Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore celebrates National Park Week
From staff reports
National Park Week, April 15-23, is America’s largest celebration of national heritage. It’s about making great connections, exploring amazing places, discovering open spaces, enjoying affordable vacations, and enhancing America’s best idea—the national parks! It’s all happening in your national parks. Celebrate 2017 National Park Week with Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Participate in the Star Party, Junior Ranger Day, or follow them on social media. Extend the fun and join the National Lakeshore on April 29 for Sleeping Bear’s Junior Ranger 101 celebration!
Weekends during National Park Week are Fee-Free – April 15-16 and April 22-23
During the weekends of April 15-16 and April 22-23, the NPS is waiving the park entrance fees and commercial tour fees in celebration of National Park Week. Other fees, including camping, reservations, and concession fees are not included.
Star Party: Night Sky 101 – Saturday, April 22, 9 a.m.-11 p.m.
Dune Climb
Enjoy the dunes under a setting crescent moon and take the opportunity to view Jupiter and distant celestial objects. The theme of our first Star Party is “Night Sky 101,”explaining the basics of astronomy and conducting activities centered on the basics of preserving the night sky. Astronomers with the Grand Traverse Astronomical Society will bring their expertise and telescopes. This evening will also be the peak night of the annual Lyrids Meteor Shower (April 16-25). Please park in the row furthest from the dunes with your headlights facing M-109.
The events will be cancelled for inclement weather or if the stars are not visible due to cloudy weather conditions. The decision to cancel will be made two hours in advance of the event. Please call 231-326-4700, ext. 5005, for a voicemail message with the decision.
Junior Ranger Day: Sleeping Bear Dunes 101 – Saturday, April 29, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. D. H. Day Log Cabin in D. H. Day Campground
Explore, Learn, Protect! Kids of all ages are welcome to come and learn at Junior Ranger 101 on April 29! Families can take part in fun activities and learn the basics of being a Junior Ranger. Learn about lighthouses, NPS history, animals, and more! Complete all of the activities and earn your official Junior Ranger patch.
Park at Glen Haven and walk the Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail to the log cabin in the D. H. Campground. Families are free to come and go, but plan to spend about one hour with rangers to earn your Junior Ranger badge. For your safety, visitors are encouraged to consider personal comfort needs and bring water, sunscreen, and appropriate footwear. Please note, participants will be asked to sign a photo/video release.
Social Media 101
The focus during National Park Week will be National Parks 101. Follow Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore on social media by going to their website at www.nps.gov/slbe, Facebook at www.facebook.com/sbdnl, Twitter site at www.twitter.com/sleepingbearnps, and Instagram at www.instagram.com/sleepingbearnps. For specific information on these events and activities, please visit www.nps.gov/slbe/planyourvisit/events.htm or call 231-326-4700-5010.
