Park offers Saturdays at the Lakeshore hikes
Rangers offer free hikes (with Park entrance pass)
From staff reports
Whether you are a new or frequent visitor, spring is an excellent time to enjoy Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Explore the farmsteads of Port Oneida, look for signs of spring, learn about the birds migrating back to the area and hike along magnificent trails. A Ranger-led hike in the park can be a great way to spend the afternoon. Join Park Rangers as they share some of their favorite places during Saturdays at the Lakeshore this spring.
Every Saturday afternoon at 1 p.m. a Park Ranger awaits you at the Philip Hart Visitor Center in Empire to introduce a topic and then lead a car caravan a short distance to where the walk will begin. Each week features a different topic and location. Hikes last 1 to 1 ½ hours and are no longer than 1 ½ miles. Dress for the weather.
April 7 The Best of Both Worlds
Experience the best of both worlds at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Rangers will take you to a place where history and nature both share the spotlight.
April 14 What’s the Point of the Dunes?
Explore the Sleeping Bear Point Trail and learn why the dunes are here.
April 21 Picture Yourself at Sleeping Bear Dunes
For the official start of National Park Week, join a Park Ranger for a hike with some magnificent views. Bring your camera to capture the scenery.
April 28 National Junior Ranger Day
Join Park Rangers for a day of fun exploring, learning about and protecting Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Events start at 10 a.m. and the swearing in ceremony is at 3 p.m.
The Saturdays at the Lakeshore program is held every Saturday from now until mid-June when summer programs start. Hikes are free. Participants need only purchase the park entrance pass or have an annual pass displayed in their vehicle to join in the fun. Please call (231) 326-5134 extension 328 to make reservations and for details, or visit www.nps.gov/slbe. Also, “Like” the Park’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/sbdnl.
About the National Park Service: More than 20,000 National Park Service employees care for America’s 395 national parks and work with communities across the nation to help preserve local history and create close-to-home recreational opportunities. Learn more at www.nps.gov.
