
Boat dock at North Manitou Islands in Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore/NPS file
New docks are coming to the Manitou Islands at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore in Michigan and are expected to improve access for boaters to the islands.
The $32 million project expected to begin this spring will put the new docks at the historic dock locations on both the North and South islands. When finished, the work is expected to reduce sediment accumulation at the docks, increase usability, and promote the natural littoral drift patterns in the project areas.
“This project will benefit park visitors by creating safer and more consistent access to the Manitou Islands. With funding from the Great American Outdoors Act, we are able to ensure the public continues to enjoy the special resources and experiences the islands have to offer,” said Sleeping Bear Dunes Superintendent Scott Tucker.
The project will address natural impacts such as shifting sands and high-water levels on the islands’ docks.