Despite the partial government shutdown, some areas of the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore will be accessible to visitors in the coming days. Officials determined that recreation fee revenue collected under the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act may be used to immediately bring back park maintenance crews. This will allow the National Park Service to restore accessibility to the park for visitors, while ensuring their health and safety. Some visitor services will resume, including plowing of trailhead parking lots and cleaning of restrooms, using revenue generated by recreation fees. Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore law enforcement rangers will also be on duty for the duration of the lapse in appropriations. The visitor center in Empire and all other facilities will remain closed.

Go to nps.gov/SLBE to get the latest information on accessibility and available services.