Current Conditions

Alerts

Empire Bluff Trail December 7, 2023.

NPS Emily Sunblade

Current Conditions - 2023

Winter Trail and Sledding Conditions

As of December 6 - A few inches of snow are on the ground but a warming trend will create icy conditions. Shoe traction devices and trekking poles are recommended for hiking. The snow is not deep enough for snowshoeing, sledding, or cross-country skiing.

Deer Hunting Season

Rules and Regulations

Michigan Season	Hunting Start Date	Hunting End Date
Archery	Sunday, October 01, 2023	Tuesday, November 14, 2023
	Friday, December 01, 2023	Monday, January 01, 2024
Regular Firearm	Wednesday, November 15, 2023	Thursday, November 30, 2023
Muzzleloading (Zone 2)	Friday, December 01, 2023	Sunday, December 10, 2023
Late Antlerless Firearm	Monday, December 11, 2023	Monday, January 01, 2024

Open:

• Philip A. Hart Visitor Center
• Lakeshore trails and trailheads, with the exception of the Cottonwood Trailhead.

Closed:

• The Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive is closed for the annual winter and spring vehicle closure. It is open to foot traffic until it reopens to vehicles in the spring.
• South Manitou Island Lighthouse and Visitor Center
• General Store
• Dune Center
• Glen Haven Cannery Boat Museum, Blacksmith Shop, and Maritime Museum

Pets

You and your pets are welcome to enjoy the park together in select areas. This includes most hiking trails and specific stretches of beach. Check out the details on the Pets in the Park page.

 

Platte River Campground Closure May 2024

Platte River Campground will be closed for the month of May 2024 while it undergoes pavement preservation.

As a result, reservations will not be released for the month of May 2024.

Availability will continue to be released on a 6-month rolling basis from June 1 through October 15, 2024.

If the project is completed ahead of schedule, the campground will reopen, and sites will be released for booking on recreation.gov.

 

Recreation

Camping

• 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.

Boating, Fishing, Hunting

• Boating, fishing, & hunting - follow Michigan State Regulations
• For National Park Service specific regulations, please visit the Superintendent's Compendium

Recreate Responsibly

Please recreate responsibly so you can protect yourself, us, and our resources.

 

How can I learn about the Lakeshore?

• Attend a ranger program. Check out the calendar of events.
• For National Lakeshore information, find Sleeping Bear Dunes in the free NPS app: search "National Park Service" at Apple iTunes and Google Play.

How can I stay connected to the Lakeshore?

Stay up to date by visiting our Social Media webpages: Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram