Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
Address: Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, 9922 Front Street, Empire, MI 49630-9797, USAPhone: Headquarters 231-326-5134 <br> Visitor Information 231-326-5134 <br> Visitor Information (TDD) 231-326-5134 <br> Email: SLBE_Interpretation@nps.gov
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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.
Directions
Plane - The Traverse City Airport (30 miles/51 km from Lakeshore) has connections with Detroit, Chicago and Minneapolis. The Traverse City Airport (TVC) is serviced by Northwest, United and American.
Car - Motor vehicle access from Michigan's Upper Peninsula: cross the Mackinac Bridge, southbound on I- 75; exit I-75 on US-31 (Petoskey/Charlevoix) to the west side of Traverse City; turn left on M-72 to Empire (25 miles/43 km). Alternatively, you could stay on I-75 South to M-72 at Grayling. Travel M-72 westward through Kalkaska to Traverse City and onward to Empire. Access from points south by US 31, US 131, US 27, or I- 75, through Traverse City and onward to Empire as above. Also from the south by M-22 from Ludington/Manistee/Frankfort.
Public Transportation - Traverse City has a Greyhound bus station with local buses (BATA) connecting to the Lakeshore.
Activities
- Auto Touring
- Boating
- Camping
- Interpretive Programs
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Hunting
- Picnicking
- Winter Sports
- Visitor Center
- Water Sports
- Wildlife Viewing