Important Updates About Government Closure

Hello Friends,

We wanted to share an update on what’s happening at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore during the current government shutdown. We continue to be in communication with key park leadership during this time and have been able to provide support as needed including taking care of some trail safety issues and providing funding for a porta-john at the Dune Climb. 

Typically, the park welcomes around 100,000 visitors in October. With no entrance fees being collected during the shutdown, the park is losing hundreds of thousands of dollars—funds that would normally support the Lakeshore’s 2026 project budget. This pause in revenue puts future operations at risk.

If you’d like to help during this time, please consider donating the value of a park pass at friendsofsleepingbear.org/entrance. Your support helps sustain the park we all love.

We continue to hope for a quick resolution so our park rangers can return to work protecting and preserving Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. In the meantime, here’s what’s happening around the park:

Park Operations

• Winterization is underway: Glen Haven, Dune Climb, and Platte River are complete; Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive is next.

• All vault toilets remain open and are being serviced by limited park staff.

• Two porta-johns have been added at the Dune Climb, funded by Friends of Sleeping Bear Dunes to assist during the lapse.

• D.H. Day Campground: Office closed; self-registration through November.

• Platte River Campground: Open by reservation through Nov. 1, then Loop 2 will remain open via self-pay through winter.

• All museum spaces are closed.

• Dune Center remains open 9–5 through the end of this week.

Special Projects & Access

• The North Manitou Island Hunt is taking place, with approximately 200 hunters participating for resource management.

• Law Enforcement Rangers are receiving full pay from 2025 fee funds, which will impact the 2026 project budget.

• Empire Visitor Center remains closed.

• Volunteer duties are suspended, except for visitor-safety-related projects, which may be approved individually.

• Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive will stay open until falling leaves make it unsafe—likely another 2–3 weeks, weather permitting.

• The North and South Manitou GAOA project continues on schedule; this work is not affected by the budget lapse.
  

We’re deeply grateful for your continued support and commitment. Even during this uncertain time, our public lands remain open—ready to be enjoyed and cared for by all who cherish them.

With gratitude, 

Laura Ann Johnson
Executive Director