Sleeping Bear Dunes in Winter: Your Complete Guide to Michigan’s Winter Wonderland

Quick Answer: Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore offers incredible winter activities including sledding on the famous Dune Climb, cross-country skiing on the groomed Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail, snowshoeing, fat tire biking, ice fishing, and winter hiking with stunning views of frozen Lake Michigan. The park entrance fee is $25 (or free with an annual pass), and winter visitors enjoy fewer crowds, firmer sand for easier hiking, and magical snow-covered landscapes. December through February offers the best winter conditions.

Some posts on this site contain affiliate links, meaning if you book or buy something through one of these links, I may earn a small commission. Read the full disclosure policy here.

Quick Picks: Best Winter Activities at Sleeping Bear Dunes

🛷 Best Thrill: Sledding on the Dune Climb – Michigan’s most epic sledding hill at 260 feet
⛷️ Best Cross-Country Skiing: Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail – 20 miles of groomed trails
🥾 Best Winter Hike: Empire Bluff Trail – 1.5-mile out-and-back with stunning lake views
📸 Best Scenic Drive: Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive – closed to cars in winter, open to skiers and snowshoers
🎿 Best Downhill Skiing: The Homestead in Glen Arbor – ski runs with views of Sleeping Bear Bay
🏕️ Best Camping: Platte River Campground – open year-round with heated restrooms

What’s in This Guide

• Quick Picks
• Why Visit Sleeping Bear Dunes in Winter
• Planning Your Trip
• Winter Activities
• Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive
• More to Do in the Area
• Where to Stay
• FAQs

Why Visit Sleeping Bear Dunes in Winter

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is one of the most well-known treasures of Michigan in the warmer months, but many people don’t realize all of the things to do in Sleeping Bear Dunes in winter. While summer brings over a million visitors, winter welcomes just a few hundred each day—giving you the peaceful, uncrowded experience this stunning landscape deserves.

Northern Michigan is a sight to see any time of year, but the dunes are a must-do activity for the whole family in winter. There’s no need to stay cooped up inside when you have 65 miles of shoreline and 100 miles of trails stretching from Empire to Glen Arbor to experience.

Here’s a secret locals know: winter actually makes hiking easier. The cold temperatures firm up the sand, so instead of sinking with every step (like you do in summer), you’ll find solid footing on the frozen dunes. Plus, fresh snow becomes the perfect backdrop for spotting wildlife tracks from deer, foxes, wild turkeys, and even the occasional bald eagle.

Located just 30 minutes from Traverse City, Sleeping Bear Dunes is perfect for a winter romantic getaway, a kid-friendly outdoor adventure, or even family reunions and holiday events.

Planning Your Trip to Sleeping Bear Dunes in Winter

📍 Visitor Center: Philip A. Hart Visitor Center, 9922 Front Street, Empire, MI 49630
💵 Entrance Fee: $25 per vehicle (or free with America the Beautiful annual pass)
🗓️ Best Time: December through February for optimal snow conditions
⏰ Visitor Center Hours: Check NPS website for current winter hours

Since the dunes are a national park, the entrance fee is $25.00 unless you have a park pass on your vehicle. Prices vary for motorcycles and individuals, so be sure to check the NPS website for more information on passes and any last-minute closures.

Don’t forget to stop by the visitor’s center on your way into the park. The Philip A. Hart Visitor Center is where you can find brochures, maps, and park rangers to tell you about the history of the park and current trail conditions. Pick up a souvenir at the bookstore and museum—and grab a free ice fishing auger permit if you’re planning to fish.

PRO TIP: December through February delivers the best winter experience, with fresh powder and those stunning blue-sky days when the clouds break. February is especially magical with longer daylight hours and excellent snow conditions.

What to Do in Sleeping Bear Dunes in Winter

The Dune Climb

First and foremost, when it comes to Sleeping Bear Dunes, the Dune Climb is a must. This is the most well-known hiking trail in the entire park, and it’s a badge of honor for anyone who completes it. Here’s the good news: snow is actually easier than sand when it comes to hiking, so you’re able to enjoy yourself even more in winter.

Sledding on the Dune Climb

Before embarking on the Dune Climb, grab a tube or sled and enjoy the ride down. Anytime the dune is covered in snow, the park designates a portion of the dune just for sledding. At 260 feet of elevation, you won’t find a better sledding hill in all of Michigan.

PRO TIP: Bring your own sled—the park doesn’t rent them. Simple, smooth, and lightweight sleds work best on the dunes.

Cross-Country Skiing

⛷️ Best Trail: Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail (20 miles, groomed for classic and skate skiing)
🔰 Beginner Friendly: 4-mile section from Glen Arbor to Dune Climb
📊 Trail Conditions: Check Friends of Sleeping Bear for updates
🎿 Rentals: Crystal River Outfitters in Glen Arbor

The Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail is the best place for cross-country skiing in all of northern Michigan. Cross-country skiing is way more fun than I expected it to be, and ever since I discovered it, I’ve done it every winter. When I get to ski in Sleeping Bear Dunes, it’s even better.

The Heritage Trail is a groomed trail that is perfect for a skier of any skill level, and it’s a great time no matter how many times you’ve been. The Platte Plains Trail, located just south of Empire, has almost 15 miles of skiing and hiking trails for winter sports enthusiasts.

Winter Hiking

There are plenty of trails all over the park, so remember to dress warmly and bring some trusty boots. The views are breathtaking, and the trails vary in difficulty so you can choose between a leisurely stroll or a more challenging but satisfying trek.

Empire Bluff Trail

📏 Distance: 1.5 miles out-and-back
⭐ Difficulty: Easy to moderate
👁️ Views: Snowy trees, open fields, cliff-side Lake Michigan views

The Empire Bluff Trail is a picture-perfect site to see all year round, but especially in the winter months. This mile-and-a-half out-and-back trail has amazing views of snowy trees, open fields, and plenty of cliff-side water views. It’s one of my favorite winter hikes in the park.

Snowshoeing

The dunes and open fields all around the park are prime snowshoeing opportunities. The park offers guided snowshoe hikes as well as self-guided hikes via the NPS Sleeping Bear Dunes app on your phone.

Popular snowshoeing trails include Old Indian Trail, Platte Plains, Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive, Windy Moraine, Alligator Hill, and Bay View Trail. Be sure to stop by the visitor center to grab any trail maps you need. Watch for glimpses of Glen Lake and the Manitou Islands in Lake Michigan.

PRO TIP: If you’re snowshoeing along a cross-country ski trail, please stay off to the side of the skiers’ tracks to preserve the groomed surface.

Fat Tire Biking

Fat tire bikes are specifically designed for “off-season” terrain like snow and ice, so fat tire bikes are perfect for the dunes in winter. Hop on one of these bicycles, with their wide wheels and low tire pressure, to traverse the snowy dunes effortlessly.

Ice Fishing

As one of the most popular winter activities in our state, ice fishing is always a great option when visiting the Great Lakes region. The park allows the use of a power auger with a permit on Lake Michigan, Loon Lake, School Lake, Bass Lake, and Tucker Lake. You can pick up an ice auger permit for free at the visitor center.

Wildlife Sightings

The wildlife in northern Michigan is at its peak in the dunes, which are home to over 50 species of mammals. You can hope to see whitetail deer, red foxes, and snowshoe hares among other adorable woodland creatures. There is also a chance of seeing black bears, bobcats, and even cougars. Fresh snow makes animal tracks easy to spot—a fun activity for kids!

Winter Camping

For the rugged adventure types who don’t mind camping in the winter, Platte River Campground is open year-round with heated restrooms and showers. There are more than 40 spots available from October through April. For a true backcountry experience, White Pine Backcountry Campground offers wilderness camping.

Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive

📏 Distance: 7.5-mile loop
🚗 Winter Status: Closed to vehicles, open to skiers, snowshoers, and hikers
👁️ Views: Dunes, Lake Michigan, Glen Lake, wildlife

The scenic 7.5-mile twisty loop in the dunes is well known for its incredible views of the dunes, the water, and plenty of wildlife sightings. The loop is even better in wintertime when it is closed to automobiles due to driving conditions, but open to skiers, snowshoers, and casual wanderers.

Without car traffic, you’ll have the entire scenic drive to yourself—one of the most peaceful winter experiences in the park. There is a guide to Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive available at the visitor center.

More to Do in the Sleeping Bear Area

The fun doesn’t stop at the park boundaries. Here are more winter activities nearby:

• Strap on skis for some downhill skiing at The Homestead in Glen Arbor – ski runs with stunning views of Sleeping Bear Bay
• Explore the historic restored port village of Glen Haven in the winter – even more picturesque with snow covering the ground around the bright red cannery
• Check out the panoramic views of Sleeping Bear Bay with some waterfront dining at Blu, one of the top Glen Arbor restaurants
• The Grand Traverse area is home to great local craft breweries – try one of the beer tours or make your own with our guide to the best breweries in Traverse City
• Attend Glen Lake Winterfest for the annual Perch Fishing Contest and other winter festivities
• Look for Northern Lights – this area offers some of Lower Michigan’s best dark sky viewing

Where to Stay Near Sleeping Bear Dunes in Winter

Since the park is situated right between two of the most charming towns in Northern Michigan—Empire and Glen Arbor—there are plenty of places to stay, including cozy winter rentals near Sleeping Bear Dunes.

M22 Inn

📍 Address: 5793 S Ray St, Glen Arbor, MI 49636
🏠 Style: Cozy two-story colonial-style inn
📍 Location: Downtown Glen Arbor, walking distance to Lake Michigan and shops

A very cozy two-story colonial-style house that feels like home. The M22 Inn’s location in downtown Glen Arbor makes it an easy walk to both Lake Michigan and the shops and attractions like The Cherry Republic.

Sylvan Inn

📍 Address: 6680 W Western Ave, Glen Arbor, MI 49636
🏠 Style: Charming bed & breakfast
✨ Highlight: Delicious breakfast included

Although the house itself is gorgeous and the rooms are very cozy, their delicious breakfast steals the show. The Sylvan Inn is centrally located in downtown Glen Arbor.

Empire Lakeshore Inn

📍 Address: 11730 S Lacore Rd, Empire, MI 49630
🏠 Style: Clean and comfortable inn with garden terrace
🍽️ Bonus: Next to Shipwreck Café (one of Michigan’s best sandwich shops)

The Empire Lakeshore Inn is an amazing place to stay that just happens to be next to one of the best sandwich shops in Michigan, the Shipwreck Café. It’s a very clean and comfortable spot with a nice garden terrace.

Cottonwood Inn Bed & Breakfast

📍 Address: 9583 W Front St, Empire, MI 49630
🏠 Style: Charming B&B with unique rooms
👨‍👩‍👧 Good For: Families (roomy suites available)

This precious little B&B has unique rooms, cozy beds, and idyllic views all winter long. Each room at the Cottonwood Inn comes with a private bathroom, and you’ll find roomy suites big enough for a family.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Sleeping Bear Dunes open in winter?

Yes! Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is open year-round, including winter. The park entrance fee is $25 per vehicle (or free with an America the Beautiful annual pass). The Philip A. Hart Visitor Center in Empire is open during winter months—check the NPS website for current hours.

What is the best time to visit Sleeping Bear Dunes in winter?

December through February offers the best winter conditions, with fresh snow and occasional clear blue skies. February is especially magical with longer daylight hours. Check trail conditions before you go, as snow levels can vary year to year.

Can you sled at Sleeping Bear Dunes in winter?

Yes! When the Dune Climb is covered in snow, the park designates a portion specifically for sledding. At 260 feet of elevation, it’s one of the best sledding hills in Michigan. Bring your own sled—the park doesn’t rent them. Simple, smooth sleds work best.

Is the Dune Climb easier in winter?

Yes! Winter actually makes hiking the Dune Climb easier because the cold temperatures firm up the sand. Instead of sinking with every step like you do in summer, you’ll find solid footing on the frozen dunes. Just dress warmly and wear sturdy boots.

Where can I rent cross-country skis or snowshoes near Sleeping Bear Dunes?

Crystal River Outfitters in Glen Arbor rents cross-country skis and snowshoes. The Homestead resort also offers rentals and has special Winter Glide packages that include equipment, lodging discounts, and a National Park pass.

Can you camp at Sleeping Bear Dunes in winter?

Yes! Platte River Campground is open year-round with heated restrooms and showers. More than 40 campsites are available from October through April. For backcountry camping, White Pine Backcountry Campground offers a true wilderness experience.

Is Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive open in winter?

Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive is closed to vehicles in winter due to road conditions, but it’s open to cross-country skiers, snowshoers, and hikers. This actually makes it one of the most peaceful winter experiences in the park—you’ll have the entire 7.5-mile loop to yourself.

---