Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore Kicks off 50th Anniversary in 2020 With Hibernation Celebration

From staff reports

There’s a park party and you are invited! The National Lakeshore’s 50th anniversary activities begin with a kick-off celebration on Saturday, January 18 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Dune Climb. Join park rangers and volunteers from the Friends of Sleeping Bear Dunes and Historic Sleeping Bear for a “Hibernation Celebration” full of fun winter activities. Build a snow sculpture, try snowball target practice, identify animal tracks, borrow snowshoes to enjoy the Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail, sip hot chocolate by a fire, and MORE. There will be a warming station with craft activities in the Dune Center. Stop by anytime from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. to join in the celebration. The event is free with a park pass.

Attendees are encouraged to bring their own sleds for the Dune Climb, and cross-country skis and snowshoes for the Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail. Snowshoes will be loaned on a first-come, first-served basis. Ranger-led snowshoe hikes will be offered at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Visitors can sign up for the hikes with a ranger at the event. There is no advanced registration. Hikes will last roughly one hour.

While some activities (like sledding and snowshoeing) are dependent on snow, this event will take place regardless of snow conditions. In the case of a lack of snow, ranger-led trail hikes will be offered and alternative winter activities provided.The National Lakeshore is gearing up to have a great year in 2020. Check out the calendar of events to discover anniversary programs and activities for each month at https://www.nps.gov/slbe/planyourvisit/calendar.htm.