Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is located in Michigan, USA. It lies between Traverse City and Empire and is situated along the Lake Michigan shoreline. It is famous for its tall sand dunes, scenic views, and outdoor activities like hiking and kayaking.
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore Location Map,Empire, Michigan
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Top Attractions Inside Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
- Dune Climb – Popular sandy area for climbing and panoramic views of Lake Michigan.
- Lake Michigan Beaches – Scenic beaches ideal for swimming, sunbathing, and picnics.
- Empire Bluff Trail – Hike offering breathtaking overlooks of the dunes and lake.
- Glen Haven Historic Village – Preserved village showcasing local history and heritage.
- Sleeping Bear Point Maritime Museum – Exhibits on shipwrecks and maritime history.
- Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive – Scenic drive with overlooks, trails, and dune views.
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore Facts
| Official Name | Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore |
| Location | Empire, Leelanau County, Michigan, USA — Lake Michigan / Northern Lower Peninsula |
| Latitude & Longitude | 44.8820° N, 86.0580° W |
| Total Area | Approx. 71,000 acres (≈287 km²) — Sand dunes, forests, shoreline, lakeshore, and islands (including North and South Manitou Islands) |
| Established / Opened | October 21, 1970 |
| Managed By | United States National Park Service (NPS) |
| Region | Lake Michigan Coast / Northern Lower Peninsula / Leelanau Peninsula |
| Address | 9922 Front St, Empire, MI 49630, USA |
| Zip Code | 49630 |
| Area Code | 231 |
| Currency | United States Dollar (USD, $) |
| Time Zone | Eastern Time (ET) – UTC−5 Standard / UTC−4 Daylight Saving |
| Theme / Concept | Sand dunes, Lake Michigan shoreline, forests, hiking, wildlife, scenic vistas, historic sites, outdoor recreation |
| Main Sections / Areas | Sleeping Bear Dunes, Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive, Dune Climb, Glen Lake, Empire Bluffs, North & South Manitou Islands, beaches and campgrounds |
| Famous Attractions | Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive, Dune Climb, Glen Lake Overlook, North & South Manitou Islands, Platte River Campground, beaches, hiking trails, wildlife observation |
| Annual Visitors | Approx. 1.2–1.5 million visitors per year |
| Entry Fee Type | Paid Admission – Vehicle, motorcycle, or individual entry fee required |
| Ticket Price Range | Vehicle Day Pass: $25; Motorcycle: $20; Individual Walk-in/Bike: $15; Annual Pass: $45 |
| Ticket Options | Vehicle entry pass, motorcycle entry, individual walk-in/bike, annual and interagency passes |
| Best Time to Visit | May–October for mild weather, hiking, dune climbing, and water activities; winter for fewer crowds and snow scenery |
| Nearby Airport | Cherry Capital Airport (TVC) – Traverse City, MI – 40 miles (64 km) |
| Transportation | Car, hiking trails, bicycles, boats to Manitou Islands, shuttle/tour services, campgrounds, picnic areas |
| Official Website | https://www.nps.gov/slbe/index.htm |
Distances from Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore to Nearby Landmarks
- Glen Haven Historic Village – 5 km (3.1 mi)
- Glen Arbor, MI – 6 km (3.7 mi)
- Lake Michigan Shore – 0 km (0 mi)
- Empire, MI – 10 km (6.2 mi)
- Sleeping Bear Point Coast Guard Station Museum – 4 km (2.5 mi)
- Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive – 12 km (7.5 mi)
- North Bar Lake – 8 km (5 mi)
- Crystal River – 15 km (9.3 mi)
- Traverse City, MI – 50 km (31 mi)
- Interlochen State Park – 55 km (34.2 mi)
- Frankfort, MI – 25 km (15.5 mi)
- Leland, MI – 35 km (21.7 mi)
- Manitou Islands – 15 km (9.3 mi)
- Platte River Campground – 20 km (12.4 mi)
- Port Oneida Rural Historic District – 10 km (6.2 mi)
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