EMPIRE, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — Due to the ongoing COVID-19 spread, Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore officials have announced further closures to the area.
Officials made the announcement via Facebook post on Tuesday. The decision is made after “observed visitor behavior and guidance from public health officers” led to a greater need to promote social distancing.
The new restrictions are as follows:
- All park trails, trailheads, parking lots, and picnic areas will be closed until further notice.
- Beach fires are also prohibited until further notice.
- The Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive, seasonally closed since November 2019, will remain closed until further notice.
- Previous closures of park facilities including bathrooms, campgrounds, and the Philip A. Hart Visitor Center are still in place.
“The health and safety of our visitors, employees, volunteers, and partners is our number one priority,” officials said in a statement. “The NPS is working with federal, state, and local authorities to closely monitor the COVID-19 pandemic. The park will notify the public when it resumes full operations and provide updates on the park website and social media channels.”
