National Park Service 2018 Visitor Guide U.S. Department of the Interior
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
Enjoying the view from the top of a dune - South Manitou Island
MAKING THE MOST OF YOUR VISIT 4 19 RANGER PROGRAMS CAMPING 7 20 PETS IN THE PARK BEACHES 16 20 JUNIOR RANGERS Welcome to Sleeping Bear Dunes What’s Inside Hello and welcome to Sleeping Bear Dunes National late summer 2017, we installed an accessible walkway Superintendent's Welcome...... 2 Lakeshore! More than 150 employees and hundreds near the cannery beach in Glen Haven, allowing visitors of volunteers invite you to explore 71,000 acres of with mobility challenges the opportunity to get closer Park Passes...... 3 national parkland. With over 100 miles of trails, to Lake Michigan. This year, work is underway to bring 65 miles of shoreline, almost 400 historic structures, the entire Platte River Campground up to current Make the Most of Your Visit...... 4 and the largest rural historic district in the country, the Architectural Barriers Act and Universal Design Standards. Food Storage...... 6 National Lakeshore has something of interest for every These improvements include eight drive-in campsites, member of your family. Here, you can enjoy an amazing two walk-in campsites, one group campsite, and eight Firewood...... 6 set of opportunities for education, fun, inspiration, comfort stations throughout the campground. The Platte solitude, and renewal. River Ranger Station, amphitheater, RV dump station, Camping...... 7 and associated parking will also be enhanced. At Loon Our team is committed to making these opportunities Platte River District Map...... 8 Lake, in addition to the comfort station and parking available to everyone who visits the park. As we improvements, we will also be providing lake access with approach the 50th anniversary of the National Lake- Leelanau District Map...... 10 the construction of an accessible canoe/kayak launch shore’s creation in 2020, we are actively focusing our and fishing pier. Glen Haven...... 12 planning efforts to Maritime Museum...... 13 create accessible trails, In 2019, we will begin work on the rehabilitation of campsites, kayak the South Manitou Lighthouse Complex. We will be Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive...... 14 launches, wayside rehabilitating several building interiors in the complex exhibits, fishing piers, and providing an accessible path to it that will include Manitou Islands Map...... 15 beach walkways, and eight new accessible wayside interpretive displays. In Beaches...... 16 digital offerings. We collaboration with Friends of Sleeping Bear Dunes, we seek to incorporate are working to create a new trail opportunity in the Ranger Programs...... 19 universal design Kettles area of the park near Baatz and Fritz Roads. Pets in the Park...... 20 improvements that We are also planning design improvements at all major allow every visitor to trailheads. Junior Rangers...... 20 experience Sleeping Sleeping Bear Dunes National Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore means Lakeshore Superintendent Bear Dunes in their something different to each visitor. We hope these Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore Scott Tucker own way. Visitor Guide is produced and designed annually improvements will heighten your personal experience as by Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, There are many projects that have been completed you discover the park’s beauty, history, and significance. Division of Interpretation & Visitor Services. or will be happening in the next few years to increase Enjoy your visit, be safe, and rest assured, we are The Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore the accessibility of the National Lakeshore. As an setting the foundation for recreational access and Visitor Guide is published by Eastern National, example, over the last six years, 20 miles of the multi-use resource protection of this amazing place for the a private, non-profit organization which operates Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail have been constructed. This next 50 years and beyond! the sales outlets that offer quality educational includes almost 17 miles with slopes less than 5%. In products and services for park visitors at the General Store, Dune Center, and visitor center. A portion of their proceeds is donated to the Lakeshore to support interpretive and educational programs. For more Philip A. Hart Visitor Center information, call 231-326-4700 or visit www.easternnational.org. Open year-round. Let park rangers help you plan your visit. Purchase a park pass here. Assistive listening imôäi devices are available. Exhibits provide information on geology, ecology, and human stories. Dreams of the Sleeping Bear, a free 15-minute multimedia program with closed captioning, highlights the Lakeshore's The National Park Service cares for special scenery, seasons, and history. Bookstore purchases places saved by the American people so that (books, games, posters, postcards, shirts, hats, all may experience our heritage. patches, and more) support the park.
Memorial Day to Labor Day: 8:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. Labor Day to Memorial Day: 8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Located on M-72 at 9922 Front Street, Printed on recycled paper New Year's Day Empire, Michigan 231-326-4700
2 SLEEPING BEAR DUNES NATIONAL LAKESHORE WWW.NPS.GOV/SLBE 2018 VISITOR GUIDE National Park Entrance Passes Listening Assistance Available Do you have trouble hearing information at A park entrance pass is required whenever and wherever you venture into Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lake- ranger programs because shore and must be displayed on the driver’s side of your vehicle windshield or dashboard. When you park out- of competing sounds? side of the Lakeshore boundary and enter on foot or bicycle, carry your pass. Purchase a pass year round at Try out the FM wireless the visitor center or Platte Point fee machine. During the summer, you can also purchase a pass during regular listening system available hours of operation at campground offices, Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive, Dune Climb, or at Leland Harbor. for your use at the Lake- Seven-day passes may also be purchased May through November at the self-pay fee canisters at the Platte River shore. The equipment Picnic Area, Maritime Museum, and at road-end beaches: Peterson, Esch, North Bar Lake, County Road 669, amplifies the sound of a and County Road 651. ranger’s voice, which you For more information or to purchase passes visit nps.gov/slbe, store.usgs.gov/pass, or pay.gov. hear through a headset, neck loop, or earbuds. Park Entrance Pass - $20.00 per private vehicle Every Kid in a Park Use the wireless system Valid for 7 days from date of issue. Free access to federal lands and waters for for a ranger-led hike or 4th graders and their guests. Available at evening program, available at the visitor center in Annual Park Entrance Pass - $40.00 www.everykidinapark.gov Empire, the campground offices, or the General Store Valid for 12 months from month of issue. in Glen Haven. A listening system When purchased at an Automated Pay Station, please Military Annual Pass is also available for the multimedia exchange the receipt for the Annual Park Pass card at A free annual pass for active duty military personnel program at the visitor center. any staffed fee collection station. and dependents with proper identification (CAC Card Visitors wishing to use the equip- or DD Form 1173). Pass must be issued in person. ment are encouraged to call ahead Per Person Fee - $10.00 per person Learn more about the Military Pass at and arrive early. Valid for 7 days from date of issue. http://store.usgs.gov/pass/military.html For individuals 16 years of age or older who enter the park by foot, bicycle, or as part of an organized group Commercial Visitors (each member) not involved in a commercial tour. Commercial bus tours are subject to a separate fee schedule based upon the seating capacity of the bus. Local Information Motorcycle Entrance Pass - $15.00 per motorcycle Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore Valid for 7 days from date of issue. Vehicle Capacity Fee 231-326-4700 Sedans 1-6 $25 +$7/person www.nps.gov/slbe (not to exceed $40) Van 7-15 $40 Benzie County Chamber of Commerce 800-882-5801 Interagency passes Minibus 16-25 $40 America the Beautiful Interagency Annual Pass www.benzie.org Motorcoach 26+ $100 The $80 Interagency Annual Pass provides entrance Benzie County Visitors Bureau or access to the pass holder and accompanying 800-882-5801 School Groups passengers in a single, private non-commercial vehicle www.visitbenzie.com An Academic Fee Waiver is available for educational at most federal recreation sites across the country. groups that apply prior to their visit to the park. Call Empire Chamber of Commerce www.empirechamber.com Interagency Senior Pass 231-326-4735, or visit the website: www.nps.gov/slbe. The $80 Interagency Senior Lifetime Pass and $20 Frankfort Chamber of Commerce Interagency Senior Annual Pass are available to U.S. Passes are good for entry into all areas of the Sleeping 231-352-7251 www.frankfort-elberta.com citizens or permanent residents 62 or older. Passes are Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Passes are non-trans- available only in person at entrances or visitor centers. ferable and generally non-refundable. Show the pass Glen Lake Chamber of Commerce at entrance stations at the Dune Climb and Pierce 231-334-3238 Interagency Access Pass Stocking Scenic Drive, or place your pass on your www.visitglenarbor.com Free lifetime pass available to citizens or permanent vehicle dashboard if you park within the Lakeshore. Leelanau Peninsula Chamber of Commerce residents of the U.S. who have been determined to be If you park outside the Lakeshore boundary (see park 231-994-2202 blind or permanently disabled. Pass is available only in map) and enter the Lakeshore on foot or riding a www.leelanauchamber.com person at entrances or visitor centers. bicycle, carry your pass with you. Sleeping Bear Dunes Visitors Bureau 888-334-8499 PLEASE NOTE - FAILURE TO OBTAIN A PARK PASS www.sleepingbeardunes.com MAY RESULT IN A FINE. Traverse City Chamber of Commerce 231-947-5075 Fee-free days www.tcchamber.org The National Park Service is offering entrance fee-free April 21, 2018 First Day of National Park Week Traverse City Convention and days (camping and other fees still in effect). Come to September 22, 2018 National Public Lands Day Visitors Bureau Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore (or any nation- November 11, 2018 Veterans Day 800-872-8377 al park) on one of these days, and enjoy the sun, sand, January 21, 2019 Martin Luther King Jr. Day www.traversecity.com and history for free.
2018 VISITOR GUIDE WWW.NPS.GOV/SLBE SLEEPING BEAR DUNES NATIONAL LAKESHORE 3 Making the Most of Your Visit If you have less than 3 hours, try these More than 3 hours, add these
Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive The Platte and Crystal Rivers This driving loop overlooks some of the Lakeshore’s most unique Canoe, kayak, or float these calm rivers. Rent equipment near either scenery. Open May until mid November depending on the weather. launch site if you don’t have your own. Great for kids! Details on page 14. Platte River: M-22 to Lake Michigan Rd., 10 miles south of Empire M-109, 3 miles north of Empire Crystal River: M-22 north of Glen Arbor to Co. Rd. 675, to Fisher Rd. Length: 7.5 miles, 90 minutes Length: 2-3 hours
Dune Climb Sleeping Bear Point Trail (#9) No visit would be complete without climbing this 110-foot high sand A short hike along a portion of this trail offers a panoramic view of dune. Take water, sunscreen, and good footwear. Great for kids! See the shoreline, dunes, and islands. Follow the blue-tipped posts to the page 11 for trail info to Lake Michigan from the top of the Dune Climb. beach, and return along the same route. For a longer hike, complete the (It's a 3-mile-plus hike!) Stop in the air-conditioned Dune Center for entire loop through a ghost forest, over dunes, and back through the nature guides, pins, T-shirts, hats, hiking sticks, and more. The Dune woods. Take water, sunscreen, and good footwear. Details on page 11. Center is open in June on Fri, Sat, Sun 12-5, and daily 12-5 July 1-Labor Day. M-209, 8 miles north of Empire M-109, 6 miles north of Empire Length: to beach, 1.4 miles, 60 minutes Length: 30 minutes to top of first dune Round trip: 2.8 miles, 2-3 hours
Explore Glen Haven Port Oneida Historic Farm Tours This steamship stop on Sleeping Bear Bay dates back to the turn of the Take a guided hiking, biking, driving, or Horse and Wagon tour 20th century. Visit the Blacksmith Shop, General Store and D. H. Day through this late 19th century farming community–the largest historic Exhibit, and Cannery Boat Exhibit. The Maritime Museum tells the agricultural landscape in all of the national parks! Explore on your own stories of the U. S. Life-Saving Service in a fully restored station. by stopping at the Port Oneida Farms Heritage Center to learn about Heroes of the Storm shipwreck rescue demonstration daily at 3:00 p.m. the life of these early settlers and purchase a guide booklet, or join (seasonal). Great for kids! Details on page 12. up with one of the tours of old farmsteads, fields, orchards, and M-209, 7 miles north of Empire cemeteries, offered by Historic Sleeping Bear. Length: 0.5-3 hours Horse and Wagon tours are Tuesday & Thursday, $20 adults, $12 ages Loon Lake 4-12. Reservations required; call 231-334-6103. For all tour details visit Have a picnic on the shore of one of the park’s tranquil inland lakes. A big www.phsb.org. lake with a sandy bottom, Loon Lake is good for fishing from the boat ramp 3164 W. Harbor Hwy (M-22) 3 miles north of Glen Arbor or your boat. Length: 1-2 hours M-22 just south of where M-22 crosses the Platte River Length: 0.5-3 hours
4 SLEEPING BEAR DUNES NATIONAL LAKESHORE WWW.NPS.GOV/SLBE 2018 VISITOR GUIDE A full day? Visit South Manitou Island
Ranger Programs Tour the Lighthouse Paddle a river. Hike over a dune. Bike through historic farmsteads. Learn about the history of the South Manitou Island Lighthouse and Explore glacial remains. Experienced rangers lead these free activities U.S. Life-Saving Station. Climb the 100-foot tall tower for sweeping and more. See page 19; check out the calendar on our website, views of the Manitou Passage. www.nps.gov/slbe; or watch social media for times and locations The lighthouse is 0.3 miles from dock of current programs. Length: 30 minutes Length: 0.5-3 hours Giant Cedars and Shipwreck Hike Empire Bluff Trail (#3) Hidden on the island’s southwest corner, a stand of old-growth white Traversing through a beech-maple forest, this up- and downhill-trail cedar trees–called the Valley of the Giants–escaped the lumbermen. leads to an overlook of Lake Michigan and the dunes. Details on page 9. Nearby, view the shipwrecked Liberian freighter the Francisco Morazan, M-22 to Wilco Rd., 1.6 miles south of Empire which ran aground in 1960. Length: 1.5 miles, 1 hour Begins and ends in the village Length: 7 miles round trip, 3-4 hours Alligator Hill Trail (#10) Winding through a beech-maple forest, various loops on this trail lead Motorized Island Tours to an overlook of Lake Michigan and the Manitou Islands. Manitou Island Transit offers two open-air tours for island visitors. Details on page 11. You may explore the history of the old schoolhouse, cemetery, lake, 6 miles north of Empire off Stocking Rd. and farms, or visit the giant cedars and view the shipwreck. Length: 3-8 miles, 2-4 hours For costs and reservations, call 231-256 9061. Begins in the village after ferry arrives at South Manitou Island Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail (#8) Length: 2 hours Hike, bike, run, rollerblade, or ski some or all of this almost 20-mile hard-surfaced trail. The trail runs from Bar Lake Road just north of Empire to County Road 669 (Bohemian Road). Ferry information: Details on pages 11 and 18. 231-256-9061 Park your car at one of the trailheads: Bar Lake Rd, Pierce Stocking, www.manitoutransit.com Dune Climb, Glen Haven, Alligator Hill, Crystal River, Bay View, or Port Oneida. The ferry leaves on schedule–don't be late! Length: 14 miles, one way, 1.5 hours by bike #FindYourPark
2018 VISITOR GUIDE WWW.NPS.GOV/SLBE SLEEPING BEAR DUNES NATIONAL LAKESHORE 5 Chipmunks, Raccoons, and Bears, Oh My! Don’t get ticked! National Parks are wonderful places to see a great Store your food carefully when camping Protect yourself from tick bites variety of wildlife. But we need your help to keep • Store all food, drinks, trash, and scented items in Avoid ticks by walking in the center of trails and the wildlife truly wild and healthy by making sure animal-proof food storage boxes or your vehicle avoiding contact with vegetation. you store your food properly. Although seldom seen trunk, with vehicle doors closed at all times. Use a repellent (on skin or clothing) and wear here, bears are especially curious and can smell food • Never store food, drinks, trash, or scented items close-toed shoes, long sleeves, long pants, and and beverages in sealed containers. Please store all in your tent. socks. Wear light-colored clothing with a tight food properly. weave to easily spot ticks. • Do not dispose of food or trash in fire rings. Check your clothes and any exposed skin frequently To animals, “food” includes all food, trash, • Do not leave food unattended, even for a few for ticks. Avoid sitting directly on the ground, fallen beverages, and anything with a scent, including minutes. toiletries, lotions, toothpaste, soaps, insect repellent, logs, or stone walls. • Report all wildlife/food incidents. pet food, medicine, perfume, gum, candy, empty After being outdoors food or beverage containers, tobacco products, Never leave your food unattended Check your body for ticks after being outdoors, and dirty dishes, scented tissues, etc. when hiking or picnicking remove any tick you find.
Check your clothing for ticks. Place clothes into a dryer on high heat for at least an hour.
Shower soon after being outdoors; it may reduce Help Us Recycle your risk of being bitten. Please place your clean and empty Check these parts of your body and plastic, metal, paper, and glass waste your child’s body for ticks: in recycling containers and any Under the arms Back of the knees garbage or contaminated materials In and around the In and around hair in neighboring trash cans. With your ears Between the legs help, we will exceed our 2017 goal Inside belly button Around the waist of keeping 50% of our waste out of landfills! Don’t forget to check your pets! If you are bitten by a tick Remove an attached tick as soon as you notice it. Using fine-tipped tweezers or a tick removal tool, grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible, and then slowly, but firmly, pull it straight out. Im- Firewood mediately wash the bite area and your hands with soap and water, then apply an antiseptic to the bite We all love to sit around a warm, crackling campfire, wound. but, did you know firewood is known to harbor Watch for signs of illness. harmful insect and disease pests which can Approved firewood is available from the destroy forests? In order to protect our beautiful following vendors as of April 2018 (check www.nps.gov/slbe for an updated list): Poison ivy: forests from succumbing to these non-native pests, Leaves of three, leave them be! campers in the National Lakeshore may only use Vending machines in the campgrounds Poison ivy grows plentifully in many areas of the Lake- firewood purchased from vendors approved by Anderson’s Market, Glen Arbor shore as a vine or a low shrub. The leaves are red in early the National Lakeshore. Eagle Country Builders, Honor Honor Family Market, Honor spring, shiny green in summer, and an attractive red or Help us protect the forest by leaving your firewood orange in the fall. Each leaf consists of three leaflets. Most Honor Trading Post, Honor at home! Unapproved firewood may not be used in people are sensitive in varying degrees to the sap of this Lake Ann Hardwoods, Lake Ann the campgrounds. plant, which makes skin itch, Northwoods Hardware, Glen Arbor blister, and swell. You may purchase approved firewood from Phil Gunther, Beulah firewood vending machines located in both R & R Contracting, Empire Avoid contact with all parts of campgrounds or from local firewood vendors. Riverside Canoe Trips, Honor the plant. Avoid plants with three leaflets. Manufactured logs for campfires are also acceptable. Manufactured logs for campfires are also acceptable. If exposed, wash the affected skin with soap and water as soon as possible.
6 SLEEPING BEAR DUNES NATIONAL LAKESHORE WWW.NPS.GOV/SLBE 2018 VISITOR GUIDE Camping
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore offers camping for everyone. First-come, first-served campsites will no longer be available starting in 2019. The Platte River Campground is equipped with modern facilities, tent pads, See below for information on reservations. picnic tables, fire rings, and paved parking pads at each site. Backcountry camping is available on the mainland at White Pine, on South D. H. Day Campground is a popular, rustic campground with wooded camp- Manitou Island at Bay, Weather Station, and Popple Campgrounds (0.5, 1.5, sites. Located less than a 5 minute walk from a Lake Michigan beach, the and 3.5 miles from the dock), and on North Manitou Island at the Village campground sites have tent pads, picnic tables, fire rings, and parking areas. Campground and dispersed around the island. A backcountry camping permit is required in addition to a park entrance pass. Obtain a pass and permit at the visitor center, campground offices, or Leland dock.
2018 Camping Rates
Modern restrooms Backcountry sites Swimming beach Group camping Listening system Ranger station Dump stationPotable water Camping fees Reservations Vault toilets Accessible Tent sites RV sites Showers
G ûR i m v − − − é q 7 w ô w á û $ per night / per site
$20 N D. H. Day Campground • • • • • • • • (6 people per site max)
D. H. Day Group $40 • • • • • reservations required Leave No Trace Campground (25 people per site max) $26 $31 w/ elec. 1. Plan ahead and prepare $22 walk-in site Platte River Prepare for extreme weather and • • • • • E • • • • • (6 people per site max) Campground $50 group site emergencies. Bring food and water. reservations required Don’t forget your park pass! (25 people per site max)
$10 2. Camp and travel on durable White Pine • • • (4 people, two tents per site) surfaces w á û$
$10 Stay on established trails and campsites. (4 people, two tents per site) South Manitou Island G • R • • • W • $30 group site 3. Dispose of waste properly reservations required (20 people max) Pack it in, pack it out. $10 4. Leave what you find (4 people, two tents per site) North Manitou Island • • • • W • $20 group site Preserve the past and leave rocks, (10 people max) plants and other items as you find them for others to discover.
E Sites with electricity are available W Potable water available only at village 5. Minimize campfire impacts G Reservations required for group campsites N No electricity at sites; generator use permitted from 9 a.m. Use established fire rings. Keep fires R Restrooms only available in the village. until 6 p.m. at sites 1-31 small. Burn wood to ash. Put all fires out completely. Reservations 6. Respect wildlife Observe wildlife from a distance. Never To make reservations, visit www.recreation.gov or call 1-877-444-6777. Reservations for individual feed animals. Store food properly. campsites at Platte River Campground are available up to six months in advance. For group sites, reservations are accepted one year in advance. Reserve early! 7. Be considerate of other visitors Respect other visitors and protect the Please note: Senior and Access Pass holders with ID pay half price for campsites in the National Lakeshore. quality of their experience. Let nature’s The discount does not apply for group campsites or electricity. sounds prevail. For the 2019 camping season, reservations will be required May 1 to October 15 for all campsites at D.H. Day Campground and Platte River Campground. For questions, call 231-326-4700, ext 5010 or visit our website at nps.gov/slbe. www.LNT.org
2018 VISITOR GUIDE WWW.NPS.GOV/SLBE SLEEPING BEAR DUNES NATIONAL LAKESHORE 7 Road Platte River District outh ar ake
Philip A. Hart Unpaved road Visitor Center r Authorized park land Park Headquarters Wilderness Wilco Road Trails Park boundary extends .25 miles into P Lake Michigan 3