Sleeping Bear Dunes Cannabis Guide: Federal Land Rules and Responsible Planning

Can I use cannabis at Sleeping Bear Dunes?

No. Possessing or using cannabis anywhere in the lakeshore, including the beaches, trails, dune climb, parking areas and overlooks, is a federal violation and rangers enforce it. Do not bring it into the park, and do not carry it in a daypack. If you are unsure whether a spot is inside the boundary, check the National Park Service site.

What this means for your trip

• Leave it behind. Do not take cannabis with you into the park, even if you do not plan to use it there.
• Do not use before a park visit. The dunes are steep, the beaches have strong currents, and Lake Michigan is cold. A clear head matters, and so does a clear head for the drive.
• Never drive after using it. That applies to the scenic drives and the road home.
• Plan on private property. If you use cannabis during your trip, do it only on private property that allows it, after you are finished with the park and finished driving for the day.

Planning your Sleeping Bear visit

Sleeping Bear Dunes sits on Lake Michigan's eastern shore, near Empire and Frankfort, with dunes, beaches and bluffs that rise hundreds of feet above the lake. The National Park Service publishes current information on roads, trails, beaches, fees and visitor centers at nps.gov/slbe. Check it before you go, because conditions and closures change.

• Summer (June to August): warm weather and the biggest crowds; check the park's site for any closures before you go.
• Fall (September to October): milder weather, fewer crowds and fall color.
• Winter (November to February): cold and quiet, with some facilities closed.
• Spring (March to May): variable weather and fewer people.

Bring water, sun protection and proper footwear. Lake Michigan is cold even in summer, so enter the water gradually and never swim alone. The Dune Climb is short but steep, and the scenic drives let you see a lot from the car. Stop at the Empire visitor center for exhibits and ranger information.

Where to stay

Empire and Frankfort are the gateway towns, with hotels, motels, resorts and vacation rentals. Traverse City is about 25 miles by road from Empire and has more lodging and dining.

Before you book, ask about cannabis. Many properties prohibit smoking or vaping of any kind, and some vacation rentals allow use in private areas. Read the listing and ask the host in writing. Do not guess.

Where Olswell fits

Olswell Traverse City is at 728 E Front St, Traverse City, MI 49686, about 25 miles by road from Empire. The easiest way to handle a park trip is to keep the dispensary stop and the park day separate:

1. Order on the Traverse City live menu the day before or after your park visit.
2. Pick up in store. You pay cash at pickup, and there is an ATM on-site. Orders are held until the end of the business day. Olswell does not deliver.
3. Keep your purchase at your lodging, not in your park bag.

Inventory rotates, so check the live menu for what is in stock. First-time customers get 25% off their first visit, and Traverse City's Happy Hour takes 20% off the whole shop on Monday 5-9 PM and Thursday 9AM-1PM. Bring a valid government-issued photo ID showing you are 21 or older. See the Olswell Traverse City store page for hours and directions, and the driving guide for the route from Empire.

Nearby

• Frankfort: a small Lake Michigan town with beaches, a lighthouse, a pier walk and local dining.
• Manistee: a coastal town with Lake Michigan access and dining.
• Traverse City: downtown dining and shopping, beaches and, in July, the Cherry Festival. See the Traverse City cannabis tourism guide.
• Leelanau Peninsula: wineries, beaches and scenic overlooks. See the Leelanau Peninsula visit guide.

Your next step

Order on the Olswell Traverse City live menu and pick up in store before or after your park day.

Michigan cannabis tourism guide Torch Lake guide Where you can and cannot consume in Michigan

Cannabis is illegal on federal land including Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.

For adults 21 and older only. Must present valid government-issued photo ID. Please consume responsibly.

Sources: National Park Service, Sleeping Bear Dunes and Michigan Cannabis Regulatory Agency