79°
Sunny
8%
84
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
Ideal for a beach walk.
79°F air
Full NWS forecast for Today
Sunny, with a high near 79. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph.
Tonight
Partly cloudy. Low around 70, with temperatures rising to around 72 overnight. Southwest wind around 10 mph. New rainfall amounts less than a tenth of an inch possible.
Weather
- 79°F air — ideal beach weather
- Sunny skies — clear conditions
83 /100
great
81 Sunbathe
86 Walk
82 Photo
Best for walking today
Atmosphere
Air Temp
79°F
Mostly Clear
Wind
5 to 10 mph
SW
Rain
8%
Today
UV Peak
9 Very High
High 12 PM–04 PM · burn in ~22m
Burn-free before 09 AM & after 06 PM
Tomorrow
82°F
Sunny
Water
Water Temp
—
Sun & Moon
Sunrise
6:08 AM
Sunset
9:30 PM
Moon · 5%
Waning Crescent
Spring tides — bigger range
7-Day Beach Day Forecast
82°
Sunny
13%
81
86°
Sunny
0%
80
84°
Sunny
1%
85
80°
Mostly Sunny
7%
86
79°
Chance Rain Showers then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
28%
48
80°
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
36%
43
What to Bring Today
- critical SPF 50 sunscreen UV index 9 — very high
- recommended Umbrella or shade warm day, light wind
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