Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore encompasses a 60 km (35 mi.) stretch of Lake Michigan's eastern coastline, as well as North and South Manitou Islands. The park was established primarily for its outstanding natural features, including forests, beaches, dune formations, and ancient glacial phenomena. The Lakeshore also contains many cultural features including a 1871 lighthouse, three former Life-Saving Service/Coast Guard Stations and an extensive rural historic farm district. Authorized: October 21, 1970. Acreage: 56,993 federal, 14,194 non-federal.

Operating Hours & Seasons

The park operates on a year-round basis. The Philip A. Hart Visitor Center is open seven days a week with the exception of Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years Day. Summer hours are 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.; the remainder of year the Center is open 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. The Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive is open from late April through early November from 9:00 a.m. to one-half hour after sunset. The Dune Climb is open 24-hours, year-round. The Maritime Museum is open seasonally from, 10:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; the grounds are open year-round.