Current Conditions

Current Conditions - 2025

Trail conditions:

March 20, 2025
Expect trail conditions to be extremely slick. Shoe chains, trekking poles, and other traction devices are recommended.

Winter

Guide to winter activites.
Winter Safety

Open facilities:

• Philip A. Hart Visitor Center
• Dune Climb
• Lakeshore trails and trailheads
• 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

2025 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