Commercial Entrance - Motor Coach
$100.00Motorcoach 26+ Person Capacity $100.00
MI
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
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Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore at a glance
- Best time
- April–May, September–October
- Trip length
- Half day–1 day
- Don't miss
- Port Oneida Fair
- Nearby city
- Empire, MI
Explore this park
About Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
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.
1 current NPS alert
- Information: Fall Hunting Seasons
Source: National Park Service (as of Nov 2, 2026). Official Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore page on nps.gov
Weather Information
- Spring
Temperatures usually range from 40 F to 70 F.
- Summer
Temperatures usually range from from 50 F to 83 F.
- Fall
Temperatures range from 40 F to 70 F.
- Winter
Temperatures range from 15 F to 40 F.
Rain is common. 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 foliage is at its peak around mid September. Snow is common and is on the ground for most of the winter. Dress in warm layers.
Entrance Fees
Commercial Entrance - Van
$40.00Van 7-15 Person Capacity $40.00
Commercial Entrance - Mini-bus
$40.00Mini Bus 16-25 Person Capacity $40.00
Commercial Entrance - Sedan
$25.00Sedan 1-6 Person Capacity $25.00 + $10.00 Per Person 16 years or older (up to a maximum of $40.00)
Entrance - Private Vehicle
$25.00Entrance pass - vehicle 1-7 day.
Entrance - Motorcycle
$20.00Valid for 7 days. Admits up to 2 private, non-commercial motorcycles with up to 4 total passengers.
Entrance - Per Person
$15.00If you enter the park on a bicycle or on foot and are at least 16 years old, you need your own entrance pass. Children under the age of 16 don't need an entrance pass.
Operating Hours
The Lakeshore is open 24 hours a day. Campgrounds, visitor centers, and facilities have separate hours, however, please see descriptions of those facilities elsewhere.
- MondayAll Day
- TuesdayAll Day
- WednesdayAll Day
- ThursdayAll Day
- FridayAll Day
- SaturdayAll Day
- SundayAll Day
Glen Haven Cannery and Boat Museum
https://home.nps.gov/places/000/glen-haven-cannery-boat-museum.htm
- MondayClosed
- TuesdayClosed
- WednesdayClosed
- ThursdayClosed
- FridayClosed
- SaturdayClosed
- SundayClosed
Glen Haven General Store
https://www.nps.gov/places/000/glen-haven-general-store.htm
- Monday10:00AM - 5:00PM
- Tuesday10:00AM - 5:00PM
- Wednesday10:00AM - 5:00PM
- Thursday10:00AM - 5:00PM
- Friday10:00AM - 5:00PM
- Saturday10:00AM - 5:00PM
- Sunday10:00AM - 5:00PM
Glen Haven Blacksmith Shop
https://www.nps.gov/places/000/glen-haven-blacksmith-shop.htm
- Monday11:00AM - 5:00PM
- Tuesday11:00AM - 5:00PM
- Wednesday11:00AM - 5:00PM
- Thursday11:00AM - 5:00PM
- Friday11:00AM - 5:00PM
- Saturday11:00AM - 5:00PM
- Sunday11:00AM - 5:00PM
Maritime Museum and Boathouse
https://www.nps.gov/places/000/maritime-museum.htm
- Monday11:00AM - 5:00PM
- Tuesday11:00AM - 5:00PM
- Wednesday11:00AM - 5:00PM
- Thursday11:00AM - 5:00PM
- Friday11:00AM - 5:00PM
- Saturday11:00AM - 5:00PM
- Sunday11:00AM - 5:00PM
Entrance Passes
Annual Entrance - Park
$45.00Sleeping Bear Dunes Annual Pass
Common questions
Planning Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
The summary above covers timing and highlights. These go deeper on reservations, crowds, and logistics — check Alerts for live updates.
Reservation rules vary by season and activity for Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. See Overview on this page for fees, timed entry, and campground details before you travel.
