75°
Mostly Sunny
5%
79
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
Great day for a beach walk.
75°F air · 71°F water
Full NWS forecast for This Afternoon
Mostly sunny, with a high near 75. Southwest wind around 15 mph.
Tonight
Mostly clear. Low around 60, with temperatures rising to around 63 overnight. West wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph.
Weather
- 75°F air — ideal beach weather
- Sunny skies — mostly sunny
Water
- 71°F water — swimmable, refreshing
79 /100
great
78 Swim
77 Sunbathe
83 Walk
79 Photo
Best for walking today
Atmosphere
Air Temp
75°F
Mostly Clear
Wind
15 mph
SW
Rain
5%
This Afternoon
Tomorrow
70°F
Sunny
Water
Water Temp
71°F
Refreshing
Sun & Moon
Sunrise
7:15 AM
Sunset
8:07 PM
Moon · 5%
Waning Crescent
Spring tides — bigger range
7-Day Beach Day Forecast
70°
Sunny
0%
77
76°
Sunny
0%
80
75°
Partly Sunny then Scattered Rain Showers
29%
67
71°
Mostly Sunny then Slight Chance Rain Showers
15%
76
76°
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms then Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
65%
15
71°
Showers And Thunderstorms
79%
6
What to Bring Today
- recommended SPF 30 sunscreen clear day + warm temps
- recommended Sturdy umbrella + sand anchor 15 mph wind
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