51°
Mostly Sunny
0%
49
Leelanau County, MI · Great Lakes
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
9922 Front St, Empire, MI 49630
A National Lakeshore on the northeast Lake Michigan shore (northwest Lower Peninsula of Michigan, Leelanau County) — 35 miles of beach, towering dunes up to 450 feet above the lake, and the dramatic Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive overlook. Named "Most Beautiful Place in America" by Good Morning America audiences in 2011.
Today's Conditions
Decent day for photography.
51°F air
Full NWS forecast for This Afternoon
Mostly sunny. High near 51, with temperatures falling to around 46 in the afternoon. West wind 10 to 15 mph.
Tonight
Partly cloudy, with a low around 44. Southwest wind 15 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph.
Weather
- 51°F air — too cold to enjoy the beach
- Sunny skies — mostly sunny
49 /100
ok
37 Sunbathe
64 Walk
66 Photo
Best for photography today
Atmosphere
Air Temp
51°F
Mostly Cloudy
Wind
10 to 15 mph
W
Rain
0%
This Afternoon
Air Quality
10 Good
PM2.5 (fine particles) · Northwest Lower
UV Peak
2 Low
Peaks 12 PM · burn in ~100m
Burn-free before 11 AM & after 01 PM
Tomorrow
54°F
Mostly Sunny
Water
Water Temp
—
Sun & Moon
Sunrise
7:30 AM
Sunset
5:24 PM
Moon · 5%
Waning Crescent
Spring tides — bigger range
7-Day Beach Day Forecast
54°
Mostly Sunny
4%
43
55°
Partly Sunny
0%
53
55°
Sunny
0%
56
50°
Partly Sunny then Slight Chance Rain Showers
22%
44
47°
Chance Rain Showers
35%
23
47°
Mostly Cloudy
11%
37
What to Bring Today
- recommended Layers / windbreaker Only 51°F outside
Always remember water bottle, trash bag (leave no trace).
Beach Info
Parking
NPS lots throughout the park; vehicle pass required.
Dogs
Dogs allowed leashed on most beaches and trails.
Entry Fee
NPS vehicle pass $25/7-day or $45/annual park-specific.
Address
9922 Front St, Empire, MI 49630
Amenities
Frequently Asked
Is it safe to swim at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore today?
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore 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 Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore dog-friendly?
Dogs allowed leashed on most beaches and trails.
Is there an entry fee at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore?
NPS vehicle pass $25/7-day or $45/annual park-specific.
Are there lifeguards at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore?
No lifeguards are stationed at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Swim at your own risk and keep close watch on children.
What amenities are at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore?
Amenities at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore include restrooms, showers, visitor center, campgrounds, scenic drive, dune climb.
When is the water warmest at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore?
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 Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore located?
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is in Leelanau County, MI, at 9922 Front St, Empire, MI 49630.
Nearby Beaches
Updated · Data from NOAA, NWS