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Sleeping Bear Sand Dunes National Lakeshore making closures to promote social distancing

People crowd national parks
People crowd around wooden sign at Sleeping Bear Dunes
Posted at 5:57 PM, Apr 14, 2020
and last updated 2020-04-14 18:05:48-04

EMPIRE, Mich. — Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore announced Tuesday they will be closing all park trails, trailheads, parking lots and picnic areas until further notice.

In addition to these closures, beach fires will not be allowed, Pierce Stocking seasonal drive will remain closed, and previous closures, like bathrooms, campgrounds and the visitor center will remain in place.

According to the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, these closures are in response to behavior they've noticed from their visitors, along with guidance from public health officers.

They say these closures are in place to help slow the spread of COVID-19 and to promote social distancing.

In a post, the park said, "The health and safety of our visitors, employees, volunteers, and partners is our number one priority. The NPS is working with federal, state, and local authorities to closely monitor the COVID-19 pandemic."

The park says they will announce when things open back up on their website and on their social media.