In April 2018, the National Park Service (NPS) announced that as part of an ongoing effort to address aging park infrastructure and improve visitor experiences, entrance fees at 117 NPS sites across the United States would be increasing by $5.00. Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore (National Lakeshore) was one of the parks identified for this increase. However, the National Lakeshore had just raised entrance and camping fees on Jan. 1, 2018. For this reason, the National Lakeshore was allowed to delay implementation of the $5.00 increase until Jan. 1, 2019. Below is a listing of the fees that will increase:
Park Entrance Pass Per Private Vehicle Valid for 1-7 days from date of purchase: current fee, $20; new fee, $25
Park Entrance Pass Motorcycle Valid for 1-7 days from date of purchase: current fee, $15; new fee, $20
Sleeping Bear Dunes Annual Park Entrance Pass Valid for one year from month of purchase: current fee, $40; new fee, $45
Per Person Entrance Pass Visitors 16 years of age or older who enter on foot, bicycle, or as part of an organized group not involved in a commercial tour. Valid for 1-7 days from date of purchase: current fee, $10; new fee, $15
Entrance and camping fees collected by Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore have supported a wide range of projects that improve the park and visitor experiences, including
* Additional visitor programs throughout the year
* Armoring the South Manitou Island shoreline to protect the Lighthouse Complex
* Providing visitor facilities and services at Glen Haven Historic District
* Renovating South Manitou Island Visitor Center and providing accessibility
* Improving visitor information provided at beaches and trailheads
* Evaluating forest pests and removing hazard trees
* Maintenance and upkeep of Platte River and D. H. Day Campgrounds
* Renovating the interpretive exhibit at the Dune Climb
Additional revenue from this fee increase will fund a wide variety of visitor projects, including
* Historic preservation work within the Port Oneida Rural Historic District
* Improving trailheads and making them more accessible
* Creating a mobile app specific to the National Lakeshore
* Repairing the Empire Bluff Trail and its boardwalk
* Upgrading electrical service at Platte River Campground to accommodate electric vehicles
Visit https://www.nps.gov/aboutus/entrance-fee-prices.htm#CP_JUMP_5865667 for a listing of all NPS sites that charge an entrance fee.
Source: U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service
