Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore celebrates “Find Your Park” week
From staff reports
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, like all national parks across the country, presents National Park Week 2015 from April 18-26. This year’s theme is “Find Your Park” in coordination with the national campaign to launch the National Park Service (NPS) Centennial celebrations for 2016. From a night sky viewing event, to a scavenger hunt, to Junior Ranger Day activities, there is something for everyone. You can even explore the park on your own and share your experiences on social media using #FindYourPark.
The NPS is waiving the park entry fee in celebration of National Park Week during the first weekend of National Park Week, Saturday, April 18 and Sunday, April 19. Fees waived include entrance fees and commercial tour fees. Other fees such as reservations, camping and concession fees are not included. All National Park Week special events at the National Lakeshore are also free.
Throughout the week, Find Your Park by using the “Find Your Park Scavenger Hunt,” which can be downloaded from www.nps.gov/slbe or picked up at the Philip A. Hart Visitor Center. Then share your experiences on social media using #FindYourPark. Also, check out the National Lakeshore’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/sbdnl and Twitter site www.twitter.com/sleepingbearnps for special daily “Find Your Park” posts at 4 p.m. See photos from National Park Week on our Instagram site, www.instagram.com/sleepingbearnps.
To kick off the week, Find Your Park in the National Lakeshore’s spectacular night sky. Join Park Rangers and the Grand Traverse Astronomical Society for a guided exploration of our night sky on Saturday, April 18 from 9-11 p.m. at Platte River Point. Dress for the weather and bring a flashlight.
On Sunday, April 19, the National Lakeshore is promoting a self-led Find Your Park Instameet. Meet up with your family and friends, head out to the National Lakeshore, and post about your visit on social media using #FindYourParkInstaMeet between the hours of 2 and 4 p.m. This is also a great opportunity to work on the “Find Your Park Scavenger Hunt!”
Then on Saturday, April 25, Junior Rangers young and young-at-heart, are invited to spend either the morning or afternoon participating in the National Lakeshore’s special Junior Ranger Day. Find Your Park with fun activities for all ages. Participants can earn an official Junior Ranger Day badge. Meet park Rangers at the D. H. Day Log Cabin to design your own arrowhead, paint on the beach, use spotting scopes to see the park up close, and participate in other fun activities as you discover the secrets of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore from 10 to 11:30 a.m. or from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Then attend the swearing in of the National Lakeshore’s newest Junior Rangers at the cabin at 11:30 a.m. or 2:30 p.m. Refreshments will follow both ceremonies. Please park in Glen Haven and walk the Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail to the log cabin in the D. H. Day Campground. Accessible parking is available next to the log cabin and can be reached by traveling through the campground.
Visit www.NationalParkWeek.org to learn more about how you can join parks, programs, and partners in celebrating National Park Week across the country.
