The Changing Season at Sleeping Bear

Oct. 7, 2023

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore may not be seeing as many visitors this time of year, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t busy. Though it’s still a beautiful time to visit, the park is undergoing some updates and changes that may interrupt your plans. Here’s what to expect: Empire Bluff Trail will be closed from 6am-10am Mondays through Thursdays for trail work. Several prescribed fires are planned for the fall—dependent on weather conditions—to restore habitat in forested ecosystems in the park, and roads and/or trails will be temporarily closed during the active burning period. This includes 75 acres between Pyramid Point, Bohemian Road, and the northern part of M-22 and 930 acres between Otter Creek and Bass Lake. And a tip for those driving out for fall color views: Roadwork is underway on M-109 and M-22 north of Empire, so expect weekday lane closures through Oct. 27. See all the latest updates at nps.gov/slbe/planyourvisit/conditions.htm.