Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore - Accessibility (U.S. National Park Service)

Park brochures are available in Braille, and most public facilities within the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore are wheelchair accessible as are the overlooks found along the Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive. Each campground has handicapped accessible campsites.

The Duneside Accessible Nature Trail is located at the Dune Climb. The trail (0.9 miles round trip) begins at the north end of the picnic area and parking lot. It is level and made of packed graded crushed limestone, so it is easy to walk on or to push a wheelchair. You will find several interpretive signs and benches along the trail. Click here for a trail map and more description of the trail.

Sand wheelchairs are available at the Maritime Museum boathouse and at the Dune Climb to enable handicapped individuals to enjoy the dunes and beaches. The sand wheelchair at the Dune Climb is kept at the Dune Center. The wheelchairs must stay in the area where they were loaned.

The Disabled Traveler's Companion web site offers a virtual tour using photographs of several of the trails and facilities at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Its a great way to get some advanced knowledge of the accessibility issues at many of our most popular sites.

Molly McCombs 2004

Sand wheelchairs are available to make beaches more accessible.

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore has initiated a program aimed at improving the park’s ability to provide information and interpretive services to members of its staff and the visiting public who have experienced some degree of hearing loss. To accomplish this, the park has installed a permanent Assistive Listening Device at the Philip A. Hart Visitor Center Information Desk. A compact TTY device is also available for use at the Visitor Center’s pay telephone.

For interpretive programs in the Visitor Center, ranger-led walks out on the trail, or for the evening programs in the campgrounds, portable wireless FM Assistive Listening Devices are also available. A portable wireless device is also available at the Glen Haven General Store. Rangers are trained in the use of this technology.

Visitors are urged to request the amplification devices by calling the Visitor Center in advance of an interpretive program (231-326-5134 ext 328).

Summary of Hearing Assist Devices Available at Sleeping Bear Dunes

Philip A. Hart Visitor Center (available year-round)

Hearing Amplification at the Information Desk
Portable Wireless FM Amplification Devices for Programs & Activities
Compact TTY for the Pay Telephone

Platte River Campground Office (available June to September)

Portable Wireless FM Amplification Devices for Programs & Activities

D. H. Day Campground Office (available June to September)

Portable Wireless FM Amplification Devices for Programs & Activities

Glen Haven General Store (available Memorial Day to Labor Day)

Portable Wireless FM Amplification Devices for Programs & Activities