Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore offers free, ranger-guided programs
From staff reports
Join the National Park Service in celebrating the flurry of leaves, crisp air, and changing colors at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Hear tales of the people that once lived in the area, and learn about changes taking place in the park; in the sand and in the leaves.
“Saturdays at the Lakeshore” programs take place every Saturday from Sept. 15 through Oct. 27. Meet at the Philip A. Hart Visitor Center in Empire on M-72 at 1 p.m. to meet the Park Ranger who will lead the hike. Then, car caravan a short distance to where the walk will begin. Each week, a different topic and location in the park will be featured. All are welcome. Each program will be no more than a mile and a half round trip and will conclude by 3 p.m.
September 15: What Happened to Aral?
This is the story of a logging town that vanished during the early 20th century. Step into the past and discover history, mystery, a murder and the House of David.
September 22: The Setting of the Rising Sun
Follow a Park Ranger up to Pyramid Point and look for the shipwreck of the Rising Sun. Discover the people that were aboard the ship, and the tragic events that occurred one stormy night in 1917.
September 29: The Leaves They Are A-Changin’
This program is all about trees. How do leaves turn color in the fall? And why do they do it? Uncover these answers and more as you hike to a beautiful lookout to view the autumn colors of northern Michigan!
Along with “Saturdays at the Lakeshore,” Park Rangers will offer the ever-popular “Heroes of the Storm” and evening programs at both campgrounds on Saturdays from Sept. 15-29. You do not need to be camping to enjoy the evening talks.
Heroes of the Storm is a re-enactment of a turn-of-the-century shipwreck rescue honoring the U.S. Life Saving Service. It takes place at 3 p.m. and lasts for one half-hour on the grounds of the Maritime Museum in Glen Haven.
7 p.m. Evening Program: Legends and Lore of the Sleeping Bear
Ghosts, land pirates, and sand treasures, oh my! Most of us know the Legend of the Sleeping Bear, but if the bear awakened, what other legends might she tell? Learn about the area’s exciting history and mystery through the stories of people who have lived and worked here. (Platte River Campground Amphitheater)
7 p.m. Evening Program: Surrounded by Sand
From the Dune Climb to the beaches, Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is a sandy place! Learn the story of sand — where it all came from, what it’s doing now, and why it is so much more than just a big dune to play on. (D. H. Day Campground Amphitheater)
Programs 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) 326-5135, ext. 328, to make group reservations and/or ask questions, or visit the park’s website at www.nps.gov/slbe. Information can also be found on their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/sbdnl and Twitter at https://twitter.com/#!/ SleepingBearNPS.
