Basic Information

Physical Address

Philip A. Hart Visitor Center

9922 Front Street
Empire, MI 49630

Directions

Directions to Philip A. Hart Visitor Center

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

Directions Details

Operating Hours & Seasons

The Lakeshore is open 24 hours a day. Campgrounds, visitor centers, and facilities have separate hours, however, please see descriptions at the links below.

Facilities

Visit the current condtions page for an up-to-date list of open facilities.

Campgrounds

• Future reservations can be made at Recreation.gov
• Do you want to camp at Platte River Campground? Visit our Platte River Campground regulations webpage for more information.
• Do you want to camp at D.H. Day Campground? Visit our D. H. Day Campground regulations webpage for more information.

Weather

Current Conditions - Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore (U.S. National Park Service) (nps.gov)

Internet & Cellular Access

Internet & Cellular Access Details

 

The Milky Way glimmering over North Manitou Island.

 

Park Entrance Pass - $25.00

Per private vehicle (valid for 1-7 days from date of purchase) Cashless payments at all staffed locations. Cash accepted at self-pay stations.

Park Entrance Pass - Motorcycle - $20.00

Per motorcycle (valid for 1-7 days from date of purchase) Cashless payments at all staffed locations. Cash accepted at self-pay stations.

Per Person Entrance Pass - $15.00

Visitors 16 years of age or older who enter on foot, bicycle, or as part of an organized group not involved in a commercial tour. Cashless payments at all staffed locations. Cash accepted at self-pay stations.

Fees and Passes Details

 

Welcome to Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore!

Sleeping Bear Dunes offers many excellent opportunities for adventure, exploration, wildlife viewing and just plain having fun. Start planning your visit by using the links below. Also, remember the key to a great visit is staying safe.

Operating Hours & Seasons

Sleeping Bear Dunes is always open, although the availability of services changes by season (spring, summer, fall, winter).

Fees & Passes

Find out about entrance fees to the park and options for annual passes.

Permits & Reservations

Do you need a permit? Learn about required permits for recreational activities including fishing, boating, and backcountry visits; commercial use including film, photography, and sound recording; and special use such as weddings and First-Amendment activities.

Current Conditions

Check the latest news on park roads, campgrounds, wildlife, weather, and more.

Connect to Sleeping Bear Dunes!

Join the conversation: Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is on Facebook, Twitter, Youtube and Instagram.

Pets

Learn where you can take your pet in the park. And always keep your pets on leash!

Firewood in the Lakeshore

Help keep the Lakeshore's forests healthy. Don't bring firewood to the park.