Current Conditions

Alerts

 

Hike or snowshoe NEXT to cross country ski tracks, not in or on top of them. This is especially key on groomed sections of the Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail.

Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail fat tire bikers: If you're leaving ruts deeper than an inch or struggling to ride straight, the snow is too soft.

NPS Photo

Current Conditions - 2024

Trail conditions:

Jan. 3, 2025
Most of the Lakeshore has 2-5 inches of snow.
The Dune Climb has enough snow for sledding.
Visit the Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail grooming report for cross country ski conditions.


Winter trail etiquette:
Hike or snowshoe NEXT to cross country ski tracks, not in or on top of them. This is especially key on groomed sections of the Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail.

Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail fat tire bikers: If you're leaving ruts deeper than an inch or struggling to ride straight, the snow is too soft. Please avoid riding until conditions improve.

Open facilities:

• Philip A. Hart Visitor Center
• Dune Climb
• Lakeshore trails and trailheads, with the exception of the Old Indian Trail.
• Mainland Lakeshore Campgrounds

Closed facilities and roads:

• The Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive - closed to vehicles and bikes
• Glen Haven General Store, Cannery Boat Museum, Maritime Museum, and Blacksmith Shop.
• Dune Center
• South Manitou Island Lighthouse and South Manitou Island Visitor Center

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.

Bears

There has been an increase in black bear sightings across the Lakeshore. Be sure to review what to do if you see a bear and food storage best-practices on the bear information page.

 

Shipwreck Safety Note

2024 Lake Michigan water levels have exposed many shipwreck parts. Please view these wrecks safely from the beach. Walking on wrecks can damage the historic artifact. Your safety is at risk from rusted metal, exposed nails, and unstable structures.

Ticks

Ticks have been found as early as February this year. Find tick and other safety information on the safety page.

 

 

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