51°
Mostly Sunny
0%
44
Leelanau County, MI · Great Lakes
Empire Beach (Lake Michigan Beach Park)
10484 W Niagara St, Empire, MI 49630
The village-run public beach in Empire — a 6.7-acre park where South Bar Lake meets Lake Michigan, with views straight out to South Manitou Island and the Sleeping Bear Dunes bluff just north.
Today's Conditions
Decent day for photography.
51°F air · 54°F water
Full NWS forecast for This Afternoon
Mostly sunny. High near 51, with temperatures falling to around 45 in the afternoon. West wind around 10 mph.
Tonight
Partly cloudy. Low around 41, with temperatures rising to around 43 overnight. Southwest wind 10 to 20 mph.
Weather
- 51°F air — too cold to enjoy the beach
- Sunny skies — mostly sunny
Water
- 54°F water — cold — wetsuit or stay dry
44 /100
ok
36 Swim
42 Sunbathe
66 Walk
68 Photo
Best for photography today
Atmosphere
Air Temp
51°F
Mostly Cloudy
Wind
10 mph
W
Rain
0%
This Afternoon
Air Quality
10 Good
PM2.5 (fine particles) · Northwest Lower
Tomorrow
55°F
Partly Sunny
Water
Water Temp
54°F
Too cold to swim
Sun & Moon
Sunrise
7:30 AM
Sunset
5:25 PM
Moon · 5%
Waning Crescent
Spring tides — bigger range
7-Day Beach Day Forecast
55°
Partly Sunny
2%
32
55°
Mostly Cloudy
0%
34
56°
Sunny
0%
46
50°
Partly Sunny then Slight Chance Rain Showers
24%
33
47°
Chance Rain Showers
37%
15
47°
Mostly Cloudy
13%
29
What to Bring Today
- critical Wetsuit (if swimming at all) Water is 54°F — dangerously cold
- recommended Layers / windbreaker Only 51°F outside
Always remember water bottle, trash bag (leave no trace).
Beach Info
Parking
$1 parking fee in season; free off-season. Small lot fills on hot weekends.
Dogs
Dogs permitted on leash. Owners must clean up.
Entry Fee
Free
Address
10484 W Niagara St, Empire, MI 49630
Amenities
Frequently Asked
Is it safe to swim at Empire Beach (Lake Michigan Beach Park) today?
Empire Beach (Lake Michigan Beach Park) shows a live water-quality reading (bacteria levels) and today's swim-safety score at the top of this page, refreshed on every update. No lifeguards are on duty, so check the day's conditions and swim with caution. Always review the current advisories, surf, and rip-current notes before getting in the water.
Is Empire Beach (Lake Michigan Beach Park) dog-friendly?
Dogs permitted on leash. Owners must clean up.
Is there an entry fee at Empire Beach (Lake Michigan Beach Park)?
Entry to Empire Beach (Lake Michigan Beach Park) is free.
Are there lifeguards at Empire Beach (Lake Michigan Beach Park)?
No lifeguards are stationed at Empire Beach (Lake Michigan Beach Park). Swim at your own risk and keep close watch on children.
What amenities are at Empire Beach (Lake Michigan Beach Park)?
Amenities at Empire Beach (Lake Michigan Beach Park) include restrooms, potable water, pavilion, playground, picnic tables, grills.
When is the water warmest at Empire Beach (Lake Michigan Beach Park)?
Great Lakes water temperatures peak in late July and August at roughly 68-74°F near shore — cool compared to the ocean. Best swimming window is mid-July to late August.
Where is Empire Beach (Lake Michigan Beach Park) located?
Empire Beach (Lake Michigan Beach Park) is in Leelanau County, MI, at 10484 W Niagara St, Empire, MI 49630.
Nearby Beaches
Updated · Data from NOAA, NWS