Philip A. Hart Visitor Center - Visitor center in Empire - 9922 W Front St, USA

Watched for 25-min park introductory movie; it was great. Got to know more about the park: both its nature and culture. There are arts with local theme on the walls of the movie room. They are multi-medium; very interesting. There are display like a little nature museum; it's worth a look, especially for kids. There are also chances to shop for souvenirs. There are bottle refilled station and best bathroom for the whole park.

It was super crowded when we went in the middle of the day, but there was still ample parking, and the line to pay moved quickly. Small selection of gifts and no food. Nice displays of the park area as well. Extremely helpful and nice staff that helped plan our day. The national lakeshore sign is also right out front if you want a picture of it

Amazing visitors center. Includes a cool topography map of the Sleepy Bear Dunes. Push buttons to see the different locations in the National Park. nice displays of the flora and fauna of the area. Different animals that reside in the terrain is fascinating too. Be sure to look.in this big room. Special area is the auditorium that includes artwork on both sides. Look up close to see the different mediums such quilts, acrylic paint, watercolors, wood etc. Super clean bathrooms. At the front area you'll purchase your 7 day pass. Various types to purchase. If anyone is over 62 purchase a pass for $20 lasts 365 days (1 year) otherwise pass is $25. Yes gift items in lobby. Large parking area. Don't forget the beach about one mile away. Beach parking area to right (small lighthouse) to see if looking for lighthouses (tour). Worthy of photos. SUPPORT the national parks. In 2023 I watched an amazing video about this park. Which changes every few years.

Beautiful National Lakeshore. Huge expanses of sand and shores. Trails that go on forever. It's like Dunes NP but more wild and clean and beautiful. All the little towns, like Empire, are cute little vacation towns. The folks at this particular VC were just great. They really enjoyed all the badges the kids have collected. They were very accommodating and we enjoyed the video in the theater. The displays were minimal as was the gift shop. I'm sure this place is absolutely jammed in the summer time. We loved it in April.

Lovely glacially derived dunes which are both stable and still migrating, well described on the Visitors Center.

Definitely stop here before going to the dunes! The facilities are very clean, and the staff are super knowledgable and friendly. We got a park map which a ranger helpfully walked us through, highlighting the best parts of the park and answering questions. Lots of souvenir options too! It was a quick visit, but worth the stop.

We enjoyed this Visitor Center. The park rangers are nice and take time to explain the pass options and can help you decide where to go first. The 15 minute video explaining the legend of the Sleeping Bear has very pretty images of the park in the different seasons and colors. There is a nice display area that explains the different sand dune types and has examples of the local flowers and animals you can see in the park. The gift shop is well stocked and has reasonable prices.

Such excellent customer service! From explaining to my handicapped mother what scenic trails she could enjoy without much worry, to getting her a senior handicapped park pass. Ranger Kim was a delight to interact with and even directed us to Point Betsie light house. We also witnessed a Junior Ranger swearing in and enjoyed the museum before we left!