Located in Michigan’s Lower Peninsula, Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore Beaches hug the northeast shore of Lake Michigan and includes South and North Manitou islands. The park is known for the huge scalable dunes of the Dune Climb. Dogs on a leash no longer than 6 feet are generally permitted within the park except in certain limited areas designated as “no-pet” areas. These areas can be identified by a “No Pets” sign. A small percentage of the park has been closed to pets for the protection of wildlife. Leashed pets are allowed on portions of the following beaches year-round:
Glen Haven Beach – to the right of the Maritime Museum, when facing the water, to all the way past the Cannery and D. H. Day Campground.
Good Harbor Beach 651 – to the right of CR 651 when facing the water. NO pets are allowed to the left of CR 651.
Good Harbor Beach 669 – to the left of CR 669 when facing the water. No pets are allowed to the right of CR 669.
Esch Beach – to the right of Esch Road when facing the water. NO Pets are allowed to the left of Esch Road.
Empire Beach – north to the southern end of North Bar Lake. No pet access from North Bar Lake.
The following beaches are closed to pets April 15 – August 15:
All beaches to the south of Esch Road beach to the southern Lakeshore Boundary. This includes Peterson Beach south to the Railroad Grade Trail from Platte River Campground and beach access from all other roads and trails, including the Old Indian Trail, Platte Point, and Bookeloo Road.
Glen Haven Beach west to the Maritime Museum beach (pets are also not allowed on the Maritime Museum grounds).
Sleeping Bear Point Trail and beach access.
More information on Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore Beaches
