With miles of trails and Lake Michigan shoreline to explore, Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is still accessible during the federal government shutdown.
If you’re planning a visit, expect to find some historic sites, the Philip A. Hart Visitor Center, and other areas that are typically staffed to be without employees. But it shouldn’t deter you from visiting because there is plenty to see and do — and you may enjoy a quieter, slower pace.
You can spend a few hours driving through the national lakeshore, including stops at the Dune Climb and Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive. The fee booths are not open and fee collection has been suspended, according to the volunteer nonprofit Friends of Sleeping Bear Dunes.
Natural areas open
The region’s beaches, trails, orchards, dunes, lakes, rivers and other natural areas are open for exploration, or you can sightsee from the car along M-22 or venture across the Leelanau Peninsula.
Prior to the shutdown, Sleeping Bear Dunes gave a fall color update and noted: As of Sept. 29, trees are beginning to show hints of color, but most leaves are still green.
The Current Conditions webpage won’t be updated during the shutdown, but you can check back when park operations resume to see how the fall color is progressing.
Typical fall-like conditions are predicted over the next couple of weeks, so the leaf show should start soon.
Open sites
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore’s official website listed the following sites as open:
- Dune Climb
- Lakeshore trails and trailheads
- Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail
- Platte River Campground
- D.H. Day Campground
- Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive
Other popular spots, including Glen Haven Beach, Platte River Picnic Area, Platte Beach, Good Harbor Bay Beach, Inspiration Point, and Pyramid Point Overlook are open, so you can take in that last bit of sun and bask in the beauty of Lake Michigan.
In addition, visitors should find most bathroom facilities open. Law enforcement officers remain on duty, as well as minimal maintenance staff for essential services.
Closed facilities
In addition to the North and South Manitou Islands, the following facilities are closed:
- Philip A. Hart Visitor Center in Empire
- Glen Haven Cannery Boat Museum, Maritime Museum, General Store, and Blacksmith Shop.
- Port Oneida Heritage Center
Port Oneida
North of Glen Arbor, the Port Oneida Rural Historic District has several farm houses and outbuildings that can be viewed on a driving or self-guided walking tour.
The Port Oneida Heritage Center is operated by the park’s nonprofit preservation partner, Preserve Historic Sleeping Bear. Once the park reopens, the center’s fall hours are based on volunteer and staff availability. Call ahead at (231) 334-6103 or look for the Open sign out front.
You can also check the website, phsb.org, for updates, wagon and biking tours, and special programs, including an upcoming Path to Page: Hiking and Writing Experience on Oct. 17.
Stay tuned
The public is not prohibited from visiting accessible areas in national parks, although the National Park Service doesn’t necessarily recommend it, according to MLive.com.
Staffing is down to a minimum across national parks during the federal government shutdown that began Wednesday, Oct. 1.
Park roads, lookouts, trails and open-air facilities and shelters will stay open but emergency services will be limited, per the NPS plan. If public access begins to pose a safety, health or natural resource protection issue, an area could be closed.
Park interpretation programs, ranger-led activities, and educational programs for schools and campers will be suspended during the shutdown. You can check the calendar for updates.
The Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore website has an alert posted at the top of the page: National parks remain as accessible as possible during the federal government shutdown. However, some services may be limited or unavailable.
For more information related to the shutdown and National Park Service operations, you can visit doi.gov/shutdown.
Marla R. Miller is a freelance travel writer, blogger, and content writer who enjoys exploring the Sleeping Bear area. Visit her website at marlarmiller.com.