Current Conditions

Alerts

A snowy trail leads off into a deciduous forest.
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:

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

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

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

Last updated: December 7, 2023

Park footer

Contact Info

Mailing Address:

9922 Front Street
Empire, MI 49630

Phone:

231 326-4700

Contact Us