Where is Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore,Empire, Michigan?

Written by | Last Updated: November 19, 2025, 12:28 PM ET

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

Where is Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore Located inEmpire, Michigan
About Map: The map showing location of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore in theEmpire, Michigan in the United States.

Michigan Related Maps and Info

Michigan MapMichigan County MapMap of Michigan With Cities
Michigan ZipcodesAirports in MichiganWhere is Michigan
Michigan Area CodesMichigan Blank MapMichigan River Map
Michigan Physical MapMichigan Road MapWhere is Detroit

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 NameSleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
LocationEmpire, Leelanau County, Michigan, USA — Lake Michigan / Northern Lower Peninsula
Latitude & Longitude44.8820° N, 86.0580° W
Total AreaApprox. 71,000 acres (≈287 km²) — Sand dunes, forests, shoreline, lakeshore, and islands (including North and South Manitou Islands)
Established / OpenedOctober 21, 1970
Managed ByUnited States National Park Service (NPS)
RegionLake Michigan Coast / Northern Lower Peninsula / Leelanau Peninsula
Address9922 Front St, Empire, MI 49630, USA
Zip Code49630
Area Code231
CurrencyUnited States Dollar (USD, $)
Time ZoneEastern Time (ET) – UTC−5 Standard / UTC−4 Daylight Saving
Theme / ConceptSand dunes, Lake Michigan shoreline, forests, hiking, wildlife, scenic vistas, historic sites, outdoor recreation
Main Sections / AreasSleeping Bear Dunes, Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive, Dune Climb, Glen Lake, Empire Bluffs, North & South Manitou Islands, beaches and campgrounds
Famous AttractionsPierce Stocking Scenic Drive, Dune Climb, Glen Lake Overlook, North & South Manitou Islands, Platte River Campground, beaches, hiking trails, wildlife observation
Annual VisitorsApprox. 1.2–1.5 million visitors per year
Entry Fee TypePaid Admission – Vehicle, motorcycle, or individual entry fee required
Ticket Price RangeVehicle Day Pass: ~$25; Motorcycle: ~$20; Individual Walk-in/Bike: ~$15; Annual Pass: ~$45
Ticket OptionsVehicle entry pass, motorcycle entry, individual walk-in/bike, annual and interagency passes
Best Time to VisitMay–October for mild weather, hiking, dune climbing, and water activities; winter for fewer crowds and snow scenery
Nearby AirportCherry Capital Airport (TVC) – Traverse City, MI – ~40 miles (64 km)
TransportationCar, hiking trails, bicycles, boats to Manitou Islands, shuttle/tour services, campgrounds, picnic areas
Official Websitehttps://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)