferries $25 round-trip adults, $14 round-trip  ages 12 and under. Michigan state fishing and hunting licenses ($7-$ 14  per day) required. Stay on established trails, especially on dunes. No  pets on Dune Climb, islands, swim beaches, or ski trails. Leashed pets  elsewhere. No boat motors on most inland lakes. No glass on beaches.  Park open daily. Philip A. Hart Visitor Center in Empire open Memorial  Day-Labor Day, daily 9-6; Labor Day-Memorial Day, daily 9-4. Scenic  drive open mid-Apr.-mid-Nov. Maritime Museum buildings open Memorial  Day-Labor Day, daily 10:30-5, Labor Day-mid-Oct., weekends with varying  hours. Manitou Islands ferry runs from Leland May-Oct.    

HOW TO GET THERE    

25 mi north of Frankfort via Rte. 22, and 25 mi west of Traverse City via Rte. 72. Closest airport: Traverse City (30 mi).    

CONTACTS    

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore (9922 Front St., Empire,  MI 49630, tel. 231/326-5134; 800/365-2267 camping reservations, fax 231/  326-5382). Manitou Island Transit (tel. 231/256-9061 ferry  reservations). Benzie County Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Bureau  (Box 204, Benzonia, MI 49616, tel. 231/882-5801 or 800/ 882-5801, fax  231/882-9249). Traverse City Area Chamber of Commerce (202 E. Grandview  Pkwy., Traverse City, MI 49684, tel. 231/ 947-5075, fax 231/946-2565).  Leelanau Peninsula Chamber of Commerce (5046 S.W. Bay Shore Dr., Suite  G, Suttons Bay, MI 49682, tel. 231/271-9895, fax 231/271-9896).   

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Basic information for  visitors to the  Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore Northwest lower  Michigan, near Empire