Can you swim in Sleeping Bear Dunes Michigan?

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Sunshine, warm weather, and beautiful clear water are a recipe for beach activities, and Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore has a lot of pristine beach! This is the place to sunbathe, make sand castles, play in the Lake Michigan waves, swim, or just walk the beach.

How much does it cost to be rescued from Sleeping Bear Dunes?

Injured visitors are rescued by boat if the conditions allow or are pulled to the top of the dune. Both are labor intensive — 15 rescue workers and a system of ropes and winches are required to stretcher a person to the top of Number 9 Overlook — and either costs $2,800 per rescue.

Can you ride ATV at Sleeping Bear Dunes?

Yes. An ORV Permit and an ORV Trails Permit are required, along with a Recreation Passport. And, to drive, you must be over 16 with a valid driver’s license.

Is Sleeping Bear Dunes open to the public?

Dune Climb Hours: Open all year, 24 hours a day. Location: From Empire, take M-22 north for 2 miles to M-109. then left on M-109 for 4 miles. Facilities: Great family fun location to climb the dunes.

Can you rent kayaks at Sleeping Bear Dunes?

You will find a lot of water in and around the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. That means there are many opportunities to paddle a canoe or kayak. Bring your own boat, raft, or tube or you can rent one in the area.

What should I wear to Sleeping Bear Dunes?

Things to Bring: Daypack, snacks, and water. Also, wear either tennis shoes or your hiking boots. What you Will See: Tons of sand dunes created by nature! There is also a really nice view of Lake Michigan at the end.

How long does it take to climb back up Sleeping Bear Dunes?

3-4 hours
Once you get to the top and decide to make the hike to Lake Michigan, consider that you will be climbing and descending several steep dunes before you get to the lake, and you have to repeat the process to get back. The whole trip is about 3.5 miles and may take 3-4 hours depending on your condition and the weather.

Can you rent dune buggies at the Sleeping Bear Dunes?

Can I rent a dune buggy and ride the dunes? No, the best way to see the dunes in the Sleeping Bear National Lakeshore is on foot. If you want a dune buggy ride, you’ll have to drive south of Ludington to the Silver Lake State Park.