Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, Michigan, United States of America: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2024]

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Ready to pack for Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, Michigan, United States of America? If you're planning to go to Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, we've got some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.

Contents

  1. When to go to Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
  2. Important essentials for Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
  3. Activities for Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
  4. Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore in January: weather and what to pack
  5. Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore in February: weather and what to pack
  6. Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore in March: weather and what to pack
  7. Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore in April: weather and what to pack
  8. Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore in May: weather and what to pack
  9. Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore in June: weather and what to pack
  10. Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore in July: weather and what to pack
  11. Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore in August: weather and what to pack
  12. Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore in September: weather and what to pack
  13. Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore in October: weather and what to pack
  14. Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore in November: weather and what to pack
  15. Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore in December: weather and what to pack

When to go to Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, Michigan, United States of America

Based on the climate and weather in Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, Michigan, United States of America, the best time to go is July. See below for details.

What to wear/what to pack for Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, Michigan, United States of America

Already know when you're traveling?

Here are some general tips on what to wear in Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.

What to wear/what to pack for Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, Michigan, United States of America by month

January

January in Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is frigid, somewhat snowy and very rainy. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the 10s F (single digits below 0 C), with a few days below 0 F (10+ below zero C). It tends to rain about two thirds of the time. It also snows about half of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing luggage nowadays, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large amounts for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Travel neck support pillow

    An excellent option is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. It's important that you pick the correct type. The majority of adapters on sale are simply plugs and require your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one should be sufficient for most areas.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

If you visit the Sleeping Bear Point Coast Guard Station and Maritime Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

February

February in Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is freezing, somewhat snowy and somewhat rainy. The snow can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the low 30s F (single digits below 0 C), although night temperatures can dip into the single digits F (10+ below zero C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines always losing things recently, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge prices for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A great choice is this one

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Ensure that you get the right type. The vast majority of adapters currently available are just plug changers and expect your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get fried. This one should be appropriate for most locations.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

If you visit the Sleeping Bear Point Coast Guard Station and Maritime Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

March

March in Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore can be very chilly, snowy and somewhat rainy. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the low 20s F (single digits below 0 C). It tends to rain about a third of the time. It also snows regularly.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly losing things these days, an AirTag can find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Take care to get the right kind. A lot of adapters for sale now are simply plugs and expect your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get fried. This one should work in most countries.

  • Travel pillow

    An excellent option is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

If you visit the Sleeping Bear Point Coast Guard Station and Maritime Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

April

If you go to Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore in April, you will notice that it is cold, snowy and somewhat rainy. Expect it to rain 5-10 days this month. Daytime temperatures are in the 50s F (low 10s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports frequently losing bags recently, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A good option is this one

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Take care to pick the right kind. The majority of adapters available are simply plug changers and require your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be appropriate for most countries.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large amounts for overweight luggage. Save money with this

If you visit the Sleeping Bear Point Coast Guard Station and Maritime Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

May

If you visit Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore during May, you may notice that it is mild and somewhat rainy. Temperatures tend to hover around the high 60s F (low 10s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 40s F (single digits C). In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain a bit less than half of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly losing things recently, an AirTag can find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Take care to find the correct kind. Many adapters currently sold are simply plug changers and require your devices to change the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could burn up. This one is sufficent for most areas.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

If you visit the Sleeping Bear Point Coast Guard Station and Maritime Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

June

June in Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is warm. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the high 70s F (mid 20s C), although night temperatures can dip into the low 50s F (single digits C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing luggage nowadays, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge amounts for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Check that you find the necessary type. A lot of adapters for sale now are simply plugs and require your devices to change the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get fried. This one should be appropriate for most locations.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck pillow

    Our fave is this one

If you visit the Sleeping Bear Point Coast Guard Station and Maritime Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

July

If you are traveling to Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore in July, you will notice that it is hot. Expect it to rain regularly. Daytime temperatures are in the low 80s F (high 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly losing luggage nowadays, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck support pillow

    What we like is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Take care to find the right type. The vast majority of adapters currently being sold are just plug changers and expect your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get fried. This one works in most countries.

If you visit the Sleeping Bear Point Coast Guard Station and Maritime Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

August

If you go to Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore in August, you will notice that it is a perfect temperature and somewhat rainy. Expect it to rain a bit less than half of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the high 70s F (mid 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports repeatedly losing things recently, an AirTag can locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. It's important that you pick the necessary type. Most adapters currently available are just plugs and require your devices to change the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be sufficient for most areas.

  • Travel neck pillow

    Our fave is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

If you visit the Sleeping Bear Point Coast Guard Station and Maritime Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

September

In September, Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is mild and somewhat rainy. Temperatures routinely are in the low 70s F (low 20s C) and occasionally jump into the low 80s F (high 20s C) range. At night, lows are in the low 50s F (low 10s C). This is also a rainy time for Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, with several of the days of the month having rain.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports constantly losing luggage these days, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel neck pillow

    A great choice is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Take care to choose the necessary type. The majority of adapters currently sold are simply plug changers and require your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could burn up. This one works in most countries.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large prices for overweight luggage. Save money with this

If you visit the Sleeping Bear Point Coast Guard Station and Maritime Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

October

October for Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is cool and somewhat rainy. Temperatures average in the high 50s F (mid 10s C) during the day. It rains a bit less than half of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports frequently losing luggage these days, an AirTag can find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be sure to pick the right kind. The majority of adapters for sale now are just plug changers and require your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one is sufficent for most areas.

  • Travel pillow

    What we like is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

If you visit the Sleeping Bear Point Coast Guard Station and Maritime Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

November

In November, Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is cold, snowy and somewhat rainy. Temperatures routinely are in the 40s F (single digits C) and regularly jump into the low 50s F (single digits C) range. At night, lows are in the low 30s F (single digits below 0 C). During your visit, you can expect extremely heavy snowfall. This is also a rainy time for Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, with several of the days of the month having rain.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports always losing bags these days, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. It's important that you get the correct type. A lot of adapters for sale now are simply plug changers and expect your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one should work in most locations.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge prices for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

If you visit the Sleeping Bear Point Coast Guard Station and Maritime Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

December

In December, Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is freezing, somewhat snowy and very rainy. Temperatures routinely are in the low 30s F (single digits C) and about a third of the time jump into the low 40s F (single digits C) range. At night, lows are in the low 20s F (single digits below 0 C). During your visit, you can expect heavy snowfall. This is also a rainy time for Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, with more than half of the days of the month having rain.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports repeatedly losing luggage nowadays, an AirTag can find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. It's important that you get the correct type. A lot of adapters available are simply plug changers and expect your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one is sufficent for most places.

  • Travel neck support pillow

    An excellent option is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large prices for overweight luggage. Save money with this

If you visit the Sleeping Bear Point Coast Guard Station and Maritime Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

What to do in Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, Michigan, United States of America

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is one of the most famous tourist attractions in Michigan. This beautiful park offers a wide range of activities for travelers, with something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation or family-friendly activities, this national park is a must-visit destination.

Here are some of the top tourist attractions that you can explore during your visit to Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.

1. Sleeping Bear Dunes: The magnificent sand dunes overlooking Lake Michigan are the star attraction of this national park. With hiking trails winding through the hills, visitors can climb to the top of the dunes and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.

2. Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive: This 7.4-mile scenic drive offers breathtaking views of the dunes and lakeshore, with 12 stops along the way where visitors can explore hiking trails, picnic areas, and overlooks.

3. Glen Arbor: A charming town located just outside of the park, Glen Arbor offers an array of shops, restaurants, and galleries. Visitors can also rent bicycles, kayaks or paddleboards to explore the nearby waterways.

4. Lake Michigan Beaches: Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore offers numerous beaches along the Lake Michigan coastline, each with its own unique scenery and water activities. Visitors can enjoy swimming, fishing, and sunbathing on the sand.

5. Empire Bluff Trail: This popular scenic trail offers stunning views of Lake Michigan from the top of the bluff. The hike is just over a mile long and is considered a moderate trek.

6. Maritime Museum: Located in Glen Haven, the park’s historic maritime museum gives visitors an insight into the Lake Michigan shipping industry and the role it played in the region's history.

7. Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail: This 22-mile trail is ideal for hiking, biking or horseback riding, with many scenic stops along the way. Visitors can explore the park's varied terrain and diverse wildlife.

In conclusion, Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore offers a wide range of activities and attractions for tourists, ensuring that every visitor leaves satisfied. From tranquil beaches and lush forests to scenic drives and quaint towns nearby, this national park is a must-visit destination. Whether you're looking for a relaxing getaway, an adrenaline-fueled adventure, or an educational experience, Sleeping Bear Dunes has something for everyone.

About your travel guide

Hi! I'm Dev. I've traveled all over the world and in my travels, I have made many packing lists. In this series, my team and I have compiled the most useful information, as well as things we couldn't live without, to help you plan your trip.

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