First Amendment Activities

Freedom of speech, press, religion, and assembly are constitutional rights; however, the courts have recognized that activities associated with the exercise of these rights may be reasonably regulated to protect park resources and prevent conflict among park visitors.

Groups of 25 or less may exercise their First Amendment rights without first obtaining a permit if they are located within a designated First Amendment area and have no more than leaflets, booklets and/or hand held signs. A permit is required for any small group that:

1. wants to use equipment (tables, banners, etc.) even if it is within a designated area;
2. wants to guarantee they will have priority for the use of a location; or
3. is merely an extension of another group already availing itself of the 25 person maximum.

Groups of more than 25 are required to apply for a permit. Activity must take place in one of the following designated First Amendment areas:

1. Dune Climb: Permittee(s) may circulate between the curb of the parking lot and the toe of the dune. All visitor contacts are to be at least 50 feet (15.24 meters) from any building and the Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail.
2. Glen Lake Picnic Area: Permittee(s) may circulate between the curb of the parking lot and the water’s edge. All visitor contacts are to be at least 50 feet (15.24 meters) from any building.
3. NPS South Parking Lot at the end of Lake Michigan Road: Permittee(s) may circulate within the edge of the curb of the parking lot. All visitor contacts are to be at least 50 feet (15.24 meters) from any building.

There are no fees associated with First Amendment Special Use Permits.

Mail Application To:

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
Attention: Special Park Uses
9922 Front Street
Empire, MI 49630

or

Email your application*
*If you email an application, please do not include your SSN.

For more information, send us an email or call [phone].