How much does it cost to enter Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore?

Entrance to Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore starts at $15. See the fees section above for each pass and vehicle type.

Which national parks are within a day's drive of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore?

Within about a day's drive you can reach Indiana Dunes National Park (4 h 40 min), River Raisin National Battlefield Park (5 h 2 min), Pullman National Historical Park (5 h 16 min), Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore (5 h 34 min), Perry's Victory & International Peace Memorial (6 h 36 min), Keweenaw National Historical Park (7 h 37 min).

A bright sun begins to set into Lake Michigan

NATIONAL LAKESHORE

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

Miles of sand beach, bluffs that tower 450’ above Lake Michigan, lush forests, clear inland lakes, unique flora and fauna make up the natural world of Sleeping Bear Dunes.

Photo: NPS Photo / NPS

state

things to do

$15

to enter

parks within a day

OVERVIEW

About Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

Miles of sand beach, bluffs that tower 450’ above Lake Michigan, lush forests, clear inland lakes, unique flora and fauna make up the natural world of Sleeping Bear Dunes. High dunes afford spectacular views across the lake. An island lighthouse, US Life-Saving Service stations, coastal villages, and picturesque farmsteads reflect the park’s rich maritime, agricultural, and recreational history.

WITHIN A DAY'S DRIVE

Pair it with another park

6 in range

Michigan Lake beach with green grassy dunes in the background, under a blue sky.

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore◆◆this park

National Park · Indiana

Indiana Dunes National Park

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore◆◆this park

National Battlefield Park · Michigan

River Raisin National Battlefield Park

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore◆◆this park

National Historical Park · Illinois

Pullman National Historical Park

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore◆◆this park

National Lakeshore · Michigan

Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore◆◆this park

Memorial · Ohio

Perry's Victory & International Peace Memorial

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore◆◆this park

National Historical Park · Michigan

Keweenaw National Historical Park

Driving times from Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, one way, via road — a realistic day is 8–10 hours behind the wheel.

BEFORE YOU GO

Entrance fees

Commercial Entrance - Sedan

$25.00

Sedan 1-6 Person Capacity $25.00 + $10.00 Per Person 16 years or older (up to a maximum of $40.00)

Commercial Entrance - Van

$40.00

Van 7-15 Person Capacity $40.00

Commercial Entrance - Mini-bus

$40.00

Mini Bus 16-25 Person Capacity $40.00

Commercial Entrance - Motor Coach

$100.00

Motorcoach 26+ Person Capacity $100.00

Entrance - Private Vehicle

$25.00

Entrance pass - vehicle 1-7 day.

Entrance - Motorcycle

$20.00

Valid for 7 days. Admits up to 2 private, non-commercial motorcycles with up to 4 total passengers.

Entrance - Per Person

$15.00

If you enter the park on a bicycle or on foot and are at least 16 years old, you need your own entrance pass. Children under the age of 16 don't need an entrance pass.

WHEN TO GO

Hours

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

Mon: All Day
Tue: All Day
Wed: All Day
Thu: All Day
Fri: All Day
Sat: All Day
Sun: All Day

Glen Haven Cannery and Boat Museum

Mon: 11:00AM - 5:00PM
Tue: 11:00AM - 5:00PM
Wed: 11:00AM - 5:00PM
Thu: 11:00AM - 5:00PM
Fri: 11:00AM - 5:00PM
Sat: 11:00AM - 5:00PM
Sun: 11:00AM - 5:00PM

Glen Haven General Store

Mon: 10:00AM - 5:00PM
Tue: 10:00AM - 5:00PM
Wed: 10:00AM - 5:00PM
Thu: 10:00AM - 5:00PM
Fri: 10:00AM - 5:00PM
Sat: 10:00AM - 5:00PM
Sun: 10:00AM - 5:00PM

Glen Haven Blacksmith Shop

Mon: 11:00AM - 5:00PM
Tue: 11:00AM - 5:00PM
Wed: 11:00AM - 5:00PM
Thu: 11:00AM - 5:00PM
Fri: 11:00AM - 5:00PM
Sat: 11:00AM - 5:00PM
Sun: 11:00AM - 5:00PM

Maritime Museum and Boathouse

Mon: 11:00AM - 5:00PM
Tue: 11:00AM - 5:00PM
Wed: 11:00AM - 5:00PM
Thu: 11:00AM - 5:00PM
Fri: 11:00AM - 5:00PM
Sat: 11:00AM - 5:00PM
Sun: 11:00AM - 5:00PM

THINGS TO DO

Activities

AstronomyAuto and ATVBackcountry CampingBikingBirdwatchingBookstore and Park StoreCampingCanoeingCross-Country SkiingFishingFreshwater SwimmingGroup CampingGuided ToursHikingHuntingHunting and GatheringJunior Ranger ProgramKayakingPaddlingScenic DrivingSelf-Guided Tours - AutoSelf-Guided Tours - WalkingShoppingSkiingSnowshoeingStargazingSwimmingTubingWildlife Watching

PLAN YOUR VISIT

Getting there

Spring: Temperatures usually range from 40 F to 70 F. Rain is common. Summer: Temperatures usually range from from 50 F to 83 F. Rain and sun are equally common. On very sunny days, be prepared with plenty of water--heat exhaustion is common, especially when hiking on the dunes. Fall: Temperatures range from 40 F to 70 F. Fall foliage is at its peak around mid September. Winter: Temperatures range from 15 F to 40 F. Snow is common and is on the ground for most of the winter. Dress in warm layers.

Directions →Official NPS page →

Frequently asked questions

How much does it cost to enter Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore?: Entrance to Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore starts at $15. See the fees section above for each pass and vehicle type.
What is there to do at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore?: Popular activities include Astronomy, Auto and ATV, Backcountry Camping, Biking, Birdwatching, Bookstore and Park Store.
Which national parks are within a day's drive of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore?: Within about a day's drive you can reach Indiana Dunes National Park (4 h 40 min), River Raisin National Battlefield Park (5 h 2 min), Pullman National Historical Park (5 h 16 min), Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore (5 h 34 min), Perry's Victory & International Peace Memorial (6 h 36 min), Keweenaw National Historical Park (7 h 37 min).