Sleeping Bear Gateways Council (SBGC) is a group of dedicated and engaged residents, volunteers, and community members who love this special region of Michigan. Indeed, a shared commitment to preserving the unique character of Sleeping Bear Dunes gateway communities defines our organization.

The collective impact of our efforts will be a testament to the collaboration among our area’s communities. We engage local governments, nonprofit organizations, seasonal workers, local businesses, visitors, and residents. We tackle complex issues and know that each stakeholder plays a crucial role in finding solutions.

The Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is more than just a natural wonder; it’s a living testament to the enduring relationship between nature and people. 

The National Lakeshore stretches more than [30] miles along Lake Michigan between Frankfort and Leland. It surrounds Empire and Glen Arbor and impacts other communities in the area, including Beulah, Honor, Benzonia, Frankfort,  Maple City, and Cedar. 

Sleeping Bear Gateways Council stands at the forefront of preserving this delicate balance. We are united by a shared mission—to ensure the unique charm of the Sleeping Bear Dunes gateway communities remains central to its legacy.

The SBGC was formed in the 1960s as the Citizens Council of the Sleeping Bear Dunes area in response to the creation of the National Lakeshore. We played an active role in issues involving park boundaries, access, and private property rights.

In 2018, SBGC repurposed its mission to focus on challenges and opportunities in the gateway communities around the National Lakeshore. We are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to long-range planning and collaboration among the National Park and surrounding communities.

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore attracts more than 1.5 million visitors annually. 

With the growing influx of visitors to the region, communities near the National Lakeshore serve as important gateways to the area. These communities need to work closely and collaboratively with the National Park Service and other stakeholders to address economic, environmental, and community needs. 

Our small towns and villages may differ by geography and demographics, but the impact of huge seasonal visitor numbers challenges everyone. We want to engage concerned stakeholders in planning for the future in a cooperative and transparent way.